Drum washing machine and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses a drum washing machine and a control method thereof, wherein the washing machine comprises: an outer shell; an inner drum, which is arranged in the outer shell, and a clothing inlet is formed on the outer shell corresponding to the drum opening of the inner drum; and a foam detection device, which is arranged in the outer shell and is used to detect foam at the clothing inlet. The control method comprises: the washing machine detects foam at the clothing inlet through the foam detection device, and controls whether to start defoaming measures according to the detection result. The washing machine provided by the present invention detects foam at the clothing inlet by the foam detection device, and takes defoaming measures in time when foam is detected, thereby solving the problem that a large amount of foam accumulates at the clothing inlet during the washing process, causing a large amount of foam to overflow from the clothing inlet, and at the same time avoids the phenomenon that the user sees a large amount of foam when opening the machine door, which affects the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Drum washing machines are one of the most commonly used household appliances in daily life. They bring convenience to people's lives. Conventional drum washing machines have an outer drum for holding water and an inner drum for rotating washing. Holes are provided in the inner drum wall for adding wash water or for dehydrating clothes. This prolonged flow of wash water between the inner and outer drums causes dirt and scale to accumulate between the inner and outer drums, leading to bacterial growth and secondary contamination of clothing, posing a serious threat to consumer health. Furthermore, the filling of the water between the inner and outer drums results in useless water waste. Consequently, hole-free inner drum drum washing machines have been designed.

[0003] The inner drum of a non-perforated drum washing machine no longer has a water-permeable hole connecting it to the outer drum. When washing clothes, the outer drum is empty, and the inner drum independently holds wash water. This effectively solves the problem of wash water flowing between the inner and outer drums for a long time in existing drum washing machines, causing dirt and scale to accumulate in the interlayer between the inner and outer drums. A normally closed drain hole is provided in the inner drum, which is equipped with a normally closed sealing valve. This sealing valve opens the drain hole under the action of centrifugal force to allow centrifugal drainage.

[0004] However, it often happens that users mistakenly put in too much washing powder or detergent, causing a large amount of foam to be generated in the inner drum. During the centrifugal drainage process of the drum washing machine, the centrifugal water contains a high concentration of detergent, which causes the high-speed centrifugal water to be thrown and collided with the surface of the outer drum. The centrifugal water in the outer drum is stirred by the high-speed rotating inner drum, which will cause a large amount of foam to be generated between the inner and outer drums. The generated foam accumulates between the inner drum door of the inner drum and the outer door of the machine, causing a large amount of foam to overflow from the clothing inlet or from the gap between the clothing inlet and the machine door. When the user opens the machine door, he sees the presence of a large amount of foam, which will also affect the 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 drum washing machine and a control method thereof that can timely and efficiently detect whether there is foam at the clothing inlet, thereby solving the problem that a large amount of foam is generated and accumulated at the clothing inlet during the washing process in the existing drum washing machine, causing a large amount of foam to overflow from the clothing inlet or from the gap between the clothing inlet and the machine door.

[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 drum washing machine, comprising:

[0009] shell;

[0010] The inner drum is arranged in the outer shell, and the outer shell is formed with a clothing loading port corresponding to the drum opening of the inner drum;

[0011] The foam detection device is arranged in the shell and is used to detect foam at the clothing input port.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes:

[0013] The door is installed on the clothing loading port in an openable and closable manner;

[0014] An inner drum door is openably and closably mounted on the drum opening of the inner drum, and when the inner drum door is closed, it forms an independent washing chamber together with the inner drum;

[0015] The foam detection device is arranged between the machine door and the inner drum door.

[0016] Furthermore, the foam detection device is a foam sensor arranged between the machine door and the inner drum door; preferably, the foam sensor is arranged at a position close to the horizontal center line of the machine door.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes an outer tube coaxially arranged outside the inner tube and an observation window pad connected between the tube opening of the outer tube and the clothing introduction port, and the foam sensor is arranged on the observation window pad.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a drum washing machine as described above:

[0019] The washing machine detects the foam at the clothing inlet through a foam detection device and controls whether to start the defoaming measures based on the detection results.

[0020] Furthermore, when the foam sensor detects that there is foam at the clothing inlet or the amount of foam exceeds a set value, the inner drum is controlled to reduce the speed to eliminate the foam at the clothing inlet.

[0021] Furthermore, when the foam sensor detects that there is foam at the clothing inlet or the amount of foam exceeds a set value, the inner drum is controlled to stop rotating to eliminate the foam at the clothing inlet.

[0022] Furthermore, the inner drum is controlled to reduce the speed / stop rotating for a set time and then resume normal rotation;

[0023] Alternatively, when the foam sensor detects that the foam at the clothing inlet has been eliminated or the foam content is lower than a set value, the inner drum is controlled to resume normal rotation.

[0024] Furthermore, during the centrifugal drainage process of the washing or rinsing program, when the foam sensor detects that there is foam at the clothing inlet or the amount of foam exceeds the set value, it controls the water to flow into the inner drum, and then discharges the water into the outer drum through centrifugal drainage, and the above steps are repeated.

[0025] Furthermore, a spraying device is provided on the outer drum and / or the machine door and / or the observation window pad. When the foam sensor detects the presence of foam at the clothing loading port or the amount of foam exceeds a set value, the spraying device is activated to spray between the inner and outer drums and / or between the inner drum door and the machine door to eliminate the foam at the clothing loading port.

[0026] After adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0027] 1. The drum washing machine provided by the present invention detects foam at the clothing inlet by means of a foam detection device, and takes timely defoaming measures when foam is detected, thereby solving the problem that a large amount of foam accumulates at the clothing inlet during the washing process, causing a large amount of foam to overflow from the clothing inlet. At the same time, it avoids the phenomenon that the user sees a large amount of foam when opening the machine door, which affects the user experience.

[0028] 2. The foam detection device of the drum washing machine provided by the present invention is a foam sensor arranged between the inner drum door and the machine door, or on the observation window pad, which can promptly and efficiently detect and prevent foam from overflowing to the clothing loading port. The foam detection device has a simple structure, low cost, and is easy to use and promote.

[0029] 3. The drum washing machine provided by the present invention solves the problem that the centrifugal water in the outer drum is more likely to generate foam under the stirring of the high-speed rotating inner drum by the inner drum by reducing the speed of the inner drum or stopping the rotation of the inner drum when the foam sensor detects the presence of foam at the clothing loading port or between the inner drum door and the machine door, or the amount of foam exceeds the set value. This effectively solves the problem of foam accumulation and overflow at the clothing loading port.

[0030] 4. The drum washing machine provided by the present invention controls water to flow into the inner drum when the foam sensor detects the presence of foam at the clothing loading port or between the inner drum door and the machine door, or the amount of foam exceeds a set value. The water is then discharged into the outer drum by centrifugal drainage to reduce the detergent concentration of the centrifugal water thrown out of the inner drum, thereby diluting and destroying the foam in the outer drum, and effectively solving the problem of foam accumulation and overflow at the clothing loading port.

[0031] 5. The drum washing machine provided by the present invention, when the foam sensor detects the presence of foam at the clothing inlet or the amount of foam exceeds a set value, the spray device is activated to spray between the inner and outer drums and / or between the inner drum door and the machine door. The foam at the clothing inlet is eliminated by spraying, effectively solving the problem of foam accumulation and overflow at the clothing inlet, and the control is simpler and more convenient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a drum washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 1 is another structural schematic diagram of a drum washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 2. It is a schematic diagram of a control method for a drum washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the first / second defoaming control method in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the third defoaming control method in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the fourth defoaming control method in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] in:

[0039] 1. Inner cylinder; 11. Inner cylinder door;

[0040] 2. Outer shell; 21. Door;

[0041] 3. Outer cylinder; 4. Foam sensor; 5. Observation window pad; 6. Drive motor; 61. Drive shaft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments.

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a drum washing machine, comprising: a housing 2; an inner drum 1 disposed within the housing 2, the housing 2 having a clothing inlet formed therein corresponding to the opening of the inner drum 1; and a foam detection device disposed within the housing 2 for detecting foam at the clothing inlet. This embodiment utilizes the foam detection device to detect foam at the clothing inlet, effectively resolving the problem of existing drum washing machines generating a large amount of foam that accumulates at the clothing inlet during the washing process, causing a large amount of foam to overflow from the clothing inlet or from the gap between the clothing inlet and the door.

[0047] The washing machine provided in this embodiment may be a common drum washing machine with washing water / rinsing water filled between the inner and outer drums. The foam detection device is used to detect foam at the clothing loading port of the common drum washing machine.

[0048] Preferably, this embodiment provides a front-loading drum washing machine with a non-porous inner drum structure, wherein the foam detection device is used to detect foam at the clothing loading port of the non-porous inner drum washing machine. The non-porous inner drum washing machine provided in this embodiment has a simple structure and can significantly reduce the washing water consumption of the washing machine by eliminating the need to fill the space between the inner drum 1 and the outer drum 3 with wash / rinse water. This avoids the possibility of dirt adhering between the inner drum 1 and the outer drum 3, greatly improving user health and user experience, and significantly saving water resources.

[0049] Specifically, an inner drum 1 is provided in the outer shell 2. The inner drum 1 is used to independently hold washing water when washing clothes. The inner drum 1 has no water permeable holes, but is provided with a dehydration hole. The dehydration hole is provided with a normally closed sealing valve. The sealing valve can open the dehydration hole under the action of centrifugal force for centrifugal drainage.

[0050] Furthermore, the outer shell 2 includes: an upper panel, a front panel, a back panel and a bottom panel, and a clothing loading port for taking and placing clothes is formed on the front panel corresponding to the drum opening of the inner drum 1. The washing machine also includes a foam detection device arranged in the outer shell 2 for detecting foam at the clothing loading port.

[0051] Furthermore, the machine also includes a door 21 that is openably mounted on the clothing loading port, and an inner drum door 11 that is openably mounted on the drum opening of the inner drum 1. When the inner drum door 11 is closed, it forms an independent washing chamber with the inner drum 1, thereby realizing a sealed compartment structure of the inner drum 1. The inner drum 1 independently holds washing water when washing clothes. In this embodiment, the foam detection device is disposed between the door 21 and the inner drum door 11.

[0052] In this embodiment, a foam detection device is provided between the machine door 21 and the inner drum door 11, which effectively solves the problem of the existing drum washing machine with a porous inner drum. During centrifugal drainage, the washing water or rinsing water in the inner drum 1 is tumbled to the surface of the outer drum by high-speed centrifugation to cause collision. The centrifuged water contains a high concentration of detergent, and under the tumbling action of centrifugal force and the stirring of the high-speed rotation of the inner drum 1, a large amount of foam will be generated in the outer drum 3, and a large amount of foam will accumulate between the inner drum door 11 and the machine door 21 or overflow from the clothing loading port.

[0053] Furthermore, if Figure 1 As shown, the foam detection device is a foam sensor 4 provided between the machine door 21 and the inner drum door 11, and the foam sensor 4 is used to detect whether there is foam and / or the amount of foam at the clothing loading port.

[0054] The foam sensor 4 can be an electrode sensor or a turbidity sensor / transmittance sensor capable of detecting the light transmittance of foam, or other existing foam sensors 4 for detecting foam. The foam detection device in this embodiment uses a foam sensor 4, which has a simple structure, low cost, and is easy to use and promote.

[0055] Preferably, if Figure 1 As shown, the foam sensor 4 is arranged at a position close to the horizontal center line of the machine door 21. By arranging the foam sensor 4 at a position close to the horizontal center line of the machine door 21, compared with arranging it at the top or the lowest part, on the one hand, the overall foam situation at the clothing loading port can be detected more accurately, and on the other hand, lint impurities can be prevented from accumulating on the foam sensor 4, affecting the measurement accuracy of the foam sensor 4.

[0056] In one embodiment, the foam sensor 4 can be fixed on the inner side of the machine door 21. Preferably, the foam sensor 4 is fixedly supported by a bracket at an intermediate position between the inner drum door 11 and the machine door 21, so that when the foam spreads to the position between the inner drum door 11 and the machine door 21, the foam sensor 4 can detect the foam and promptly prevent the foam from spreading to the clothing delivery port and overflowing from the clothing delivery port to cause a safety accident.

[0057] Furthermore, the outer shell 2 includes an outer drum 3 coaxially disposed outside the inner drum 1. The outer drum 3 collects drainage from the inner drum 1 and drainage from high-speed centrifugal dehydration. The outer drum 3 has a central mounting hole, into which a bearing is mounted. A drive shaft 61 is securely connected to the inner drum 1. The drive shaft 61 passes through the bearing and is connected to a drive motor 6. Driven by the drive motor 6, the inner drum 1 rotates to perform washing or dehydration cycles.

[0058] In another embodiment, the foam sensor 4 can be arranged on the inner wall of the outer drum 3 near the opening of the outer drum 3. By arranging the foam sensor 4 at the opening of the outer drum 3, when the foam spreads to the opening of the inner drum 1, the foam sensor 4 can detect the presence of foam, so that the washing machine can have more sufficient time to take defoaming measures, thereby reducing the probability that foam may overflow from the clothing loading port.

[0059] Furthermore, the washing machine also includes an observation window pad 5 connected between the barrel opening of the outer drum 3 and the clothing loading port, one end of the observation window pad 5 is opened to connect to the barrel opening of the outer drum 3, and the other end is opened to connect to the clothing loading port, thereby realizing a sealed connection between the clothing loading port and the outer drum 3.

[0060] In another embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, the foam sensor 4 is mounted on the observation window gasket 5, located on the inner circumference of the observation window gasket 5. Since the observation window gasket 5 is located between the inner drum door 11 and the laundry door 21, installing the foam sensor 4 on the observation window gasket 5 allows for timely detection of the presence and amount of foam between the inner drum door 11 and the laundry door 21. This prevents the user from seeing a large amount of foam accumulated between the inner drum door 11 and the laundry door 21 when the laundry door 21 is opened, which could negatively impact the user experience. Furthermore, placing the foam sensor 4 on the observation window gasket 5 between the inner drum door 11 and the laundry door 21 effectively prevents foam from overflowing from the laundry loading port.

[0061] Preferably, the observation window gasket 5 is provided with a mounting location for the foam sensor 4. The mounting location is a receiving groove within the observation window gasket 5, and the foam sensor 4 is embedded in the receiving groove. By embedding the foam sensor 4 in the receiving groove of the observation window gasket 5, the foam sensor 4 is concealed, improving the aesthetics of the washing machine and also protecting the foam sensor 4.

[0062] Preferably, the installation position of the foam sensor 4 is set on the observation window pad 5 near the position of the rotation axis of the inner cylinder 1. The foam sensor 4 is installed at the middle height position of the entire observation window pad 5. Compared with being set at the top or the lowest part of the observation window pad 5, on the one hand, it can more accurately detect the overall foam situation between the inner cylinder door 11 and the machine door 21, and on the other hand, it can avoid the accumulation of wire scraps and impurities on the foam sensor 4, affecting the measurement accuracy of the foam sensor 4.

[0063] The drum washing machine provided in this embodiment has a foam detection device which is a foam sensor 4 provided between the inner drum door 11 and the machine door 21 or on the observation window pad 5, which can promptly and efficiently detect and prevent foam from overflowing to the clothing loading port.

[0064] Furthermore, the clothing loading port is also provided with a spray device for eliminating foam at the clothing loading port.

[0065] In one embodiment, the spray device includes a plurality of spray heads spaced apart along the opening of the outer tube 3 or the circumference of the observation window pad 5; alternatively, the spray device includes a rotatable spray head. The spray device can be installed at the opening of the outer tube 3 or on the machine door 21.

[0066] Alternatively, in another more preferred embodiment, the spray device is arranged above the observation window pad 5; the spray device includes a spray pipe for water inlet, a spray nozzle is provided at the water outlet end of the spray pipe, the water outlet end of the spray nozzle is connected to the observation window pad 5, and a spray interface is provided on the observation window pad 5, and the spray nozzle extends into the spray interface.

[0067] When the foam sensor 4 detects that there is foam at the clothing inlet, i.e., between the inner drum door 11 and the machine door 21, or the amount of foam exceeds a set value, the spraying device is controlled to start spraying between the inner drum door 11 and the machine door 21 to eliminate the foam at the clothing inlet.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment also provides a control method for the drum washing machine described above: the washing machine detects foam at the clothing inlet using a foam detection device and controls whether to initiate a defoaming measure based on the detection result. When the foam sensor 4 detects the presence of foam at the clothing inlet, or detects that the amount of foam exceeds a set value, the detection result is fed back to the washing machine control unit, which then initiates a defoaming measure to eliminate the foam at the clothing inlet.

[0069] The drum washing machine provided in this embodiment, by adopting the above-mentioned control method, effectively solves the problem that a large amount of foam is generated and accumulated at the clothing inlet during the washing process, causing a large amount of foam to overflow from the clothing inlet or from the gap between the clothing inlet and the machine door 21. At the same time, it avoids the phenomenon that the user sees a large amount of foam when opening the machine door 21, which affects the user experience.

[0070] The drum washing machine provided in this embodiment defoams the foam at the clothing loading port by using the following four defoaming measures.

[0071] The first defoaming measure:

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown, when the foam sensor 4 detects the presence of foam at the clothing inlet or the amount of foam exceeds a set value V1, it controls the rotation speed of the inner drum 4 to reduce the foam at the clothing inlet. By reducing the rotation speed of the inner drum 4, the impact of defoaming measures on the washing process can be minimized, and the phenomenon of large amounts of foam generated by the centrifugal water in the outer drum 2 due to the high-speed rotation of the inner drum 4 can be effectively alleviated.

[0073] Preferably, the defoaming measures in this embodiment are mainly aimed at the situation where the amount of foam at the clothing inlet is small. When the amount of foam is between V1 and V2, or as long as foam is detected, that is, the amount of foam is less than V1, where V2>V1>0, the above measures are taken to perform defoaming treatment. By taking the above measures, the purpose of successfully eliminating foam can be achieved, and the impact of the defoaming measures on the washing process and washing effect can be minimized.

[0074] The second defoaming measure:

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, when foam sensor 4 detects the presence of foam at the clothing inlet or the amount of foam exceeds a set value, it controls inner drum 1 to stop rotating to eliminate the foam at the clothing inlet. When inner drum 1 stops rotating, the centrifugal water in outer drum 3 will not generate a large amount of foam due to the stirring of inner drum 1, thereby eliminating the foam at the clothing inlet. This defoaming measure is more timely and efficient.

[0076] Preferably, the defoaming measure in this embodiment is primarily targeted at situations where the amount of foam is high. When the foam sensor 4 detects that the amount of foam at the clothing inlet exceeds a set value V2, the inner drum 1 is controlled to stop rotating. The value of V2 is greater than the value of V1 in the first defoaming measure. Compared to the first defoaming measure, the defoaming measure in this embodiment is more effective and can promptly and efficiently eliminate large amounts of foam accumulated at the clothing inlet.

[0077] like Figure 4As shown, in the above two defoaming measures, when the inner drum 1 is controlled to reduce the speed / stop rotating for a set time and then resume normal rotation; or, when the foam sensor 4 detects that the foam at the clothing inlet has been eliminated or the foam content is lower than the set value, the inner drum 1 is controlled to resume normal rotation.

[0078] Specifically, when it is determined that the foam sensor 4 detects the presence of foam at the clothing inlet and the amount of foam is lower than V1, or the amount of foam is between V1 and V2, the inner drum 1 is controlled to reduce the speed to N1, and when the set time t1 is reached, the inner drum 1 is controlled to resume normal rotation at N0, where N0>N1.

[0079] Alternatively, in another solution, when the foam sensor 4 detects that the foam at the clothing inlet has disappeared or the foam content is lower than the set value V3, the inner drum is controlled to resume normal rotation speed N0, where V1>V3>0.

[0080] When it is determined that the foam sensor 4 detects the presence of foam at the clothing inlet and the amount of foam is greater than V2, the inner drum 1 is controlled to stop rotating, and when the set time t2 is reached, the inner drum 1 is controlled to resume rotating at the normal speed N0.

[0081] Alternatively, in another embodiment, when it is determined that the foam sensor 4 detects that the amount of foam at the clothing inlet is greater than V2, the inner drum 1 is controlled to stop rotating. When the foam sensor 4 detects that the foam content at the clothing inlet is lower than the set value V1, the inner drum 1 is controlled to rotate at a speed N1 for t1 time and then resumes to a normal speed N0. Alternatively, when the foam sensor 4 detects that the foam at the clothing inlet has been completely eliminated or the amount of foam is lower than V3, and V1>V3>0, the inner drum 1 is controlled to resume to a normal speed N0.

[0082] The drum washing machine provided in this embodiment solves the problem that the centrifugal water in the outer drum 2 is more likely to generate foam due to the stirring of the high-speed rotating inner drum 1 by reducing the rotation speed of the inner drum 1 or stopping the rotation of the inner drum 1 when the foam sensor 4 detects the presence of foam or the amount of foam exceeding the set value between the clothing loading port or the inner drum door 11 and the machine door 21, thereby effectively solving the problem of foam accumulation and overflow at the clothing loading port.

[0083] The third defoaming measure:

[0084] like Figure 5 As shown, during the centrifugal drainage process of the washing or rinsing program, when the foam sensor 4 detects that there is foam at the clothing inlet or the amount of foam exceeds the set value, it controls the water to flow into the inner drum 1, and then discharges the water into the outer drum 3 by centrifugal drainage, and the above steps are repeated.

[0085] In the above solution, the washing machine can be controlled to cycle through the "water inlet-centrifugal drain" steps n times, where n is a set value, and then resume normal operation. Alternatively, the washing machine can be controlled to resume normal operation when it is determined that the foam at the clothing inlet or between the inner drum door 11 and the machine door 21 has disappeared, or the amount of foam is lower than a set value V3.

[0086] The drum washing machine provided in this embodiment controls water to flow into the inner drum 1 when the foam sensor 4 detects that there is foam between the clothing loading port or the inner drum door 11 and the machine door 21, or the amount of foam exceeds a set value. The water is then discharged into the outer drum 3 by centrifugal drainage to reduce the detergent concentration of the centrifugal water thrown out of the inner drum 1, thereby diluting and destroying the foam in the outer drum, and effectively solving the problem of foam accumulation and overflow at the clothing loading port.

[0087] The fourth defoaming measure:

[0088] like Figure 6 As shown, a spray device is provided on the outer drum 2 and / or the machine door 21 and / or the observation window pad 5. When the foam sensor 4 detects the presence of foam at the clothing inlet or the amount of foam exceeds a set value, the spray device is activated to spray between the inner and outer drums and / or between the inner drum door 11 and the machine door 21 to eliminate the foam at the clothing inlet.

[0089] Preferably, the spray device is arranged above the observation window pad 5. When the foam sensor 4 detects the presence of foam at the clothing loading port or between the inner drum door 11 and the machine door 21, or the amount of foam exceeds a set value, the spray device is started to spray and eliminate the foam between the inner drum door 11 and the machine door 21.

[0090] The fourth defoaming measure provided in this embodiment can be used in any combination with the first / second / third defoaming measure to improve the defoaming efficiency.

[0091] The drum washing machine provided in this embodiment, when the foam sensor 4 detects the presence of foam at the clothing inlet or the amount of foam exceeds a set value, the spray device is activated to spray between the inner and outer drums and / or between the inner drum door 11 and the machine door 21, thereby eliminating the foam at the clothing inlet by spraying, effectively solving the problem of foam accumulation and overflow at the clothing inlet, and making the control simpler and more convenient.

[0092] It should be noted that the above embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention and that those skilled in the art may devise alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in the claims. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In a unit claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by the same item of hardware.

[0093] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any form of limitation to the present invention. Although the present invention has been disclosed as above in terms of a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with this patent can make slight changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments using the above technical content without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention are still within the scope of the solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A drum washing machine, characterized in that: include: shell; The inner drum is arranged in the outer shell, and the outer shell is formed with a clothing loading port corresponding to the drum mouth of the inner drum. The inner drum has no water-permeable holes, but is provided with a dehydration hole. The dehydration hole is provided with a normally closed sealing valve, which can be opened under the action of centrifugal force to perform centrifugal drainage; The door is installed on the clothing loading port in an openable and closable manner; An inner drum door is openably and closably mounted on the drum opening of the inner drum, and when the inner drum door is closed, it forms an independent washing chamber together with the inner drum; The foam sensor is installed between the machine door and the inner drum door and is used to detect foam at the clothing loading port.

2. The drum washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The foam sensor is arranged at a position close to the horizontal center line of the door.

3. The drum washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The utility model also comprises an outer cylinder coaxially arranged outside the inner cylinder and an observation window pad connected between the cylinder opening of the outer cylinder and the clothing introduction port, wherein the foam sensor is arranged on the observation window pad.

4. A control method for a drum washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The washing machine detects the foam at the clothing inlet through a foam detection device and controls whether to start the defoaming measure based on the detection result; When it is determined that the foam sensor detects the presence of foam at the clothing inlet and the amount of foam is lower than V1, or the amount of foam is between V1 and V2, the inner drum is controlled to reduce its speed to N1, and when the set time t1 is reached, the inner drum is controlled to resume normal rotation at N0, where N0>N1; or, when the foam sensor detects that the foam at the clothing inlet has disappeared or the foam content is lower than the set value V3, the inner drum is controlled to resume normal rotation at N0, where V1>V3>0; When it is determined that the foam sensor detects the presence of foam at the clothing inlet and the amount of foam is greater than V2, the inner drum is controlled to stop rotating, and when the set time t2 is reached, the inner drum is controlled to resume rotating at a normal speed N0; or, when the foam sensor detects that the foam content at the clothing inlet is lower than the set value V1, the inner drum is controlled to rotate at a speed N1 for t1 time and then resume rotating at a normal speed N0; or, when the foam sensor detects that the foam at the clothing inlet has been completely eliminated or the amount of foam is lower than V3, and V1>V3>0, the inner drum is controlled to resume rotating at a normal speed N0.

5. The control method of the drum washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: During the centrifugal drainage process of the washing or rinsing program, when the foam sensor detects that there is foam at the clothing inlet or the amount of foam exceeds the set value, it controls the water to flow into the inner drum, and then discharges the water into the outer drum through centrifugal drainage, and the above steps are repeated.

6. The control method of a drum washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: A spraying device is provided on the outer drum and / or the machine door and / or the observation window pad. When the foam sensor detects the presence of foam at the clothing loading opening or the amount of foam exceeds a set value, the spraying device is activated to spray between the inner and outer drums and / or between the inner drum door and the machine door to eliminate the foam at the clothing loading opening.

Images