Drainage control method of a washing machine and washing machine

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of washing machine's drainage control method and washing machine, the drainage control method includes the following steps, S1, start draining;S2, control drainage pump work reaches preset condition, carries out siphon drainage.The application can pump the highest place of washing water in washing cylinder to drain pipe and discharge downward after controlling drainage pump work reaches preset condition when washing machine starts draining, drainage pipe can use siphon phenomenon to suck out and discharge the water in washing cylinder after drainage pump stops, does not need drainage pump to operate all the time, can save energy, reduce energy consumption and noise generated by drainage pump operation.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In existing technology, top-drain washing machines typically use a top-drain system. A drain pump draws the washing water from the drum upwards along the drain pipe to the top of the washing machine, and then downwards into the floor drain. For top-drain washing machines, the drain pipe must be installed above the top of the washing machine to form an arc that facilitates wastewater drainage. This top-drain system is mostly used in drum washing machines. It allows for unrestricted installation location and provides excellent drainage.

[0003] However, top-loading washing machines typically require the drain pump to run continuously during the drainage process. This continuous operation of the drain pump increases energy consumption, hindering energy conservation; furthermore, the constant operation of the drain pump generates noise.

[0004] Chinese patent application CN201310129927.0 discloses a control method for an integrated control drain pump and a washing machine thereof. The integrated control drain pump combines a control board and a drain pump. During drainage, the control board determines the drainage volume of the washing machine based on the internal load of the drain pump and automatically controls the start and stop of the drain pump until drainage is complete. This patent can automatically control the start and stop of the drain pump based on the internal load, thereby reducing noise during water-air mixing. The drain pump does not need to run continuously; however, frequent start and stop of the drain pump can increase energy consumption and is not conducive to energy conservation.

[0005] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. The purpose is to provide a drainage control method for a washing machine. By controlling the drain pump to work first to reach the preset conditions, the washing water is pumped to the highest point of the drain pipe and discharged downwards. After the drain pump stops working, the drain pipe can use the siphon phenomenon to draw out and drain the washing water in the washing drum. The drain pump does not need to run continuously, which can save energy and reduce noise.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that is energy-efficient when draining water.

[0008] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide a drainage control method for a washing machine, including the following steps:

[0009] S1. Start draining;

[0010] S2. Control the drainage pump to operate under preset conditions and perform siphon drainage.

[0011] This invention controls the drain pump to operate under preset conditions after the washing machine starts draining, which can pump the washing water in the washing drum to the highest point of the drain pipe and discharge it downwards. After the drain pump stops, the drain pipe can use the siphon effect to draw out and drain the water in the washing drum. The drain pump does not need to run continuously, which can save energy and reduce energy consumption and the noise generated by the drain pump.

[0012] Furthermore, in step S2, the preset condition is either a preset working time t1 or a preset value for the water level in the washing drum to drop.

[0013] Preferably, in step S2, the drainage pump is controlled to operate for a preset time t1, where 4s ≤ t1 ≤ 7s; more preferably, the preset time t1 is 6s.

[0014] Furthermore, the following steps are included between steps S1 and S2:

[0015] Obtain the water level V in the washing drum and determine whether the water level V is greater than or equal to the preset water level Va. If yes, proceed to step S2; otherwise, proceed to the normal drainage procedure.

[0016] Furthermore, following step S2, the following steps are also included:

[0017] S3, Preset time t2 for controlling the drainage pump to stop working;

[0018] S4. Check if the water level in the washing drum drops within the time t2 during which the drain pump stops working. If so, determine that siphon drainage has started.

[0019] Further, in step S4, it is detected whether the water level in the washing drum drops during the time t2 when the drain pump stops working. If not, step S2 is executed.

[0020] Furthermore, step S4 includes the following steps:

[0021] S41. Detect the water level in the washing drum during the time t2 when the drain pump stops working;

[0022] S42. Obtain the water level drop value △V of the washing drum during the time t2 when the drain pump stops working, and determine whether the water level drop value △V is greater than or equal to the preset value Vset. If so, determine to start siphon drainage.

[0023] Further, in step S4, if so, the following steps are performed:

[0024] S5. Check if the water level in the washing drum has reached the reset water level. If so, execute the spin-drying program.

[0025] Further, in step S5, if not, then the following steps are performed.

[0026] S6. Detect whether the water level in the washing drum drops within the preset time t3. If yes, proceed to step S5; otherwise, proceed to step S2.

[0027] Furthermore, in step S5, when the water level in the washing drum reaches the reset water level, the drain pump is controlled to perform the spin-drying sequence.

[0028] The present invention also provides a washing machine that employs any of the above-described washing machine drainage control methods.

[0029] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0030] (1) After the washing machine starts draining, the present invention controls the drain pump to work to the preset conditions, which can pump the washing water in the washing drum to the highest point of the drain pipe and discharge it downward. After the drain pump stops, the drain pipe can use the siphon phenomenon to draw out the water in the washing drum and drain it away. The drain pump does not need to run continuously, which can save energy and reduce energy consumption and the noise generated by the operation of the drain pump.

[0031] (2) In this invention, after the drain pump reaches the preset conditions, the drain pump is controlled to stop working for a preset time t2. It is detected whether the water level in the washing drum drops within the preset time t2 during which the drain pump stops working. If it does, it means that siphon drainage has started. If not, it means that siphon drainage has failed. Then, step S2 is executed to recreate the siphon phenomenon of the drain pipe for drainage. This invention can use the drop in water level in the washing drum within a unit time to determine whether the drain pipe has started siphon drainage and can detect whether the drainage process is interrupted, thus ensuring smooth drainage of the washing machine.

[0032] (3) The present invention sets a preset value Vset for water level drop. When the water level drop ΔV of the washing tub is greater than or equal to the preset value Vset within the time t2 when the drain pump stops working, it is determined that siphon drainage has started. This avoids the siphon drainage of the drain pipe being interrupted within the time t2 when the drain pump stops working, and is mistakenly judged as the start of siphon drainage, thus avoiding the problem of increased drainage time and reduced drainage efficiency.

[0033] (4) In this invention, when it is detected that the washing water in the washing drum has not reached the reset water level, the siphon drainage may be interrupted. Step S6 is executed to check whether the water level in the washing drum has dropped within a preset time t3. If so, it means that the water level has dropped and the siphon drainage is in progress, and step S5 is executed again. If the water level in the washing drum has not dropped within the preset time t3, it means that the siphon drainage has been interrupted, and step S2 is executed to restart the siphon drainage. This ensures that the washing machine drains water smoothly using the siphon phenomenon, prevents the siphon drainage from being interrupted unexpectedly, and avoids the drainage time from increasing. This ensures drainage efficiency and drainage energy consumption.

[0034] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0035] 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:

[0036] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a washing machine drainage control method according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the drainage state of a washing machine according to the present invention;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of another washing machine drainage control method according to the present invention;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of another washing machine drainage control method according to the present invention.

[0040] In the diagram: 1. Washing machine; 11. Washing drum; 12. Drain pump; 13. Drain pipe.

[0041] 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

[0042] 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.

[0043] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "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 limiting this invention.

[0044] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" 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 mechanical connection or an electrical 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.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the drainage control method for a washing machine according to the present invention includes the following steps:

[0046] S1. Start draining;

[0047] S2. Control the drainage pump to operate under preset conditions and perform siphon drainage.

[0048] This invention controls the drain pump to operate under preset conditions after the washing machine starts draining, which can pump the washing water in the washing drum to the highest point of the drain pipe and discharge it downwards. After the drain pump stops, the drain pipe can use the siphon effect to draw out and drain the water in the washing drum. The drain pump does not need to run continuously, which can save energy and reduce energy consumption and the noise generated by the drain pump.

[0049] In step S2, the preset conditions are either a preset working time t1 or a preset value for the water level drop in the washing drum.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, in this invention, the washing machine 1 uses top drainage. A drain pump 12 pumps the washing water in the washing drum 11 upwards, passing the highest point of the drain pipe 13 before discharging downwards. In step S2, the preset condition is to control the working time of the drain pump 12 or the drop in water level in the washing drum 11 to maintain the amount of water discharged by the drain pump 12, ensuring that the washing water passes the highest point of the drain pipe 13. After the drain pump 12 stops working, the washing water can be discharged downwards, creating a siphon effect.

[0051] Preferably, the amount of water discharged by the drain pump 12 is sufficient to ensure that the washing water passes over the highest point of the drain pipe 13 and continues to move downwards for a certain distance, preventing the backflow of washing water after the drain pump 12 stops working, and further ensuring the generation of the siphon effect.

[0052] Preferably, in step S2, the drain pump operates for a preset time t1, where 4s ≤ t1 ≤ 7s. By setting the drain pump to operate for 4s-7s, it is ensured that the drain pump pumps the washing water to a higher position in the washing machine and discharges it downwards, increasing the probability of a siphon effect. Preferably, the preset time t1 is 6s.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the following steps are included between steps S1 and S2:

[0054] Obtain the water level V in the washing drum and determine whether the water level V is greater than or equal to the preset water level Va. If yes, proceed to step S2; otherwise, proceed to the normal drainage procedure.

[0055] In the above steps, the water level V in the washing tub can be obtained by obtaining the water level when the washing machine is filled with water, or by detecting the water level V in the washing tub.

[0056] Preferably, in this invention, the water level V in the washing water inside the washing drum can be detected by a water level sensor.

[0057] Washing machines typically have ten water level settings, and the preset water level Va is less than or equal to the second water level setting. Preferably, the preset water level Va is the first water level setting of the washing machine.

[0058] In this invention, after starting drainage, the water level of the washing water in the washing drum is first obtained. When the water level V in the washing drum is greater than or equal to the preset water level Va, it indicates that there is a lot of washing water in the washing drum, so the next step is executed, and drainage can be carried out by using the siphon phenomenon; when the water level V in the washing drum is less than the preset water level Va, it indicates that there is less washing water in the washing drum, and less drainage time is required. Therefore, drainage is not required by using the siphon phenomenon, and the conventional drainage procedure is executed.

[0059] The conventional drainage process includes a drainage process and a spin-drying process, wherein the washing pump is kept running continuously during the drainage process.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, after step S2, the following steps are also included:

[0061] S3, Preset time t2 for controlling the drainage pump to stop working;

[0062] S4. Check if the water level in the washing drum drops within the time t2 during which the drain pump stops working. If so, determine that siphon drainage has started.

[0063] In this invention, after the drain pump reaches the preset conditions, the drain pump is controlled to stop working for a preset time t2. It is detected whether the water level in the washing drum drops within the preset time t2 during which the drain pump stops working. If so, it indicates that siphon drainage has started. It can use the drop in the water level in the washing drum per unit time to determine whether the drain pipe has started siphon drainage. It can detect whether the drainage process is interrupted, ensuring smooth drainage of the washing machine.

[0064] In step S4, it is detected whether the water level in the washing drum drops within the time t2 during which the drain pump stops working. If not, step S2 is executed.

[0065] In this invention, if the water pump stops working for a preset time t2, and it is detected that the water level in the washing drum does not drop within the preset time t2, it indicates that the siphon effect was not used for drainage during the time the drain pump stops working, and the siphon drainage has failed. Then, steps S2 and S3 are executed to recreate the siphon effect of the drain pipe for drainage.

[0066] A further option is that step S4 includes the following steps:

[0067] S41. Detect the water level in the washing drum during the time t2 when the drain pump stops working;

[0068] S42. Obtain the water level drop value △V of the washing drum during the time t2 when the drain pump stops working, and determine whether the water level drop value △V is greater than or equal to the preset value Vset. If so, determine to start siphon drainage.

[0069] This invention sets a preset value Vset for water level drop. When the water level drop ΔV in the washing tub is greater than or equal to the preset value Vset within the time t2 when the drain pump stops working, it is determined that siphon drainage has started. This avoids the siphon drainage of the drain pipe being interrupted within the time t2 when the drain pump stops working, which could be mistakenly judged as the start of siphon drainage, thus avoiding the problems of increased drainage time and reduced drainage efficiency.

[0070] In step S42, the water level drop value ΔV of the washing tub during the time t2 when the drain pump stops working is calculated, and it is determined whether the water level drop value ΔV is greater than or equal to the preset value Vset. If not, the siphon drainage is determined to have failed, and step S2 is executed.

[0071] In step S2, the preset conditions are either a preset working time t1 or a preset value for the water level drop in the washing drum.

[0072] In step S3, 4s ≤ t2 ≤ 7s. In step S3, the preset time t2 is equal to the preset time t1. Preferably, the preset time t2 is 6s.

[0073] Specifically, the washing machine drainage control method of the present invention includes: starting the drainage program; controlling the drain pump to work for 6 seconds; controlling the drain pump to stop working for 6 seconds; detecting whether the water level in the washing drum drops within the 6 seconds of the drain pump stopping; if so, determining that siphon drainage has started; if not, determining that siphon drainage has failed and executing step S2.

[0074] In this invention, a water level sensor can be used to detect whether the water level in the washing drum drops during the time the drain pump stops working.

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, in step S4, if the water level in the washing drum drops during the time t2 when the drain pump stops working, the following steps are performed:

[0076] S5. Check if the water level in the washing drum has reached the reset water level. If so, execute the spin-drying program.

[0077] In step S5, the dehydration process includes controlling the drain pump to run continuously, or controlling the drain pump to run intermittently, or automatically controlling the start and stop of the drain pump according to the load of the drain pump, or dividing the drainage process into several different time periods and controlling the drain pump to start and stop sequentially in several time periods.

[0078] Preferably, in this invention, a water level sensor can be used to detect whether the water level in the washing tub has reached the reset water level.

[0079] The reset water level is the water level in the washing drum when it reaches the level where the spin-drying process can begin.

[0080] Further, in step S5, it is detected whether the water level in the washing tub has reached the reset water level. If not, the following steps are performed: S6, it is detected whether the water level in the washing tub has dropped within a preset time t3. If yes, step S5 is performed; if no, step S2 is performed.

[0081] In this invention, when it is detected that the washing water in the washing drum has not reached the reset water level, the siphon drainage may be interrupted. Step S6 is executed to detect whether the water level in the washing drum has dropped within a preset time t3. If so, it means that the water level has dropped and the siphon drainage is in progress, and step S5 is executed again.

[0082] If the water level in the washing drum does not drop within the preset time t3, it indicates that the siphon drainage is interrupted. Then, step S2 is executed to restart the siphon drainage, ensuring that the washing machine drains water smoothly using the siphon phenomenon, preventing accidental interruption of siphon drainage and causing an increase in drainage time, thus ensuring drainage efficiency and energy consumption.

[0083] Preferably, in step S6, the preset time t3 is 3s-10s. More preferably, the preset time t3 is 6s.

[0084] The system detects the number of times a negative result occurs in step S6. When the number of negative results in step S6 reaches a preset number n, the system directly executes the conventional drainage procedure. The conventional drainage procedure is as described above.

[0085] Preferably, the preset number of times n is 3-5 times.

[0086] A preferred embodiment is that, in step S5, when the water level in the washing drum reaches the reset water level, the drain pump is controlled to execute the spin-drying sequence.

[0087] The dewatering sequence of the drainage pump includes continuously running the drainage pump, controlling the drainage pump to run intermittently, automatically controlling the start and stop of the drainage pump according to the load of the drainage pump, or dividing the drainage process into several different time periods and controlling the drainage pump to start and stop sequentially within several time periods.

[0088] The present invention also provides a washing machine that employs any of the above-described washing machine drainage control methods.

[0089] The washing machine of the present invention utilizes the above-described drainage control method to control the drain pump to work for a period of time, pumping the washing water to the highest point of the drain pipe for discharge. After the drain pump stops working, the drain pipe can use the siphon effect to draw in the washing water in the washing drum and discharge it. The drain pump does not need to run continuously, which can save energy and reduce noise.

[0090] 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. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. 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 drainage control method for a washing machine, characterized in that: Includes the following steps, S1. Start draining; S2. Control the drainage pump to operate under preset conditions and perform siphon drainage; S3, Preset time t2 for controlling the drainage pump to stop working; S4. Detect the water level in the washing tub during the time t2 when the drain pump stops working, obtain the water level drop value ΔV during the time t2 when the drain pump stops working, and determine whether the water level drop value ΔV is greater than or equal to the preset value Vset. If yes, determine that siphon drainage has started; otherwise, determine that siphon drainage has failed and proceed to step S2.

2. The drainage control method for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S2, the preset conditions are either a preset working time t1 or a preset value for the water level drop in the washing drum.

3. The drainage control method for a washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: In step S2, the drainage pump is controlled to operate for a preset time t1, where 4s≤t1≤7s.

4. The drainage control method for a washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The preset time t1 is 6s.

5. The drainage control method for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: Between step S1 and step S2, the following steps are also included: Obtain the water level V in the washing drum and determine whether the water level V is greater than or equal to the preset water level Va. If yes, proceed to step S2; otherwise, proceed to the normal drainage procedure.

6. The drainage control method for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S4, if the water level in the washing drum drops during the time t2 when the drain pump stops working, then the following steps are performed: S5. Check if the water level in the washing drum has reached the reset water level. If so, execute the spin-drying program.

7. A drainage control method for a washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: If not in step S5, then proceed to the following steps: S6. Detect whether the water level in the washing drum drops within the preset time t3. If yes, proceed to step S5; otherwise, proceed to step S2.

8. A drainage control method for a washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: In step S5, when the water level in the washing tub is detected to reach the reset water level, the drain pump is controlled to perform the spin-drying sequence.

9. A washing machine, characterized in that: The drainage control method of the washing machine according to any one of claims 1-8 is adopted.

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