Washing machine and control method thereof

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of washing machine and its control method, wherein the washing machine, including circulating air duct and drum communication and form air circulation loop, circulating air duct is provided with fan, heat exchanger and two shielding components respectively, two shielding components all have the first position of shielding circulating air duct to make air circulation loop be in incommunicable state, when two shielding components all are in the first position, the circulating air duct between its two is temperature rising air duct, fan and heat exchanger are all in temperature rising air duct.In the present application, when hot washing water after washing ends flows through heat exchanger, control fan to open, then air in temperature rising air duct will exchange heat with heat exchanger, equivalent to the heat of hot water is recycled, so as to reduce heat waste.After heat recovery ends, the recycled heat is released into air circulation loop, then the initial drying temperature of air in air circulation loop can be improved, so as to improve the dehumidification efficiency in early drying stage and shorten drying time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of clothing care technology, specifically relating to a washing machine and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] The main energy consumption during the washing process of a washing machine comes from heating the wash water. After the wash cycle, the hot water is directly discharged, wasting a significant amount of heat. Simultaneously, the dehumidification efficiency of a washing machine is low during the initial drying stage. This is primarily because the air temperature inside the drum is low during this phase, resulting in low moisture carryover in the return air entering the drying system, thus leading to low dehumidification efficiency. If the heat from the discharged hot water after the wash cycle could be recovered to raise the air temperature in the circulating air duct and inside the drum, the problem of low dehumidification efficiency during the initial drying stage would be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the present invention provides a washing machine that overcomes the problem that after washing, the hot washing water is directly discharged, and the heat of this hot water is not recovered to heat the circulating air duct and the air inside the drum, thus wasting a large amount of heat.

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a washing machine, comprising: a drum and a circulating air duct, wherein the circulating air duct and the drum are connected to form an airflow circulation loop, and a fan, a heat exchanger, and two spaced-apart shielding components are respectively disposed within the circulating air duct. Each of the two shielding components has a first position that blocks the circulating air duct so that the airflow circulation loop is in a disconnected state. When both shielding components are in the first position, the circulating air duct between the two shielding components is a heating air duct, and the fan and the heat exchanger are both located within the heating air duct. After the washing of clothes is completed, the hot washing water discharged flows through the heat exchanger to achieve heat exchange between the heat exchanger and the air within the heating air duct.

[0005] In some embodiments, a receiving cavity is also included, in which the heat exchanger is installed. When both of the shielding components are in the first position, the receiving cavity and the heating air duct are connected and together form a closed space.

[0006] In some embodiments, the shielding component also has a second position, in which the airflow circulation loop is in a connected state when both shielding components are in the second position, and the receiving cavity is connected to the heating air duct.

[0007] In some embodiments, the shielding component also has a third position, in which the airflow circulation loop is connected when both shielding components are in the third position, and the receiving cavity is not connected to the heating air duct.

[0008] In some embodiments, the receiving cavity and the heating air duct are connected through two outlets, and the two shielding components are rotatably disposed at the two outlets respectively. The shielding components can be controlled to rotate about a first end of the shielding component to switch between a first position, a second position and a third position.

[0009] In some embodiments, a heating device is also provided inside the heating air duct.

[0010] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger consists of heat exchange tubes and fins.

[0011] The present invention also provides a control method for a washing machine, used to control the operation of the washing machine, wherein a first temperature detection device is provided at the bottom of the drum, and the control method includes: an acquisition step, wherein when the washing machine has finished washing clothes and needs to drain, the water temperature T1 inside the drum is acquired; and a judgment execution step, wherein when T1≥Ta, both of the shielding components are switched to the first position, the fan is turned on, and the hot water after washing flows through the heat exchanger, wherein Ta is a preset temperature value.

[0012] In some embodiments, when the washing machine includes a heating device and a receiving cavity, a second temperature detection device is provided in the receiving cavity; and when both of the shielding components are in the first position, a third temperature detection device is provided in the circulating air duct outside the heating air duct; when the washing machine is running in drying mode, the temperature T inside the receiving cavity is acquired. Z The temperature T inside the circulating air duct outside the heating air duct. J When T Z >T J At that time, both of the shielding components are switched to the second position, and the heating device is controlled to operate.

[0013] In some implementations, when T Z ≤T J At that time, both of the aforementioned blocking components are switched to the third position.

[0014] This invention provides a washing machine and its control method. When both shielding components are in the first position, the heating air duct is a relatively sealed space. After washing, when the hot wash water flows through the heat exchanger, the fan is turned on, and the air in the heating air duct exchanges heat with the heat exchanger. That is, the hot water after washing heats the air in the heating air duct as it flows through the heat exchanger, effectively recovering the heat of the hot water after washing, thereby reducing heat and energy waste. Next, after heat recovery is complete and cold water is refilled into the washing machine to rinse the clothes, the washing machine is controlled to run in drying mode, releasing the recovered heat in the heating air duct into the airflow circulation loop. This increases the initial drying temperature of the air in the airflow circulation loop, thereby improving the dehumidification efficiency in the early drying stage and shortening the drying time. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the heat exchanger of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the heat recovery process of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the process of drying clothes in a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0020] 1. Drum; 2. Fan; 3. Heating device; 4. Heat exchanger; 41. Heat exchange tube; 42. Fin; 5. Shielding component; 6. Heating air duct; 7. Receiving cavity; 8. Second temperature detection device; 9. Third temperature detection device; 10. Air inlet duct; 11. Air return duct. Detailed Implementation

[0021] See also Figures 1 to 4As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a washing machine is provided, including: a drum 1 and a circulating air duct. The circulating air duct and the drum 1 are connected to form an airflow circulation loop. A fan 2, a heat exchanger 4, and two spaced-apart shielding components 5 are respectively arranged in the circulating air duct. Both shielding components 5 have a first position to shield the circulating air duct so that the airflow circulation loop is in a non-connected state. When both shielding components 5 are in the first position, the circulating air duct between the two shielding components 5 is a heating air duct 6. The fan 2 and the heat exchanger 4 are both located in the heating air duct 6. After the washing of clothes is completed, the hot washing water discharged flows through the heat exchanger 4 to realize heat exchange between the heat exchanger 4 and the air in the heating air duct 6. In this technical solution, when both shielding components 5 are in the first position, the heating duct 6 is a relatively enclosed space. When the hot washing water flows through the heat exchanger 4 after washing, the fan 2 is turned on, and the air in the heating duct 6 exchanges heat with the heat exchanger 4. That is, the hot water after washing heats the air in the heating duct 6 as it flows through the heat exchanger 4, which is equivalent to recovering the heat of the hot water after washing, thereby reducing heat and energy waste. Next, after the heat recovery is completed and cold water is refilled into the washing machine to rinse the clothes, the washing machine is controlled to run the drying mode and release the recovered heat in the heating duct 6 into the airflow circulation loop. This can increase the initial drying temperature of the air in the airflow circulation loop, thereby improving the dehumidification efficiency in the early stage of drying and shortening the drying time. Since the clothes need to be rinsed after washing, the cold water entering the drum 1 during rinsing will come into full contact with the air in the airflow circulation loop, causing the air temperature in the airflow circulation loop to drop. Therefore, when recovering heat, both shielding components 5 need to be in the first position to make the heating air duct 6 a sealed space, thereby preventing heat exchange between the cold water during rinsing and the air in the heating air duct 6. The discharged hot washing water can be pumped to the heat exchanger 4 by a water pump.

[0022] Specifically, the washing machine also includes a receiving cavity 7, in which a heat exchanger 4 is installed. When both shielding components 5 are in the first position, the receiving cavity 7 and the heating air duct 6 are connected and together form a closed space. The heat collected in the heating air duct 6 is released into the airflow circulation loop, or when the washing machine is running in drying mode, the fan 2 is in operation. If the heat exchanger 4 is installed in the circulation air duct, it will increase additional wind resistance, resulting in a reduction in system airflow. Installing the heat exchanger 4 in the receiving cavity 7, which is independent of the circulation air duct, solves this problem. Simultaneously, the connection between the receiving cavity 7 and the heating air duct 6 ensures that the heat from the hot water in the heat exchanger 4 can be recovered into the heating air duct 6.

[0023] See also Figure 1As shown, the shielding component 5 also has a second position. When both shielding components 5 are in the second position, the airflow circulation loop is connected, and the receiving cavity 7 is connected to the heating air duct 6. When the washing machine is running the drying mode, it is necessary to control the two shielding components 5 to switch from the first position to the second position respectively. This allows all the heat recovered in the receiving cavity 7 and the heating air duct 6 to be released into the airflow circulation loop, thereby increasing the air temperature inside the drum 1 during the early drying stage.

[0024] See also Figure 1 As shown, the shielding component 5 also has a third position. When both shielding components 5 are in the third position, the airflow circulation loop is connected, and the receiving cavity 7 is not connected to the heating duct 6. When the heated air in the receiving cavity 7 mixes evenly with the air in the circulation duct, and the air temperature in the receiving cavity 7 is less than or equal to the air temperature in the circulation duct, the shielding component 5 should be switched to the third position in time to disconnect the receiving cavity 7 from the heating duct 6. This is because the receiving cavity 7 can no longer supply heat to the circulation duct at this time, and the connection between the receiving cavity 7 and the heating duct 6 would create air resistance, so it is necessary to cut off the connection between the receiving cavity 7 and the heating duct 6.

[0025] See also Figure 1 As shown, the receiving cavity 7 and the heating air duct 6 are connected through two outlets, and two shielding components 5 are rotatably installed at the two outlets respectively. The shielding component 5 can switch between the first position, the second position, and the third position simply by rotating around its first end as an axis upward, downward, and towards the center. This design is simple and practical. The power for the shielding component 5 to rotate comes from the drive of a motor.

[0026] As a specific implementation method, a heating device 3 is also provided in the heating air duct 6. The heating device 3 is used to heat the air in the circulating air duct to dry clothes.

[0027] See also Figure 2 As shown, heat exchanger 4 consists of heat exchange tubes 31 and fins 42. Hot water that needs to be discharged after washing flows through the heat exchange tubes 31, allowing the heat from the hot water to be recovered through heat exchange. The fins 32 can increase the heat exchange area and improve heat exchange efficiency.

[0028] This invention also provides a control method for a washing machine, used to control the operation of the washing machine. A first temperature detection device is provided at the bottom of the drum. The control method includes: an acquisition step, in which the water temperature T1 inside the drum is acquired when the washing machine needs to drain after washing clothes; and a judgment and execution step, in which when T1 ≥ Ta, both shielding components are switched to the first position, the fan is turned on, and the hot water after washing flows through the heat exchanger, wherein Ta is a preset temperature value. The preset temperature value Ta is 30℃. When the water temperature T1 inside the drum 1 is greater than or equal to 30℃, it indicates that the water inside the drum 1 has been heated during the washing process, and the heat of this part of the hot water can be recovered after washing. By controlling the discharged hot water to flow through the heat exchanger 4, controlling both shielding components 5 to switch to the first position, and controlling the fan 2 to turn on, the heat of the hot washing water can be recovered. Preferably, the first temperature detection device is a temperature sensor.

[0029] Figure 3 The diagram shows the heat recovery process of the washing machine. The drum (inside drum 1) and the baffle (inside shielding component 5) are shown. When the baffle is rotated to the top, shielding component 5 is switched to its first position. At the start of the drainage process, it simultaneously detects whether the water in the drum is heated, specifically whether the temperature of the hot water to be discharged after washing is greater than 30°C. If the water temperature is less than 30°C, the water in the drum is discharged directly. When the water temperature is greater than or equal to 30°C, heat recovery is initiated. Both baffles are rotated to the top, fan 2 is turned on, and the water in the drum is discharged through heat exchange pipe 41. After drainage is complete, fan 2 is turned off, and the drainage process ends.

[0030] In this embodiment, the circulating air duct between the shielding component 5 and the roller 1 downstream of the airflow generated when the fan 2 is working is the inlet air duct 10, and the circulating air duct between the shielding component 5 and the roller 1 upstream of the airflow generated when the fan 2 is working is the return air duct 11. Preferably, the third temperature detection device 9 is installed inside the inlet air duct 10. When T Z >T J When the heat recovery process is performed before drying, the washing machine operates in drying mode. The control shield 5 switches to the second position, allowing air circulation in the receiving cavity 7 and the circulating air duct. The hot air from the receiving cavity 7, after heat recovery, mixes with the air in the circulating air duct and enters the drum 1 through the air inlet duct 10 for pre-drying temperature rise. Simultaneously, the fan 2 is turned on, and the heating device 3 starts working to continuously dry the clothes in the drum 1. Preferably, both the second temperature detection device 8 and the third temperature detection device 9 are temperature sensors.

[0031] Specifically, the temperature T inside the cavity 7 is continuously acquired. Z The temperature T inside the air intake duct 10 J After a period of mixing, if T appears... Z ≤T JThis indicates that the temperature inside the receiving cavity 7 is no longer higher than the temperature inside the air inlet duct 10, and the receiving cavity 7 can no longer provide heat. The heat exchanger 4 inside the receiving cavity 7 will instead increase the air resistance. At this time, both shielding components 5 need to be switched to the third position, and the fan 2 and heating device 3 in the circulating air duct will continue to dry the clothes.

[0032] Figure 4 The diagram shows the process of a washing machine drying clothes. The drying system is the heating device 3, and the baffle is the shielding component 5. When the baffle is rotated to the bottom, the shielding component 5 switches to the second position; when it is rotated to the middle, the shielding component 5 switches to the third position. When the drying process begins, T is determined... Z and T J The size relationship between them, when T is not satisfied Z ≤T J When T is met, it indicates that the washing machine has performed heat recovery before drying. The control baffle is turned to the bottom, fan 2 is turned on, and the drying system starts working, using the recovered heat for drying, improving dehumidification efficiency in the early stages of drying and shortening drying time. Z ≤T J When the temperature reaches a certain point, it indicates that the receiving cavity 7 can no longer provide heat. At this time, the control baffle turns to the middle, the fan 2 turns on, and the drying system starts working, drying the clothes separately. After the clothes are dried, the control system stops working, the fan 2 turns off, and the entire drying process ends.

[0033] It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the aforementioned advantageous methods can be freely combined and superimposed without conflict.

[0034] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention. The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A laundry machine characterized by, The laundry dryer comprises a drum (1) and a circulating air duct, the circulating air duct and the drum (1) are communicated and form an air flow circulating loop, a fan (2), a heat exchanger (4) and two spaced apart blocking components (5) are arranged in the circulating air duct respectively, the two blocking components (5) each have a first position in which the circulating air duct is blocked so that the air flow circulating loop is in a disconnected state, when the two blocking components (5) are both in the first position, the circulating air duct between the two blocking components (5) is a temperature rising air duct (6), the fan (2) and the heat exchanger (4) are both in the temperature rising air duct (6), and hot washing water discharged after washing laundry flows through the heat exchanger (4) to realize heat exchange between the heat exchanger (4) and air in the temperature rising air duct (6). The laundry dryer further comprises a containing cavity (7), the heat exchanger (4) is installed in the containing cavity (7), and the containing cavity (7) and the temperature rising air duct (6) are communicated and jointly form a closed space when the two blocking components (5) are both in the first position. The blocking component (5) further has a second position, when the two blocking components (5) are both in the second position, the air flow circulating loop is in a connected state, and the containing cavity (7) is communicated with the temperature rising air duct (6). Before the laundry dryer operates in a drying mode, the two blocking components (5) are both in the first position, and when the laundry dryer operates in the drying mode, the two blocking components (5) are both in the second position.

2. A laundry washing machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that The blocking component (5) further has a third position, when the two blocking components (5) are both in the third position, the air flow circulating loop is in a connected state, and the containing cavity (7) is not communicated with the temperature rising air duct (6).

3. A laundry washing machine according to Claim 2, characterized in that The containing cavity (7) and the temperature rising air duct (6) are communicated through two outlets, the two blocking components (5) are rotatably arranged at the two outlets respectively, and the blocking component (5) can be controlled to rotate around a first end of the blocking component (5) to switch between the first position, the second position and the third position.

4. A laundry machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature rising air duct (6) further comprises a heating device (3).

5. The laundry machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchanger (4) is composed of a heat exchange pipe (41) and a fin (42).

6. A control method of a laundry machine, characterized by, A control method for controlling the laundry dryer as claimed in claim 3, a first temperature detection device is arranged at a bottom of the drum (1), and the control method comprises the following steps: An acquisition step, when the laundry dryer needs to drain water after washing laundry, the water temperature T1 in the drum (1) is acquired; A judgment and execution step, when T1≥Ta, the two blocking components (5) are controlled to switch to the first position, the fan (2) is controlled to be turned on, and hot water after washing is controlled to flow through the heat exchanger (4), wherein Ta is a preset temperature value.

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized by When the washing machine includes a heating device (3) and a receiving cavity (7), a second temperature detection device (8) is provided in the receiving cavity (7). When both of the shielding components (5) are in the first position, a third temperature detection device (9) is provided in the circulating air duct outside the heating air duct (6). When the washing machine is running in drying mode, the temperature T in the receiving cavity (7) is obtained. Z The temperature T in the circulating air duct outside the heating air duct (6) J When T Z >T J At that time, both of the shielding components (5) are switched to the second position, and the heating device (3) is operated.

8. The control method according to claim 7, characterized by, When T Z ≤ T J , both of the two said shielding components (5) are controlled to switch to the third position.

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