A washing machine and a control method thereof

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of washing machines, and discloses a washing machine and a control method thereof. The washing machine comprises a water containing cylinder, a filtering device for receiving water in the water containing cylinder to filter, and a sewage outlet for discharging filtered impurities outward; an external discharge pipeline for discharging water outside the washing machine; a switching device for controlling the filtering device and the external discharge pipeline to be in communication with the water containing cylinder alternatively; and a recovery device in communication with the sewage outlet of the filtering device and used for collecting filtered impurities discharged by the filtering device. The washing machine is provided with the switching device, the communication direction of the water pipeline can be controlled through the switching device, water can be guided to the filtering device and discharged outward, and the two purposes share part of the pipeline, so that the pipeline distribution structure inside the washing machine is simplified and the installation difficulty is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] During the washing process, friction between clothes and between clothes and the washing machine itself causes lint to shed and mix into the wash water. If this lint isn't removed, it may adhere to the clothes after washing, affecting the cleaning effect. Therefore, modern washing machines are equipped with lint filters that continuously pass the wash water through the filter during the washing process to remove the lint.

[0003] The filters in most washing machines are located inside the inner drum or drain pump to remove lint and debris from the wash water. However, after prolonged use, these filters become clogged with lint and debris, affecting their filtration efficiency, clogging the drain valve / pump, and easily breeding bacteria. Timely cleaning is essential to prevent contamination of the wash water, causing secondary pollution of clothes and impacting user health. However, most washing machines require users to remove the filter for manual cleaning, which is inconvenient.

[0004] Meanwhile, for solutions where the filter is placed inside the drain pump or outside the outer drum, a circulation pipe for washing water circulation needs to be installed in the washing machine to achieve the circulation and filtration of washing water. This makes the internal water circuit structure of the washing machine more complex and may even occupy a large space inside the washing machine, affecting the volume of clothes that the washing machine can hold.

[0005] On the other hand, some filters, designed to prevent lint from clogging the filter pores, typically have larger pore sizes. However, this can result in some fine lint from clothing not being filtered out, causing it to stick to the garment and negatively impacting the user experience. Some of this lint may even be carried away by the water flow, entering the ecological cycle and ultimately affecting human health.

[0006] Due to the aforementioned problems, existing technologies have proposed self-cleaning filters. These filters use rinsing or vibration to dislodge lint and other debris from the filter, which then flows into the washing machine's drain pipe along with the rinse water and is discharged from the washing machine. However, in these solutions, the lint washed off directly enters the washing machine's drain water, thus still entering the ecological cycle and posing a threat to human health.

[0007] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a washing machine and its control method. The washing machine is equipped with a switching device to control the connection mode of the water circuit, thereby controlling the direction of water flow. This can realize the guiding of water to the filter device and the drainage of water to the outside of the washing machine, without having to set up two completely independent water circuits. This simplifies the internal pipe distribution structure of the washing machine. At the same time, the filtered impurities can be discharged into the recycling device for collection instead of being directly discharged with the washing machine drainage, reducing the possibility of fine lint entering the ecological cycle with the water flow.

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0010] A washing machine, comprising:

[0011] water container,

[0012] The filtration device receives water from the water tank for filtration and has a drain outlet to discharge filtered impurities.

[0013] External drainage pipe is used to drain water to the outside of the washing machine;

[0014] A switching device controls the filter device and the external discharge pipe to be connected to the water tank;

[0015] The recovery device is connected to the drain outlet of the filter device and is used to collect the filtered impurities discharged from the filter device.

[0016] Further, the switching device is a switching valve assembly, comprising:

[0017] The water inlet is connected to the water container via a pipeline;

[0018] The first water outlet is connected to the filter device;

[0019] The second outlet is connected to the external discharge pipeline;

[0020] The switching mechanism controls the first and second water outlets to connect with the water inlet.

[0021] Furthermore, a circulation pump is installed between the water inlet of the switching valve assembly and the water tank;

[0022] Preferably, the water tank is provided with a water tank drain pipe, which is connected to the water inlet of the circulating pump; the water outlet of the circulating pump is connected to a drain pipe, which is connected to the water inlet of the switching valve assembly.

[0023] Furthermore, the switching device is a circulating drainage pump, comprising:

[0024] The pump body is equipped with a pump inlet connected to the water tank, a circulating water inlet connected to the filter device, and a drain outlet connected to the external discharge pipeline.

[0025] The circulating motor is installed on the pump body at the position corresponding to the circulating water inlet, and controls the opening and closing of the circulating water inlet;

[0026] The drain motor is installed on the pump body at the position corresponding to the drain outlet, and controls the opening and closing of the drain outlet.

[0027] Furthermore, a water tank drain pipe is provided on the water tank, and the water tank drain pipe is connected to the pump inlet; the circulating water inlet is connected to the filter device through a circulating pipeline, and the drain outlet is connected to the external discharge pipeline through a drain pipeline.

[0028] Furthermore, the pump body includes:

[0029] The pump body is a hollow cylindrical structure of a certain length, with one end closed and the pump inlet provided on the side wall of the other end;

[0030] The circulating motor mounting part is located on the side wall near the closed end of the pump body, and has a circulating motor mounting port that communicates with the inside of the pump body. The orientation of the circulating motor mounting port is perpendicular to the length direction of the pump body, and the circulating water inlet is located on the side wall of the circulating motor mounting part.

[0031] A drainage motor mounting part is provided at one end of the pump body where the pump inlet is located. It has a drainage motor mounting port that communicates with the inside of the pump body. The orientation of the drainage motor mounting port is parallel to the length direction of the pump body. The drainage port is provided on the side wall of the drainage motor mounting part.

[0032] Preferably, the pump inlet and the circulating water outlet are oriented parallel to each other, and the outlet is oriented perpendicular to the pump inlet.

[0033] Furthermore, the filtration device also has a filtered water outlet for discharging filtered water, the filtered water outlet being connected to a water tank via a return water pipe, and a return water control valve for controlling the opening and closing of the return water pipe is provided on the return water pipe.

[0034] The drain outlet of the filter device is connected to the recycling device through a drain pipe, and a drain control valve is installed on the drain pipe to control the opening and closing of the drain pipe.

[0035] Furthermore, the recycling device includes:

[0036] The shell has an internal recovery chamber;

[0037] A filter assembly is disposed within the recovery chamber, dividing the recovery chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber;

[0038] The drain outlet of the filtration device is connected to the first chamber. Wastewater carrying filtered impurities enters the first chamber, is filtered by the filtration assembly, and then enters the second chamber. The filtered impurities are collected in the first chamber.

[0039] Another object of the present invention is to provide a control method for the washing machine described above, wherein the switching device connects the water tank and the filter device, and the water in the water tank is passed into the filter device;

[0040] The switching device connects the water tank and the external drain pipe, allowing the water in the water tank to be discharged from the washing machine through the external drain pipe.

[0041] Furthermore, the filtration device has a filtered water outlet, which is connected to the water tank via a return water pipe, and a return water control valve is installed on the return water pipe;

[0042] The sewage outlet of the filter device is connected to the recycling device through a sewage pipe, and a sewage control valve is installed on the sewage pipe.

[0043] The switching device connects the water tank and the filter device, the return water control valve is opened to connect the return water pipeline, and the sewage control valve is closed. The water in the water tank is passed into the filter device for filtration, and the filtered water returns to the water tank through the return water pipeline.

[0044] The switching device connects the water tank and the filter device, closes the return water control valve, opens the sewage control valve to connect the sewage pipe, and the water in the water tank is fed into the filter device. After cleaning the filter device, the water is discharged into the recycling device through the sewage pipe.

[0045] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0046] In this invention, water in the washing machine's water tank can either flow into a filter or be directly discharged from the washing machine. A switching device controls the connection between the filter and the external drain pipe to the washing machine's water tank, thereby controlling the flow direction of the water exiting the tank. This eliminates the hassle of having two completely independent water paths, simplifying the internal piping structure of the washing machine. Simultaneously, lint and other impurities filtered out by the filter are collected in a recycling device instead of being directly discharged with the washing machine's water flow, preventing fine lint from entering the ecological cycle and harming the environment and human health.

[0047] In this invention, the direction of water flow is controlled by a switching valve assembly, which is simple in structure and easy to implement. At the same time, only one circulation pump is set in the washing machine, which can work with the switching valve assembly to achieve two functions: guiding water to the filter device and draining water to the outside of the washing machine, thus reducing production costs.

[0048] In this invention, by setting up a circulating drainage pump with an integrated structure to control the connection direction of the water circuit, the number of pumps used is reduced compared to the scheme of setting up circulating pumps and drainage pumps separately, thereby saving installation space and reducing installation difficulty.

[0049] In this invention, a return water control valve and a drain control valve are used to control the opening and closing of the return water pipeline and the drain pipeline, respectively, thereby controlling the water outlet direction of the filtration device and ensuring that the water in the filtration device flows out from the corresponding outlet, thus achieving the circulation filtration of washing water and the discharge of filtered impurities. A filtration assembly is installed in the recovery device to filter the wastewater carrying filtered impurities discharged from the filtration device, thereby separating the filtered impurities from the water and collecting them in the internal first chamber, preventing filtered impurities from being discharged with the water flow and entering the ecological cycle of the washing machine.

[0050] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0051] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the washing machine in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 2 This is the present invention. Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0054] Figure 3 This is the present invention. Figure 1 Enlarged view of point B in the middle;

[0055] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the washing machine's drainage state in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the washing machine filtering washing water in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the circulating motor in the washing machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention when it is turned on;

[0058] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the drain motor in the washing machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention when it is turned on;

[0059] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the pump body structure in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the filtration device in Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 10 This is the present invention. Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the CC section.

[0062] In the diagram: 10. Box body; 100. Water tank; 110. Window gasket; 210. Drainage pipe; 220. Circulation pipe; 230. Return water pipe; 231. Return water control valve; 240. Sewage pipe; 241. Sewage control valve; 250. External discharge pipe; 260. Water tank drain pipe; 270. Switching valve assembly; 300. Detergent box; 400. Circulation pump; 500. Recovery device; 501. Filter impurities; 510. Shell; 520. Filter assembly; 531. First chamber; 532. Second chamber;

[0063] 600. Filter device; 601. First limiting surface; 602. Second limiting surface; 603. Third limiting surface; 604. Fourth limiting surface; 605. Fifth limiting surface; 606. Sixth limiting surface; 610. Filter chamber; 6101. Water inlet; 6102. Filtered water outlet; 6103. Sewage outlet; 6104. Mounting port; 611. Sealing support; 612. Sleeve; 613. Reinforcing rib; 620. 621. Filter mechanism; 622. Water outlet connector; 623. Rotating support; 624. Filter screen support; 625. Motor mounting part; 636. Filter screen; 641. First bearing; 642. Second bearing; 643. First seal; 644. Second seal; 645. Third seal; 656. Filter chamber flange; 657. Connecting part; 658. Insertion part; 659. Through port; 660. Drive mechanism;

[0064] 700. Circulating drainage pump; 701. Circulating motor; 702. Drainage motor; 710. Pump body; 711. Circulating motor mounting part; 712. Drainage motor mounting part; 713. Pump body; 721. Circulating water inlet; 722. Drain outlet; 723. Pump inlet.

[0065] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0066] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0067] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0068] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0069] Example 1

[0070] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the washing machine described in this embodiment includes:

[0071] Water container 100,

[0072] The filter device 600 receives water from the water tank 100 for filtration and has a drain outlet 6103 for discharging filtered impurities 501.

[0073] The external drain pipe 250 is used to drain water to the outside of the washing machine.

[0074] The switching device controls the filter device 600 and the external discharge pipe 250 to be connected to the water tank 100;

[0075] The recovery device 500 is connected to the drain port 6103 of the filter device 600 and is used to collect the filtered impurities 501 discharged by the filter device 600.

[0076] In the above scheme, a switching device is installed inside the washing machine to control the flow direction of water discharged from the water tank 100. When the switching device connects the water tank 100 to the filter device 600, the water in the water tank 100 can flow into the filter device 600; when the switching device connects the water tank 100 to the external drain pipe 250, the water in the water tank 100 can be directly discharged from the washing machine through the external drain pipe 250. Through this arrangement, the washing machine does not need to have two completely independent drainage and circulation water circuits; instead, the drainage and circulation water circuits can share a portion of the pipe structure, simplifying the internal pipe distribution structure of the washing machine and saving installation space.

[0077] The filter device 600 of this embodiment has the function of automatically cleaning the filtered impurities 501, and can discharge the filtered impurities 501 through the drain port 6103. The discharged filtered impurities 501 can be collected by the recycling device 500, and will not be directly discharged into the drain water of the washing machine, thus avoiding the situation where the fine lint in the filtered impurities 501 enters the ecological cycle with the drain water, which would harm the ecological environment and human health.

[0078] In the specific embodiment of this invention, the switching device is a switching valve assembly 270, comprising:

[0079] The water inlet is connected to the water container 100 via a pipeline;

[0080] The first water outlet is connected to the filter device 600;

[0081] The second outlet is connected to the external drainage pipe 250.

[0082] The switching mechanism controls the first and second water outlets to connect with the water inlet.

[0083] A circulation pump 400 is installed between the inlet of the switching valve assembly 270 and the water tank 100.

[0084] In detail, a water tank drain pipe 260 is provided on the water tank 100, and the water tank drain pipe 260 is connected to the water inlet of the circulation pump 400. The water outlet of the circulation pump 400 is connected to the drain pipe 210, and the drain pipe 210 is connected to the water inlet of the switching valve assembly 270.

[0085] The filter device 600 is provided with an inlet 6101. The first outlet of the switching valve assembly 270 is connected to the circulation pipe 220, which is connected to the inlet 6101 of the filter device 600. The second outlet of the switching valve assembly 270 is directly connected to the outflow pipe 250.

[0086] In the above solution, the switching valve assembly 270 is used as the switching device to control the water flow direction. It has a simple structure, low production cost, and is easy to install. In this embodiment, the filter device 600 is located above the water tank 100, and the external discharge pipe 250 is also located in the upper area of ​​the washing machine. Therefore, a circulation pump 400 is needed to transport the water in the water tank 100 upwards along the pipe. By setting the switching valve assembly 270 downstream of the circulation pump 400 to control the water flow direction, only one circulation pump 400 is needed inside the washing machine to achieve both guiding water to the filter device 600 and draining water externally, reducing the number of pumps used and lowering production costs.

[0087] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, after the circulation pump 400 is turned on, the control switching device connects the water tank 100 and the filter device 600, that is, the control switching mechanism in the switching valve assembly 270 connects the inlet and the first outlet, so that the water in the water tank 100 can be passed into the filter device 600.

[0088] Furthermore, after the water flowing into the filter device 600 cleans the filter device 600, it is discharged into the recovery device 500 along with the filtered impurities 501.

[0089] like Figure 4 As shown, after the circulation pump 400 is turned on, the control switching device connects the water tank 100 and the external discharge pipe 250, that is, the control switching mechanism in the switching valve assembly 270 is activated to connect the water inlet and the second water outlet, so that the water in the water tank 100 can be discharged from the washing machine through the external discharge pipe 250.

[0090] In a further embodiment, the filtration device 600 also has a filtered water outlet 6102 for discharging filtered water. The filtered water outlet 6102 is connected to the water tank 100 via a return water pipe 230. A return water control valve 231 is provided on the return water pipe 230 to control the opening and closing of the return water pipe 230. The outlet end of the return water pipe 230 is connected to a window gasket 110 located at the opening of the water tank 100, and the filtered water enters the water tank 100 through the window gasket 110.

[0091] The drain outlet 6103 of the filter device 600 is connected to the recovery device 500 through the drain pipe 240, and a drain control valve 241 is installed on the drain pipe 240 to control the opening and closing of the drain pipe 240.

[0092] Specifically, in this embodiment, the filtration device 600 includes:

[0093] The filter chamber 610 is provided with a water inlet 6101, a filtered water outlet 6102 and a sewage outlet 6103.

[0094] The filter mechanism 620 is located inside the filter chamber 610, dividing the interior of the filter chamber 610 into an inner chamber and an outer chamber, and has a water outlet connector 621 that communicates with the filtered water outlet 6102.

[0095] When the filter device 600 filters water, the water to be filtered enters the outer cavity of the filter chamber 610 through the inlet 6101, is filtered by the filter mechanism 620, enters the inner cavity, and then flows out through the outlet 621 and is discharged from the filter device 600 through the filtered water outlet 6102. The filtered impurities 501 filtered from the water adhere to the outer surface of the filter mechanism 620. When it is necessary to clean the inside of the filter device 600, water can be passed into the filter chamber 610 through the inlet 6101. The filtered impurities 501 adhering to the surface of the filter mechanism 620 are peeled off and incorporated into the water flow in the outer cavity, and discharged together with the water flow through the drain outlet 6103.

[0096] By controlling the opening and closing states of the return water control valve 231 and the drain control valve 241, the flow of the return water pipe 230 and the drain pipe 240 can be controlled, which is equivalent to controlling the opening and closing of the filtered water outlet 6102 and the drain outlet 6103 on the filter device 600. This allows control of the water outlet direction of the filter device 600, ensuring that the water entering the filter device 600 flows out from the corresponding outlet, thereby achieving the circulation filtration of the washing water and the discharge of filtered impurities 501.

[0097] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, after the circulation pump 400 is turned on, the control switching device connects the water tank 100 and the circulation pipeline 220, and at the same time, the return water control valve 231 is opened to connect the return water pipeline 230, the sewage discharge control valve 241 is closed, the water in the water tank 100 is passed into the filter device 600 for filtration, and the filtered water returns to the water tank 100 through the return water pipeline 230.

[0098] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, when the circulating pump 400 is in the open state, the control switching device connects the water tank 100 and the circulating pipeline 220, closes the return water control valve 231, and at the same time opens the sewage control valve 241 to connect the sewage pipeline 240. The water in the water tank 100 is fed into the filter device 600, and after cleaning the filter device 600, it is discharged into the recovery device 500 through the sewage pipeline 240.

[0099] In this embodiment, a switching device, specifically a switching valve assembly 270, is used to control the connection mode of the water circuit inside the washing machine, thereby controlling the flow direction of the water discharged from the water tank 100. This simplifies the internal piping structure of the washing machine and facilitates installation. Simultaneously, a circulating pump 400, in conjunction with the switching valve assembly 270, can achieve both guiding water to the filter device 600 and draining water to the outside of the washing machine, reducing production costs. The filter device 600 is connected to a return water pipe 230 connected to the water tank 100 and a drain pipe 240 connected to the recycling device 500. Control valves are installed on both pipes to control their on / off states, thereby controlling the water discharge direction of the filter device 600 and ensuring that the filter device 600 drains water through the corresponding outlet, thus achieving the functions of filtering washing water and self-cleaning.

[0100] Example 2

[0101] like Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment described above is that the switching device is a circulating drainage pump 700, specifically including:

[0102] The pump body 710 is provided with a pump inlet 723 connected to the water tank 100, a circulating water outlet 721 connected to the filter device 600, and a drain outlet 722 connected to the external discharge pipe 250.

[0103] The circulating motor 701 is installed on the pump body 710 at a position corresponding to the circulating water inlet 721, and controls the opening and closing of the circulating water inlet 721.

[0104] The drain motor 702 is installed on the pump body 710 at a position corresponding to the drain outlet 722, and controls the opening and closing of the drain outlet 722.

[0105] In the above solution, an integrated circulating drain pump 700 is used as a switching device. When the circulating motor 701 is turned on, water in the water tank 100 is drawn into the pump body 710 through the pump inlet 723, and then pumped out from the circulating water outlet 721, thereby sending the water into the circulating pipeline 220 and delivering it to the filter device 600. When the drain motor 702 is turned on, the water drawn into the pump body 710 is pumped out from the drain outlet 722 and sent into the external drain pipeline 250, and then discharged from the washing machine. This method reduces the number of water pumps used inside the washing machine, thereby saving installation space and reducing installation difficulty.

[0106] In a further embodiment, a water tank drain pipe 260 is provided on the water tank 100, and the water tank drain pipe 260 is connected to the pump inlet 723. The circulating water inlet 721 is connected to the filter device 600 through the circulating pipe 220, and the drain outlet 722 is connected to the external discharge pipe 250 through the drain pipe 210.

[0107] In this embodiment, the pump body 710 of the circulating drainage pump 700 specifically includes:

[0108] The pump body 713 is a hollow columnar structure with a certain length, with one end closed and the pump inlet 723 provided on the side wall of the other end.

[0109] The circulating motor mounting part 711 is provided on the side wall near the closed end of the pump body 713, and has a circulating motor mounting port communicating with the inside of the pump body 713. The orientation of the circulating motor mounting port is perpendicular to the length direction of the pump body 713. The circulating water inlet 721 is provided on the side wall of the circulating motor mounting part 711.

[0110] The drainage motor mounting part 712 is located at one end of the pump body 713 where the pump inlet 723 is located. It has a drainage motor mounting port that communicates with the inside of the pump body 713. The orientation of the drainage motor mounting port is parallel to the length direction of the pump body 713. The drainage outlet 722 is located on the side wall of the drainage motor mounting part 712.

[0111] Preferably, the pump inlet 723 and the circulating water outlet 721 are oriented parallel to each other, and the outlet 722 is oriented perpendicular to the pump inlet 723.

[0112] In detail, the output end of the circulating motor 701 is located inside the circulating motor mounting part 711 and is connected to a circulating pump wheel. The circulating water inlet 721 is located on the outer periphery of the circulating pump wheel. When the circulating motor 701 is turned on, it drives the circulating pump wheel to rotate, and the water that has entered the pump body 713 is pumped out through the circulating water inlet 721.

[0113] Similarly, the output end of the drainage motor 702 is located inside the drainage motor mounting part 712 and is connected to a drainage pump wheel, with the drain outlet 722 located on the outer periphery of the drainage pump wheel. When the drainage motor 702 is turned on, it drives the drainage pump wheel to rotate, pumping out the water that has entered the pump body 713 through the drain outlet 722.

[0114] In this embodiment, an integrated circulating drain pump 700 is installed inside the washing machine. By controlling the opening and closing of the circulating motor 701 and the drain motor 702 respectively, the circulating drain pump 700 can be controlled to deliver water flow in different directions, thereby controlling the washing machine to guide water to the filter device 600 or drain water externally. By reducing the number of water pumps used, the installation space inside the washing machine is saved, production costs are reduced, and the control logic of the washing machine is simple and easy to implement.

[0115] Example 3

[0116] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment is a further limitation of the first embodiment described above. The recycling device 500 includes:

[0117] The housing 510 has a recovery chamber inside;

[0118] A filter assembly 520 is disposed in the recovery chamber, dividing the recovery chamber into a first chamber 531 and a second chamber 532.

[0119] The drain outlet 6103 of the filter device 600 is connected to the first chamber 531. Wastewater carrying filter impurities 501 enters the first chamber 531, is filtered by the filter assembly 520, and then enters the second chamber 532. The filter impurities 501 are collected in the first chamber 531.

[0120] Specifically, the filter assembly 520 can be a frame horizontally positioned at a certain height within the recovery chamber and a filter screen laid on the frame. After wastewater carrying filtered impurities 501 enters the first chamber 531, the water can pass through the filter assembly 520 into the second chamber 532. The filtered impurities 501 are blocked by the filter screen and remain on the upper surface of the filter assembly 520. The housing 510 is insertable / removable and mounted on the washing machine's casing 10, with an opening on the upper side. The user can remove the housing 510 from the casing 10 to clean the filtered impurities 501 adhering to the upper surface of the filter assembly 520.

[0121] Preferably, a water outlet is provided on the second chamber 532 to drain the clean water entering the second chamber 532, preventing excessive sewage from overflowing from the recycling device 500. Simultaneously, when the user pulls the housing 510 out of the casing 10, they only need to clean the filter impurities 501 on the filter assembly 520. When the filter assembly 520 is detachably connected to the housing 510, it can be directly removed for cleaning without completely removing the housing 510 from the washing machine and manually emptying the water from the second chamber 532, making operation more convenient.

[0122] Specifically, the water outlet on the second chamber 532 can be connected to the main water inlet pipe of the washing machine via a pipe, for example, to the detergent dispenser 300 of the washing machine. Alternatively, the water outlet of the second chamber 532 can be directly connected to the water tank 100 via a pipe, so that the clean water after filtering out the impurities 501 can be introduced into the water tank 100 for reuse. Alternatively, the water outlet can be connected to the washing machine's external drain pipe 250 via a pipe, so that the water after filtering out the impurities 501 is incorporated into the washing machine's drain flow and discharged together. Since the impurities 501 have been removed when passing through the filter assembly 520, there is no situation where the impurities 501, especially the fine lint, are discharged with the drain flow, thus avoiding the problem of fine lint being mixed into the ecological cycle.

[0123] In this embodiment, the washing machine is equipped with a recycling device 500 to collect wastewater discharged from the filtration device 600. The recycling device 500 contains a filter assembly 520 to filter the wastewater discharged from the filtration device 600, thereby separating the filtered impurities 501 from the water. The clean water, after removing the filtered impurities 501, can be reused in the water tank 100, thus reducing the washing machine's water consumption, or it can be directly discharged into the drain, avoiding the direct discharge of fine lint and debris into the ecological cycle. The recycling device 500 is installed inside the washing machine's housing 10 in a drawer-like structure, facilitating user cleaning of the filtered impurities 501 filtered by the filter assembly 520.

[0124] Example 4

[0125] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment is a further limitation of the first embodiment described above. In the filter device 600, the filter mechanism 620 is rotatably installed inside the filter chamber 610. The filter device 600 also includes a drive mechanism 660 connected to the filter mechanism 620 for driving the filter mechanism 620 to rotate within the filter chamber 610. The drive mechanism 660 may be a motor.

[0126] In this embodiment, when the filter device 600 needs to be cleaned, the filter mechanism 620 is driven to rotate by the drive mechanism 660. The filter impurities attached to the surface of the filter mechanism 620 can be detached under the action of centrifugal force and discharged through the drain port 6103. When there is water in the filter chamber 610, the rotation of the filter mechanism 620 can also agitate the water in the filter chamber 610. The resulting turbulent water flow can further act on the surface of the filter mechanism 620, assisting in the removal of filter impurities.

[0127] The attached filter impurities are peeled off from the surface of the filter mechanism 620 under the combined action of centrifugal force and turbulent water flow, realizing the automatic cleaning of the filter device 600 in this embodiment. The user does not need to remove the filter device 600 for manual cleaning. At the same time, the removal rate of filter impurities is high and the cleaning effect is good.

[0128] Furthermore, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the outer periphery of the filtered water outlet 6102 on the filter chamber 610 extends outward to form a sealing support part 611. The water outlet connector 621 is provided at the left end of the filter mechanism 620, inserted into the sealing support part 611, and rotatably and sealingly connected to the sealing support part 611.

[0129] The filter device 600 also includes:

[0130] The first bearing 631 is sleeved on the water outlet connector 621;

[0131] The first seal 641 is disposed on the side of the first bearing 631 facing the inside of the filter chamber 610, and seals the gap between the water outlet connector 621 and the sealing support 611.

[0132] In detail, the filtration mechanism 620 includes a filter screen support and a filter screen 625, wherein the filter screen support includes:

[0133] The filter support 623 is located inside the filter chamber 610, and the filter 625 covers the surface of the filter support 623.

[0134] The water outlet connector 621 is located at the left end of the filter screen support 623 and is rotatably inserted into the sealing support 611.

[0135] The rotating support part 622 is located at the right end of the filter support part 623 and is rotatably connected to the filter chamber 610.

[0136] In the above scheme, a first bearing 631 is provided between the water outlet connector 621 and the sealing support part 611 to support the water outlet connector 621, making the rotation of the water outlet connector 621 within the sealing support part 611 smoother and ensuring structural stability, thus guaranteeing the stable rotation of the filter mechanism 620 within the filter chamber 610. A first seal 641 is provided on the right side of the first bearing 631, preventing washing water in the filter chamber 610 from entering the gap between the water outlet connector 621 and the sealing support part 611, preventing the first bearing 631 from contacting water, avoiding failure of the first bearing 631, and ensuring the effective functioning of the first bearing 631. At the same time, the first seal 641 also prevents unfiltered washing water from flowing out of the filtered water outlet 6102 through the sealing support part 611, which would affect the lint removal efficiency of the filter device 600.

[0137] In the specific embodiment, the first sealing member 641 is sleeved on the water outlet connector 621, the inner wall of the first sealing member 641 is sealed to the outer wall of the water outlet connector 621, and the outer wall of the first sealing member 641 is rotatably sealed to the inner wall of the sealing support part 611.

[0138] In a further embodiment, the filter device 600 further includes a second seal 642, which is disposed on the side of the first bearing 631 facing away from the inside of the filter cavity 610, and blocks the gap between the water outlet connector 621 and the sealing support 611.

[0139] Specifically, the second sealing element 642 is sleeved on the water outlet connector 621, the inner wall of the second sealing element 642 is sealed to the outer wall of the water outlet connector 621, and the outer wall of the second sealing element 642 is rotatably sealed to the inner wall of the sealing support part 611.

[0140] In the above design, a second seal 642 is also provided on the left side of the first bearing 631. Water flowing out through the water outlet 621 can be blocked by the second seal 642 and will not come into contact with the first bearing 631. The first bearing 631 is located between the first seal 641 and the second seal 642, which ensures that the installation environment of the first bearing 631 is water-free to the greatest extent, avoiding rusting of the first bearing 631 when it comes into contact with water, and preventing it from affecting the smooth rotation of the filter mechanism 620.

[0141] In a further embodiment, the inner wall of the sealing support 611 has a stepped structure, and a first limiting surface 601, a second limiting surface 602, and a third limiting surface 603 with an annular structure and gradually decreasing inner diameter are formed sequentially from one end of the sealing support 611 to the outside of the filter cavity 610.

[0142] The surface of the first seal 641 facing the outside of the filter cavity 610 abuts against the first limiting surface 601, the surface of the first bearing 631 facing the outside of the filter cavity 610 abuts against the second limiting surface 602, and the surface of the second seal 642 facing the outside of the filter cavity 610 abuts against the third limiting surface 603.

[0143] In the above scheme, multiple vertical annular limiting surfaces are formed on the inner wall of the stepped sealing support 611, which respectively abut against the left side surfaces of the first seal 641, the first bearing 631 and the second seal 642. This restricts the movement of the above three components in the axial direction of the water outlet connector 621 and prevents the mating structure between the water outlet connector 621 and the sealing support 611 from loosening during the rotation of the filter mechanism 620.

[0144] In a preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of the end of the water outlet connector 621 near the outside of the filter chamber 610 is smaller than the outer diameter of the other end. A fourth limiting surface 604 with an annular structure and perpendicular to the axis of the water outlet connector 621 is formed on the outer wall of the water outlet connector 621. The surface of the first bearing 631 facing the inside of the filter chamber 610 abuts against the fourth limiting surface 604.

[0145] By setting the outer diameter of the left end of the water outlet connector 621 to be smaller than that of the right end, a fourth limiting surface 604 facing to the left is formed at the abrupt change in outer diameter, which abuts against the right side surface of the first bearing 631. In this way, the first bearing 631 has limiting structures on both sides, making the structure more stable.

[0146] In this embodiment, the end of the sealing support 611 away from the filter chamber 610, that is, the left end of the sealing support 611, is connected to the filter chamber flange 650. The filter chamber flange 650 has a through-hole 653 in the middle that communicates with the water outlet connector 621. The outer periphery of the through-hole 653 extends away from the sealing support 611 to form a connecting part 651.

[0147] Preferably, the surface of the filter chamber flange 650 facing the sealing support 611 has a protruding insertion portion 652, which is inserted into the opening at the left end of the sealing support 611.

[0148] In the above solution, the left end of the sealing support 611 is connected to the filter chamber flange 650, and a connecting part 651 is formed on the filter chamber flange 650. The outer diameter of the connecting part 651 is smaller than the outer diameter of the sealing support 611, and the inner diameter of the connecting part 651 is preferably equal to the inner diameter of the water outlet connector 621. When the filter device 600 is installed in the washing machine, it is connected to the pipeline through the connecting part 651 to realize the export of filtered washing water free of lint. Compared with the method of directly connecting the pipeline to the left end of the sealing support 611, the installation is easier.

[0149] The filter chamber flange 650 has a plug-in portion 652 on the right side, which is inserted into the left end opening of the sealing support portion 611, facilitating the positioning of the filter chamber flange 650 and the sealing support portion 611 during assembly. Several fixing portions are respectively provided on the outer periphery of the filter chamber flange 650 and the sealing support portion 611, and the filter chamber flange 650 and the sealing support portion 611 are fixed by screws passing through the fixing portions.

[0150] In a further embodiment, the rotation axis of the rotating support portion 622 at the right end of the filter mechanism 620 extends outward from the filter cavity 610, and the filter cavity 610 is provided with a mounting port 6104 through which the rotating support portion 622 passes. The rotating support portion 622 and the mounting port 6104 are rotatably and sealingly connected.

[0151] In this embodiment, the filter mechanism 620 is driven to rotate by the drive mechanism 660, which is located outside the filter chamber 610 to avoid contact with the washing water. Therefore, a rotating support 622 extends from the right end of the filter chamber 610, and a motor mounting part 624 is provided at the right end of the rotating support 622 for connection with the drive mechanism 660, such as a motor.

[0152] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the mounting port 6104 extends outward from the filter cavity 610 along the axis of the rotating support portion 622 to form a sleeve portion 612, and a third sealing member 643 is fitted onto the rotating support portion 622. The inner wall of the third sealing member 643 is sealed to the outer wall of the rotating support portion 622, and the outer wall of the third sealing member 643 is rotatably sealed to the inner wall of the sleeve portion 612.

[0153] A second bearing 632 is also provided between the sleeve portion 612 and the rotating support portion 622. The second bearing 632 is sleeved on the rotating support portion 622 and is located on the side of the third seal 643 facing the outside of the filter chamber 610.

[0154] In the above design, the third seal 643 prevents water in the filter chamber 610 from leaking out of the mounting port 6104, and the second bearing 632 supports the rotating support 622, ensuring smoother relative rotation between the rotating support 622 and the sleeve 612. The second bearing 632 is located on the right side of the third seal 643, preventing contact with water in the filter chamber 610 and thus avoiding failure.

[0155] In a preferred embodiment, the inner diameter of the sleeve portion 612 near the outside of the filter chamber 610 is smaller than the inner diameter of the other end. A fifth limiting surface 605 with an annular structure is formed on the inner wall of the sleeve portion 612 and is perpendicular to the axis of the rotating support portion 622. The surface of the third sealing member 643 facing the outside of the filter chamber 610 abuts against the fifth limiting surface 605.

[0156] The outer diameter of the rotating support 622 near the outside of the filter chamber 610 is smaller than that of the other end. A sixth limiting surface 606 with an annular structure and perpendicular to the axis of the rotating support 622 is formed on the outer wall of the rotating support 622. The surface of the second bearing 632 facing the inside of the filter chamber 610 abuts against the sixth limiting surface 606.

[0157] In the above design, the inner diameter of the right end of the sleeve portion 612 is smaller than that of the left end, and a fifth limiting surface 605 facing left is formed at the abrupt change in its inner diameter, abutting against the right side surface of the third seal 643. The outer diameter of the right end of the rotating support portion 622 is smaller than that of the left end, and a sixth limiting surface 606 facing right is formed at the abrupt change in its outer diameter, abutting against the left side surface of the second bearing 632. This structure restricts the axial movement of the third seal 643 and the second bearing 632 in the rotating support portion 622, resulting in structural stability.

[0158] In this embodiment, the first seal 641, the second seal 642, and the third seal 643 are all oil seals, and the right wall of the filter cavity 610 is separately disposed from its peripheral sidewall. First, the filter mechanism 620, along with the first seal 641, the second seal 642, and the first bearing 631 on its left end, are installed as a whole into the filter cavity 610. Then, the third seal 643 and the second bearing 632 are installed on its right end. Finally, the right wall of the filter cavity 610 is fastened to its peripheral sidewall.

[0159] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the middle region of the filter support 623 is fixed, and its left and right ends have tapered structures, so that the local surface of the filter 625 is tilted, which is conducive to the shedding of attached lint.

[0160] In this embodiment, the orientation of the water inlet 6101 and the sewage outlet 6103 on the filter chamber 610 is perpendicular to the axis of the filter mechanism 620.

[0161] Preferably, the filter chamber 610 has a cylindrical structure, with the water inlet 6101 located near the right end of the filter chamber 610 and the sewage outlet 6103 located near the left end of the filter chamber 610, and the water inlet 6101 and the sewage outlet 6103 are symmetrical in the circumferential direction of the filter chamber 610.

[0162] In the above scheme, the water inlet 6101 is positioned as far away from the water outlet 621 as possible, so that the area of ​​the filter screen 625 can be fully utilized. The water inlet 6101 and the drain outlet 6103 are arranged vertically and staggered in the axial direction of the filter chamber 610, which is conducive to the full discharge of wastewater after cleaning the filter device 600 in the filter chamber 610.

[0163] In a further embodiment, the outer wall of the sealing support 611 is provided with a reinforcing rib 613 extending radially along the sealing support 611, and the reinforcing rib 613 is connected to the surface of the filter water outlet 6102 on the filter chamber 610.

[0164] Since the sealing support 611 extends a certain length from the left end face of the filter chamber 610, the reinforcing rib 613 provides external support to its peripheral sidewall, ensuring the strength of the sealing support 611.

[0165] In this embodiment, a rotatable filter mechanism 620 is provided inside the filter chamber 610 of the filter device 600. After the washing water to be filtered enters the filter chamber 610, the water that has been filtered to remove lint enters the filter mechanism 620 and flows out through the water outlet 621. The filtered lint adheres to the outer surface of the filter mechanism 620. By driving the filter mechanism 620 to rotate, the lint can be detached and discharged with the water in the filter chamber 610 through the drain port 6103, realizing the self-cleaning function of the filter device 600, eliminating the need for manual cleaning by the user.

[0166] The filter mechanism 620 is supported at both ends by a first bearing 631 and a second bearing 632, ensuring smooth and stable rotation of the filter mechanism 620 within the filter chamber 610. Simultaneously, the first seal 641, the second seal 642, and the third seal 643 prevent the first bearing 631 and the second bearing 632 from contacting water, thus avoiding their failure.

[0167] In this embodiment, when the circulation pump 400 is turned on, the switching valve assembly 270 connects the drain pipe 210 and the circulation pipe 220, and the return water control valve 231 is opened, the drive mechanism 660 remains closed. Water in the water tank 100 is fed into the filter device 600 for filtration and flows out through the filtered water outlet 6102, returning to the water tank 100 via the return water pipe 230. When the return water control valve 231 is closed and the drain control valve 241 is opened, the drive mechanism 660 is activated, causing the filter mechanism 620 to rotate at high speed in the filter chamber 610. This causes the filter impurities attached to the surface of the filter mechanism 620 to fall off and dissolve into the water in the filter chamber 610, and are discharged through the drain outlet 6103, entering the recovery device 500 via the drain pipe 240.

[0168] Example 5

[0169] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a control method for the washing machine in Embodiment 4 above.

[0170] In this embodiment, the water tank drain pipe 260, drain pipe 210, circulation pipe 220 and return water pipe 230 together form a circulation filtration pipe. The water in the water tank 100 flows along the circulation filtration pipe, is filtered by the filtration device 600, and then returns to the water tank 100 along the circulation filtration pipe.

[0171] To filter the water in the water tank 100, the washing machine performs a circulating filtration operation during the washing and rinsing processes, including:

[0172] The sewage control valve 241 is closed, while the return water control valve 231 is opened to connect the return water pipeline 230, and the switching valve assembly 270 connects the drainage pipeline 210 and the circulation pipeline 220.

[0173] Turn on the circulation pump 400 to pass the water in the water tank 100 into the filter device 600. After the filter device 600 removes the impurities, the water returns to the water tank 100.

[0174] In this embodiment, the washing machine performs the cyclic filtration operation during the washing phase and one or more rinsing phases of the washing program. Specifically, the circulation pump 400 is turned on after a certain period of water intake at the beginning of the washing phase and each rinsing phase.

[0175] In detail, after the washing machine starts filling with water, the water level in the water tank 100 is detected. When the water level reaches the preset level, the circulation pump 400 is turned on. This prevents the circulation pump 400 from drawing in air and generating operating noise if the water level in the water tank 100 is too low.

[0176] In a further embodiment, to fully discharge the wastewater from the filter device 600, the washing machine control method includes:

[0177] Turn on the circulation pump 400, open the circulation filter pipe, and the washing machine will perform circulation filtration and rinsing.

[0178] After rinsing is complete, turn off the circulation pump at 400.

[0179] Turn on the drive mechanism 660 to drive the filter mechanism 620 to rotate inside the filter chamber 610;

[0180] When the first set condition is met, start the circulation pump 400 and at the same time open the sewage control valve 241 to open the sewage pipe 240.

[0181] Once the second set condition is met, the circulating filter pipeline will be shut off.

[0182] Preferably, after the first set condition is met, the drive mechanism 660 remains open, driving the filter mechanism 620 to rotate continuously.

[0183] In this embodiment, the circulating filtration pipeline includes: a switching valve assembly 270 connecting the filter device 600 and the outlet of the circulating pump 400, and opening the return water control valve 231 to connect the return water pipeline 230. The circulating filtration pipeline is cut off by: the switching valve assembly 270 connecting the external discharge pipeline 250 and the outlet of the circulating pump 400.

[0184] It is understandable that the aforementioned disconnection of the circulating filter pipeline can also be achieved by shutting down the circulating pump 400.

[0185] In the above scheme, the washing machine circulates and filters the rinsing water during the rinsing process, and the filtration device 600 and the circulating filtration pipeline are always filled with rinsing water.

[0186] After rinsing is completed and the circulation pump 400 is turned off, the water in the drain pipe 210 and the circulation pipe 220 flows back downwards under gravity, up to a point where the water level in the drain pipe 210 is level with the water level in the water tank 100. The pipes above the water level up to the filter device 600 are filled with air. However, the filter device 600 is lower than the circulation pipe 220, so the water in it will not flow back through the circulation pipe 220. Turning off the circulation pump 400 also closes the return water control valve 231, and at this time, the drain control valve 241 is closed. The water inside the filter device 600 remains in the filter chamber 610 and will not be discharged.

[0187] After the drive mechanism 660 is activated, it drives the filter mechanism 620 to rotate at high speed, causing the lint and other filter impurities attached to the surface to be detached from the surface of the filter mechanism 620 under centrifugal force. At this time, since both the return water control valve 231 and the drain control valve 241 are closed, the water in the filter chamber 610 does not flow out. The high-speed rotating filter mechanism 620 can also agitate the water flow in the filter chamber 610, and the resulting turbulent water flow exerts a certain impact force on the surface of the filter mechanism 620, which can also cause the lint to fall off. The lint detached from the surface of the filter mechanism 620 is absorbed into the water in the filter chamber 610.

[0188] When the first set condition is met, the circulation pump 400 is turned on, and the drain control valve 241 is also opened simultaneously, opening the drain pipe 240 so that the wastewater in the filter device 600 can be discharged from the drain port 6103. The activation of the circulation pump 400 forces air from the drain pipe 210 and circulation pipe 220 into the filter device 600, thereby completely discharging the wastewater carrying lint from the filter device 600 through the drain port 6103 under air pressure, preventing wastewater residue in the filter device 600 and ensuring a good cleaning effect. The drain control valve 241 opens simultaneously with the circulation pump 400, ensuring the pressure generated when air enters the filter device 600, thus ensuring the full discharge of wastewater from the filter device 600.

[0189] To prevent water from the water tank 100 from re-entering the filter device 600 through the circulation pipe 220 after the wastewater in the filter device 600 has been drained, the washing machine has a preset second setting condition. When the second setting condition is met, the circulation filter pipe is cut off, and the water in the water tank 100 is stopped from being transported to the filter device 600.

[0190] In the specific scheme of this embodiment, the first setting condition can be that the circulation pump 400 is turned off for a first set time t1, and the second setting condition can be that the circulation pump 400 is turned on for a second set time t2.

[0191] In the above scheme, the specific values ​​of the first set time t1 and the second set time t2 can be obtained in advance through a large number of experiments and directly written into the control program of the washing machine.

[0192] Specifically, the first set time t1 is approximately the maximum time required for the water level in the drain pipe 210 to begin decreasing until it stops, and the second set time t2 is approximately the minimum time required for the water level in the drain pipe 210 to rise to near the top of the drain pipe 210 after the circulation pump 400 is turned on. This ensures that a larger amount of air can enter the pipe during the period when the circulation pump 400 is off, while effectively preventing water from entering the filter device 600 after the circulation pump 400 is turned on.

[0193] In another solution of this embodiment, the water level height can also be used as the first set condition and the second set condition. Specifically, the first set condition is that in the pipeline between the circulation pump 400 and the filtering device 600, the water level reaches the first set value H1. The second set condition is that in the pipeline between the circulation pump 400 and the filtering device 600, the water level reaches the second set value H2. Wherein, H1 < H2.

[0194] In this embodiment, the above-mentioned water level specifically refers to the water level height in the drain pipeline 210. A water level detection device can be arranged in the drain pipeline 210 of the washing machine to realize the detection of the water level in the drain pipeline 210.

[0195] In the above solution, the value of the first set value H1 is greater than and as close as possible to the highest water level height of the washing machine, so as to ensure that after the circulation pump 400 is turned off, the water level in the drain pipeline 210 can drop to reach the first set value H1.

[0196] From the time when the washing machine receives the signal that the water level in the drain pipeline 210 rises to the second set value H2 until the switching valve assembly 270 conducts between the drain pipeline 210 and the external drain pipeline 250, there is generally a certain time difference. To avoid water entering the filtering device 600 after the circulation pump 400 is turned on due to response delay, a certain difference ΔH is required between the value of the second set value H2 and the water level height corresponding to the top end of the drain pipeline 210. The specific value of the difference ΔH can be obtained through a large number of pre-experiments, so as to ensure that after the washing machine receives the signal that the water level reaches the second set value H2, there is sufficient response time to control the switching valve assembly 270 to complete the switching of the water circuit.

[0197] In a further solution of this embodiment, if the washing machine determines that the current running process is the last rinsing stage in this washing program, then after the rinsing is completed, the circulation pump 400 is turned off, and the circulation pump 400 is turned on after the first set condition is reached.

[0198] If the washing machine determines that the current running process is not the last rinsing stage in this washing program, then after the rinsing is completed, the following operations are performed:

[0199] The circulation pump 400 remains in the running state;

[0200] When the third set condition is reached, the circulating filtration pipeline is cut off;

[0201] In the above solution, for the intermediate rinsing stage, since the washing machine still needs to continue running later, that is, there will still be rinsing water circulating through the filtering device 600 for filtering. At this time, the sewage carrying lint in the filtering device 600 does not need to be drained completely, and only the lint attached to the surface of the filtering mechanism 620 needs to be removed.

[0202] Such as Figure 9As shown, after rinsing, the return water control valve 231 is closed, the drain control valve 241 is opened, the circulation pump 400 remains running, and the water in the water tank 100 continues to be transported to the filter device 600 under the action of the circulation pump 400 to rinse the inside of the filter device 600. The rinsed wastewater is discharged into the drain pipe 240 through the drain outlet 6103.

[0203] In this embodiment, the third setting condition can be the completion of rinsing and the arrival of a third preset time t3. Its value is obtained in advance through experiments and written into the control program to ensure that the lint attached to the surface of the filter mechanism 620 can be basically removed.

[0204] Alternatively, when the water level in the water tank 100 drops to a preset value ΔH1, the circulation filter pipe can be cut off. That is, the control switching valve assembly 270 connects the drain pipe 210 and the external discharge pipe 250, and the circulation pump 400 continues to run, draining the remaining water in the water tank 100 from the washing machine.

[0205] In the preferred embodiment, after rinsing, the drive mechanism 660 is turned on, driving the filter mechanism 620 to rotate at high speed in the filter chamber 610. This agitates the water in the filter chamber 610, causing the attached lint to peel off from the surface of the filter mechanism 620 under the combined action of centrifugal force and turbulent water flow. The lint is then dissolved in the water in the filter chamber 610 and discharged from the filter chamber 6103. This method results in high efficiency in cleaning lint.

[0206] In this embodiment, the washing machine only performs the operation of first turning off the circulation pump 400 and then turning it on again at the end of the final rinse cycle to completely drain the wastewater from the filter device 600. At the end of the intermediate rinse cycle, the circulation pump 400 remains running, avoiding frequent turning on and off of the circulation pump 400 during washing machine operation, which would affect its service life.

[0207] In this embodiment, the washing machine also cleans the filter device 600 after the washing cycle is completed. The specific control method is as follows:

[0208] Turn on the circulation pump 400, switch valve assembly 270 connects the water outlet of the circulation pump 400 to the filter device 600, and open the return water control valve 231 to start the washing machine to perform circulation filtration and washing.

[0209] After washing is finished, the circulation pump 400 remains running, the return water control valve 231 is closed, and the drain control valve 241 is opened;

[0210] When the fourth set condition is met, the switching valve assembly 270 connects the outlet of the circulation pump 400 to the external discharge pipeline 250.

[0211] The fourth setting condition can be either the completion of washing at a fourth preset time t4, or the water level in the water tank 100 dropping to a preset value ΔH2.

[0212] Since a circulating filter rinse is required in the subsequent washing process after the washing is finished, similar to the intermediate rinse, it is not necessary to completely drain the wastewater in the filter device 600. The circulation pump 400 can remain running and does not need to be turned off.

[0213] In this embodiment, during the washing and rinsing process, the water in the water tank 100 is circulated through the filter device 600 by the circulation pump 400, which reduces the amount of lint in the water and improves the washing effect. The direction of the drain pipe 210 is controlled by the switching valve assembly 270, thereby controlling the direction of water flow in the pipe. The circulation pump 400 can achieve both draining water and circulating and filtering washing water.

[0214] When cleaning lint from the filter 600, after the washing machine finishes the wash cycle and intermediate rinse, the circulation pump 400 is kept running to deliver water from the water tank 100 to the filter 600 for rinsing. The rinsed wastewater is discharged from the drain port 6103 of the filter 600. After the final rinse, the circulation pump 400 is first turned off, and air is allowed to enter the pipeline before being turned back on to force the air into the filter 600, thus completely draining the wastewater. This ensures that no wastewater remains in the filter 600 after the washing machine stops running, effectively preventing bacterial growth. Furthermore, the washing machine only performs this operation of turning the circulation pump 400 off and on again after the final rinse, reducing unnecessary on / off operations and extending the service life of the circulation pump 400.

[0215] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that, include: water container, A filtration device receives water from a water tank and filters it. It includes a filter chamber, a filter mechanism, and a drive mechanism. The filter chamber has an inlet, a filtered water outlet, and a drain outlet. The drain outlet discharges filtered impurities. The filtered water outlet is connected to the water tank via a return water pipe, which is equipped with a return water control valve to control the opening and closing of the return water pipe. The filter mechanism is rotatably mounted inside the filter chamber, and the drive mechanism is connected to the filter mechanism to drive it to rotate within the filter chamber. External drainage pipe is used to drain water to the outside of the washing machine; The switching valve assembly controls the selective connection between the filter device and the external discharge pipeline and the water tank. The recovery device is connected to the drain outlet of the filter device through a drain pipe and is used to collect the filtered impurities discharged by the filter device. A drain control valve is installed on the drain pipe to control the opening and closing of the drain pipe. The filtration mechanism divides the interior of the filtration chamber into an inner chamber and an outer chamber, and has a water outlet connector that communicates with the filtered water outlet. The water to be filtered enters the outer chamber of the filtration chamber through the inlet, is filtered by the filtration mechanism, enters the inner chamber, flows out through the water outlet connector, and is discharged from the filtration device through the filtered water outlet. Filtered impurities adhere to the outer surface of the filtration mechanism. A circulation pump is installed between the inlet of the switching valve assembly and the water tank. The outlet of the circulation pump is connected to the inlet of the switching valve assembly through a drainage pipe. The first outlet of the switching valve assembly is connected to the circulation pipe, which is connected to the inlet of the filter device. The second outlet of the switching valve assembly is directly connected to the external discharge pipe. The filter device is located below the circulation pipe. After the washing machine finishes rinsing, the circulation pump is turned off and the return water control valve is also turned off, and the drain control valve is in the closed state. The water inside the filter device remains in the filter chamber and is not discharged outward. The drive mechanism is turned on, which drives the filter mechanism to rotate, so that the filter impurities such as lint attached to the surface are peeled off from the surface of the filter mechanism under the action of centrifugal force. When the first set condition is met, the circulation pump is turned on and the sewage control valve is opened to open the sewage pipe. The air in the drainage pipe and circulation pipe is forced into the filter device, so that the sewage carrying the lint is completely discharged from the sewage outlet under air pressure. To prevent water from the water tank from re-entering the filter device through the circulation pipe after the wastewater in the filter device has been drained, the washing machine has a preset second setting condition. When the second setting condition is met, the switching valve assembly opens the external drain pipe and the outlet of the circulation pump or the circulation pump closes, stopping the water in the water tank from being transported to the filter device.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first setting condition is that the circulation pump is turned off for a first set time t1, and the second setting condition is that the circulation pump is turned on for a second set time t2.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first setting condition is: the water level in the pipeline between the circulating pump and the filter device reaches the first setting value H1; The second setting condition is: the water level in the pipeline between the circulation pump and the filter device reaches the second setting value H2; Where H1 < H2.

4. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The recycling device includes: The shell has an internal recovery chamber; A filter assembly is disposed within the recovery chamber, dividing the recovery chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber; The drain outlet of the filtration device is connected to the first chamber. Wastewater carrying filtered impurities enters the first chamber, is filtered by the filtration assembly, and then enters the second chamber. The filtered impurities are collected in the first chamber.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The filtration assembly includes a frame horizontally positioned at a certain height within the recovery chamber and a filter screen laid on the frame; impurities are blocked by the filter screen and collected on the upper surface of the filtration assembly.

6. The washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second chamber is provided with a water outlet, which is connected to the main water inlet pipe of the washing machine through a pipe, or directly connected to the water tank through a pipe, or connected to the external drain pipe through a pipe.

7. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the filtered water outlet extends outward from the filter cavity to form a sealing support portion, and the water outlet connector is inserted into the sealing support portion. The water outlet connector is fitted with a first bearing and a first seal. The first seal is located on the side of the first bearing facing the inside of the filter chamber, sealing the gap between the water outlet connector and the sealing support, so that the water outlet connector and the sealing support are rotatably and sealedly connected.

8. The washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, A second sealing element is fitted onto the water outlet connector. The second sealing element is located on the side of the first bearing facing away from the interior of the filter chamber, sealing the gap between the water outlet connector and the sealing support.

9. A control method for a washing machine according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The switching valve assembly connects the water tank and the filter device, allowing water from the water tank to flow into the filter device; The switching valve assembly connects the water tank and the external drain pipe, allowing the water in the water tank to be discharged from the washing machine through the external drain pipe.

10. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, The switching valve assembly connects the water tank and the filter device, the return water control valve is opened to connect the return water pipeline, and the drain control valve is closed. The water in the water tank is passed into the filter device for filtration, and the filtered water returns to the water tank through the return water pipeline. The switching valve assembly connects the water tank and the filter device, closes the return water control valve, opens the sewage control valve to connect the sewage pipe, and the water in the water tank is fed into the filter device. After cleaning the filter device, the water is discharged into the recycling device through the sewage pipe.

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