A drum washing machine and its control method

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of washing machine technology and discloses a drum washing machine and its control method. The drum washing machine includes: an outer drum, an inner drum disposed inside the outer drum, and at least partially made of a metal material capable of generating eddy currents in an alternating magnetic field; an electromagnetic heating device installed on the outer drum, generating an alternating magnetic field radiating outwards to heat the inner drum, the alternating magnetic field forming a covering area on the outer drum; and a cleaning device for spraying fluid onto the inner surface of the covering area on the outer drum. In the drum washing machine of this invention, the inner drum is heated by the electromagnetic heating device to achieve the function of heating the washing water. The cleaning device can spray fluid onto the inner wall of the outer drum, thereby washing away foreign objects remaining in the outer drum. This avoids the problem that after the electromagnetic heating device is activated, metal foreign objects in the area covered by the alternating magnetic field on the outer drum may be radiated by the magnetic field of the electromagnetic heating device, causing a rapid increase in temperature and potentially damaging the outer drum or the electromagnetic heating device.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Existing front-loading washing machines generally consist of an inner drum and an outer drum, with multiple drain holes on the inner drum wall. However, during the washing process, the washing water between the inner and outer drums is not utilized, resulting in waste. Simultaneously, some dirt generated during the washing process remains between the inner and outer drums, making it difficult to clean. Over time, this accumulation can contaminate the washing water and affect the washing effect.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, existing technologies have proposed a washing machine without a dewatering hole on the inner drum. This allows the inner drum to independently hold the washing water during the washing process, thereby preventing water accumulation between the inner and outer drums, saving on washing water consumption, and also significantly reducing the accumulation of dirt between the inner and outer drums.

[0004] However, since there is no water between the inner and outer drums during the washing process, it is impossible to heat the washing water using the traditional method of installing a heating element inside the outer drum. To solve the problem of heating the washing water in washing machines without a dehydration hole in the inner drum, a solution of installing an electromagnetic heating module on the outer drum has been proposed. For example, Chinese Patent Application No. 201811191414.1 discloses a drum washing machine, which includes a non-perforated drum installed inside the casing, without a dehydration hole, with a clothes inlet on the side wall of the non-perforated drum, and a door on the drum that can be flipped open and closed for the clothes inlet; an outer drum is fitted outside the drum, and an electromagnetic heating module is installed on the outer drum to heat the inside of the outer drum and transfer the heat to the washing water contained inside the drum.

[0005] However, in the above solution, the electromagnetic heating module generates an alternating magnetic field after being powered on, which in turn generates eddy currents in the drum, causing the drum itself to heat up and thus heat the washing water. If there are other objects in the outer drum that can be excited by the alternating magnetic field, such as metal ornaments that fall off clothes during washing and remain between the drum and the outer drum after draining, or metal parts left inside the outer drum during washing machine repairs, these foreign objects in the outer drum will also be excited by the magnetic field and heat up rapidly when the electromagnetic heating module is working. To avoid being affected by the electromagnetic heating module, the outer drum itself is generally made of plastic. The rapid heating of the foreign objects may damage the outer drum and may even cause the operating temperature of the electromagnetic heating module to rise sharply, resulting in damage to the electromagnetic heating module.

[0006] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a drum washing machine and its control method. A cleaning device is set inside the drum washing machine. By spraying fluid onto the inner wall of the outer drum, the metal foreign objects remaining inside the outer drum can be cleaned away, so as to avoid the metal foreign objects inside the outer drum being heated by the electromagnetic heating device, causing the inner wall of the outer drum to be damaged due to excessive temperature.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0009] A drum washing machine, comprising:

[0010] outer cylinder,

[0011] The inner cylinder, located inside the outer cylinder, is at least partially made of a metallic material capable of generating eddy currents in an alternating magnetic field;

[0012] An electromagnetic heating device is installed on the outer cylinder to generate an alternating magnetic field that radiates outwards, causing the inner cylinder to heat up. The alternating magnetic field forms a covering area on the outer cylinder.

[0013] It also includes a cleaning device for spraying fluid onto the inner surface of the covered area on the outer cylinder.

[0014] Furthermore, the cleaning device includes a nozzle assembly having a nozzle for spraying fluid; the nozzle is disposed toward the inner surface of the covered area.

[0015] Furthermore, the electromagnetic heating device is installed on the outer cylinder wall, and the coverage area includes at least the projection area of ​​the electromagnetic heating device on the outer cylinder wall; the nozzle is disposed facing the inner surface of the projection area on the cylinder wall.

[0016] Preferably, the electromagnetic heating device is installed in the bottom region of the cylinder wall;

[0017] More preferably, the electromagnetic heating device is installed on the outside of the cylinder wall.

[0018] Furthermore, the inner surface of the covered area is inclined downward along the direction of fluid injection;

[0019] Preferably, the nozzle sprays fluid from the bottom of the outer cylinder towards the opening, and the outer cylinder wall is a conical structure with a diameter that gradually increases from the bottom to the opening.

[0020] Furthermore, the coverage area is located on the cylinder wall near the bottom of the cylinder, and the nozzle assembly is installed on the bottom of the outer cylinder, spraying fluid onto the inner surface of the coverage area through the nozzle;

[0021] Preferably, the nozzle assembly is installed on the outer periphery of the bottom of the cylinder, and the nozzle passes through the bottom of the outer cylinder and is installed inside the outer cylinder, with the outer periphery of the nozzle fitting against the inner side of the outer cylinder wall.

[0022] Furthermore, the coverage area extends along the circumference of the outer cylinder wall, and the nozzle assembly has multiple nozzles, the lines connecting the multiple nozzles forming an arc concentric with the bottom of the outer cylinder.

[0023] Preferably, the nozzle assembly further includes:

[0024] Fluid inlet, used to receive the fluid to be injected;

[0025] The nozzle body extends in an arc shape around the bottom of the outer cylinder and is connected to the bottom of the outer cylinder. Inside, it has a connecting channel that connects the fluid inlet and multiple nozzles.

[0026] Furthermore, the cleaning device also includes an air pump for providing gas, the air pump being connected to a nozzle assembly, the nozzle spraying air onto the inner surface of the covered area for cleaning;

[0027] Alternatively, the cleaning device may further include a cleaning pipeline, the inlet of which receives external water, and the outlet of which is connected to a nozzle assembly, wherein the nozzle sprays water onto the inner surface of the covered area for cleaning.

[0028] Another objective of this invention is to provide a control method for the aforementioned drum washing machine, wherein the drum washing machine controls the cleaning device to spray fluid onto the inner wall of the outer drum to clean the inner wall of the outer drum.

[0029] Furthermore, before and / or after the washing program starts, the drum washing machine controls the cleaning device to spray fluid;

[0030] Preferably, after receiving the signal to start the washing program, if the washing water heating function is determined to be turned on, the drum washing machine controls the cleaning device to spray fluid to clean the inner wall of the outer drum.

[0031] After cleaning is completed, the electromagnetic heating device is activated to begin heating.

[0032] Furthermore, when the cleaning device sprays fluid, the drum washing machine controls the inner drum to rotate within the outer drum;

[0033] Preferably, when the cleaning device sprays fluid, the drum washing machine also controls the inner drum to drain water to the outer drum.

[0034] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0035] In the drum washing machine of the present invention, by setting a cleaning device to spray fluid, such as air or water, onto the inner wall of the outer drum, the area covered by the alternating magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic heating device on the inner wall of the outer drum can be cleaned, thus avoiding the presence of metal foreign objects remaining in the area covered by the alternating magnetic field, which could cause the outer drum or electromagnetic heating device to be damaged due to rapid temperature rise when the electromagnetic heating device is working.

[0036] In the drum washing machine of this invention, the nozzle faces the inner surface of the coverage area, concentrating the fluid spray onto the area of ​​action of the electromagnetic heating device, resulting in higher cleaning efficiency. The electromagnetic heating device is installed in the bottom area of ​​the outer drum wall, constantly heating the area where the washing water is concentrated in the inner drum, thus achieving high heating efficiency. Installing the electromagnetic heating device on the outside of the drum wall avoids contact with the washing water and also prevents it from obstructing the removal of metal foreign objects if it were located inside the outer drum.

[0037] In the drum washing machine of this invention, the inner surface of the covered area is inclined downward along the fluid spray direction. When the sprayed fluid acts on a metal foreign object inside the outer drum, it is easier to drive the metal foreign object to move, thereby cleaning the covered area of ​​the alternating magnetic field and improving the cleaning effect on the metal foreign object. The nozzle is in close contact with the inner wall of the outer drum, so that the fluid is sprayed out close to the inner surface of the drum wall and flows along the inner surface of the drum wall to clean the metal foreign object. The impact force on the metal foreign object is stronger, further improving the removal efficiency of the metal foreign object.

[0038] In the drum washing machine of the present invention, multiple nozzles are arranged along an arc with the same center as the bottom of the outer drum, and fluid is sprayed into the outer drum at the same time for cleaning. The sprayed fluid has a larger range of action, and the cleaning of metal foreign objects in the outer drum is more thorough, avoiding the residue of metal foreign objects.

[0039] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0040] 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:

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the washing machine in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the washing machine in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the inner side of the outer cylinder in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the nozzle assembly in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] In the diagram: 100, outer cylinder; 110, cylinder wall; 120, cylinder bottom; 200, inner cylinder; 201, drain hole; 300, nozzle assembly; 310, nozzle body; 320, nozzle; 330, fluid inlet; 400, electromagnetic heating device.

[0046] 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

[0047] 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.

[0048] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a drum washing machine, comprising:

[0051] Outer cylinder 100,

[0052] The inner cylinder 200, disposed inside the outer cylinder 100, is at least partially made of a metallic material capable of generating eddy currents in an alternating magnetic field;

[0053] An electromagnetic heating device 400 is installed on the outer cylinder 100 and generates an alternating magnetic field that radiates outward to heat the inner cylinder 200. The alternating magnetic field forms a covering area on the outer cylinder 100.

[0054] Specifically, the electromagnetic heating device 400 includes a coil. When high-frequency alternating current is passed through the coil, the coil generates a high-frequency alternating magnetic field. The high-frequency alternating magnetic field generated by the coil radiates onto the metal inner cylinder 200, causing eddy currents to be generated in the inner cylinder 200 under electromagnetic induction. When the eddy currents overcome the internal resistance of the inner cylinder 200, they complete the conversion of electrical energy into heat energy, realizing the self-heating of the inner cylinder 200, thereby heating the washing water inside.

[0055] To prevent the outer cylinder 100 from heating up under the action of the electromagnetic heating device 400, the outer cylinder 100 can be made of a material that is not excited by the magnetic field, such as plastic. This also prevents the outer cylinder 100 from affecting the alternating magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic heating device 400.

[0056] The drum washing machine of this embodiment also includes a cleaning device for spraying fluid onto the inner surface of the covered area on the outer drum 100. When the electromagnetic heating device 400 is working, any metal objects located within the coverage area of ​​the alternating magnetic field it generates may be excited by the magnetic field and heat up. By controlling the cleaning device to spray fluid, such as water or air, onto the inner wall of the outer drum 100, especially the area covered by the alternating magnetic field, foreign objects present on the inner wall of the outer drum 100 can be washed away. In this way, when the electromagnetic heating device 400 is working, it is possible to avoid the presence of metal foreign objects heated by the electromagnetic heating device 400 inside the outer drum 100, thereby preventing the presence of rapidly heated metal foreign objects in the outer drum 100 after the electromagnetic heating device 400 is turned on, which could cause damage to the outer drum 100 or the electromagnetic heating device 400.

[0057] The cleaning device of this embodiment includes a nozzle assembly 300, which has a nozzle 320 for ejecting fluid. The nozzle 320 is disposed toward the inner surface of the covered area, thereby cleaning the inner surface of the area covered by the alternating magnetic field by ejecting fluid.

[0058] In one specific embodiment, the nozzle 320 of the nozzle assembly 300 sprays air onto the inner surface of the covered area for cleaning.

[0059] Specifically, the cleaning device further includes an air pump for supplying gas, which is connected to the nozzle assembly 300 and delivers high-pressure gas to the nozzle assembly 300. The high-pressure gas is ejected through the nozzle 320 to clean the portion of the inner wall of the outer cylinder 100 within the coverage area.

[0060] Specifically, the nozzle assembly 300 is provided with a fluid inlet 330 communicating with the nozzle 320. The air pump is connected to the fluid inlet 330 through a pipeline to provide high-pressure gas to the nozzle assembly 300. The high-pressure gas enters the nozzle assembly 300 through the fluid inlet 330, and then is ejected from the nozzle 320 onto the inner wall of the outer cylinder 100, blowing out any metallic foreign objects remaining in the area covered by the alternating magnetic field from the outer cylinder 100.

[0061] In this embodiment, the air pump is installed inside the washing machine to provide high-pressure air to the nozzle assembly 300.

[0062] In another embodiment, a gas delivery pipe can be installed on the fluid inlet 330. The gas delivery pipe has its inlet end located outside the washing machine and is connected to an external gas source to provide high-pressure gas to the nozzle assembly 300 during use.

[0063] In another specific embodiment, the nozzle 320 of the nozzle assembly 300 sprays water onto the inner surface of the covered area for cleaning.

[0064] Specifically, the cleaning device further includes a cleaning pipeline. The inlet end of the cleaning pipeline receives external water as cleaning water, and the outlet end of the cleaning pipeline is connected to the nozzle assembly 300 to deliver the cleaning water to the nozzle assembly 300. The cleaning water is sprayed out through the nozzle 320 to clean the portion of the inner wall of the outer cylinder 100 within the coverage area.

[0065] Specifically, the nozzle assembly 300 is provided with a fluid inlet 330 communicating with the nozzle 320, and the water outlet of the cleaning pipe is connected to the fluid inlet 330. The water inlet of the cleaning pipe can be connected to the water inlet valve of the drum washing machine, and external water is obtained through the water inlet valve as cleaning water, which is then transported to the nozzle assembly 300 through the cleaning pipe. The cleaning water enters the nozzle assembly 300 through the fluid inlet 330, and then is sprayed out onto the inner wall of the outer drum 100 through the nozzle 320. The water flow washes away any metal foreign objects remaining in the area covered by the alternating magnetic field in the outer drum 100.

[0066] Preferably, a booster pump for increasing water pressure is installed on the cleaning pipeline, which can increase the water pressure sprayed outward from the nozzle 320, thereby increasing the impact force of the sprayed water on the inner wall of the outer cylinder 100, and thus more effectively removing metal foreign objects in the outer cylinder 100.

[0067] In a further embodiment, the electromagnetic heating device 400 is installed on the wall 110 of the outer cylinder 100, and the covered area includes at least the projection area of ​​the electromagnetic heating device 400 on the wall 110 of the outer cylinder 100. Correspondingly, the nozzle 320 of the nozzle assembly 300 is disposed facing the inner surface of the projection area, and high-pressure gas or cleaning water is sprayed onto the inner surface of the projection area.

[0068] Preferably, the electromagnetic heating device 400 is installed in the bottom area of ​​the outer cylinder 100 wall 110 to heat the inner cylinder 200 from below, so that the alternating magnetic field generated by it is concentrated and radiated in the bottom area of ​​the inner cylinder 200, that is, the area where the washing water is concentrated, thereby achieving higher heating efficiency.

[0069] More preferably, the electromagnetic heating device 400 is installed on the outside of the cylinder wall 110, that is, on the outside of the outer cylinder 100.

[0070] Installing the electromagnetic heating module outside the outer drum 100, rather than between the inner drum 200 and the outer drum 100, can prevent the electromagnetic heating device 400 from directly contacting the drain water flow when the washing machine is draining, and to a certain extent reduce the requirements for the sealing performance of the electromagnetic heating device 400.

[0071] On the other hand, such as Figure 3 As shown, a smooth surface can be formed on the inner side of the cylinder wall 110, meaning the inner surface of the covered area is smooth and unobstructed, making it easier for metal foreign objects to be moved out of the covered area of ​​the alternating magnetic field under the impact of high-pressure gas or cleaning water. However, if the electromagnetic heating device is installed inside the outer cylinder, the electromagnetic heating device itself may obstruct the movement of metal foreign objects, and there is even a possibility that metal foreign objects may become stuck in the gap between the electromagnetic heating device and the outer cylinder, making them difficult to clean.

[0072] In detail, in this embodiment, a raised rib is provided on the outer surface of the bottom of the cylinder wall 110. The raised rib forms a rectangular area at the bottom of the cylinder wall 110 of the outer cylinder 100, and the electromagnetic heating device 400 is installed in the rectangular area.

[0073] In a further embodiment, the inner surface of the covered area is inclined downwards along the direction of fluid jetting. By setting the inner surface of the covered area as an inclined surface, when a metallic foreign object is subjected to the impact force of the fluid, it is easier to slide downwards along the inclined surface and be flushed out of the covered area, thus avoiding radiation from the alternating magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic heating device 400.

[0074] In this embodiment, the nozzle 320 sprays fluid from the bottom 120 of the outer cylinder 100 toward the opening. The cylinder wall 110 of the outer cylinder 100 is a conical structure with a diameter that gradually increases from the bottom 120 toward the opening. By setting the cylinder wall 110 of the outer cylinder 100 as a conical structure, when the nozzle 320 sprays fluid outward, metallic foreign objects are more likely to slide toward the opening under the impact force of the fluid, thereby being removed from the coverage area of ​​the alternating magnetic field.

[0075] Furthermore, the outer cylinder 100 is also provided with a drain outlet (not shown in the figure) on its cylinder wall 110, which is located in the bottom region of the cylinder wall 110 relatively close to the cylinder opening, that is, in front of the covered area. Metal foreign objects inside the outer cylinder 100 move forward along the axial direction of the outer cylinder 100 under the impact force of the fluid and can eventually be discharged through the drain outlet.

[0076] In this embodiment, the coverage area is located on the cylinder wall 110 near the cylinder bottom 120, and the nozzle assembly 300 is installed on the cylinder bottom 120 of the outer cylinder 100, spraying fluid onto the inner surface of the coverage area through the nozzle 320.

[0077] Preferably, the nozzle assembly 300 is installed on the outer periphery of the cylinder bottom 120, and the nozzle 320 is installed inside the outer cylinder 100 through the cylinder bottom 120. The outer periphery of the nozzle 320 is fitted with the inner side of the cylinder wall 110 of the outer cylinder 100.

[0078] In the above scheme, the nozzle 320 extends into the interior of the outer cylinder 100 through the bottom 120, spraying fluid onto the surface of the area covered by the alternating magnetic field. The nozzle assembly 300 is located on the outer periphery of the bottom 120, reducing the space occupied behind the bottom 120 and allowing it to be closer to the cylinder wall 110 of the outer cylinder 100, making it easier to position the nozzle 320 in contact with the inner surface of the cylinder wall 110. The nozzle 320's contact with the inner surface of the cylinder wall 110 causes the fluid to be sprayed tightly against the inner surface of the cylinder wall 110, increasing its flow velocity on the inner surface of the cylinder wall 110. This generates a stronger impact force on metallic foreign objects, thereby flushing them out of the area covered by the alternating magnetic field and improving the cleaning efficiency of the cleaning device in removing foreign objects from inside the outer cylinder 100.

[0079] In a further embodiment, the electromagnetic heating device 400 has a certain extension length along the circumference of the outer cylinder 100, and correspondingly, the coverage area of ​​the alternating magnetic field also has a certain extension length along the circumference of the outer cylinder 100 on the cylinder wall 110.

[0080] To ensure the scouring area of ​​the sprayed fluid, the nozzle assembly 300 has multiple nozzles 320. The multiple nozzles 320 can spray fluid simultaneously to clean the surface within the coverage area. The sprayed fluid has a larger range of action, thus cleaning metal foreign objects within the coverage area more thoroughly and avoiding the presence of metal foreign object residue.

[0081] In this embodiment, the lines connecting the multiple nozzles 320 form an arc concentric with the bottom 120 of the outer cylinder 100. Preferably, the multiple nozzles 320 are evenly distributed circumferentially along the bottom 120 of the outer cylinder 100. This ensures that the distances between the multiple nozzles 320 and the cylinder wall 110 of the outer cylinder 100 are equal, resulting in a more uniform scouring effect of the sprayed fluid within the coverage area. It also makes it easier to control the movement direction of the metal foreign object during scouring to be close to parallel to the axial direction of the outer cylinder 100, thereby making it easier to flush the metal foreign object out of the coverage area of ​​the alternating magnetic field.

[0082] Specifically, the nozzle assembly 300 of this embodiment is provided with three nozzles 320. The middle nozzle 320 is located at the middle position of the coverage area extending circumferentially along the outer cylinder 100, and the nozzles 320 at both ends are located in the middle of the extension area and are close to one end of the extension area, respectively. The three nozzles 320 cooperate with each other to spray fluid outward simultaneously, which can effectively clean up metal foreign objects.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment, the electromagnetic heating device 400 extends circumferentially along the outer cylinder 100, but its axial extension along the outer cylinder 100 is greater. By extending circumferentially along the outer cylinder 100, the electromagnetic heating device 400 increases the heating area, thus avoiding the need to occupy a large area axially along the outer cylinder 100. This prevents it from occupying excessive space in the bottom region of the cylinder wall 110 along the axial direction, thus avoiding interference with the drain outlet also located in the bottom region of the cylinder wall 110. By extending the electromagnetic heating device 400 circumferentially along the outer cylinder 100 to provide a larger heating area, higher heating efficiency can be achieved.

[0084] On the other hand, under the impact of the fluid ejected from the nozzle 320, the metal foreign objects inside the outer cylinder 100 move close to the axial direction of the outer cylinder 100, shortening the extension length of the electromagnetic heating device 400 along the axial direction of the outer cylinder 100. The extension length of the covered area along the axial direction of the outer cylinder 100 is also shortened accordingly, which is equivalent to shortening the distance that the metal foreign objects need to move out of the covered area, making it easier to clean the metal foreign objects located in the area covered by the alternating magnetic field.

[0085] The nozzle assembly 300 in this embodiment also includes:

[0086] Fluid inlet 330 is used to receive the fluid to be injected;

[0087] The nozzle body 310 extends in an arc shape around the bottom 120 of the outer cylinder 100 and is connected to the bottom 120 of the outer cylinder 100. It has a communication channel inside that connects the fluid inlet 330 and multiple nozzles 320.

[0088] By connecting the fluid inlet 330 to multiple nozzles 320 in a single, integrated manner through the nozzle body 310, fluid can enter the fluid inlet 330 along a single path and then be simultaneously ejected from the multiple nozzles 320 through the connecting channel within the nozzle body 310. This eliminates the need for multiple pipelines for fluid delivery, simplifying the structure of the cleaning device and saving installation space. Furthermore, the nozzle assembly 300 is a single, integrated structure, facilitating assembly with the outer cylinder 100 and simplifying operation.

[0089] Specifically, the fluid inlet 330 extends from the nozzle body 310 to the outside of the bottom 120 of the outer cylinder 100, with its extension direction parallel to the axis of the outer cylinder 100. The nozzle 320 sprays fluid in a direction close to the axial direction of the outer cylinder 100 to clean the inside of the outer cylinder 100. By setting the extension direction of the fluid inlet 330 to be basically the same as the spray direction of the nozzle 320, the fluid flows more smoothly in the nozzle assembly 300, ensuring that the fluid has greater pressure when it is sprayed from the nozzle 320. This allows for sufficient impact force to be generated on the metal foreign objects inside the outer cylinder 100, thereby achieving the cleaning of the metal foreign objects.

[0090] Preferably, the fluid inlet 330 is located in the middle of the nozzle body 310. Multiple nozzles 320 on the nozzle assembly 300 are evenly distributed around the bottom of the cylinder 120 on the nozzle body 310, and are symmetrically distributed relative to the fluid inlet 330. As a result, the fluid pressure sprayed by two symmetrical nozzles 320 is basically the same, resulting in a more uniform and effective cleaning effect on the inside of the outer cylinder 100.

[0091] This embodiment also provides a control method for the drum washing machine described above. The drum washing machine controls the cleaning device to spray fluid onto the inner wall of the outer drum 100 to clean the inner surface of the covered area.

[0092] Specifically, in this embodiment, the drum washing machine can control the cleaning device to spray fluid before the washing program starts, thereby removing any metal foreign objects that may remain in the outer drum 100 before the washing begins, and preventing the electromagnetic heating device 400 from turning on to heat the washing water during the washing process, which could cause the remaining metal foreign objects to heat up and damage the outer drum 100 or the electromagnetic heating device 400.

[0093] Alternatively, the drum washing machine controls the cleaning device to spray fluid after the washing cycle ends. After each washing cycle, the drum washing machine uses the cleaning device to clean the inner surface of the covered area, removing any metal foreign objects that may have remained in the outer drum 100 during the washing process. This prevents the electromagnetic heating device 400 from acting on the metal foreign objects during the next washing cycle, which could cause the metal foreign objects to overheat and damage the outer drum 100 or the electromagnetic heating device 400.

[0094] Alternatively, the drum washing machine can control the cleaning device to spray fluid before and after the washing program starts, further ensuring that metal foreign objects within the coverage area of ​​the alternating magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic heating device 400 are more thoroughly removed before each start.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment, after receiving a signal to start the washing program, if the drum washing machine determines that the washing water heating function is turned on, it controls the cleaning device to spray fluid to clean the inner surface of the covered area.

[0096] After cleaning is completed, the electromagnetic heating device 400 is activated to begin heating.

[0097] If it is determined that the washing water heating function is not enabled during this washing program, the front-loading washing machine will directly run according to the set washing program.

[0098] Specifically, the operation of the cleaning device spraying fluid to clean the inner wall of the outer drum 100 can be performed simultaneously with the water filling operation of the washing program, thereby saving the running time of the washing program. After the cleaning device has worked for a preset time, it stops spraying fluid. At this time, if the washing machine has completed water filling or at least reached the minimum heatable water level, the electromagnetic heating device 400 can be directly started to heat. If the washing machine has not reached the minimum heatable water level, water continues to be filled until the minimum heatable water level is reached before the electromagnetic heating device 400 is started to heat.

[0099] In the above scheme, the cleaning device sprays fluid only when the electromagnetic heating device 400 needs to be turned on during the washing program of the washing machine. When the washing water is not heated, the cleaning device does not work, which can reduce the unnecessary working frequency of the cleaning device.

[0100] In another preferred embodiment, the drum washing machine can also receive a cleaning command manually triggered by the user and control the cleaning device to spray fluid.

[0101] Specifically, after each washing cycle, the drum washing machine controls the cleaning device to spray fluid to clean the inside of the outer drum 100, removing any metallic foreign objects remaining in the area of ​​the electromagnetic heating device 400. If necessary, the user can also issue a cleaning command to the drum washing machine, such as triggering the button on the washing machine corresponding to the cleaning function, thereby controlling the cleaning device to spray fluid.

[0102] During the repair of a drum washing machine, metal foreign objects may fall into the inner side of the outer drum 100. The drum washing machine only cleans the outer drum 100 with a cleaning device after each washing cycle, which cannot remove metal foreign objects that fell into the outer drum 100 during repair. If the electromagnetic heating device 400 is turned on during the first washing cycle after product repair, the residual metal foreign objects may overheat and damage the outer drum 100. By setting the drum washing machine to receive cleaning commands from the user, the user can manually control the cleaning device after product repair to remove any remaining metal foreign objects by spraying fluid. This prevents the electromagnetic heating device 400 from causing the metal foreign objects inside the outer drum 100 to overheat during the next washing cycle, making the drum washing machine's operation more reliable.

[0103] In a further embodiment, when the cleaning device sprays fluid onto the covered area, the drum washing machine also controls the inner drum 200 to rotate within the outer drum 100. This allows the inner drum 200 to rotate and agitate the fluid sprayed from the nozzle 320, thereby further enhancing its flushing effect on metal foreign objects and improving the removal efficiency of metal foreign objects.

[0104] In this embodiment, the inner drum 200 can independently hold water during washing and rinsing. Specifically, the inner drum 200 is equipped with a centrifugal drainage structure, which closes the drain hole 201 on the inner drum 200 during washing and rinsing, allowing the inner drum 200 to hold water independently. During drainage, the inner drum 200 is controlled to drain at a rotational speed V. 排 Or at a higher rotation speed, the centrifugal drainage structure can open the drain hole 201 to drain water under the action of centrifugal force.

[0105] In a preferred embodiment, when the cleaning device sprays fluid onto the covered area, the drum washing machine also controls the inner drum 200 to drain water from the outer drum 100. Specifically, when the cleaning device sprays fluid, the drum washing machine controls the inner drum 200 to operate at a speed greater than or equal to the draining speed V. 排 The rotation speed is such that it rotates in the outer cylinder 100 and drains water into the outer cylinder 100.

[0106] While the cleaning device sprays fluid, the inner cylinder 200 is controlled to drain water outward. The drainage water from the inner cylinder 200 interacts with the fluid sprayed by the cleaning device, and together they impact the metal foreign objects located within the coverage area of ​​the alternating magnetic field, further improving the removal efficiency of the metal foreign objects.

[0107] 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 drum washing machine, comprising: outer cylinder, The inner cylinder, located inside the outer cylinder, is at least partially made of a metallic material capable of generating eddy currents in an alternating magnetic field; An electromagnetic heating device is installed on the bottom area of ​​the outer cylinder wall to generate an alternating magnetic field that radiates outward to heat the inner cylinder. The alternating magnetic field forms a covering area at the bottom of the outer cylinder wall. The feature is that it further includes a cleaning device, the cleaning device including a nozzle assembly with a nozzle that sprays fluid onto the inner surface of the covered area on the outer cylinder in a direction close to the axial direction of the outer cylinder; The covering area is located on the cylinder wall near the bottom of the cylinder, and the inner surface of the covering area is inclined downward along the direction of fluid injection. The drain outlet on the outer cylinder wall is located at the bottom area of ​​the cylinder wall between the cylinder opening of the outer cylinder and the covering area. The nozzle assembly is mounted on the bottom of the outer cylinder, located at the bottom of the cylinder bottom, and the nozzle sprays fluid from the bottom of the outer cylinder towards the cylinder opening.

2. The drum washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coverage area includes at least the projection area of ​​the electromagnetic heating device on the outer cylinder wall; the nozzle is disposed facing the inner surface of the projection area on the cylinder wall; the extension length of the electromagnetic heating device along the circumference of the outer cylinder is greater than its extension length along the axial direction of the outer cylinder.

3. The drum washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electromagnetic heating device is installed on the outside of the cylinder wall, so that the inside of the cylinder wall forms a smooth surface, and the inner surface of the covered area is smooth and unobstructed.

4. The drum washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer cylinder wall is a conical structure with a diameter that gradually increases from the bottom of the cylinder to the opening.

5. The drum washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nozzle assembly is installed on the outer periphery of the bottom of the cylinder, and the nozzle is installed inside the outer cylinder through the bottom of the outer cylinder. The outer periphery of the nozzle is fitted with the inner side of the outer cylinder wall.

6. The drum washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The coverage area extends along the circumference of the outer cylinder wall, and the nozzle assembly has multiple nozzles. The line connecting the multiple nozzles forms an arc with the bottom of the outer cylinder as the center.

7. The drum washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The nozzle assembly includes: Fluid inlet, used to receive the fluid to be injected; The nozzle body extends in an arc shape around the bottom of the outer cylinder and is connected to the bottom of the outer cylinder. It has a communication channel inside that connects the fluid inlet and multiple nozzles. The fluid inlet is located in the middle of the nozzle body and extends from the nozzle body to the outer side of the bottom of the outer cylinder. The extension direction of the fluid inlet is parallel to the axis of the outer cylinder.

8. The drum washing machine according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The cleaning device includes an air pump for supplying gas, the air pump being connected to a nozzle assembly, and the nozzle spraying air onto the inner surface of the covered area for cleaning. Alternatively, the cleaning device includes a cleaning pipeline, the inlet of which receives external water, and the outlet of which is connected to a nozzle assembly. The nozzle sprays water onto the inner surface of the covered area for cleaning. A booster pump for increasing water flow is installed on the cleaning pipeline.

9. A control method for a drum washing machine according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The drum washing machine controls the cleaning device to spray fluid onto the inner wall of the outer drum to clean the inner surface of the covered area.

10. The control method for a drum washing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that, Before and / or after the washing program starts, the front-loading washing machine controls the cleaning device to spray fluid.

11. The control method for a drum washing machine according to claim 10, characterized in that, After receiving the signal to start the washing program, if the drum washing machine determines that the washing water heating function is turned on, it controls the cleaning device to spray fluid to clean the inner surface of the covered area. After cleaning is completed, start the electromagnetic heating device to begin heating; The cleaning device sprays fluid to clean the inner wall of the outer drum simultaneously with the water intake operation of the washing program.

12. The control method for a drum washing machine according to any one of claims 9-11, characterized in that, When the cleaning device sprays fluid, the drum washing machine controls the inner drum to rotate inside the outer drum, and the rotation of the inner drum agitates the fluid sprayed from the nozzle.

13. The control method for a drum washing machine according to claim 12, characterized in that, When the cleaning device sprays fluid, the drum washing machine controls the inner drum to rotate at a speed greater than or equal to the draining speed V. 排 The rotation speed in the outer cylinder causes the centrifugal drainage structure on the inner cylinder to open the drainage holes for drainage. The drainage water from the inner cylinder interacts with the fluid sprayed by the cleaning device, jointly impacting the foreign objects in the covered area.

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