Washing machine and its control method

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the technical field of clothing treatment equipment, and particularly relates to a washing machine and a control method thereof. The present invention aims to solve the problems existing in the existing washing machines that when the water pressure is relatively low, the water inlet time is relatively long, resulting in an extended washing cycle and inaccurate remaining time. For this purpose, the present invention fixedly connects a water tank to the upper part of the outer cylinder, and the water outlet at the bottom of multiple water storage chambers is connected to the water inlet provided at the upper part of the outer cylinder. In this way, water can be supplied to the outer cylinder through the water tank during the water inlet stage, so that the water inlet time is basically the same, thus ensuring accurate washing time and greatly shortening the water inlet time required before washing. In addition, the guide rail of the electromagnetic commutation mechanism extends along the water inlets of the multiple water storage chambers on the outer side of the top wall of the water tank. By changing the current of the electromagnet in the electromagnetic commutation mechanism, the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe can slide along the guide rail and align with any one of the water inlets of the multiple water storage chambers respectively, so as to realize the water replenishment of the corresponding water storage chamber in the water tank by the water replenishing pipe.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Existing washing machines generally have washing and dehydration functions. In the washing stage, water needs to be filled into the outer tub first through the tap water pressure. When the water level in the outer tub reaches the required level, washing starts. In the dehydration stage, the inner tub rotates at a high speed to separate the water from the clothes.

[0003] However, due to the large differences in the water pressure of tap water in different regions and at different times, there are problems such as uncontrollable water inlet time resulting in inaccurate display of the remaining washing time, and longer water inlet time at lower water pressure, which will greatly extend the washing cycle of the washing machine. At the same time, in order to reduce the vibration and noise generated by the high-speed rotation of the inner tub, it is usually necessary to add a counterweight to the outer tub of the washing machine, resulting in an increase in the weight of the washing machine, which not only increases the packaging and logistics costs of the washing machine, but also causes damage to people and the washing machine during the handling process.

[0004] Correspondingly, there is a need in the art for a new washing machine and a control method thereof to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the above problems in the prior art, that is, to solve the problems of uncontrollable water inlet time in existing washing machines resulting in inaccurate remaining washing time, longer water inlet time at lower water pressure leading to an extended washing cycle, and difficult handling of the washing machine due to a large counterweight, the present invention provides a washing machine and a control method thereof.

[0006] First, in a washing machine provided by the present invention, the washing machine is a front-loading type, and the washing machine includes an outer tub, a water tank, an electromagnetic commutation mechanism, and a water replenishing pipe; the water tank is fixedly connected to the upper part of the outer tub, and a plurality of water storage chambers are arranged in the water tank. The volumes of the plurality of water storage chambers and the volume formed by their combination are adapted to a plurality of preset water consumption amounts of the outer tub; the water outlets at the bottoms of the plurality of water storage chambers are connected to the water inlets arranged on the upper part of the outer tub; the water inlets of the plurality of water storage chambers are all arranged on the top wall of the water tank; the electromagnetic commutation mechanism includes a guide rail, an elastic member, a magnet, and an electromagnet; the guide rail extends along the water inlets of the plurality of water storage chambers on the outer side of the top wall of the water tank; the magnet is arranged at the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe, the elastic member is arranged between the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe and one side of the starting end of the guide rail, and the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe is slidably connected to the guide rail; at least one electromagnet is arranged on the guide rail, and the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe slides along the guide rail and aligns with any one of the water inlets of the plurality of water storage chambers through the change of the current in the electromagnet.

[0007] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned washing machine provided by the present invention, the electromagnetic commutation mechanism is arranged such that when the electromagnet is turned off, the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe stays at one of the water inlet openings in the middle of the water inlet openings of the plurality of water storage chambers; or, the electromagnetic commutation mechanism is arranged such that when the electromagnet is turned off, the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe stays at the first water inlet opening close to the electromagnet among the water inlet openings of the plurality of water storage chambers; or, the electromagnetic commutation mechanism is arranged such that when the electromagnet is turned off, the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe stays at the first water inlet opening close to the starting end of the guide rail among the water inlet openings of the plurality of water storage chambers.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned washing machine provided by the present invention, the guide rail is a straight track, and the electromagnet is arranged at the other end of the guide rail opposite to its starting end; or, the guide rail is a curved track, and the electromagnets are respectively arranged at the water inlet openings of the plurality of water storage chambers.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned washing machine provided by the present invention, the guide rail includes a guide groove or a guide rod provided on the top of the water tank; and / or, the elastic member includes a spring or an elastic rope.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned washing machine provided by the present invention, funnels are respectively arranged at the water inlet openings of the plurality of water storage chambers; the funnels are arranged such that their large-mouth ends are located above the set liquid level of the water storage chambers and their small-mouth ends extend below the set liquid level of the corresponding water storage chambers.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned washing machine provided by the present invention, the arc-shaped bottom surface formed by the water tank is adapted to the outside of the outer cylinder; fixing pipes are respectively arranged on the plurality of water inlet openings of the outer cylinder; the outer cylinder is plugged with the plurality of water outlet openings on the arc-shaped bottom surface through the plurality of fixing pipes.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned washing machine provided by the present invention, a water level sensor is further included; the water level sensor includes a base, a connecting wire and two probes fixedly connected to the base; a hydrophobic rubber is arranged at one end of the probe close to the base, and the other end of the probe away from the base is a metal detection end; jacks are respectively arranged at the tops of each of the water storage chambers; the water level sensor is arranged such that the two probes extend into the water storage chambers from the jacks.

[0013] Then, in a control method of a washing machine provided by the present invention, the control method is used for the washing machine in the above technical solution, and the control method includes: controlling the water tank to supply water to the outer tub during the water inlet stage; when the water inlet stage ends and the washing machine enters the washing stage, controlling the water replenishing pipe to replenish water to the water tank.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution of the above control method provided by the present invention, the control method further includes: before the step of "controlling the water tank to supply water to the outer tub during the water inlet stage", obtaining the weight of the laundry to be washed; determining the preset water consumption required for the outer tub according to the weight of the laundry to be washed; determining the water storage chamber that needs to supply water to the outer tub according to the preset water consumption required for the outer tub.

[0015] As a preferred technical solution of the above control method provided by the present invention, the step of "when the water inlet stage ends and the washing machine enters the washing stage, controlling the water replenishing pipe to replenish water to the water tank" includes: determining the water storage chamber to be replenished after water supply according to the water storage chamber that needs to supply water to the outer tub; controlling the electromagnetic reversing mechanism according to the mapping relationship between the current value of at least one electromagnet of the electromagnetic reversing mechanism and the water storage chamber to be replenished, so that the water replenishing pipe replenishes water to the water storage chamber to be replenished.

[0016] As a preferred technical solution of the above control method provided by the present invention, in the mapping relationship, the current value of the electromagnet increases as the distance between the water inlet of the water storage chamber and the starting end of the guide rail increases.

[0017] In a washing machine provided by the present invention, by fixedly connecting the water tank to the upper part of the outer tub, the water outlet at the bottom of multiple water storage chambers is connected to the water inlet provided at the upper part of the outer tub. In this way, it is possible to supply water to the outer tub through the water tank during the water inlet stage, so that the water inlet time of the washing machine under different water pressure conditions is basically the same, thereby ensuring accurate washing time and greatly shortening the water inlet time required before washing. Moreover, it is also possible to control the water replenishing pipe to replenish water to the water tank after the washing machine enters the washing stage, so that the water tank and the water inside it can play a role of counterweight during the dehydration stage to reduce the vibration and noise generated by the high-speed rotation of the inner tub, which is beneficial to facilitating the handling of the washing machine by reducing the self-counterweight of the washing machine. In addition, the guide rail of the electromagnetic reversing mechanism extends along the water inlets of the respective water storage chambers on the outer side of the top wall of the water tank. When the corresponding water storage chamber of the water tank supplies water to the outer tub, it is possible to make the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe slide along the guide rail and align with any one of the water inlets of the respective water storage chambers in the water tank by changing the magnitude and direction of the current of the electromagnet in the electromagnetic reversing mechanism, so as to realize the replenishment of water to the corresponding water storage chamber in the water tank by the water replenishing pipe.

[0018] In addition, in a washing machine provided by the present invention, funnels are respectively arranged at the water inlets of multiple water storage chambers; the large mouths of the funnels are exposed above the liquid level of the water tank, and the small mouths extend below the normal water storage liquid level of the corresponding water storage chambers. In this way, even if there is a slight deviation in the distance that the electromagnet controls the movement of the magnet, the water flowing out of the water replenishing pipe can be reliably guided into the water storage chamber through the funnel, and it can also ensure that the water will not spill out during the water replenishing process of the water tank and when the water surface in the water storage chamber sways. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the disclosure of the present invention will become more understandable. It is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that these drawings are only for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. In addition, similar numbers in the figures are used to represent similar components. The washing machine and its control method of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with a drum washing machine. In the drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the washing machine of this embodiment;

[0021] Figure 2 is a top view of the outer tub of the washing machine of this embodiment;

[0022] Figure 3 is a top view of the water tank of the washing machine of this embodiment;

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic main flow diagram of the control method of the washing machine of this embodiment;

[0024] Figure 5 is a schematic detailed flow diagram of the control method of the washing machine of this embodiment.

[0025] List of Reference Signs

[0026] 1 - outer tub; 11 - fixed pipe; 12 - hanging spring; 13 - damper; 14 - lower counterweight; 15 - hanging ear;

[0027] 2 - water tank; 21 - electromagnetic commutation mechanism; 211 - guide rail; 212 - elastic member; 213 - magnet; 214 - electromagnet; 215 - fixing bracket; 221 - connecting wire;

[0028] 3 - detergent dispenser; 31 - water inlet pipe; 32 - water replenishing pipe;

[0029] 4 - machine shell. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principle of the present invention and are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that in the description of the present invention, the terms indicating directions or positional relationships such as "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc. are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings. This is only for convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", and "third" are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] In addition, it should also be noted that in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly specified and defined, the terms "installed", "connected", and "coupled" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the communication inside two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0033] In order to solve the above problems in the prior art, that is, to solve the problem that the existing washing machine has an uncontrollable water inlet time resulting in inaccurate remaining washing time, and the water inlet time is long when the water pressure is low, resulting in an extended washing cycle, and the large weight of the washing machine makes it difficult to carry, this embodiment provides a washing machine and its control method.

[0034] Figure 1 The front-opening washing machine shown is a drum washing machine. A motor is connected to the rear end of the outer tub 1, and an inner tub is connected to the output shaft of the motor. During the washing stage and the dehydration stage, the motor drives the inner tub to rotate relative to the outer tub 1 along its own axis.

[0035] First, in a washing machine provided in this embodiment, as Figures 1 to 3 shown, the washing machine is front-opening, and the washing machine includes an outer tub 1, a water tank 2, an electromagnetic commutation mechanism 21, and a water supply pipe 32; the water tank 2 is fixedly connected to the upper part of the outer tub 1, and a plurality of water storage chambers are provided in the water tank 2. As Figure 3 shown in the water tank, there are three water storage chambers ①, ②, and ③. The volumes of the plurality of water storage chambers and the volumes formed by their combinations are adapted to a plurality of preset water consumption amounts of the outer tub 1; the water outlets at the bottoms of the plurality of water storage chambers are connected to the water inlets provided at the upper part of the outer tub 1; the water inlets of the plurality of water storage chambers are all provided on the top wall of the water tank 2; the electromagnetic commutation mechanism 21 includes a guide rail 211, an elastic member 212, a magnet 213, and an electromagnet 214; the guide rail 211 extends along the water inlets of the plurality of water storage chambers on the outside of the top wall of the water tank 2, as Figure 3The middle guide rail 311 extends along the water inlets of the three water storage chambers ①, ② and ③; Figure 1 The magnet 213 therein is arranged at the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe 32, the elastic member 212 is arranged between the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe 32 and one side of the starting end of the guide rail 211, and the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe 32 is slidably connected to the guide rail 211; at least one electromagnet 214 is arranged on the guide rail 211, and the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe 32 slides along the guide rail 211 and aligns with any one of the water inlets of the multiple water storage chambers respectively by changing the magnitude and / or direction of the current passing through the electromagnet 214.

[0036] In a washing machine provided in this embodiment, by fixedly connecting the water tank 2 to the upper part of the outer cylinder 1, the water outlet at the bottom of the multiple water storage chambers is connected to the water inlet arranged at the upper part of the outer cylinder 1. In this way, water can be supplied into the outer cylinder 1 through the water tank 2 during the water inlet stage, so that the water inlet time of the washing machine under different water pressure conditions is basically the same, thus ensuring the accuracy of the washing time and greatly shortening the water inlet time required before washing. Since the time required for draining the water with different volumes combined by different chambers can be measured, this time can be solidified in the washing program, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the remaining washing time. Moreover, it is also possible to control the water replenishing pipe 32 to replenish water to the water tank 2 after the washing machine enters the washing stage, so that the water tank 2 and the water therein can play a role of counterweight during the dehydration stage to reduce the vibration and noise generated by the high-speed rotation of the inner cylinder, which is beneficial to facilitating the handling of the washing machine by reducing its own counterweight.

[0037] Exemplarily, the water tank 2 can be provided with three water storage chambers with volumes of 5 liters, 7.5 liters and 10 liters respectively. In this way, through the water storage chambers themselves and the combination of multiple water storage chambers, the preset water consumption of the outer cylinder 1 can be satisfied, including 7 volumes of 5 liters, 7.5 liters, 10 liters, 12.5 liters, 15 liters, 17.5 liters and 22.5 liters. At the same time, a washing cycle of the washing machine usually includes a rinsing stage and a main washing stage, and the water consumption in the rinsing and main washing stages is the same. The above capacities of the water tank 2 provided in this embodiment have exceeded the preset water consumption of most washing machines and can fully meet the use requirements of all programs.

[0038] As a preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned washing machine provided in this embodiment, the electromagnetic commutation mechanism 21 is arranged such that when the electromagnet 214 is turned off, the water outlet end of the water supply pipe 32 stays at one of the water inlet ports in the middle of the water inlet ports of the plurality of water storage chambers. It should be noted that such an arrangement can achieve the supply of water to one of the middle water inlet ports by the water supply pipe 32 without the electromagnet 214 being energized. At the same time, by changing the polarity of the electromagnet 214, when the polarity of the electromagnet 214 is the same as that of the magnet 213 provided on the water supply pipe 32, the elastic member 212 can be compressed, and the water outlet end of the water supply pipe 32 can be moved in a direction away from the electromagnet 214; when the polarity of the electromagnet 214 is opposite to that of the magnet 213 provided on the water supply pipe 32, the elastic member 212 can be stretched, and the water outlet end of the water supply pipe 32 can be moved in a direction closer to the electromagnet 214. At this time, the elastic member 212 in the electromagnetic commutation mechanism 21 can be a spring with stretching and compression functions.

[0039] Optionally, the electromagnetic commutation mechanism 21 is also arranged such that when the electromagnet 214 is turned off, the water outlet end of the water supply pipe 32 stays at the first water inlet port close to the electromagnet 214 among the water inlet ports of the plurality of water storage chambers. It should be noted that such an arrangement can achieve the supply of water to the first water inlet port close to the electromagnet 214 by the water supply pipe 32 without the electromagnet 214 being energized. At the same time, by making the electromagnet 214 generate the same polarity as the magnet 213 provided on the water supply pipe 32, the elastic member 212 can be compressed and the water outlet end of the water supply pipe 32 can be moved in a direction away from the electromagnet 214. At this time, the elastic member 212 in the electromagnetic commutation mechanism 21 can be a compression spring.

[0040] The electromagnetic commutation mechanism 21 is arranged such that when the electromagnet 214 is turned off, the water outlet end of the water supply pipe 32 stays at the first water inlet port close to the starting end of the guide rail 211 among the water inlet ports of the plurality of water storage chambers. It should be noted that such an arrangement can achieve the supply of water to the first water inlet port close to the starting end of the guide rail 211 by the water supply pipe 32 without the electromagnet 214 being energized. At the same time, by making the electromagnet 214 generate the opposite polarity to the magnet 213 provided on the water supply pipe 32, the elastic member 212 can be stretched and the water outlet end of the water supply pipe 32 can be moved in a direction closer to the electromagnet 214. At this time, the elastic member 212 in the electromagnetic commutation mechanism 21 can be a tension spring or an elastic cord.

[0041] It should be noted that one end of the electromagnet 214 and the elastic member 212 can be arranged at the top of the water tank through a fixing frame 215. When the upper part of the water tank 2 is a tank cover, the fixing frame 215 can be integrally formed with the tank cover.

[0042] In this embodiment Figure 1 and Figure 3In the electromagnetic commutation mechanism 21 on the water tank 2 shown, its guide rail 211 is a straight track, and the electromagnet 214 is arranged at the other end of the guide rail 211 opposite to its starting end. After the electromagnet 214 is energized, the greater the current of the electromagnet 214, the greater the attractive or repulsive force on the magnet 213, so as to drive the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe 32 to move along the guide rail 211. It can be understood that through experiments, the current value passing through the electromagnet 214 when the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe 32 moves to the water inlet of the corresponding water storage chamber can be obtained. Thus, when different magnitudes and directions of current values are passed through the electromagnet 214, the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe 32 can be controlled to move to the water inlet of the corresponding water outlet chamber.

[0043] In addition, the guide rail 211 can also be a curved track, and electromagnets 214 can be respectively arranged at the water inlets of the respective water storage chambers. Connecting corresponding currents to the electromagnets 214 corresponding to the water storage chambers can enable the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe 32 to move to the corresponding water outlet.

[0044] It can be understood that the guide rail 211 of the electromagnetic commutation mechanism 21 extends along the water inlets of the respective water storage chambers on the outer side of the top wall of the water tank 2. After the corresponding water storage chamber of the water tank 2 supplies water to the outer cylinder 1, the current change of the electromagnet 214 in the electromagnetic commutation mechanism 21 can enable the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe 32 to slide along the guide rail 211 and align with any one of the water inlets of the respective water storage chambers, so as to realize the water replenishment of the corresponding water storage chamber in the water tank 2 by the water replenishing pipe 32.

[0045] As a preferred implementation manner of the above washing machine provided in this embodiment, the guide rail 211 in the electromagnetic commutation mechanism 21 can be a guide groove or a guide rod provided on the top of the water tank 2. It can be understood that the magnet 213 can be provided as a magnet ring at the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe 32, and the magnet 213 is slidably connected to the guide rail 211, so as to realize the sliding connection between the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe 32 and the guide rail 211. In addition, a slider can also be specifically provided at the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe 32, and the slider is slidably connected to the guide rail 211.

[0046] As a preferred implementation manner of the above washing machine provided in this embodiment, funnels are respectively arranged at the water inlets of the respective water storage chambers; the funnels are arranged such that their large ends are above the set liquid level of the water storage chambers and their small ends extend below the set liquid level of the corresponding water storage chambers. In this way, even if there is a slight error in the control accuracy of the electromagnet 214, the water flowing out of the water replenishing pipe 32 can be reliably guided into the water storage chamber through the funnel. Such a setting of the funnel can also ensure that it does not affect the sliding of the outlet end of the water replenishing pipe, and can also ensure that water does not spill out during the water replenishment process of the water tank 2 and when the water surface in the water storage chamber shakes.

[0047] As a preferred implementation of the above-mentioned washing machine provided in this embodiment, the arc-shaped bottom surface formed by the water tank 2 is adapted to the outside of the outer drum 1; fixed pipes 11 are respectively provided on the multiple water inlets of the outer drum 1; the outer drum 1 is plugged into the multiple water outlets on the arc-shaped bottom surface through the multiple fixed pipes 11.

[0048] It is understandable that the arc-shaped bottom surface formed by the water tank 2 is adapted to the outside of the outer cylinder 1, which can make the connection between the water tank 2 and the outer cylinder 1 tighter, and the counterweight of the water tank 2 loaded on the outer cylinder 1 is more evenly distributed on the upper part of the water tank 2, so as to better reduce the vibration and noise of the outer cylinder 1. By arranging the fixed pipe 11 on the outer cylinder 1, the outer cylinder 1 and the water tank 2 are connected through the fixed pipe 11, and the communication between the water tank 2 and the outer cylinder 1 can also be achieved. In addition, a valve can be arranged between the fixed pipe 11 and the water outlet on the arc-shaped bottom surface of the water tank 2, and the water in the corresponding water storage chamber can be controlled to enter the outer cylinder 1 through the valve.

[0049] As a preferred implementation of the above-mentioned washing machine provided in this embodiment, it also includes a water level sensor; the water level sensor includes a base and a connecting wire 221 and two probes fixedly connected to the base; the end of the probe close to the base is provided with hydrophobic rubber, and the end of the probe away from the base is a metal detection end; a socket is provided on the top of each water storage chamber; the water level sensor is configured so that the two probes extend from the socket into the water storage chamber.

[0050] It is understandable that a water level sensor is provided for each water storage chamber to realize independent water level detection for each water storage chamber. When the two probes of the water level sensor contact water at the same time, conduction will generate an electrical signal; when the water level in the water storage chamber drops below the two probes, the electrical signal will be cut off, so that the purpose of water level detection can be achieved through the conductive signal. In addition, the hydrophobic rubber provided at the end of the probe can also seal the jack after the probe of the water level sensor is inserted into the water storage chamber, and after the water level in the water storage chamber drops, the moisture on the hydrophobic rubber can flow away quickly, and there will be no false triggering caused by conduction due to residual attached moisture.

[0051] As a preferred implementation of the above-mentioned washing machine provided in this embodiment, the washing machine also includes a detergent dispensing box 3, the inlet of the detergent dispensing box 3 is connected to a water inlet pipe 31, and the outlet of the detergent dispensing box 3 is connected to the water inlet of the water replenishing pipe 32.

[0052] Exemplarily, the detergent dispenser box 3 is used to dispense substances to be dispensed such as detergents, fabric softeners, and care agents. Tap water can enter the detergent dispenser box 3 through the water inlet pipe 31, and the substances to be dispensed in the detergent dispenser box 3 are flushed into the water tank 2 through the water replenishing pipe 32. At the same time, when the water tank 2 needs to be replenished with water, tap water can be directly connected to the water tank 2 through the water inlet pipe 31 connected to the detergent dispenser box 3. It can be understood that independent water filling pipelines can also be connected to each water storage chamber of the water tank 2 and connected to the water inlet pipe 31.

[0053] It can be understood that an electromagnetic commutation mechanism 21 can be provided on the water replenishing pipe 32 to control which water storage chamber is replenished with water, and the electrical signals generated by the water level sensors are used to determine whether the water in each water storage chamber reaches the set water level. At the same time, the substances to be dispensed are first flushed into the water tank 2 and then into the outer tub 1, which can more easily make the substances to be dispensed mix evenly before contacting the clothes, improve the washing effect of the clothes and avoid burning the clothes.

[0054] As a preferred implementation manner of the above washing machine provided in this embodiment, the washing machine further includes a hanging spring 12. One end of the hanging spring 12 is connected to the housing 4 of the washing machine and the other end is connected to the outer tub 1. As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, a hanging ear 15 is provided on each side of the outer tub 1. Each hanging ear 15 is connected to the upper part of the housing 4 through a hanging spring 12, which plays a role in damping the outer tub 1.

[0055] As an alternative implementation manner, the washing machine of this embodiment further includes a damper 13. One end of the damper 13 is connected to the bottom end of the housing 4 and the other end is connected to the outer tub 1. As shown in the figure, a damper 13 is provided on each side of the outer tub 1 in this embodiment. It can be understood that the damper 13 can be used to slightly support the outer tub 1 and play a damping role. The cooperation of the damper 13 and the hanging spring 12 together plays a better damping role for the outer tub 1.

[0056] As an alternative implementation manner, a lower counterweight 14 is provided at the rear end of the outer tub 1. It can be understood that the lower counterweight 14 can be an arc-shaped plate as shown in the figure, and the arc-shaped plate can be fixed to the rear end of the outer tub 1 by bolts or by welding.

[0057] It can be understood that the lower counterweight 14 can increase the weight of the outer tub 1, lower the center of gravity, and reduce the influence of the inertia of the clothes, making the washing machine more stable during operation. In this embodiment, the maximum water volume in the upper water tank 2 of the outer tub 1 can reach 22.5 liters, that is, 22.5 Kg, and the weight exceeds the ordinary counterweight (about 10 - 15 Kg). Therefore, the lower counterweight 14 can be made very small in terms of volume and weight compared with the existing washing machines.

[0058] As a preferred implementation manner of the above washing machine provided in this embodiment, the water tank 22 includes a box body and a box cover; the box body and the box cover are connected by a snap connection between a clamping groove and a snap. It can be understood that the jack provided at the top of the water tank 2 described above in this embodiment can be provided on the box cover. In this way, it is also convenient to disassemble, assemble and clean the water tank 2.

[0059] Then, in a control method of a washing machine provided in this embodiment, the control method is used for the washing machine in the above implementation manner, as Figure 4 shown, the control method includes:

[0060] S1. Control the water tank 2 to supply water to the outer tub 1 during the water inlet stage;

[0061] S2. When the water inlet stage ends and the washing machine enters the washing stage, control the make-up water pipe 32 to replenish water to the water tank 2.

[0062] It can be understood that in a control method of a washing machine provided in this embodiment, during the water inlet stage, the water tank 2 can be used to supply water to the outer tub 1, so that the water inlet time of the washing machine under different water pressure conditions is basically the same, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the displayed remaining washing time, and greatly shortening the water inlet time required before the washing stage. And, it can also control the make-up water pipe 32 to replenish water to the water tank 2 after the washing machine enters the washing stage. Thus, the water tank 2 and the water inside it can play a role in counterweight during the dehydration stage to reduce the vibration and noise generated by the high-speed rotation of the inner tub, and it is also beneficial to facilitate the packaging and handling of the washing machine by reducing the self-weight of the washing machine.

[0063] As a preferred implementation manner of the above control method provided in this embodiment, as Figure 5 shown, the control method further includes: before step S1,

[0064] S101. Obtain the weight of the laundry to be washed;

[0065] S102. Determine the preset water consumption required for the outer tub 1 according to the weight of the laundry to be washed;

[0066] S103. Determine the water storage chamber that needs to supply water to the outer tub 1 according to the preset water consumption required for the outer tub 1.

[0067] It can be understood that in a control method of a washing machine provided in this embodiment, before controlling the water tank 2 to supply water to the outer tub 1 during the water inlet stage, by determining the preset water consumption required for the outer tub 1 according to the weight of the laundry to be washed to determine the water storage chamber that needs to supply water to the outer tub 1, the control of the water supply volume to the outer tub 1 can be realized without the need to obtain the water volume signal of the water supply to the outer tub 1 through a water volume sensor in real time.

[0068] As a preferred implementation of the above control method provided in this embodiment, as Figure 5 shown, step S2 includes:

[0069] S201. Determine the water storage chamber to be replenished after water supply according to the water storage chamber that needs to supply water to the outer cylinder 1;

[0070] S202. Control the electromagnetic commutation mechanism 21 according to the mapping relationship between the magnitude and direction of the current of the electromagnet 214 of the electromagnetic commutation mechanism 21 and the water storage chamber to be replenished, so that the water replenishing pipe 32 replenishes water to the water storage chamber to be replenished.

[0071] It can be understood that after determining the water storage chamber that needs to supply water to the outer cylinder 1, and after the water supply to the outer cylinder 1 ends in the water inlet stage and the washing machine enters the washing stage, the previously determined water storage chamber that needs to supply water to the outer cylinder 1 forms the water storage chamber to be replenished.

[0072] It should be noted that in this mapping relationship, the current value of the electromagnet 214 increases as the distance between the water inlet of the water storage chamber and the starting end of the guide rail 211 increases. Thus, after the corresponding water storage chamber of the water tank 2 supplies water to the outer cylinder 1, the change in the current of the electromagnet 214 in the electromagnetic commutation mechanism 21 can make the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe 32 slide along the guide rail 211 and align with any one of the water inlets of the respective water storage chambers, so as to realize the water replenishing of the corresponding water storage chamber in the water tank 2 by the water replenishing pipe 32.

[0073] Of course, the above replaceable implementation manners, as well as between the replaceable implementation manners and the preferred implementation manners, can also be used in a cross-matching manner, so as to combine new implementation manners to be applicable to more specific application scenarios.

[0074] It should be noted that although the detailed steps of the method of the present invention are described in detail above, on the premise of not deviating from the basic principle of the present invention, those skilled in the art can combine, split and change the order of the above steps. The technical solution modified in this way does not change the basic concept of the present invention, so it also falls within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0075] Those skilled in the art should understand that the control method of the washing machine provided in this embodiment can be stored as a program in a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium includes several instructions for causing a computer device (which can be a personal computer, a server, or a network device, etc.) or a processor to execute some steps of the methods of the various embodiments of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes: various media such as USB flash drives, mobile hard disks, read-only memories (ROMs), random access memories (RAMs), magnetic disks, or optical discs that can store program codes. Processors include, but are not limited to, CPLD / FPGA, DSP, ARM processors, MIPS processors, etc. To avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments of the present disclosure, these well-known structures are not shown in the drawings.

[0076] In addition, those skilled in the art can understand that although some of the embodiments described herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not others, the combination of the features of different embodiments means that it is within the protection scope of the present invention and forms different embodiments. For example, in the claims of the present invention, any one of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0077] So far, the technical solutions of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the drawings. However, it is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the protection scope of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principle of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing machine, the washing machine being a front-loading type, characterized in that, The washing machine includes an outer tub, a water tank, an electromagnetic commutation mechanism, and a water replenishing pipe; The water tank is fixedly connected to the upper part of the outer tub. A plurality of water storage chambers are arranged in the water tank. The volumes of the plurality of water storage chambers and the volume formed by their combination are adapted to a plurality of preset water consumption amounts of the outer tub. The water outlets at the bottoms of the plurality of water storage chambers are connected to the water inlets arranged at the upper part of the outer tub. The water inlets of the plurality of water storage chambers are all arranged on the top wall of the water tank; The electromagnetic commutation mechanism includes a guide rail, an elastic member, a magnet, and an electromagnet. The guide rail extends along the water inlets of the plurality of water storage chambers on the outer side of the top wall of the water tank. The magnet is arranged at the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe. The elastic member is arranged between the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe and one side of the starting end of the guide rail. The water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe is slidably connected to the guide rail. At least one electromagnet is arranged on the guide rail. By changing the current of the electromagnet, the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe slides along the guide rail and aligns with any one of the water inlets of the plurality of water storage chambers.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electromagnetic commutation mechanism is arranged such that when the electromagnet is closed, the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe stays at one of the middle water inlets of the water inlets of the plurality of water storage chambers; or, The electromagnetic commutation mechanism is arranged such that when the electromagnet is closed, the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe stays at the first water inlet of the water inlets of the plurality of water storage chambers close to the electromagnet; or, The electromagnetic commutation mechanism is arranged such that when the electromagnet is closed, the water outlet end of the water replenishing pipe stays at the first water inlet of the water inlets of the plurality of water storage chambers close to the starting end of the guide rail.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The guide rail is a straight track, and the electromagnet is arranged on the other side of the guide rail opposite to its starting end; or, The guide rail is a curved track, and electromagnets are respectively arranged at the water inlets of the plurality of water storage chambers; or, The guide rail includes a guide groove or a guide rod arranged on the top of the water tank; or, The elastic member includes a spring or an elastic cord.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that Funnels are respectively arranged at the water inlets of the plurality of water storage chambers. The funnels are arranged such that their large ends are above the set liquid level of the water storage chambers and their small ends extend below the set liquid level of the corresponding water storage chambers.

5. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The arc-shaped bottom surface formed by the water tank is adapted to the outside of the outer tub; Fixed pipes are respectively arranged on the plurality of water inlets of the outer tub; The outer tub is inserted into the plurality of water outlets on the arc-shaped bottom surface through the plurality of fixed pipes.

6. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a water level sensor. The water level sensor includes a base, a connecting wire fixedly connected to the base, and two probes; One end of the probe close to the base is provided with hydrophobic rubber, and the end of the probe away from the base is a metal detection end; A jack is arranged at the top of each water storage chamber. The water level sensor is arranged such that the two probes extend into the water storage chamber from the jack.

7. A control method for a washing machine, characterized in that The control method is used for the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The control method includes: Controlling the water tank to supply water to the outer tub during the water inlet stage; After the water inlet stage ends and the washing machine enters the washing stage, control the water replenishing pipe to replenish water to the water tank.

8. The control method according to claim 7, wherein The control method further includes: before the step of "controlling the water tank to supply water to the outer tub during the water inlet stage", obtain the weight of the laundry to be washed; determine the preset water consumption required for the outer tub according to the weight of the laundry to be washed; determine the water storage chamber that needs to supply water to the outer tub according to the preset water consumption required for the outer tub.

9. The control method according to claim 8, wherein The step of "after the water inlet stage ends and the washing machine enters the washing stage, control the water replenishing pipe to replenish water to the water tank" includes: determine the water storage chamber to be replenished after water supply according to the water storage chamber that needs to supply water to the outer tub; control the electromagnetic reversing mechanism according to the mapping relationship between the magnitude and direction of the current of the electromagnet of the electromagnetic reversing mechanism and the water storage chamber to be replenished, so that the water replenishing pipe replenishes water to the water storage chamber to be replenished.

10. The control method according to claim 9, wherein In the mapping relationship, the current value of the electromagnet increases as the distance between the water inlet of the water storage chamber and the starting end of the guide rail increases.

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