Washing machine and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses a washing machine and a control method thereof. The washing machine includes: a drum; a water inlet device connected to the drum through a water inlet channel; and an anti-backflow mechanism disposed on the water inlet channel for preventing foam in the drum from backflowing to the water inlet device. The anti-backflow mechanism has an on state for opening the water inlet channel and a closed state for blocking the water inlet channel. The anti-backflow mechanism is driven by a driving mechanism and can switch between the on state and the closed state. The washing machine provided by the present invention can control the driving mechanism to drive the anti-backflow mechanism to switch between the on state and the closed state, thereby automatically controlling the opening and closing of the water inlet channel. This has higher controllability and improves the automation level of the washing machine. The anti-backflow mechanism also has a better blocking and sealing effect, can effectively and timely block backflowing foam, and completely solves the problem of foam in the washing machine easily backflowing to the water inlet device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of laundry equipment, and in particular to a washing machine and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] If users of existing washing machines put too much detergent or laundry liquid when washing clothes, the drum will keep rotating, which will produce a lot of foam. The foam will flow back into the dispenser box along the hose connecting the outer drum and the dispenser, and overflow into the washing machine or the external environment from the gaps in the dispenser box or the water inlet device. Not only will it pollute the washing machine and the external environment, but the foam also contains chemical components, which can easily damage the internal components of the washing machine, greatly affecting the performance of the product and posing certain safety hazards.

[0003] Patent application number 201110320633.7 discloses a drum washing machine that prevents foam from overflowing back. The drum washing machine includes a water inlet device, a drum, and a water inlet connecting pipe. The water inlet device is connected to the drum via the water inlet connecting pipe, and a one-way valve is installed on the water inlet connecting pipe to prevent backflow. The one-way valve includes a sealing plate that is rotatably mounted on the wall of the water inlet connecting pipe. On the opposite side of the sealing plate, a baffle is installed on the water inlet connecting pipe, and the sealing plate overlaps the baffle. During the water inlet process of the drum washing machine, the pressure of the incoming water causes the sealing plate in the one-way valve to open, forming a channel to facilitate water inlet. When foam moves to the one-way valve, the inner tube of the one-way valve fits tightly with the outer edge and seals the pipe opening to prevent foam from flowing back into the water inlet device.

[0004] The drum washing machine disclosed in the above application can, under certain conditions, prevent some foam from flowing back into the water inlet device through a one-way valve installed on the water inlet connection pipe. However, the sealing plate has a poor blocking and sealing effect and cannot effectively prevent foam backflow. It needs the pressure of foam and water to push the sealing plate to close the water inlet channel. When the amount of foam is relatively small and the pressure is relatively low, the sealing plate cannot be pushed to close the water inlet channel, resulting in the inability to block the water inlet channel. Some foam will still flow back into the water inlet device through the gap between the sealing plate and the pipe wall. Moreover, the washing machine disclosed in the application can only open and close the water inlet channel by relying on the pressure of water flow and foam, and cannot realize automatic control of the opening and closing of the water inlet channel, which is inconvenient to control and has a poor user experience.

[0005] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide a washing machine that can automatically control the opening and closing of the water inlet channel, solving the problem that the existing washing machine needs to rely on the pressure of foam and water to block the water inlet channel, which is inconvenient to control and has poor anti-backflow effect.

[0007] In order to achieve this object, according to one aspect of the present invention, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A washing machine, comprising:

[0009] roller;

[0010] a water inlet device, connected to the drum through a water inlet channel;

[0011] The anti-backflow mechanism is provided on the water inlet channel and is used to prevent the foam in the drum from flowing back to the water inlet device;

[0012] The backflow prevention mechanism has an on state for conducting the water inlet channel and a closed state for blocking the water inlet channel. The backflow prevention mechanism can be switched between the on state and the closed state under the drive of the driving mechanism.

[0013] Furthermore, the water inlet device includes a distributor, the backflow prevention mechanism includes a ball valve whose inlet end is connected to the drum and whose outlet end is connected to the distributor, the ball valve including a valve housing and a valve body rotatably arranged in the valve housing;

[0014] The driving mechanism drives the valve body to rotate and close the ball valve, and the anti-backflow mechanism is in a closed state that can block the water inlet channel; the driving mechanism drives the valve body to rotate and open the ball valve, and the anti-backflow mechanism is in a conducting state that can conduct the water inlet channel.

[0015] Furthermore, the water inlet channel includes a hose connected to the drum at one end and to the distributor at the other end, and the anti-backflow mechanism is connected between the hose and the distributor; the valve housing is provided with an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of the valve housing is connected to the water outlet of the distributor, and the outlet of the valve housing is connected to the water inlet of the hose.

[0016] Furthermore, the driving mechanism includes a power component and a linkage component, and the power component drives the valve body to rotate between the first position and the second position through the linkage component to open and close the ball valve.

[0017] Furthermore, the power component includes a motor electrically connected to the main control panel of the washing machine, and the linkage component includes a connecting rod mechanism connected between the motor and the ball valve. The main control panel controls the motor to rotate, driving the connecting rod mechanism to rotate the valve body to close the ball valve.

[0018] Preferably, the ball valve further comprises a valve stem fixedly connected to the valve body, and the valve stem and the connecting rod mechanism are plug-fitted or fixedly connected via threads.

[0019] Furthermore, a foam detection mechanism is provided on the drum for detecting foam information in the drum;

[0020] Preferably, the drum is provided with an air chamber communicated with the interior of the drum, the foam detection mechanism includes an overflow pipe communicated with the air chamber, and the overflow pipe is provided with a foam sensor.

[0021] Furthermore, the drum includes an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder arranged coaxially, the air chamber is arranged at the bottom of the outer cylinder, the lower end of the overflow pipe is connected to the air chamber, the upper end of the overflow pipe extends upward along the peripheral wall of the outer cylinder to a position higher than the top of the outer cylinder, and the foam sensor is arranged at the top opening of the overflow pipe;

[0022] Preferably, a drain port is provided at the bottom of the outer cylinder, a drain pipe is connected to the drain port, and the air chamber is connected to the drain pipe via a three-way valve.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method for a washing machine as described above, wherein the washing machine controls the driving mechanism to drive the anti-backflow mechanism to switch between an on state and a closed state.

[0024] Furthermore, during the washing process, when the foam detection mechanism detects that the foam in the drum is higher than a set position, the control unit controls the motor to rotate, driving the connecting rod mechanism to rotate to close the ball valve, thereby blocking the water inlet channel between the distributor and the drum.

[0025] Furthermore, when the foam detection mechanism detects that the foam in the drum is higher than a set position, it determines whether the conditions for closing the anti-backflow mechanism are met. If so, the motor is controlled to drive the anti-backflow mechanism to switch to a closed state. If not, the anti-backflow mechanism is controlled to remain in an on state.

[0026] Preferably, when the foam detection mechanism detects that the foam in the drum is higher than a set position, if it is determined that the washing machine has not reached the preset water intake volume or the set water intake time, the anti-backflow mechanism is controlled to remain in the on state and continue to feed water into the drum.

[0027] After adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0028] 1. The washing machine provided by the present invention can control the driving mechanism to drive the anti-backflow mechanism to switch between the conductive state and the closed state, thereby realizing automatic control of the conductive and closed state of the water inlet channel, having higher controllability and improving the automation level of the washing machine. The anti-backflow mechanism has a better blocking and sealing effect, and can effectively and timely block the backflow of foam, thus completely solving the problem that the foam in the washing machine is easy to flow back to the water inlet device, and providing a good user experience.

[0029] 2. The washing machine provided by the present invention is also provided with a foam detection mechanism on the drum, which detects the foam situation in the drum. When the foam in the drum exceeds a set content or a set height position, the driving mechanism is controlled to drive the ball valve to close, so that the anti-backflow mechanism is in a closed state that can block the water inlet channel, which can timely and efficiently detect and eliminate the phenomenon of foam backflow.

[0030] 3. In the washing machine provided by the present invention, when the foam detection mechanism detects that the foam in the drum is higher than a set position, if it is determined that the washing machine has not reached a preset water intake volume or a set water intake time, the anti-backflow mechanism is controlled to remain in a conductive state and continue to supply water to the drum, thereby avoiding affecting the normal water intake of the washing machine and ensuring the washing effect of the washing machine. At the same time, continued water intake also has the effect of eliminating foam. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 is a side view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 is a front view of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 2. It is a structural diagram of the embodiment in which the ball valve is opened;

[0034] Figure 4 2. It is a schematic structural diagram of the ball valve closed in the embodiment;

[0035] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the washing machine control method in the embodiment

[0036] in:

[0037] 1. Drum; 11. Drainage pipe; 12. Air chamber; 13. Positioning and fixing ribs;

[0038] 2. Distributor;

[0039] 3. Anti-backflow mechanism; 31. Ball valve; 311. Valve housing; 3111. Inlet; 3112. Outlet; 312. Valve body; 3121. Medium flow channel; 313. Valve stem;

[0040] 4. Hose; 5. Motor; 6. Connecting rod mechanism; 61. First connecting rod; 62. Second connecting rod; 7. Foam detection mechanism; 71. Overflow pipe; 72. Foam sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the 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.

[0042] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0043] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; and direct or indirect connections through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0044] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a washing machine, comprising: a drum 1; a water inlet device connected to the drum 1 via a water inlet channel; and a backflow prevention mechanism 3 disposed on the water inlet channel for preventing foam within the drum 1 from flowing back into the water inlet device. The backflow prevention mechanism 3 has an open state, which opens the water inlet channel, and a closed state, which blocks the water inlet channel. The backflow prevention mechanism 3 is driven by a driving mechanism to switch between the open and closed states.

[0046] The water inlet device includes a dispenser 2, in which detergent is added. If the user puts too much washing powder or laundry liquid when washing clothes, the drum 1 rotates continuously, and a large amount of foam will be generated in the drum 1. The foam will flow back into the dispenser 2 along the hose 4 connected between the drum 1 and the dispenser 2, and overflow from the gap of the dispenser box of the dispenser 2 into the washing machine or the external environment, which will not only pollute the washing machine and the external environment, but also the chemical components contained in the foam will easily damage the internal components of the washing machine, greatly affecting the performance of the product, and posing certain safety hazards.

[0047] The washing machine provided in this embodiment controls the driving mechanism to drive the anti-backflow mechanism 3 to switch between the conductive state and the closed state, thereby automatically controlling the conductive and closed state of the water inlet channel, which has higher controllability, improves the automation level of the washing machine, and has better blocking and sealing effects, can completely solve the problem of foam backflow, and effectively prevent the occurrence of backflow.

[0048] In one embodiment, the anti-backflow mechanism 3 in this embodiment may be a blocking component, which can open and block the water inlet channel when driven by a driving mechanism.

[0049] Specifically, an interface is provided on the side wall of the water inlet channel, and a sealed valve chamber is fixedly connected to the outer periphery of the interface. The sealing component includes a valve plug which is arranged in the valve chamber and can be extended back and forth. The valve plug can be extended out of the valve chamber to seal the water inlet channel under the drive of the valve plug motor, thereby blocking the flow of water and foam in the water inlet channel.

[0050] Under normal circumstances, the valve plug is located in the valve chamber, the water inlet channel is in a conducting state, and water can flow into the drum 1 normally; when there is a lot of foam, the valve plug motor drives the valve plug to block the water inlet channel to prevent foam from flowing back into the dispenser box.

[0051] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in another more preferred embodiment, the anti-backflow mechanism 3 provided in this embodiment includes a ball valve 31 whose inlet end is connected to the drum 1 and whose outlet end is connected to the distributor 2. The ball valve 31 includes a valve housing 311 and a valve body 312 rotatably arranged in the valve housing 311, and a medium flow channel 3121 for washing water to pass through is provided in the valve body 312.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, in the state, the ball valve 31 is in a first position that remains open. When the ball valve 31 is in the first position, the medium flow channel 3121 in the valve body 312 is connected to the water inlet channel and is in a conducting state. Figure 4 As shown, when the ball valve 31 is rotated to the second position, the medium flow channel 3121 of the valve body 312 is not connected to the water inlet channel, and the valve body 312 cuts off the water inlet channel. The water and foam in the drum 1 will not flow back into the dispenser box through the water inlet channel.

[0053] The driving mechanism drives the valve body 312 to rotate and close the ball valve 31, and the anti-backflow mechanism 3 is in a closed state that can block the water inlet channel; the driving mechanism drives the valve body 312 to rotate and open the ball valve 31, and the anti-backflow mechanism 3 is in a conducting state that can conduct the water inlet channel.

[0054] The valve body 312 is a spherical structure rotatably disposed within the valve housing 311. The medium flow channel 3121 is disposed transversely through the central axis of the valve body 312. The valve body 312 is rotated 90° clockwise to close the ball valve 31, while the valve body 312 is rotated 90° in the opposite direction to open the ball valve 31. The valve body 312 can be driven by a driving mechanism to rotate 90° clockwise to close the ball valve 31, blocking the water inlet channel and preventing foam in the drum 1 from flowing back into the dispenser 2. The driving mechanism drives the valve body 312 to rotate 90°, thereby maintaining communication between the medium flow channel 3121 within the valve body 312 and the water inlet channel, allowing water to enter the washing machine.

[0055] Furthermore, the water inlet channel includes a hose 4 connected to the drum 1 at one end and to the distributor 2 at the other end, and the anti-backflow mechanism 3 is connected between the hose 4 and the distributor 2; the valve housing 311 is provided with an inlet 3111 and an outlet 3112, the inlet 3111 of the valve housing 311 is connected to the water outlet of the distributor 2, and the outlet 3112 of the valve housing 311 is connected to the water inlet of the hose 4.

[0056] Furthermore, the inlet 3111 of the valve housing 311 is threadedly connected to the lower water outlet of the connecting pipe at the lower end of the distributor box, and the outlet 3112 of the valve housing 311 is threadedly connected to the water inlet of the hose 4. The threaded connection facilitates the removal and installation of the ball valve 31. The water inlet channel is composed of the channel in the connecting pipe at the lower end of the distributor box, the medium flow channel 3121 in the ball valve 31, and the channel in the hose 4.

[0057] Furthermore, the drive mechanism includes a power component and a linkage component. The power component, through the linkage component, drives the valve body 312 to rotate between a first position and a second position to open and close the ball valve 31. Due to the relatively long distance between the dispenser 2 and the drum 1, it is difficult to directly drive the ball valve 31 to open or close using the power component. Therefore, in this embodiment, the drive mechanism also includes a linkage component connected between the ball valve 31 and the power component. The linkage component and the power component work together to drive the valve body 312 to rotate.

[0058] Furthermore, the power component includes a motor 5 electrically connected to the main control panel of the washing machine, and the motor 5 is fixedly mounted on the drum 1. The linkage component includes a connecting rod mechanism 6 connected between the motor 5 and the ball valve 31. The main control panel controls the rotation of the motor 5, driving the connecting rod mechanism 6 to rotate the valve body 312 to close the ball valve 31.

[0059] An eccentric wheel is connected to the output shaft of the motor 5, and an eccentric shaft is provided on the eccentric wheel. The eccentric shaft rotates around the center of the motor 5, and the eccentric shaft is connected to the connecting rod mechanism 6. The motor 5 drives the eccentric wheel to rotate, and the eccentric wheel drives the connecting rod mechanism 6 to move, so that the valve body 312 rotates to open or close the ball valve 31.

[0060] Preferably, the ball valve 31 further includes a valve stem 313 fixedly connected to the valve body 312. The valve stem 313 is plug-fitted or threadedly connected to the connecting rod mechanism 6. The connecting rod mechanism 6 drives the valve stem 313 to rotate, thereby rotating the valve body 312 and thereby opening and closing the ball valve 31.

[0061] The following is a detailed description of the connecting rod mechanism 6 in this embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0062] As shown in the figure, the connecting rod mechanism 6 includes a first connecting rod 61 and a second connecting rod 62 that can be relatively rotatably connected. The first connecting rod 61 is plug-in connected to the output shaft of the motor 5 and can rotate relative to the output shaft of the motor 5. The second connecting rod 62 is non-rotatable and is interference-plugged or threadedly connected to the valve stem 313 of the ball valve 31.

[0063] In an embodiment of the present invention, a first joint and a second joint are fixedly installed at both ends of the first connecting rod 61, and the first joint and the connecting shaft of the second connecting rod 62 can be plugged and fixed relative to each other so as to rotate around the axis, and the second joint and the eccentric shaft of the motor 5 can be plugged and fixed relative to each other so as to rotate around the axis.

[0064] In the embodiment of the present invention, the output shaft of the motor 5 is provided with an eccentric shaft structure, which includes an eccentric wheel that rotates about the center of the motor 5. The eccentric wheel is provided with an eccentric shaft. The eccentric shaft and the second joint of the first connecting rod 61 are plugged and fixed so as to be rotatable relative to each other about the axis. During the rotation of the eccentric shaft, the first connecting rod 61 is driven to move, which in turn drives the valve stem 313 of the ball valve 31 to rotate via the second connecting rod 62, thereby driving the valve body 312 to rotate about the central axis. Thus, the eccentric shaft of the output shaft of the motor 5 is controlled to swing and rotate within a set angle range, correspondingly controlling the valve body 312 to switch between the first position and the second position, thereby controlling the backflow prevention mechanism 3 to switch between the conductive state and the closed state, effectively blocking the backflow of foam.

[0065] In this embodiment, the first connecting rod 61 includes a base plate, a joint, and a spring; hollow portions are provided at both ends of the base plate for placing the joint and the spring, a groove is provided on the outer periphery of the joint, and a clamping hole perpendicular to the groove is provided on the joint. The two ends of the spring are respectively mounted on the joint and the base plate for limiting the joint.

[0066] In this embodiment, the joint and the spring are arranged and fixed at both ends of the substrate, and the joint includes a first joint connected to the second connecting rod 62 and a second joint connected to the motor 5 respectively. The first joint and the connecting shaft of the second connecting rod 62 can be plugged and fixed relative to each other so as to rotate around the axis. The second joint and the eccentric shaft at the output end of the motor 5 can be plugged and fixed relative to each other so as to rotate around the axis. The second connecting rod 62 is connected to the valve stem 313 of the ball valve 31 so that the motor 5 and the ball valve 31 are connected to the first connecting rod 61. The motor 5 drives the first connecting rod 61 to rotate, thereby driving the second connecting rod 62 and the valve body 312 of the ball valve 31 to rotate, so as to realize the opening and closing of the ball valve 31.

[0067] In this embodiment, a transfer shaft and a transfer sleeve are respectively provided at both ends of the second connecting rod 62. The transfer shaft is rotatably connected to the first connecting rod 61, and the transfer sleeve is fixedly connected to the valve stem 313 of the ball valve 31 so as to be non-rotatable relative to the valve stem 313.

[0068] By setting the above-mentioned second connecting rod 62 as a connecting piece between the first connecting rod 61 and the ball valve 31, two different plug-in structures are integrated on the second connecting rod 62, thereby ensuring that the two ends of the second connecting rod 62 are rotatably connected and non-relatively rotatably connected to different components respectively, thereby achieving the purpose of transmitting the valve stem 313 of the ball valve 31.

[0069] In this embodiment, the axes of the adapter sleeve and the adapter shaft are parallel and are both arranged on the same side of the second connecting rod 62. In this embodiment, the axes of the adapter shaft and the adapter sleeve are parallel and are both arranged perpendicular to the extending direction of the second connecting rod 62.

[0070] In this embodiment, the adapter sleeve is a sleeve structure that protrudes from the second connecting rod 62 to one side. One end of the sleeve structure is open for the valve stem 313 of the ball valve 31 to be inserted into, and the other end is provided with a socket for the upper end of the valve stem 313 to pass through. The inner cross-section of the adapter sleeve of the sleeve structure is non-circular, so that the valve stem 313 is plugged in and fixed relative to each other to form a non-rotatable plug-in.

[0071] In this embodiment, the adapter shaft is a columnar structure protruding and extending from the second connecting rod 62 to one side. The axis of the columnar structure adapter shaft is perpendicular to the extension direction of the second connecting rod 62. The height of the columnar structure adapter shaft is set to be level with the adapter sleeve, and the cross-section of the columnar structure adapter shaft is circular.

[0072] In this embodiment, by installing the second connecting rod 62 between the ball valve 31 and the first connecting rod 61, the first connecting rod 61 only needs to swing through a smaller angle to drive the second connecting rod 62 to produce a larger range of rotation angles, thereby ensuring the rotation range of the valve body 312, achieving the purpose of reducing the moving path of the connecting rod mechanism 6, and avoiding interference with other components.

[0073] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, a foam detection mechanism 7 for detecting foam information in the drum 1 is also provided on the drum 1, and the foam information includes information such as the foam content and / or the height position of the foam. When the foam detection mechanism 7 detects that the foam content in the drum 1 exceeds a set value or a set height, the driving mechanism is controlled to drive the anti-backflow mechanism 3 to block the water inlet channel to avoid the occurrence of foam backflow.

[0074] In one embodiment, the foam detection mechanism 7 includes a foam sensor for detecting foam arranged on the inner side of the top of the outer cylinder. The foam sensor is a humidity sensor having two spaced-apart electrodes. The foam sensor has two electrodes partially spaced apart and extending into the outer cylinder. The electrodes detect humidity by detecting the voltage between them, thereby determining the generation of foam.

[0075] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in another preferred embodiment, the drum 1 is provided with an air chamber 12 connected to the interior of the drum 1 , the foam detection mechanism 7 includes an overflow pipe 71 connected to the air chamber 12 , and the overflow pipe 71 is provided with a foam sensor 72 .

[0076] Specifically, the foam sensor 72 is a water level pressure sensor arranged on the overflow pipe 71, which is used to detect the signal of the water level in the drum 1. The signal includes an output voltage signal. When the foam content does not exceed the set value, the voltage signal detected by the water level pressure sensor is relatively low. When the foam content exceeds the set value, the voltage signal detected by the water level pressure sensor is relatively high. Therefore, during the washing process, by detecting the value of the water level pressure sensor, it is possible to determine whether the foam content has reached the set value. The foam is detected by detecting the water level, the structure is simple, and the detection results are accurate.

[0077] Furthermore, the drum 1 comprises a coaxially arranged inner and outer drums. The air chamber 12 is positioned outside the bottom of the outer drum. This placement of the air chamber 12 outside the outer drum does not interfere with the installation of the inner drum, thereby maximizing the inner drum's capacity. The air chamber 12 is connected to the lower end of the overflow pipe 71. The upper end of the overflow pipe 71 extends upward along the circumferential wall of the outer drum to a position above the top of the outer drum. The foam sensor 72 is located at the top opening of the overflow pipe 71.

[0078] Furthermore, the overflow pipe 71 includes an arc-shaped fitting section that is attached to the outer peripheral wall of the outer drum and a vertical end extending vertically upward. The overflow pipe 71 gradually extends upward from the bottom of the outer drum to a position higher than the top of the outer drum, ensuring that even if the drum 1 is filled with washing water, the overflow pipe 71 has sufficient height space to keep synchronized with the water level in the drum 1.

[0079] Preferably, a plurality of fixing clips are arranged at intervals outside the wall of the outer cylinder for fixing and restricting the overflow pipe 71 so that the overflow pipe 71 can be close to the wall of the outer cylinder, effectively avoiding the potential safety hazards caused by the overflow pipe 71 being too long, warping, and rubbing against other components.

[0080] More preferably, the fixing clamp is a position-limiting fixing rib 13 integrally provided with the outer tube, and the position-limiting fixing rib 13 itself has a clamping opening, or a gap is provided between the position-limiting fixing rib 13 and the outer wall of the outer tube to form a clamping opening.

[0081] The limiting fixed ribs 13 are arranged along the axial direction of the outer cylinder. There are multiple limiting fixed ribs 13, and the clamping openings of two adjacent limiting fixed ribs 13 are oriented in different directions, that is, the clamping openings of two adjacent limiting fixed ribs 13 are oriented toward the cylinder mouth and the other toward the cylinder bottom.

[0082] The above design can not only limit the overflow pipe 71 in the radial direction of the drum 1 so that it can fit the outer drum wall to avoid warping, but also limit the displacement of the overflow pipe 71 in the axial direction of the drum 1, and limit the position of the overflow pipe 71 from multiple directions so that it can be stably fixed to avoid it from moving and affecting the normal operation of the foam detection mechanism 7.

[0083] Further preferably, the outer drum includes a front drum close to the drum mouth and a rear drum away from the drum mouth, the air chamber 12 is arranged on the outside of the bottom of the front drum close to the drum mouth, and the foam detection mechanism 7 is connected to the air chamber 12 arranged at the bottom of the front drum. When the washing water in the washing machine is stirred by the high-speed rotation of the inner drum, a large amount of foam generated in the inner drum will accumulate at the position of the drum mouth. Therefore, in this embodiment, the foam detection mechanism 7 is arranged on the front drum close to the drum mouth, so that the foam can be detected more accurately and efficiently, and the foam in the drum 1 can be effectively prevented from flowing back into the distributor 2.

[0084] Preferably, a drain port is provided at the bottom of the outer drum, connected to a drain pipe 11. The air chamber 12 is connected to the drain pipe 11 via a three-way valve, and the overflow pipe 71 of the foam detection mechanism 7 is in communication with the air chamber 12. The foam detection mechanism 7, drain pipe 11, and air chamber 12 are integrated into one unit, effectively simplifying the structure of the washing machine and improving the utilization of the internal space of the washing machine.

[0085] It should be noted that the washing machine described in this embodiment is a drum washing machine. Although this example mainly provides a detailed introduction to how to set up the anti-backflow mechanism 3 and the foam detection mechanism 7 in the drum washing machine, for those skilled in the art, the above-mentioned anti-backflow mechanism 3 and the foam detection mechanism 7 can also be applied to the pulsator washing machine through simple transformation on the basis of this application.

[0086] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a control method for the above-mentioned washing machine, the control method comprising: the washing machine controlling the drive mechanism to drive the backflow prevention mechanism 3 to switch between an on state and a closed state. The washing machine control method provided in this embodiment, through the drive mechanism automatically controlling the backflow prevention mechanism 3, can effectively and promptly block backflow of foam, thereby enhancing controllability and improving the automation level of the washing machine.

[0087] In the above scheme, the washing machine can control the anti-backflow mechanism 3 to switch from the on state to the closed state and / or from the closed state to the on state after the washing machine has finished filling with water or when the preset switching time is reached. This control method is simple and convenient, the possibility of foam backflow is almost zero, and the anti-backflow effect is better.

[0088] Alternatively, in one embodiment, the washing machine can also control the switching state of the anti-backflow mechanism 3 based on the detected foam situation in the drum 1. By controlling the switching state of the anti-backflow mechanism 3 based on the real-time detection of the foam situation in the drum 1, the flexibility of the washing machine control is improved, the control is more precise, and the user experience is better.

[0089] Preferably, in this embodiment, Figure 5 As shown, the washing machine controls the state of the backflow prevention mechanism 3 based on the foam level detected by the foam detection mechanism 7. During a washing cycle, the foam detection mechanism 7 receives a command to start foam recognition and begins detecting foam within the drum 1. When the foam detection mechanism 7 detects that the foam within the drum 1 is above a set level, the control unit controls the rotation of the motor 5, driving the connecting rod mechanism 6 to rotate and close the ball valve 31, blocking the water inlet passage between the dispenser 2 and the drum 1. This embodiment, by employing this control method, effectively prevents the safety hazard posed by foam within the drum 1 flowing back through the water inlet passage to the dispenser 2 and then overflowing from the dispenser 2 into the washing machine body, thereby improving the safety performance and extending the service life of the washing machine.

[0090] Furthermore, when foam detection mechanism 7 detects that the foam in drum 1 is above a set level, it determines whether the conditions for closing backflow prevention mechanism 3 are met. If so, motor 5 is controlled to drive backflow prevention mechanism 3 to a closed state. If not, backflow prevention mechanism 3 is controlled to remain in an open state. This additional step of determining the closing condition further ensures the safety of the washing machine operation.

[0091] Preferably, when the foam detection mechanism 7 detects that the foam in the drum 1 is higher than the set position, if it is determined that the washing machine has not reached the preset water intake volume or the set water intake time, the anti-backflow mechanism 3 is controlled to remain in the on state and continue to intake water into the drum 1.

[0092] In the above scheme, when the foam detection mechanism 7 detects that the foam in the drum 1 is higher than the set position, if it is determined that the washing machine has not reached the preset water intake volume or the set water intake time, the anti-backflow mechanism 3 is controlled to remain in the on state and continue to supply water to the drum 1 to avoid affecting the normal water intake of the washing machine, thereby ensuring the washing effect of the washing machine. At the same time, continuing to supply water will also have the effect of eliminating foam.

[0093] In the embodiment of the present invention, the foam situation in the drum 1 is detected by the foam detection mechanism 7. When the foam in the drum 1 exceeds the set content or the set height position, the driving mechanism is controlled to drive the ball valve 31 to close, so that the anti-backflow mechanism 3 is in a closed state that can block the water inlet channel, and the phenomenon of foam backflow can be discovered and eliminated in a timely and efficient manner.

[0094] The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can be further combined or replaced, and the embodiments are merely descriptions of preferred embodiments of the present invention, and do not limit the concept and scope of the present invention. Without departing from the design concept of the present invention, various changes and improvements made to the technical solutions of the present invention by professional and technical personnel in this field shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that: include: A drum, wherein a foam detection mechanism is provided on the drum for detecting foam information in the drum; a water inlet device, connected to the drum through a water inlet channel; The anti-backflow mechanism is provided on the water inlet channel and is used to prevent the foam in the drum from flowing back to the water inlet device; The backflow prevention mechanism has an on state for opening the water inlet channel and a closed state for blocking the water inlet channel. The backflow prevention mechanism can be switched between the on state and the closed state under the drive of the driving mechanism. The water inlet device includes a distributor, and the backflow prevention mechanism includes a ball valve whose inlet end is connected to the drum and whose outlet end is connected to the distributor; The driving mechanism includes a power component and a linkage component; the power component includes a motor electrically connected to the main control panel of the washing machine; the linkage component includes a connecting rod mechanism connected between the motor and the ball valve; the motor is fixedly mounted on the drum; The washing machine controls the driving mechanism to drive the anti-backflow mechanism; during the washing process, when the foam detection mechanism detects that the foam in the drum is higher than a set position, the main control board controls the motor to rotate, driving the connecting rod mechanism to rotate to close the ball valve, thereby blocking the water inlet channel between the distributor and the drum; when the foam detection mechanism detects that the foam in the drum is higher than a set position, if the washing machine has not reached the preset water inlet volume or the set water inlet time, the anti-backflow mechanism is controlled to remain in the on state, and water continues to be fed into the drum.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein: The ball valve includes a valve housing and a valve body rotatably arranged in the valve housing; the driving mechanism drives the valve body to rotate to close the ball valve, and the anti-backflow mechanism is in a closed state that can block the water inlet channel; the driving mechanism drives the valve body to rotate to open the ball valve, and the anti-backflow mechanism is in a conducting state that can conduct the water inlet channel.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein: The water inlet channel includes a hose connected to the drum at one end and to the distributor at the other end, and the anti-backflow mechanism is connected between the hose and the distributor; the valve housing is provided with an inlet and an outlet, the inlet of the valve housing is connected to the water outlet of the distributor, and the outlet of the valve housing is connected to the water inlet of the hose.

4. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein: The power component drives the valve body to rotate between the first position and the second position through the linkage component to open and close the ball valve.

5. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein: The ball valve further comprises a valve stem fixedly connected to the valve body, and the valve stem and the connecting rod mechanism are plug-fitted or fixedly connected via threads.

6. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The drum is provided with an air chamber communicated with the interior of the drum, the foam detection mechanism includes an overflow pipe communicated with the air chamber, and the overflow pipe is provided with a foam sensor.

7. The washing machine according to claim 6, wherein: The drum includes an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder arranged coaxially, the air chamber is arranged at the bottom of the outer cylinder, the lower end of the overflow pipe is connected to the air chamber, the upper end of the overflow pipe extends upward along the peripheral wall of the outer cylinder to a position higher than the top of the outer cylinder, and the foam sensor is arranged at the top opening of the overflow pipe.

8. The washing machine according to claim 7, wherein: A drain port is provided at the bottom of the outer cylinder, a drain pipe is connected to the drain port, and the air chamber is connected to the drain pipe via a three-way valve.

9. A method for controlling a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: When the foam detection mechanism detects that the foam in the drum is higher than the set position, it determines whether the conditions for closing the anti-backflow mechanism are met. If so, the motor is controlled to drive the anti-backflow mechanism to switch to a closed state. If not, the anti-backflow mechanism is controlled to remain in an on state.

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