Washing machine control methods and washing machines

Abstract

This application belongs to the field of household appliance technology, specifically relating to a control method for a washing machine and the washing machine itself. The washing machine includes a main body with a washing chamber having a drain outlet and a return water outlet; a drain filter including a first filter chamber and a second filter chamber connected sequentially. The first filter chamber is connected to the drain outlet, and the second filter chamber has a first water outlet connected to the return water outlet and a second water outlet connected to the drain outlet. A first filter element is disposed in the first filter chamber; a second filter element is disposed in the second filter chamber. The filtration accuracy of the first filter element is lower than that of the second filter element. The second filter element can move within the second filter chamber under external force to selectively open one of the first and second water outlets while blocking the other. This application can improve drainage efficiency while enhancing the washing machine's filtration effect on lint, reducing environmental pollution caused by lint.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a control method for a washing machine and a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] As washing machine performance continues to improve, people are not only pursuing better washing efficiency, but also gradually becoming more environmentally conscious, paying more and more attention to reducing the amount of lint emitted by washing machines.

[0003] In related technologies, a washing machine includes a body and a drain pipe connected to the washing chamber of the body. A filter screen is installed on the drain pipe. When the washing water in the washing chamber is discharged from the machine body through the drain pipe, the filter screen is used to filter out lint in the washing water to avoid entanglement of the drain pump impeller and reduce drainage efficiency.

[0004] However, in related technologies, in order to ensure the drainage efficiency of the washing machine, the filter screen can only filter coarser lint and cannot filter micro-lint in the washing water, resulting in micro-lint discharged with the washing water causing environmental pollution. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, this application provides a control method and a washing machine to solve the technical problem that while ensuring drainage efficiency, the washing machine cannot filter micro-lint in the washing water, resulting in micro-lint discharged with the washing water causing environmental pollution.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the embodiments of this application provide the following technical solutions:

[0007] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a washing machine, comprising: a main body having a washing chamber for containing washing water; the washing chamber having a drain outlet and a return outlet; a drain filter including a first filter chamber and a second filter chamber connected in sequence, the first filter chamber being connected to the drain outlet, the second filter chamber having a first outlet and a second outlet, the first outlet being connected to the return outlet, and the second outlet being connected to the drain pipe of the main body; a first filter element disposed in the first filter chamber for filtering lint entering the first filter chamber; a second filter element disposed in the second filter chamber for filtering lint entering the second filter chamber, wherein the filtration accuracy of the first filter element is less than the filtration accuracy of the second filter element; and the second filter element can move within the second filter chamber under external force to selectively open one of the first outlet and the second outlet, while blocking the other of the first outlet and the second outlet.

[0008] In one optional embodiment, a driving member is provided at the connection between the first filter chamber and the second filter chamber. The driving member is used to adjust the flow rate of the washing water so that the magnitude of the external force exerted by the washing water on the second filter is adjustable.

[0009] In one optional embodiment, the drain filter further includes an elastic element, one end of which is connected to the end of the second filter element away from the first filter cavity, and the other end of which is connected to the cavity wall of the second filter cavity away from the first filter cavity. When the external force acting on the second filter element is greater than the elastic force of the elastic element, the second filter element moves to the side away from the first filter cavity to open the second outlet and block the first outlet. When the external force acting on the second filter element is less than the elastic force of the elastic element, the second filter element moves along the direction of the elastic force of the elastic element to open the first outlet and block the second outlet.

[0010] In one alternative implementation, the elastic element is a compression spring.

[0011] In one optional embodiment, the end of the second filter chamber facing away from the first filter chamber is open, and a first cover is provided at the open to seal the open. The first cover is detachably connected to the open, and the end of the elastic member facing away from the first filter chamber is connected to the first cover.

[0012] In one optional embodiment, a sealing element is provided between the second filter element and the cavity wall of the second filter chamber, the sealing element being used to seal the gap between the second filter element and the cavity wall of the second filter chamber.

[0013] In one optional embodiment, the end of the first filter chamber facing away from the second filter chamber is an opening, and a second cover is provided at the opening to block the opening. The second cover is detachably connected to the opening, and the end of the first filter element facing away from the second filter chamber is connected to the second cover.

[0014] In one alternative embodiment, the first filter element and the second hatch cover are integral parts.

[0015] In one alternative embodiment, the body includes a housing having a receiving space, the drain filter being located within the receiving space, and the front of the housing having a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole respectively communicating with the receiving space, the first hatch being fitted into the first mounting hole, and the second hatch being fitted into the second mounting hole.

[0016] Secondly, this application also provides a control method for a washing machine, used in the washing machine as described above, the method comprising:

[0017] The washing water in the washing chamber is drained into the first filtration chamber of the drain filter to filter out the lint in the washing water entering the first filtration chamber.

[0018] The washing water filtered by the first filter chamber is discharged into the second filter chamber of the drain filter to filter the lint in the washing water entering the second filter chamber. The filtration accuracy of the second filter chamber is greater than that of the first filter chamber.

[0019] The first or second water outlet of the second filter chamber can be selectively opened so that the washing water in the second filter chamber enters the washing chamber from the first water outlet or is discharged from the body from the second water outlet.

[0020] As described above, this application provides a control method for a washing machine and a washing machine itself. Those skilled in the art will understand that the washing machine provided by this application includes a main body with a washing chamber for containing washing water. The washing chamber has a drain outlet and a return water outlet. A drain filter is also provided within the main body, comprising a first filter chamber and a second filter chamber connected sequentially. The first filter chamber is connected to the drain outlet, and the second filter chamber has a first water outlet and a second water outlet. The first water outlet is connected to the return water outlet, and the second water outlet is connected to the drain pipe of the main body. A first filter element is provided in the first filter chamber for filtering lint entering the first filter chamber. A second filter element is provided in the second filter chamber for filtering lint entering the second filter chamber. The filtration accuracy of the first filter element is less than that of the second filter element, and the second filter element can move within the second filter chamber under external force to selectively open one of the first and second water outlets while blocking the other. Through this solution, while ensuring the drainage efficiency of the washing machine, micro-lint in the washing water can be filtered, reducing the pollution caused by micro-lint to the environment.

[0021] In addition to the technical problems solved by the embodiments of this application, the technical features constituting the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by the technical features of these technical solutions described above, the control method of the washing machine provided by the embodiments of this application, other technical problems that the washing machine can solve, other technical features included in the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects brought about by these technical features will be further explained in detail in the specific implementation. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a front view of the washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drain filter in the washing machine provided in the embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Internal structure diagram;

[0026] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the state of the second filter element at its first position within the second filter chamber.

[0027] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the state of the second filter element in the second filter chamber at its second position.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the control method for a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Figure label:

[0030] 100 - Washing machine; 110 - Main body; 111 - Casing;

[0031] 112 - Outer drum; 113 - Inner drum; 114 - Washing chamber;

[0032] 1141 - Drain outlet; 1142 - Return water outlet; 115 - Machine door;

[0033] 120 - Drain filter; 121 - First filter chamber; 1211 - Water inlet;

[0034] 122 - Second filtration chamber; 1221 - First water outlet; 1222 - Second water outlet;

[0035] 123 - First filter element; 124 - Second filter element; 125 - Drive element;

[0036] 126 - Elastic element; 127 - Seal; 128 - First hatch cover;

[0037] 129 - Second hatch cover; 130 - Drain pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Microfibers, also known as microfilaments, refer to fiber particles with a length of less than 5 mm.

[0039] In 2011, Browne et al. proposed that household washing of synthetic fiber clothing is a significant source of microfibers. Experiments showed that a single wash of a synthetic fiber garment can release over 1900 fiber particles, raising awareness of the sources of microfiber release from household washing. In 2017, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) published a research report on microfiber release into the ocean and soil, indicating that washing synthetic fabrics can release 35% of fibers into the wash water, polluting the marine and soil environments. For example, microfibers in the ocean can be ingested by fish and other marine life, and when humans then consume these animals containing microfibers, it can cause intestinal damage and other harm to human health.

[0040] In addition, microfibers discharged with the washing water enter the soil environment and combine with other organic pollutants. Due to their small particle size, large specific surface area, and strong adsorption capacity, microfibers can alter the physical and chemical properties of the soil and affect the health of the soil ecosystem.

[0041] Microfibers primarily affect soil animals through ingestion: after being ingested by soil animals, microfibers can cause intestinal damage, easily clump together in the body, affecting feeding and excretion, leading to a significant decrease in survival rate, body length and reproductive capacity.

[0042] Microfibers may alter the microbial community and biodiversity of soil ecosystems: the presence of microfibers in the soil may act as a carrier for other toxic and harmful substances, and as microfibers migrate, they can affect soil microorganisms, thereby impacting the health of the soil ecosystem.

[0043] According to statistics, the number of household washing machines worldwide reached 840 million in 2013. With the continuous increase in population, the global consumption of synthetic fiber textiles, the number of washing machines, and the frequency of washing will also increase. Therefore, in order to reduce the microfibers discharged with the washing water.

[0044] In related technologies, a filter screen is installed on the drain pipe of the washing machine to collect lint in the wash water. When the wash water in the washing chamber is discharged from the machine through the drain pipe, the filter screen filters out the lint in the wash water, thereby reducing the amount of lint in the wash water. However, the size of the filter screen's mesh directly affects the washing machine's drainage efficiency. If the mesh is too small, the drainage efficiency of the washing machine will decrease, resulting in a longer washing cycle. Therefore, in related technologies, to improve the drainage efficiency of the washing machine, a filter screen with relatively large mesh is usually used.

[0045] However, filters with larger mesh sizes can only filter larger lint, resulting in low filtration accuracy and poor filtration effect. A large number of micro-lint remains in the wash water, and the micro-lint discharged with the wash water will cause environmental pollution.

[0046] To address the aforementioned problems, this application provides a control method for a washing machine and a washing machine itself. The washing machine provided by this application can filter micro-lint in the washing water while ensuring high drainage efficiency, thereby reducing micro-lint in the washing water and preventing environmental pollution caused by micro-lint.

[0047] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0048] Example 1

[0049] The following will take a drum washing machine as an example to introduce its specific structure:

[0050] Figure 1 This is a front view of the washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the drain filter in the washing machine provided in the embodiment of this application; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the internal structure. (See attached diagram.) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this application embodiment provides a washing machine 100, including: a body 110, the body 110 having a washing chamber 114 for containing washing water. Specifically, the body 110 includes a casing 111, the casing 111 having a receiving space, an outer drum 112 and an inner drum 113 sleeved inside the outer drum 112 are disposed in the receiving space, wherein the outer drum 112 and the inner drum 113 are coaxially arranged, and an annular washing chamber 114 is formed between the outer drum 112 and the inner drum 113. The washing chamber 114 is used to contain washing water, and the clothes to be washed are placed in the inner drum 113. The inner drum 113 has several through holes on its drum wall so that the washing water in the washing chamber 114 can enter the inner drum 113 to wash the clothes.

[0051] Optionally, the outer drum 112 has a drain outlet 1141 and a return water outlet 1142 that communicate with the washing chamber 114. In this way, the washing water in the washing chamber 114 can be discharged from the washing chamber 114 through the drain outlet 1141, or the washing water can re-enter the washing chamber 114 through the return water outlet 1142 for circulating washing.

[0052] In some embodiments, the drain outlet 1141 and the return outlet 1142 may be spaced apart at the bottom of the outer cylinder 112.

[0053] Optional, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, a drain filter 120 is provided in the housing 111. The drain filter 120 includes a first filter chamber 121 and a second filter chamber 122 connected in sequence. The first filter chamber 121 is connected to the drain port 1141 of the washing chamber 114. For example, the first filter chamber 121 has a water inlet 1211. The drain port 1141 of the washing chamber 114 is connected to the water inlet 1211 through a connecting pipe, so that the washing water enters the first filter chamber 121 of the drain filter 120 through the drain port 1141 and the water inlet 1211.

[0054] In addition, the second filter chamber 122 has a first water outlet 1221 and a second water outlet 1222. The first water outlet 1221 is connected to the return water outlet 1142 of the washing chamber 114 through a connecting pipe, and the second water outlet 1222 is connected to the drain pipe 130 of the washing machine 100. In this way, when the first water outlet 1221 is opened, the washing water in the washing chamber 114 flows through the first filter chamber 121 and the second filter chamber 122, and then returns to the washing chamber 114 through the return water outlet 1142 via the first water outlet 1221 to continue washing, forming an internal circulation channel for the washing water. When the second water outlet 1222 is opened, the washing water in the washing chamber 114 flows through the first filter chamber 121 and is discharged from the washing machine 100 through the second water outlet 1222, forming a drainage channel for the washing water.

[0055] Optional, see below Figure 4 As shown, a first filter element 123 is provided in the first filter chamber 121, and the first filter element 123 is used to filter the lint entering the first filter chamber 121; a second filter element 124 is provided in the second filter chamber 122, and the second filter element 124 is used to filter the lint entering the second filter chamber 122.

[0056] The filtration accuracy of the first filter element 123 is less than that of the second filter element 124. For example, the length and particle size of the lint that the first filter element 123 can filter are greater than those that the second filter element 124 can filter. In this way, the first filter element 123 filters out coarse lint in the washing water, while the second filter element 124 filters out fine lint in the washing water. This improves the filtration effect on lint in the washing water, reduces the amount of fine lint in the washing water, and thus reduces environmental pollution.

[0057] In addition, the second filter element 124 can move within the second filter chamber 122 under the action of external force, so as to selectively open one of the first water outlet 1221 and the second water outlet 1222, while blocking the other of the first water outlet 1221 and the second water outlet 1222.

[0058] Optionally, the second water outlet 1222 is located between the first water outlet 1221 and the first filter chamber 121. In this way, when the second water outlet 1222 is opened to drain water, the washing water does not need to pass through the second filter element 124, thereby improving the efficiency of drainage and shortening the washing cycle.

[0059] It should be noted that after the second filter element 124 is installed in the second filter chamber 122, the side wall of the second filter element 124 just blocks the second water outlet 1222. In this way, when the external force on the second filter element 124 is insufficient to push the second filter element 124 to move, the washing water can only enter the washing chamber 114 of the washing machine 100 again through the first water outlet 1221.

[0060] When the external force on the second filter element 124 is able to push the second filter element 124 to move away from the first filter chamber 121, the second water outlet 1222 is opened, and the side wall of the second filter element 124 blocks the first water outlet 1221. In this way, the washing water is discharged from the washing machine 100 through the second water outlet 1222.

[0061] In the above scheme, when the second outlet 1222 is blocked and the first outlet 1221 is open, the water in the washing chamber 114 can enter the first filter chamber 121 through the drain outlet 1141 to filter the coarse lint in the washing water through the first filter element 123. The filtered washing water enters the second filter chamber 122 and is filtered again through the second filter element 124 to filter the fine lint in the washing water. The filtered washing water then enters the washing chamber 114 again through the first outlet 1221 and the return outlet 1142. In this way, when the washing machine 100 is running, for example, during the main wash and rinse stages, the washing water will form an internal circulation in the washing chamber 114, the first filter chamber 121 and the second filter chamber 122, so that the washing water is repeatedly filtered during the washing process to ensure that the washing water contains very little lint, has a good filtration effect, and reduces the pollution caused by lint to the environment.

[0062] After washing, during the spin-drying or draining stage, the second filter element 124 moves within the second filter chamber 122 under external force to open the second water outlet 1222 and block the first water outlet 1221, thereby closing the internal circulation channel of the washing water. During drainage, the washing water in the washing chamber 114 is discharged from the main body 110 through the second water outlet 1222 and the drain pipe 130 of the washing machine 100 without passing through the second filter element 124. This allows for rapid drainage of the washing water, improving drainage efficiency and shortening the entire washing cycle.

[0063] Therefore, the washing machine provided in this application embodiment can improve the filtration accuracy of lint and reduce the pollution caused by lint to the environment; at the same time, it can improve drainage efficiency and shorten the entire washing cycle of the washing machine.

[0064] It should be noted that because the washing water undergoes continuous circulation and filtration during the washing process, the discharged washing water contains very little filament debris after washing, thus reducing the pollution of the environment caused by filament debris.

[0065] Optionally, the first filter element 123 can be a filter cartridge for filtering coarse lint, while the second filter element 124 can be a filter cartridge for filtering fine lint. It is understood that the filter mesh of the first filter element 123 is larger than that of the second filter element 124. For example, the second filter element 124 can be a filter cartridge with multiple layers of ultra-high density mesh. Therefore, the second filter element 124 can filter micro lint with small length or particle size to improve the filtration effect of the washing machine 100.

[0066] In addition, in this application, the drainage filter 120 includes, but is not limited to, a first filter element 123 and a second filter element 124. Specifically, multiple filter elements with different filtration precisions can be set according to actual needs to further improve the filtration effect and reduce environmental pollution caused by micro-lint.

[0067] Optionally, a drive member 125 is provided at the connection between the first filter chamber 121 and the second filter chamber 122. The drive member 125 is used to adjust the flow rate of the washing water so that the magnitude of the external force exerted by the washing water on the second filter member 124 is adjustable.

[0068] It is understandable that the external force acting on the second filter element 124 can be the pressure exerted on the second filter element 124 by the washing water when it flows, and the magnitude of the pressure exerted on the second filter element 124 by the washing water will vary according to the flow rate of the washing water.

[0069] In some embodiments, the drive member 125 can be an impeller, wherein an impeller cavity can be provided between the first filter cavity 121 and the second filter cavity 122, that is, the first filter cavity 121 and the second filter cavity 122 are connected through the impeller cavity, and the impeller is disposed in the impeller cavity.

[0070] The impeller is positioned between the first filter element 123 and the second filter element 124. Different impeller rotation speeds result in different pressures exerted by the washing water on the second filter element 124. When the pressure exerted by the washing water on the second filter element 124 is insufficient to move it, the second outlet 1222 is blocked, and the first outlet 1221 opens, thereby opening the internal circulation channel of the washing machine 100 and closing the drainage channel. Thus, during the washing process, the first filter element 123 filters out coarser lint and fabric strips from the washing water, preventing them from entangled in the impeller; the second filter element 124 filters out fine lint from the washing water, thereby reducing the amount of fine lint in the washing water.

[0071] In the above scheme, the impeller's operating power can be adjusted to make the impeller rotate at different speeds, thereby changing the flow rate of the washing water entering the second filter chamber 122, and thus adjusting the pressure applied by the washing water to the second filter element 124.

[0072] For example, when the washing machine 100 is washing, the impeller can be operated at a low power to rotate at a lower speed. It is understood that when the impeller operates at a low power, the noise is low and the energy consumption is low. The pressure of the washing water on the second filter element 124 is relatively low. At this time, the pressure applied by the washing water to the second filter element 124 is insufficient to move the second filter element 124. In this way, the washing water in the washing chamber 114 flows through the first filter chamber 121 and the second filter chamber 122 and then returns to the washing chamber 114 through the first water outlet 1221 to continue washing the clothes in the inner drum 113. The washing water is filtered by the first filter element 123 and the second filter element 124 respectively, which can filter out coarse and fine lint in the washing water, so that the number of fine lint in the washing water is extremely small.

[0073] When washing is finished and the machine is spinning or draining, the impeller can be operated at high power to rotate at a high speed. At this time, the pressure of the washing water on the second filter element 124 is relatively large, so that the pressure exerted by the washing water on the second filter element 124 is sufficient to push the second filter element 124 to move, so that the second filter element 124 blocks the first water outlet 1221 and opens the second water outlet 1222. In this way, the internal circulation channel of the washing water in the washing machine 100 is closed, while the drainage channel is opened. The washing water can flow through the first filter chamber 121 and the second water outlet 1222 and be quickly discharged from the washing machine 100, improving drainage efficiency and shortening the overall washing cycle of the washing machine 100.

[0074] Optionally, the drain filter 120 further includes an elastic element 126, which is located within the second filter chamber 122. One end of the elastic element 126 is connected to the end of the second filter element 124 away from the first filter chamber 121, and the other end of the elastic element 126 is connected to the cavity wall of the second filter chamber 122 away from the first filter chamber 121. When the impeller operates at high power, the pressure applied to the second filter element 124 increases. When the pressure on the second filter element 124 is sufficient to overcome the elastic force of the elastic element 126, it pushes the elastic element 126 to compress, causing the second filter element 124 to move towards the side away from the first filter chamber 121, thereby opening the second outlet 1222 and blocking the first outlet 1221, thus achieving normal drainage of the washing machine 100. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the second filter element 124 moves to the side away from the first filter chamber 121. When the second filter element 124 partially covers the first water outlet 1221, the drainage pressure increases significantly, which accelerates the movement of the second filter element 124 to the side away from the first filter chamber 121. This causes the second water outlet 1222 to be opened, while the first water outlet 1221 is blocked, enabling the washing machine 100 to drain normally and ensuring high drainage efficiency.

[0075] After drainage is completed, the impeller's operating power is reduced so that the pressure of the washing water applied to the second filter element 124 is less than the elastic force of the elastic element 126. As a result, the second filter element 124 moves along the direction of the elastic force of the elastic element 126 under the action of the elastic force of the elastic element 126, so that the second filter element 124 is reset. That is, the second filter element 124 blocks the second water outlet 1222 and opens the first water outlet 1221, thereby closing the drainage channel of the washing machine 100 and opening the internal circulation channel of the washing water. This allows the washing water to be continuously filtered and circulated through the internal circulation channel during the washing process, thereby reducing the number of micro-lint in the washing water, improving the filtration effect, and reducing the pollution of micro-lint to the environment.

[0076] Optionally, the elastic element 126 can be a compression spring. Alternatively, the elastic element 126 can also have other shapes and structures, the specific shapes and structures of which can be referred to the structures of elastic elements 126 commonly used by those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail here.

[0077] Optionally, a sealing element 127 is provided between the second filter element 124 and the cavity wall of the second filter chamber 122 to seal the gap between the second filter element 124 and the cavity wall of the second filter chamber 122, thereby providing a waterproof function. This ensures that when washing water applies an impact force to the second filter element 124, the washing water passes through the second filter element 124 and does not pass through the gap between the second filter element 124 and the cavity wall of the second filter chamber 122, thus ensuring the filtration effect.

[0078] For example, the seal 127 is a sealing sleeve, which is fitted onto the second filter 124.

[0079] Optionally, the seal 127 can be made of materials such as rubber, and there are no specific restrictions.

[0080] Optionally, the end of the second filter chamber 122 facing away from the first filter chamber 121 is open, and a first cover 128 is provided at the open to seal the open. The first cover 128 is detachably connected to the open, and the end of the elastic member 126 facing away from the first filter chamber 121 is connected to the first cover 128, while the other end of the elastic member 126 is connected to the second filter element 124. In this way, the first cover 128, the elastic member 126 and the second filter element 124 are connected together. By opening the first cover 128, the second filter element 124 can be taken out to facilitate the replacement or cleaning of the second filter element 124.

[0081] In some embodiments, the end of the first filter chamber 121 opposite to the second filter chamber 122 is an opening, and a second cover 129 is provided at the opening to block the opening. The second cover 129 is detachably connected to the opening, and the first filter element 123 is connected to the second cover 129. In this way, when the second cover 129 is opened, the first filter element 123 can be taken out to facilitate the replacement or cleaning of the first filter element 123.

[0082] Optionally, the first filter element 123 and the second cover 129 can be designed as a single unit. For example, the first filter element 123 and the second cover 129 can be formed into a single unit by means of bonding, welding, snap-fitting, or detachable connection, which can reduce installation steps and lower installation costs.

[0083] In addition, to facilitate user disassembly of the first hatch 128 and the second hatch 129, in this embodiment of the application, as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the first cover 128 and the second cover 129 can be installed on the front of the housing 111. The front of the housing 111 is provided with a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole that communicate with the receiving space of the housing 111. The first cover 128 can be embedded in the first mounting hole, and the second cover 129 can be embedded in the second mounting hole. In this way, the user can directly open the first cover 128 and the second cover 129 from the front of the housing 111 to replace or clean the second filter element 124 and the first filter element 123, which is convenient for user operation and improves the user experience.

[0084] It is understandable that the front of the casing 111 of the washing machine 100 refers to the front of the casing 111 facing the user when operating the washing machine 100, that is, the front of the washing machine 100. The front of the washing machine 100 is provided with the door 115 of the washing machine 100, which the user can open to put clothes into the inner drum 113 or take them out of the inner drum 113.

[0085] Optionally, to ensure that both the first hatch 128 and the second hatch 129 are located on the front of the housing 111, in this embodiment, the drain filter 120 can be configured as a bent pipe structure, such as a U-shape, to facilitate the disassembly and assembly of the first hatch 128 and the second hatch 129, thereby facilitating the replacement and cleaning of the second filter element 124. Alternatively, the drain filter 120 can also be configured with other shapes and structures; the specific shape and structure can be optimized as long as it facilitates user replacement and cleaning, and no specific limitations are imposed here.

[0086] Example 2

[0087] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the control method for a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 As shown in the embodiments of this application, a control method for a washing machine is also provided, for use in the washing machine provided in the above embodiments, the method specifically including:

[0088] Step S101: Drain the washing water in the washing chamber into the first filter chamber of the drain filter to filter the lint in the washing water entering the first filter chamber.

[0089] The first filter chamber contains a first filter element, such as a filter element with relatively large mesh size, to filter coarse lint, cloth strips, etc. from the washing water.

[0090] Step S102: The washing water filtered by the first filter chamber is discharged into the second filter chamber of the drain filter to filter the lint in the washing water entering the second filter chamber, wherein the filtration accuracy of the second filter chamber is greater than that of the first filter chamber.

[0091] The second filter chamber is equipped with a second filter element, which can be a multi-layer filter element with a dense mesh, capable of filtering micro-filaments in the washing water, thereby reducing the number of micro-filaments in the washing water, improving the filtration effect, and reducing environmental pollution caused by micro-filaments.

[0092] Step S103: Selectively open the first or second water outlet of the second filter chamber so that the washing water in the second filter chamber enters the washing chamber from the first water outlet or exits the body from the second water outlet.

[0093] Understandably, during the wash cycle, the first water outlet remains open while the second water outlet remains closed. The wash water then enters the drain filter through the drain outlet. After filtration, the wash water returns to the washing chamber through the first water outlet and the return water outlet. This continuous internal circulation and filtration minimizes the amount of micro-lint in the wash water. When the wash cycle ends and the water is drained, the first water outlet is blocked, and the second water outlet is opened. The wash water then exits the washing machine through the drain outlet and the second water outlet via the drain pipe. Because the wash water has undergone multiple cycles of filtration during the wash cycle, the amount of micro-lint in the drain water is extremely small, thus reducing micro-lint pollution to the environment.

[0094] In addition, when the washing water is discharged, the first outlet is blocked. Therefore, after the washing water enters the drain filter, it is discharged directly from the second outlet, which can improve the drainage efficiency of the washing machine and reduce the washing cycle.

[0095] This application provides a control method for a washing machine and a washing machine in general. The washing machine provided in this application includes a main body with a washing chamber for containing washing water. The washing chamber has a drain outlet and a return water outlet. A drain filter is also provided within the main body. The drain filter includes a first filter chamber and a second filter chamber connected in sequence. The first filter chamber is connected to the drain outlet, and the second filter chamber has a first water outlet and a second water outlet. The first water outlet is connected to the return water outlet, and the second water outlet is connected to the drain pipe of the main body. A first filter element is provided in the first filter chamber for filtering lint entering the first filter chamber. A second filter element is provided in the second filter chamber for filtering lint entering the second filter chamber. The filtration accuracy of the first filter element is lower than that of the second filter element, and the second filter element can move within the second filter chamber under external force to selectively open one of the first and second water outlets while blocking the other. This solution improves the drainage efficiency of the washing machine while enhancing its filtration effect on lint, reducing environmental pollution caused by lint.

[0096] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0097] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this disclosure.

[0098] The terms "first" and "second" used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented, for example, in orders other than those illustrated or described herein.

[0099] Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, product, or display that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or display.

[0100] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that, include: The main body has a washing chamber for containing washing water; The washing chamber has a drain outlet and a return water outlet; A drainage filter includes a first filter chamber and a second filter chamber connected in sequence. The first filter chamber is connected to the drain outlet, and the second filter chamber has a first outlet and a second outlet. The first outlet is connected to the return outlet, and the second outlet is connected to the drain pipe of the main body. The first filter element is disposed inside the first filter chamber and is used to filter out lint entering the first filter chamber. The second filter element is disposed in the second filter chamber and is used to filter lint entering the second filter chamber. The filtration accuracy of the first filter element is less than that of the second filter element. The second filter element can move in the second filter chamber under the action of external force to selectively open one of the first water outlet and the second water outlet, while blocking the other of the first water outlet and the second water outlet. A driving component is provided at the connection between the first filter chamber and the second filter chamber. The driving component is used to adjust the flow rate of the washing water so that the magnitude of the external force exerted by the washing water on the second filter is adjustable.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drainage filter further includes an elastic element, one end of which is connected to the end of the second filter element away from the first filter chamber, and the other end of which is connected to the cavity wall of the second filter chamber away from the first filter chamber. When the external force acting on the second filter element is greater than the elastic force of the elastic element, the second filter element moves away from the first filter cavity to open the second water outlet and block the first water outlet. When the external force acting on the second filter element is less than the elastic force of the elastic element, the second filter element moves along the direction of the elastic force of the elastic element to open the first water outlet and block the second water outlet.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The elastic element is a compression spring.

4. The washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second filter chamber has an open end facing away from the first filter chamber. A first cover is provided at the open end to seal the open end. The first cover is detachably connected to the open end. The end of the elastic element facing away from the first filter chamber is connected to the first cover.

5. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, A sealing element is provided between the second filter element and the cavity wall of the second filter chamber, and the sealing element is used to seal the gap between the second filter element and the cavity wall of the second filter chamber.

6. The washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first filter chamber has an opening at one end away from the second filter chamber. A second cover is provided at the opening to block the opening, and the second cover is detachably connected to the opening. The end of the first filter element away from the second filter chamber is connected to the second cover.

7. The washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first filter element and the second hatch cover are an integral part.

8. The washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The main body includes a housing with a receiving space. The drain filter is located in the receiving space. The front of the housing has a first mounting hole and a second mounting hole that communicate with the receiving space. The first hatch is fitted into the first mounting hole, and the second hatch is fitted into the second mounting hole.

9. A method for controlling a washing machine, characterized in that, For a washing machine as described in any one of claims 1-8, the method comprises: The washing water in the washing chamber is drained into the first filtration chamber of the drain filter to filter out the lint in the washing water entering the first filtration chamber. The washing water filtered by the first filter chamber is discharged into the second filter chamber of the drain filter to filter the lint in the washing water entering the second filter chamber. The filtration accuracy of the second filter chamber is greater than that of the first filter chamber. The first or second water outlet of the second filter chamber can be selectively opened so that the washing water in the second filter chamber enters the washing chamber from the first water outlet or is discharged from the body from the second water outlet.

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