Washing machine and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the technical field of clothing processing equipment, and specifically relates to a washing machine and a control method thereof. The present invention aims to address the problem, existing in washing machines, of long water inlet times when water pressure is low, leading to an extended wash cycle and inaccurate remaining time. To this end, the present invention securely connects a water tank to the upper portion of an outer drum, connects the water outlet at the bottom of the water storage chamber of the water tank to the water inlet provided at the upper portion of the outer drum, and further provides a siphon tube and a siphon sleeve within the water storage chamber. Thus, during the water inlet phase, the water tank only needs to be replenished with a small amount of water based on a set water level lower than that of the siphon tube to achieve the purpose of supplying water to the outer drum through the water tank via the siphon effect, thereby significantly shortening the water inlet time required before washing. Furthermore, the water tank and the water within it act as a counterweight during the dehydration phase, reducing the vibration and noise generated by the high-speed rotation of the inner drum. The provision of the siphon tube and siphon sleeve streamlines the water circuit of the washing machine.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Existing washing machines generally have both a wash and a spin function. During the wash phase, water is first fed into the outer drum by tap water pressure, and washing begins when the water level in the outer drum reaches the required level. During the spin phase, the inner drum spins at high speed to remove water from the clothes.

[0003] However, due to significant variations in tap water pressure across different regions and at different times, uncontrolled water inflow time can lead to inaccurate displays of remaining wash time. Furthermore, when water pressure is low, prolonged inflow time significantly prolongs the washing cycle. Furthermore, to reduce the vibration and noise generated by the high-speed rotation of the inner drum, counterweights are often added to the outer drum. This increases the weight of the washing machine, increasing packaging and logistics costs and potentially causing damage to both the operator and the machine during transport.

[0004] Accordingly, the art needs 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-mentioned problems in the prior art, namely, in order to solve the problem that the water inlet time of the existing washing machine is uncontrollable, resulting in inaccurate remaining washing time, and the water inlet time is long when the water pressure is low, resulting in a prolonged washing cycle, and the washing machine is heavy, resulting in difficulty in carrying the washing machine, 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 front-opening, and the washing machine includes an outer drum and a water tank fixedly connected to the upper part of the outer drum; at least one water storage chamber is provided in the water tank, and the water outlet at the bottom of the water storage chamber is connected to the water inlet provided at the upper part of the outer drum; the water inlet of the water storage chamber is provided on the top wall of the water tank; a siphon tube and a siphon sleeve are provided in the water storage chamber; one end of the siphon tube is provided on the water outlet of the water storage chamber and the other end extends toward the top wall of the water tank; one end of the siphon sleeve is provided on the top wall of the water tank and the other end extends toward the bottom wall of the water tank, and a water inlet gap is formed between the siphon sleeve and the inner side of the bottom wall of the water storage chamber, and the siphon sleeve is provided on the outside of the siphon tube and a water-passing gap is formed between the siphon sleeve and the outer wall of the siphon tube.

[0007] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned washing machine provided by the present invention, a drainage groove is provided on the inner side of the bottom wall of the water tank, and the water outlet is provided in the drainage groove; and / or, the water tank includes a box body and a box cover; one end of the siphon sleeve is provided on the inner wall of the box cover; and / or, a U-shaped tube is further provided in the water storage chamber; the water outlet of the water storage chamber is located on one side of the partition part in the water storage chamber, and the U-shaped tube is provided with two ports extending to the bottom walls on both sides of the partition part in the water storage chamber respectively; and / or, a funnel is provided at the water inlet of the water storage chamber; the large mouth end of the funnel is higher than the set siphon water level of the water tank and the small mouth end extends to below the set water storage level in the water storage chamber which is lower than the siphon pipe; and / or, it also includes a detergent dispensing box, the inlet of the detergent dispensing box is connected to a water inlet pipe, and the outlet of the detergent dispensing box is connected to a water supply pipe for supplying water to the water tank.

[0008] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned washing machine provided by the present invention, a plurality of water storage chambers are provided in the water tank, and the volumes of the respective water storage chambers and the volume formed by their combination are adapted to the plurality of preset water volumes of the outer drum.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned washing machine provided by the present invention, the curved bottom surface formed by the water tank is adapted to the outside of the outer drum; one end of the siphon tube extends from the water outlet of the water storage chamber to the outside of the water tank; fixed tubes are respectively provided on the multiple water inlets of the outer drum; and the multiple fixed tubes are respectively connected to the multiple siphon tubes.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned washing machine provided by the present invention, the water level sensor provided on the water tank has two probes, and the water level sensor is configured so that the two probes extend from the top wall of the water tank into the water storage chamber, and the ends of the two probes extend to a set water storage level lower than the siphon tube; or, the water level sensor provided on the water tank has three probes, and the water level sensor is configured so that the three probes all extend from the top wall of the water tank into the water storage chamber, and the end of the first probe extends to a set siphon water level higher than the siphon tube, the end of the second probe extends to a set water storage level lower than the siphon tube, and the end of the third probe extends below the set water storage level.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned washing machine provided by the present invention, the water level sensor also includes a base and a connecting wire fixedly connected to the base; one end of the probe provided with hydrophobic rubber is fixedly connected to the base, and the end of the probe facing away from the base is a metal detection end; the water level sensor is configured so that the probe extends into the water storage chamber from the socket at the top of the water storage chamber.

[0012] Then, in a control method for a washing machine provided by the present invention, the control method is used for the washing machine described in the above technical solution, and the control method includes: controlling the water tank to supply water to the outer drum during the water inlet stage; when the water inlet stage ends and the washing machine enters the washing stage, controlling the water supply pipe to replenish water to the water tank.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned control method provided by the present invention, the step of "controlling the water tank to supply water into the outer cylinder during the water inlet stage" specifically includes: replenishing water into the water storage chamber of the water tank and obtaining the actual water level of the water storage chamber; when the actual water level reaches a set siphon water level that is higher than the siphon tube, stopping water replenishment and causing the water tank to start supplying water into the outer cylinder.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution of the above-mentioned control method provided by the present invention, the step of "controlling the water supply pipe to replenish water to the water tank when the water inlet stage ends and the washing machine enters the washing stage" specifically includes: obtaining the actual water supply time of the water tank to supply water to the outer drum during the water inlet stage; when the actual water supply time is greater than or equal to the set siphon time, replenishing water to the water storage chamber of the water tank and obtaining the actual water level of the water storage chamber; stopping water replenishment when the actual water level reaches the set water storage level lower than the siphon tube.

[0015] As a preferred technical solution to the control method provided by the present invention, the water tank is provided with a plurality of water storage chambers, and the volumes of the plurality of water storage chambers, as well as the combined volumes, are adapted to multiple preset water capacities of the outer tub. The control method further comprises: obtaining the weight of the laundry before the step of "controlling the water tank to supply water to the outer tub during the water inlet phase"; determining the preset water capacities required for the outer tub based on the weight of the laundry; and determining the water storage chamber to supply water to the outer tub based on the preset water capacities required for the outer tub.

[0016] In a washing machine provided by the present invention, a water tank is fixedly connected to the upper part of the outer drum, and the water outlet at the bottom of the water storage chamber of the water tank is connected to the water inlet provided at the upper part of the outer drum. In addition, a siphon tube and a siphon sleeve are provided in the water storage chamber. In this way, during the water inlet phase, the water tank only needs to add a small amount of water based on the set water storage level lower than the siphon tube to reach the set siphon water level higher than the siphon tube, thereby triggering the siphon effect, so that the water in the water tank flows from the water inlet gap between the siphon sleeve and the bottom wall of the water storage chamber into the water flow gap between the siphon sleeve and the siphon tube, and then the water flows into the outer drum through the siphon tube, thereby achieving the purpose of supplying water to the outer drum through the water tank. Because the water tank pre-stores almost all the water required for the washing phase, the water inlet time of the washing machine is basically consistent under different water pressure conditions, thereby ensuring accurate washing time and greatly shortening the water inlet time required before the washing phase. Furthermore, after the washing machine enters the wash phase, the water supply pipe is controlled to replenish the water tank to a set water level lower than that of the siphon pipe. This allows the water tank and the water inside it to act as a counterweight during the spin phase, reducing the vibration and noise generated by the high-speed rotation of the inner drum. This helps to reduce the counterweight of the washing machine itself and facilitate its transport. Furthermore, the provision of the siphon pipe and siphon sleeve eliminates the need for valves in the water path between the water tank and the outer drum, streamlining the washing machine's water path. Furthermore, the siphon pipe's water outlet cooperates with the outer drum's water inlet to achieve a fixed connection between the outer drum and the water tank, eliminating the need for a water tank fixing device.

[0017] Furthermore, in a washing machine provided by the present invention, when the water outlet of the water storage chamber is located on one side of a partition in the water storage chamber, a U-shaped tube can be configured so that its two ends extend to the bottom wall on both sides of the partition in the water storage chamber. In this way, when the siphon effect of the siphon tube and the siphon sleeve is triggered and the water tank supplies water to the outer drum, the water in the water storage chamber on the side of the partition can flow through the U-shaped tube to the side of the water storage chamber where the water outlet is located, utilizing the siphon effect generated by the U-shaped tube. This ensures that the water in the water storage chamber can be drained even if a partition is present in the water storage chamber. It should be noted that the partition can be formed as an external depression in the water tank through which a hanging spring passes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The disclosure of the present invention will be more easily understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Furthermore, similar numbers in the figures represent similar components. The washing machine and control method of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with a drum washing machine. In the accompanying drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the washing machine of this embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2 is a top view of the outer drum of the washing machine of this embodiment;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic structural diagram of the water tank of the washing machine of this embodiment;

[0022] Figure 4 is a top view of the water tank of the washing machine of this embodiment;

[0023] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the main flow of the control method of the washing machine of this embodiment;

[0024] Figure 6 Detailed flowchart of the control method of the washing machine of this embodiment.

[0025] Reference Signs List

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

[0027] 2 - Water tank; 21 - Solenoid reversing valve; 211 - Guide rail; 212 - Elastic member; 213 - Magnet; 214 - Electromagnet; 215 - Fixing bracket; 22 - Water level sensor; 221 - Connecting wire; 23 - Funnel; 24 - Siphon tube; 25 - Siphon sleeve; 26 - Drain groove; 27 - U-shaped tube; 28 - Tank; 281 - Water storage level setting; 282 - Siphon water level setting; 283 - Partition; 29 - Tank cover;

[0028] 3- detergent dispensing box; 31- water inlet pipe; 32- water supply pipe;

[0029] 4- Casing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

[0031] It should be noted that in the description of the present invention, terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element described must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0033] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, namely, in order to solve the problem that the water inlet time of the existing washing machine is uncontrollable, resulting in inaccurate remaining washing time, and the water inlet time is long when the water pressure is low, resulting in a prolonged washing cycle, and the washing machine is heavy, which makes it difficult to carry the washing machine, the present embodiment provides a washing machine and a control method thereof.

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

[0035] First, if Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in a washing machine provided in this embodiment, the washing machine is a front-opening type, which includes an outer drum 1 and a water tank 2 fixedly connected to the upper part of the outer drum 1; at least one water storage chamber is provided in the water tank 2, and a water outlet (such as Figure 3 The outlet end of the siphon tube 24 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to the water inlet provided on the upper portion of the outer tube 1 (as shown in FIG. Figure 2 The water inlet is provided on the fixed pipe 11 in the water storage chamber; the water inlet is provided on the top wall of the water tank 2; Figure 3 As shown, a siphon tube 24 and a siphon sleeve 25 are provided in the water storage chamber; one end of the siphon tube 24 is provided on the water outlet of the water storage chamber and the other end extends toward the top wall of the water tank 2; one end of the siphon sleeve 25 is provided on the top wall of the water tank 2 and the other end extends toward the bottom wall of the water tank 2 and forms a water inlet gap with the inner side of the bottom wall of the water storage chamber, and the siphon sleeve 25 is sleeved on the outside of the siphon tube 24 and forms a water-passing gap with the outer wall of the siphon tube 24.

[0036] For example, in order to ensure that the water in the water storage chamber can be drained, Figure 3As shown, a drainage groove 26 can also be provided on the inner side of the bottom wall of the water tank 2, and a water outlet can be provided in the drainage groove 26, so that the water in the water storage chamber gathers toward the drainage groove 26 during the flow process. At the same time, when the siphon tube 24 and the siphon sleeve 25 use the siphon effect to drain the water tank 2, almost all the water in the water storage chamber of the water tank 2 can be discharged. In order to facilitate the production, processing and assembly of the water tank 2, the water tank 2 can include a box body 28 and a box cover 29; one end of the siphon sleeve 25 can be provided on the inner wall of the box cover 29, that is, the siphon sleeve 25 and the box cover 29 are provided as a whole. When the box cover 29 is provided on the box body 28, the siphon sleeve 25 can be provided on the outside of the siphon tube 24. The siphon tube 24 and the siphon sleeve 25 of this embodiment can be as follows Figure 3 The conical shape shown, wherein the diameter of siphon pipe 24 and siphon cover 25 increases gradually from the top to the bottom of water tank 2, is more conducive to the generation of siphon effect. In addition, siphon pipe 24 and siphon cover 25 can also be shaped like cylinder, square cylinder, etc.

[0037] Figure 3 The water tank 2 shown includes a tank body 28 and a tank cover 29. The tank body 28 and the tank cover 29 are connected by a slot and a buckle, so that the water tank 2 can be easily disassembled, assembled and cleaned.

[0038] In a washing machine provided in this embodiment, a water tank 2 is fixedly connected to the upper portion of an outer drum 1, and the water outlet at the bottom of the water storage chamber of the water tank 2 is connected to the water inlet provided at the upper portion of the outer drum 1. Furthermore, a siphon tube 24 and a siphon sleeve 25 are provided within the water storage chamber. Thus, during the water filling phase, the water tank 2 only needs to be replenished with a small amount of water based on a set water storage level 281 lower than that of the siphon tube 24 to reach a set siphon water level higher than that of the siphon tube 24, thereby triggering a siphon effect. This causes the water in the water tank 2 to flow from the water inlet gap between the siphon sleeve 25 and the bottom wall of the water storage chamber into the water flow gap between the siphon sleeve 25 and the siphon tube 24. The water then flows through the siphon tube 24 into the outer drum 1, thereby achieving the purpose of supplying water to the outer drum 1 through the water tank 2.

[0039] Because water tank 2 pre-stores nearly all the water needed for the wash phase, the washing machine's water intake time under different water pressure conditions is essentially consistent and measurable, ensuring accurate remaining wash time and significantly shortening the water intake time required before washing. Furthermore, after the washing machine enters the wash phase, the water replenishment pipe 32 is controlled to replenish water in the water tank 2 to a set water storage level 281 lower than that of the siphon tube 24. This allows the water tank 2 and the water within it to act as a counterweight during the spin phase, reducing the vibration and noise generated by the high-speed rotation of the inner drum. This helps to reduce the counterweight of the washing machine itself and facilitate its transport. Furthermore, the provision of the siphon tube 24 and siphon sleeve 25 eliminates the need for valves in the water path between the water tank 2 and the outer drum 1, streamlining the washing machine's water path.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, a U-shaped tube 27 is also provided in the water storage chamber of the water tank 2; the water outlet of the water storage chamber is located on one side of the partition 283 in the water storage chamber, and the U-shaped tube 27 is provided with two ports extending to the bottom walls on both sides of the partition 283 in the water storage chamber.

[0041] It should be noted that the partition portion 283 can be Figure 4 The water tank 2 is shown as having an external recess for the hanging spring 12 to pass through. In a washing machine provided in this embodiment, when the water outlet of the water storage chamber is located on one side of the partition 283 in the water storage chamber, the U-shaped tube 27 can be configured so that its two ends extend to the bottom wall on both sides of the partition 283 in the water storage chamber. In this way, when the siphon effect of the siphon tube 24 and the siphon sleeve 25 is triggered and the water tank 2 supplies water to the outer drum 1, the water in the water storage chamber on the side of the partition 283 can flow through the U-shaped tube 27 to the side of the water storage chamber where the water outlet is located, thereby ensuring that the water in the water storage chamber can be drained even if the partition 283 is present.

[0042] As a preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned washing machine provided in this embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, a funnel 23 is provided at the water inlet of the water storage chamber; the large end of the funnel 23 is above the set siphon water level of the water tank 2, and the small end extends below the set water storage level 281 in the water storage chamber, which is lower than the siphon tube 24. In this way, even if the control accuracy of the electromagnet 214 deviates slightly, the water flowing out of the water supply pipe 32 can be reliably guided into the water storage chamber through the funnel 23 without affecting the sliding of the outlet end of the water supply pipe 32 on the guide rail 211. At the same time, the interior of the water storage chamber is connected to the outside world, generating the external air pressure required for the siphon effect, and ensuring that water does not spill out of the water tank 2 during the water supply process or when the water surface in the water storage chamber is shaken.

[0043] As a preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned washing machine provided in this embodiment, Figure 1 The washing machine shown further comprises 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 a water supply pipe 32 for supplying water to the water tank 2 .

[0044] For example, the detergent dispenser 3 is used to dispense detergent, softener, conditioner, and other substances. Tap water can enter the detergent dispenser 3 through the water inlet pipe 31, flushing the substances in the detergent dispenser 3 into the water tank 2 through the water supply pipe 32. When the water tank 2 needs to be replenished, tap water can be directly connected to the water inlet pipe 31 connected to the detergent dispenser 3 to replenish the water tank 2. It is understood that each water storage chamber of the water tank 2 can also be connected to an independent water supply pipe connected to the water inlet pipe 31.

[0045] It is understood that a solenoid reversing valve 21 can be provided on the water supply pipe 32 to control which water storage chamber is replenished, and the electrical signal generated by the water level sensor 22 can be used to determine whether the water in each water storage chamber has reached the set water level. Furthermore, flushing the material to be added into the water tank 2 first and then into the outer drum 1 can more easily ensure that the material to be added is evenly mixed before contacting the clothes, thereby improving the washing effect and preventing burns on the clothes.

[0046] As a preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned washing machine provided in this embodiment, Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the arc-shaped bottom surface formed by the water tank 2 is adapted to the outside of the outer tube 1; one end of the siphon tube 24 extends from the water outlet of the water storage chamber to the outside of the water tank 2; fixed tubes 11 are respectively provided on the multiple water inlets of the outer tube 1; and the multiple fixed tubes 11 are respectively connected to the multiple siphon tubes 24.

[0047] It is understood that the curved bottom surface of the water tank 2 conforms to the exterior of the outer tube 1, making the connection between the water tank 2 and the outer tube 1 tighter and distributing the counterweight of the water tank 2 loaded onto the outer tube 1 more evenly across the upper portion of the water tank 2, thereby effectively reducing the vibration and noise of the outer tube 1. By plugging the multiple fixing tubes 11 into the multiple siphon tubes 24, not only is a fixed connection established between the water tank 2 and the outer tube 1, but communication between the water tank 2 and the outer tube 1 is also achieved. Furthermore, the fixing device between the water tank 2 and the outer tube 1 is eliminated.

[0048] As a preferred embodiment of the washing machine provided in this embodiment, the water level sensor 22 provided on the water tank 2 has two probes. The two probes extend from the top wall of the water tank 2 into the water storage chamber, with the ends of the two probes extending to a set water storage level 281 that is lower than the siphon tube 24. Thus, the water level sensor 22 has only two probes, which reduces the wiring of the water level sensor 22 and facilitates its installation, thereby reducing the risk of wear and tear of the connecting wires 221 of the water level sensor 22 and failure due to water immersion.

[0049] It is understood that a water level sensor 22 can be provided for each water storage chamber of the water tank to independently detect the water level in each water storage chamber. When the two probes of the water level sensor 22 simultaneously contact water, they conduct electricity and generate an electrical signal. When the water level in the water storage chamber drops below the level of the two probes, the electrical signal is cut off. In this way, the purpose of water level detection can be achieved through this conductive signal.

[0050] For example, during the wash phase, when water is replenished into the water tank 2, the two probes of the water level sensor 22 are connected when the water level reaches the set water storage level 281. The electrical signal generated by the water level sensor 22 at this time signals the end of water replenishment for that phase. For another example, during the water filling phase, when the water tank 2 supplies water to the outer tub 1, water is first added to the water tank 2 through the water inlet pipe 31 to the set siphon water level. After the siphon effect is triggered, the water in the water tank 2 quickly flows into the outer tub 1. When the water level drops below the set water storage level 281, the electrical signal of the water level sensor 22 disappears. The change in the electrical signal at this time can be used as a basis for determining whether to stop replenishing the water tank 2.

[0051] Furthermore, the water level sensor 22 provided on the water tank 2 may also include three probes. The water level sensor 22 is configured such that the three probes extend from the top wall of the water tank 2 into the water storage chamber, with the distal end of the first probe extending to a set siphon water level higher than the siphon tube 24, the distal end of the second probe extending to a set water storage level 281 lower than the siphon tube 24, and the distal end of the third probe extending below the set water storage level 281. It will be appreciated that the water level sensor can detect changes in the set water storage level 281 and the set siphon water level, and the washing machine can control its program based on these water level changes.

[0052] As a preferred implementation of the above-mentioned washing machine provided in this embodiment, the water level sensor 22 also includes a base and a connecting wire 221 fixedly connected to the base; one end of the probe provided with hydrophobic rubber is fixedly connected to the base, and the end of the probe facing away from the base is a metal detection end; the water level sensor 22 is configured so that the probe extends into the water storage chamber from the socket at the top of the water storage chamber.

[0053] It can be understood that the hydrophobic rubber provided at the end of the probe can also seal the socket after the probe of the water level sensor 22 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 quickly flow away, and there will be no false triggering caused by conductivity due to residual attached moisture.

[0054] As a preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned washing machine provided in this embodiment, the washing machine further comprises a hanging spring 12, one end of the hanging spring 12 is connected to the washing machine casing 4 and the other end is connected to the outer tub 1. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a hanging ear 15 is provided on each side of the outer cylinder 1 , and each hanging ear 15 is connected to the upper part of the housing 4 through a hanging spring 12 , thereby playing a role in reducing vibration of the outer cylinder 1 .

[0055] As an optional embodiment, 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. Figure 1As shown, in this embodiment, a damper 13 is provided on each side of the outer tube 1. It is understood that the damper 13 can be used to slightly support the outer tube 1 and play a damping role. The damper 13 cooperates with the hanging spring 12 to achieve a better vibration reduction effect on the outer tube 1.

[0056] As an optional embodiment, the rear end of the outer tube 1 is provided with a lower counterweight 14. It is understood that the lower counterweight 14 can be Figure 1 The arc-shaped plate shown can be fixed to the rear end of the outer cylinder 1 by bolts or welding.

[0057] It is understood that the lower counterweight 14 increases the weight of the outer drum 1, lowers the center of gravity, and reduces the influence of clothing inertia, making the washing machine more stable during operation. In this embodiment, the water volume in the water tank 2 above the outer drum 1 can reach up to 22.5 liters, or 22.5 kg, which is heavier than a conventional counterweight (approximately 10-15 kg). Therefore, the lower counterweight 14 is smaller in size and weight compared to existing washing machines.

[0058] 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 embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the control method includes:

[0059] S1, controlling the water tank 2 to supply water to the outer tube 1 during the water inlet stage;

[0060] S2. When the water inlet stage ends and the washing machine enters the washing stage, the water supply pipe 32 is controlled to supply water to the water tank 2.

[0061] It will be appreciated that the control method for a washing machine provided in this embodiment can supply water to the outer drum 1 via the water tank 2 during the water inlet phase, ensuring that the water inlet time is substantially consistent and measurable under different water pressure conditions, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the displayed remaining wash time and significantly shortening the water inlet time required before the wash phase. Furthermore, after the washing machine enters the wash phase, the water inlet pipe 32 can be controlled to replenish the water tank 2. This allows the water tank 2 and the water therein to act as a counterweight during the spin phase, reducing the vibration and noise generated by the high-speed rotation of the inner drum. This also facilitates transport of the washing machine by reducing its own counterweight.

[0062] As a preferred implementation of the above control method provided in this embodiment, Figure 6 As shown, step S1 specifically includes:

[0063] S11, replenishing water into the water storage chamber of the water tank 2 and obtaining the actual water level of the water storage chamber;

[0064] S12 , when the actual water level reaches a set siphon water level higher than the siphon tube 24 , water replenishment is stopped and the water tank 2 starts to supply water to the outer tube 1 .

[0065] It should be noted that in step S1, during the water inlet stage, the water tank 2 only needs to add a small amount of water on the basis of the set water storage level 281 which is lower than the siphon tube 24 to reach the set siphon water level which is higher than the siphon tube 24, thereby triggering the siphon effect, so that the water in the water tank 2 flows from the water inlet gap between the siphon sleeve 25 and the bottom wall of the water storage cavity into the water flow gap between the siphon sleeve 25 and the siphon tube 24, and then the water flows into the outer tube 1 through the siphon tube 24, so as to achieve the purpose of supplying water to the outer tube 1 through the water tank 2.

[0066] As a preferred implementation of the above control method provided in this embodiment, Figure 6 As shown, step S2 specifically includes:

[0067] S21, obtaining the actual water supply time of the water tank 2 supplying water to the outer tube 1 during the water inlet stage;

[0068] S22, when the actual water supply time is greater than or equal to the set siphon time, water is added to the water storage chamber of the water tank 2 and the actual water level of the water storage chamber is obtained;

[0069] S23. When the actual water level reaches the set water storage level 281 which is lower than the siphon tube 24, water replenishment is stopped.

[0070] It should be noted that the set siphon duration can be the time it takes for the water tank 2 to start and finish supplying water to the outer tube 1, as determined through experiments. By replenishing the water storage chamber of the water tank 2 only when the actual water supply duration is greater than or equal to the set siphon duration, it is ensured that the water tank 2 has completed supplying water to the outer tube 1 through the siphon effect. This avoids the problem of uncontrollable water supply to the outer tube 1 caused by the water tank 2 replenishing water before the water tank 2 has finished supplying water to the outer tube 1.

[0071] As a preferred implementation of the above control method provided in this embodiment, a plurality of water storage chambers are provided in the water tank 2, and the volumes of the plurality of water storage chambers and the volumes formed by their combination are adapted to the plurality of preset water volumes of the outer cylinder 1; Figure 6 As shown, the control method further includes: before step S1,

[0072] S101, obtaining the weight of the laundry to be washed;

[0073] S102, determining a preset water volume required by the outer drum 1 according to the weight of the laundry;

[0074] S103 , determining the water storage chamber that needs to supply water to the outer tube 1 according to the preset water consumption required by the outer tube 1 .

[0075] It can be understood that in the control method of a washing machine provided in this embodiment, before controlling the water tank 2 to supply water to the outer drum 1 during the water inlet stage, the preset water volume required for the outer drum 1 is determined according to the weight of the laundry to be washed to determine the water storage chamber that needs to supply water to the outer drum 1, thereby realizing the control of the water supply to the outer drum 1 without the need to obtain the water volume signal supplied to the outer drum 1 in real time through the water volume sensor.

[0076] In addition, in a washing machine provided in this embodiment, if Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the washing machine is a front-opening type, comprising an outer tub 1, a water tank 2, an electromagnetic reversing valve 21 and a water supply pipe 32; the water tank 2 is fixedly connected to the upper portion of the outer tub 1, and a plurality of water storage chambers are provided in the water tank 2, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 The water tank 2 shown is provided with three water storage chambers ①, ② and ③. The volumes of the multiple water storage chambers and the volume formed by their combination are adapted to the multiple preset water volumes of the outer cylinder 1. The water outlets at the bottoms of the multiple water storage chambers are connected to the water inlet provided at the top of the outer cylinder 1. The water inlets of the multiple water storage chambers are all provided on the top wall of the water tank 2. The electromagnetic reversing valve 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 multiple water storage chambers on the outside of the top wall of the water tank 2. Figure 4 The middle guide rail 211 extends along the water inlets of the three water storage chambers ①, ② and ③; Figure 1 The magnet 213 is positioned at the outlet of the water supply pipe 32, and the elastic member 212 is positioned between the outlet of the water supply pipe 32 and one side of the starting end of the guide rail 211. The outlet of the water supply pipe 32 is slidably connected to the guide rail 211. At least one electromagnet 214 is positioned on the guide rail 211. By varying the magnitude and direction of the current flowing through the electromagnet 214, the outlet of the water supply pipe 32 slides along the guide rail 211 and aligns with any of the water inlets of the multiple water storage chambers. Each water storage chamber has a socket at the top. The water level sensor 22 is configured such that two probes extend from the socket into the water storage chamber.

[0077] For example, 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, the preset water consumption of the outer drum 1 can be met by the water storage chamber itself and the combination of multiple water storage chambers, including seven 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 a washing machine usually includes rinsing and main washing stages, and the water consumption in the rinsing and main washing stages is the same. The above-mentioned capacity of the water tank 2 provided in this embodiment has exceeded the preset water consumption of most washing machines and can fully meet the usage requirements of all programs. Since the time required to drain the volume of different chamber combinations can be measured, this time can be solidified in the washing program, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the remaining washing time.

[0078] As a preferred embodiment of the washing machine provided in this embodiment, the electromagnetic reversing mechanism 21 is configured such that when the electromagnet 214 is turned off, the outlet of the water supply pipe 32 remains at a water inlet located in the middle of the water inlets of the multiple water storage chambers. It should be noted that this configuration enables the water supply pipe 32 to supply water to the middle water inlet without energizing the electromagnet 214. Simultaneously, 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 is compressed, causing the outlet of the water supply pipe 32 to move 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 is stretched, causing the outlet of the water supply pipe 32 to move toward the electromagnet 214. In this case, the elastic member 212 in the electromagnetic reversing mechanism 21 can be a spring with both tensioning and compression functions.

[0079] Optionally, the electromagnetic reversing mechanism 21 is further configured such that when the electromagnet 214 is turned off, the water outlet end of the water supply pipe 32 remains at the first water inlet of the multiple water storage chambers near the electromagnet 214. It should be noted that this configuration enables the water supply pipe 32 to supply water to the first water inlet near the electromagnet 214 without energizing the electromagnet 214. At the same time, by causing the electromagnet 214 to produce the same polarity as the magnet 213 provided on the water supply pipe 32, the elastic member 212 can be compressed, causing the water outlet end of the water supply pipe 32 to move away from the electromagnet 214. In this case, the elastic member 212 in the electromagnetic reversing mechanism 21 can be a compression spring.

[0080] The electromagnetic reversing mechanism 21 is configured so that when the electromagnet 214 is turned off, the outlet end of the water supply pipe 32 remains at the first water inlet of the multiple water storage chambers, located near the starting end of the guide rail 211. It should be noted that this configuration allows the water supply pipe 32 to supply water to the first water inlet near the starting end of the guide rail 211 without energizing the electromagnet 214. Simultaneously, by causing the electromagnet 214 to produce a polarity opposite to that of the magnet 213 disposed on the water supply pipe 32, the elastic member 212 is stretched, causing the outlet end of the water supply pipe 32 to move toward the electromagnet 214. In this case, the elastic member 212 in the electromagnetic reversing mechanism 21 can be a tension spring or an elastic cord.

[0081] It should be noted that the electromagnet 214 and one end of the elastic member 212 can be set on the top of the water tank through a fixing bracket 215. When the upper part of the water tank 2 is a tank cover, the fixing bracket 215 and the tank cover can be integrally formed.

[0082] In this embodiment Figure 1 and Figure 4In the electromagnetic reversing valve 21 shown on the water tank 2, its guide rail 211 is a linear track, and the electromagnet 214 is located at the other end of the guide rail 211 opposite its starting end. After the electromagnet 214 passes through, the greater the current flowing through the electromagnet 214, the greater the attractive or repulsive force on the magnet 213, thereby driving the outlet end of the water supply pipe 32 to move along the guide rail 211. It is understood that through experiments, the current value passing through the electromagnet 214 when the outlet end of the water supply pipe 32 moves to the water inlet of the corresponding water storage chamber can be obtained. Therefore, when the electromagnet 214 is fed with currents of different magnitudes and directions, the outlet end of the water supply pipe 32 can be controlled to move to the water inlet of the corresponding water outlet chamber.

[0083] In addition, the guide rail 211 can also be a curved track, and electromagnets 214 can be respectively provided at the water inlets of the plurality of water storage chambers. Connecting a corresponding current to the electromagnet 214 corresponding to the water storage chamber can move the water outlet end of the water supply pipe 32 to the corresponding water outlet.

[0084] It can be understood that the guide rail 211 of the electromagnetic reversing valve 21 extends along the water inlets of each of the multiple water storage chambers on the outside of the top wall of the water tank 2. When 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 reversing valve 21 can enable the water outlet end of the water supply pipe 32 to slide along the guide rail 211 and align with any one of the water inlets of the multiple water storage chambers, so as to realize the water supply of the corresponding water storage chamber in the water tank 2 by the water supply pipe 32.

[0085] As a preferred embodiment of the washing machine provided in this embodiment, the guide rail 211 in the electromagnetic reversing valve 21 can be a guide groove or guide rod provided at the top of the water tank 2. It is understood that the magnet 213 can be disposed as a magnet ring 213 at the outlet of the water supply pipe 32, and the magnet 213 can be slidably connected to the guide rail 211, thereby achieving a sliding connection between the outlet of the water supply pipe 32 and the guide rail 211. Furthermore, a slider can be specifically provided at the outlet of the water supply pipe 32, and the slider can be slidably connected to the guide rail 211.

[0086] As a preferred implementation of the control method provided in this embodiment, the step S2 further includes:

[0087] S201, determining the water storage chamber to be replenished after water supply based on the water storage chamber to be supplied to the outer tube 1;

[0088] S202 , controlling the electromagnetic reversing valve 21 according to the mapping relationship between the current value of at least one electromagnet 214 of the electromagnetic reversing valve 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.

[0089] It can be understood that after the water storage chamber that needs to supply water to the outer drum 1 is determined, and after the water supply to the outer drum 1 is completed during the water inlet stage and the washing machine enters the washing stage, the water storage chamber previously determined to need to supply water to the outer drum 1 becomes the water storage chamber to be replenished.

[0090] 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. Therefore, when 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 reversing valve 21 can cause the water outlet end of the water supply pipe 32 to slide along the guide rail 211 and align with any of the water inlets of the multiple water storage chambers, thereby enabling the water supply pipe 32 to replenish the corresponding water storage chamber in the water tank 2.

[0091] Of course, the above-mentioned replaceable implementations, as well as the replaceable implementations and the preferred implementations, can be used in a cross-functional manner to combine new implementations to suit more specific application scenarios.

[0092] It should be noted that although the detailed steps of the method of the present invention are described in detail above, those skilled in the art can combine, split and change the order of the above steps without departing from the basic principles of the present invention. The modified technical solution does not change the basic concept of the present invention and therefore falls within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0093] It should be understood by those skilled in the art 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 a number of 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 each embodiment of the present invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media that can store program codes, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk. Processors include but are not limited to CPLD / FPGA, DSP, ARM processor, MIPS processor, etc. In order to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the present disclosure, these well-known structures are not shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0094] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that although some embodiments described herein include certain features that are included in other embodiments but not other features, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the present invention and to form different embodiments. For example, in the claims of the present invention, any of the claimed embodiments may be used in any combination.

[0095] Thus far, the technical solutions of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art may make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing machine, the washing machine being a front-loading type, characterized in that: The washing machine comprises an outer tub and a water tank fixedly connected to the upper portion of the outer tub; At least one water storage chamber is provided in the water tank, and the water outlet at the bottom of the water storage chamber is connected to the water inlet provided at the upper part of the outer cylinder; the water inlet of the water storage chamber is provided on the top wall of the water tank; A siphon tube and a siphon sleeve are provided in the water storage chamber; one end of the siphon tube is provided on the water outlet of the water storage chamber and the other end extends toward the top wall of the water tank; one end of the siphon sleeve is provided on the top wall of the water tank and the other end extends toward the bottom wall of the water tank, and a water inlet gap is formed between the siphon sleeve and the inner side of the bottom wall of the water storage chamber; the siphon sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the siphon tube and a water flow gap is formed between the siphon sleeve and the outer wall of the siphon tube; The water tank is provided with a plurality of water storage chambers, and the volumes of the plurality of water storage chambers and the volume formed by their combination are adapted to the plurality of preset water volumes of the outer cylinder; determining a preset amount of water required for the outer tub according to the weight of the laundry; The water storage chamber that needs to supply water to the outer cylinder is determined according to the preset water consumption required by the outer cylinder.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein A drainage groove is provided on the inner side of the bottom wall of the water tank, and the water outlet is provided in the drainage groove; and / or, The water tank comprises a tank body and a tank cover; one end of the siphon sleeve is arranged on the inner wall of the tank cover; and / or, The water storage chamber is further provided with a U-shaped tube; the water outlet of the water storage chamber is located on one side of the partition portion in the water storage chamber, and the U-shaped tube is provided with two ends extending to the bottom walls on both sides of the partition portion in the water storage chamber; and / or, A funnel is provided at the water inlet of the water storage chamber; the large end of the funnel is higher than the set siphon water level of the water tank and the small end extends to below the set water storage level in the water storage chamber which is lower than the siphon pipe; and / or, The utility model further comprises a detergent dispensing box, wherein the inlet of the detergent dispensing box is connected to a water inlet pipe, and the outlet of the detergent dispensing box is connected to a water supply pipe for supplying water to the water tank.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein The arc-shaped bottom surface of the water tank is adapted to the exterior of the outer cylinder; one end of the siphon tube extends out of the water tank from the water outlet of the water storage chamber; The multiple water inlets of the outer cylinder are respectively provided with fixed pipes; The plurality of fixed pipes are respectively plugged into the plurality of siphon pipes.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein: The water level sensor provided on the water tank has two probes, and the water level sensor is configured such that the two probes extend from the top wall of the water tank into the water storage chamber, and the ends of the two probes extend to a set water storage level lower than the siphon tube; or The water level sensor provided on the water tank has three probes. The water level sensor is arranged so that the three probes all extend from the top wall of the water tank into the water storage chamber, and the end of the first probe extends to a set siphon water level higher than the siphon tube, the end of the second probe extends to a set water storage level lower than the siphon tube, and the end of the third probe extends below the set water storage level.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The water level sensor also includes a base and a connecting wire fixedly connected to the base; One end of the probe provided with hydrophobic rubber is fixedly connected to the base, and the end of the probe away from the base is a metal detection end; The water level sensor is configured such that the probe extends from the insertion hole at the top of the water storage chamber into the water storage chamber.

6. A method for controlling a washing machine, characterized in that: The control method is used for the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and the control method includes: During the water inlet stage, the water tank is controlled to supply water into the outer cylinder; When the water inlet stage ends and the washing machine enters the washing stage, controlling the water supply pipe to supply water to the water tank; The water tank is provided with a plurality of water storage chambers, and the volumes of the plurality of water storage chambers and the volume formed by their combination are adapted to the plurality of preset water consumptions of the outer cylinder; the control method further comprises: before the step of "controlling the water tank to supply water to the outer cylinder during the water inlet stage", Get the weight of the laundry; determining a preset amount of water required for the outer tub according to the weight of the laundry; The water storage chamber that needs to supply water to the outer cylinder is determined according to the preset water consumption required by the outer cylinder.

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that: The step of "controlling the water tank to supply water to the outer cylinder during the water inlet stage" specifically includes: Replenishing water into the water storage chamber of the water tank and obtaining the actual water level of the water storage chamber; When the actual water level reaches a set siphon water level higher than the siphon pipe, water replenishment is stopped and the water tank starts to supply water to the outer cylinder.

8. The control method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The step of “controlling the water supply pipe to replenish water to the water tank after the water inlet stage ends and the washing machine enters the washing stage” specifically includes: During the water inlet phase, the actual water supply time of the water tank supplying water to the outer cylinder is obtained; When the actual water supply time is greater than or equal to the set siphon time, water is added to the water storage chamber of the water tank and the actual water level of the water storage chamber is obtained; When the actual water level reaches a set water storage level lower than the siphon tube, water replenishment is stopped.

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