Control method of a washing machine and washing machine

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of washing machines, and discloses a control method of a washing machine and the washing machine, which comprises an outer drum, an inner drum arranged in the outer drum and made of metal material capable of generating eddy current in an alternating magnetic field, and an electromagnetic heating device installed on the outer drum to generate an alternating magnetic field radiating outward to heat the inner drum, wherein the alternating magnetic field forms a radiation area on the outer drum; and when the electromagnetic heating device works to heat the inner drum, the radiation area on the outer drum is covered by water. In the application, the inner drum is heated by the electromagnetic heating device to realize the function of heating washing water; when the electromagnetic heating device works, the radiation area on the outer drum covered by the alternating magnetic field is covered by water, so that the outer drum can be rapidly radiated by heat exchange with water, and the problem that metal foreign matters possibly existing in the outer drum are radiated by the alternating magnetic field of the electromagnetic heating device, the temperature of the metal foreign matters is sharply increased, and then a safety hazard is caused is avoided.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of washing machines, in particular, relates to a control method of a washing machine and the washing machine. BACKGROUND

[0002] The existing washing machine generally comprises an inner drum and an outer drum, and a plurality of dehydration holes are arranged on the drum wall of the inner drum. However, during the washing process, the washing water between the inner drum and the outer drum cannot be utilized, resulting in the waste of the washing water. At the same time, the dirt generated during the washing process is easy to remain between the inner drum and the outer drum, which is difficult to clean, and long-term accumulation will pollute the washing water and affect the washing effect.

[0003] To solve the above problems, the prior art proposes a washing machine without dehydration holes on the inner drum, so that the inner drum can independently hold washing water during the washing process, thereby avoiding the storage of water between the inner drum and the outer drum during the washing process, saving the amount of washing water, and greatly avoiding the accumulation of dirt between the inner drum and the outer drum.

[0004] However, due to the absence of water between the inner drum and the outer drum during the washing process, the washing water cannot be heated by the form of arranging a heating pipe in the outer drum in the traditional washing machine. In order to solve the problem of heating the washing water of the washing machine without dehydration holes on the inner drum, a scheme of arranging an electromagnetic heating module on the outer drum is proposed. For example, a Chinese patent with application number 201811191414.1 discloses a drum washing machine, which comprises a hole-free drum without dehydration holes mounted in a housing, a clothes putting opening is arranged on the side wall of the hole-free drum, and a door body capable of opening and closing the clothes putting opening is arranged on the drum; an outer drum is sleeved outside the drum, and an electromagnetic heating module is arranged on the outer drum to heat the inside of the outer drum and transfer the heating heat to the washing water held in the drum.

[0005] However, in the above scheme, the electromagnetic heating module generates an alternating magnetic field after being powered on, and then generates an eddy current in the drum, so that the drum itself is heated to heat the washing water. If there are other objects that can be excited by the alternating magnetic field in the outer drum, such as metal accessories falling from clothes and remaining between the drum and the outer drum after draining, or some metal accessories left in the outer drum during maintenance of the washing machine, the metal foreign matters in the outer drum will also be excited and heated by the magnetic field when the electromagnetic heating module works, and the temperature will rise sharply. In order to avoid the influence of the electromagnetic heating module, the outer drum is generally made of plastic material, and the sharp heating of the metal foreign matters may cause damage to the outer drum, and even the working environment temperature of the electromagnetic heating module may also rise sharply, causing damage to the electromagnetic heating module.

[0006] Therefore, the present application is proposed. SUMMARY

[0007] The technical problem solved by the present application is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, and provide a control method of a washing machine and the washing machine, during operation of an electromagnetic heating device, a radiation area on an outer drum covered by an alternating magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic heating device is covered by water, so that heat exchange with water can be achieved to realize rapid heat dissipation, and damage of the outer drum due to excessively high temperature can be avoided when metal foreign matters in the outer drum are rapidly heated.

[0008] To solve the above technical problem, the basic idea of the technical solution of the present application is:

[0009] A control method of a washing machine, the washing machine comprising:

[0010] an outer drum;

[0011] an inner drum arranged in the outer drum and made at least partially of a metal material capable of generating eddy current in an alternating magnetic field;

[0012] an electromagnetic heating device installed on the outer drum to generate an alternating magnetic field radiating outward to heat the inner drum, the alternating magnetic field forming a radiation area on the outer drum;

[0013] When the electromagnetic heating device operates to heat the inner drum, the radiation area on the outer drum is covered by water.

[0014] Further, when the electromagnetic heating device operates to heat the inner drum, the outer drum has water inside, and the water in the outer drum covers the inner surface of the radiation area on the outer drum.

[0015] Further, the electromagnetic heating device comprises a coil for generating an alternating magnetic field after being powered on; the electromagnetic heating device is installed on the bottom area of the outer drum, and the radiation area at least comprises a projection area of the coil on the bottom of the outer drum;

[0016] When the electromagnetic heating device operates to heat the inner drum, the water surface in the outer drum covers the projection area of the coil on the bottom of the outer drum.

[0017] Preferably, the washing machine is a drum washing machine, and the electromagnetic heating device is installed on the drum wall of the outer drum; when the electromagnetic heating device operates to heat the inner drum, the water surface in the outer drum covers the projection area of the coil on the drum wall of the outer drum.

[0018] Alternatively, the washing machine is a pulsator washing machine, and the electromagnetic heating device is installed on the drum bottom of the outer drum; when the electromagnetic heating device operates to heat the inner drum, the water surface in the outer drum covers the projection area of the coil on the drum bottom of the outer drum.

[0019] Further, the electromagnetic heating device is installed outside the outer cylinder, and the coil is projected upward to form the projection area; when the electromagnetic heating device works to heat the inner cylinder, the projection of the water surface on the inner wall of the outer cylinder covers the projection area formed by the coil.

[0020] Further, the electromagnetic heating device is installed inside the outer cylinder, and the water surface in the outer cylinder is not lower than the upper surface of the electromagnetic heating device.

[0021] Preferably, the water surface in the outer cylinder is spaced apart from the outer wall of the inner cylinder.

[0022] Further, the washing machine comprises a water inlet device for covering the radiation area with water in the outer cylinder.

[0023] Further, the washing machine further comprises a flow sensor for detecting the water inlet amount of the water inlet device; if the water inlet amount detected by the flow sensor reaches a preset water inlet amount, it is determined that the radiation area is covered by the water in the outer cylinder.

[0024] Alternatively, the washing machine further comprises a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the outer cylinder; if the water level detected by the water level sensor reaches a preset water level, it is determined that the radiation area is covered by the water in the outer cylinder.

[0025] Preferably, if the water inlet amount detected by the flow sensor reaches the preset water inlet amount, the water inlet device stops feeding water into the outer cylinder.

[0026] Alternatively, if the water level detected by the water level sensor reaches the preset water level, the water inlet device stops feeding water into the outer cylinder.

[0027] Further, a drain port is arranged on the outer cylinder, and the washing machine further comprises a drain device for connecting the drain port and the outside of the washing machine.

[0028] When the electromagnetic heating device works to heat the inner cylinder, the drain device remains in a closed state to disconnect the drain port and the outside of the washing machine.

[0029] Another object of the present application is to provide a washing machine adopting the control method of the washing machine.

[0030] After adopting the above technical solution, the present application has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0031] In the present application, the radiation area of the outer cylinder covered by the alternating magnetic field is covered by water during the operation of the electromagnetic heating device, so that the heat generated by the excitation of the metal foreign matter in the outer cylinder by the alternating magnetic field can be quickly dissipated through the heat exchange with the water, thereby avoiding the problem of the abnormal high temperature environment in the outer cylinder caused by the sharp temperature rise of the metal foreign matter, and further causing the safety hazard problem, thereby playing a heating protection role in the operation process of the electromagnetic heating device.

[0032] In the present application, the water in the outer cylinder is used to cover the radiation area during the operation of the electromagnetic heating device, so that the metal foreign matter remaining in the outer cylinder can be immersed in the water, the metal foreign matter directly contacts with the water for heat exchange, and the heat is quickly dissipated, thereby avoiding the overhigh temperature of the outer cylinder, and the heating protection role is more reliable.

[0033] In the present application, the alternating magnetic field is generated by the coil of the electromagnetic heating device, so that the projection of the water surface in the outer cylinder covers the projection area of the coil on the outer cylinder, which can ensure that all the metal foreign matter located in the action range of the electromagnetic heating device is immersed in the water, that is, it can ensure that there is no metal foreign matter excited to sharply rise in temperature in the action range of the electromagnetic heating device, thereby playing an effective protection role. The water surface in the outer cylinder does not contact the outer wall of the inner cylinder, which can avoid the diffusion of the heat generated by the inner cylinder to the water outside the inner cylinder, thereby reducing the heating efficiency of the washing water in the inner cylinder.

[0034] In the present application, the water inlet device is arranged to supply water to the outer cylinder to cover the radiation area, which has a simple structure and is easy to implement. The washing machine is provided with a flow sensor or a water level sensor, which can monitor the water amount in the outer cylinder in real time, and control the water amount in the outer cylinder to just completely cover the radiation area, thereby avoiding the problem of insufficient water amount leading to the failure of the heating protection role, and preventing the problem of excessive water amount leading to the reduction of the heating efficiency of the washing water in the inner cylinder.

[0035] The specific embodiments of the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0036] The accompanying drawings are part of the present application and serve to provide a further understanding of the present application, the schematic embodiments of the present application and the description thereof serve to explain the present application, but do not constitute an improper limitation on the present application. Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description are only some embodiments, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor. In the drawings:

[0037] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the washing machine in the first embodiment of the present application;

[0038] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a washing machine in the second embodiment of the present application;

[0039] Figure 3 is a perspective structural schematic diagram of a partial top view of the bottom of the outer cylinder in the embodiment of the present application.

[0040] In the figure: 100, outer cylinder; 200, inner cylinder; 210, inner cylinder door; 220, lifting rib; 300, electromagnetic heating device; 310, coil; 320, encapsulation shell; 321, fixed part; 330, rectifier; 340, driver; 400, box body; 410, upper table plate; 420, bottom plate; 421, bottom foot; 430, front panel; 431, machine door; 500, drainage device; 600, detergent box; 700, control panel.

[0041] It should be noted that the drawings and the written description are not intended to limit the scope of the concept of the present application in any way, but to illustrate the concept of the present application to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] In order to make the purpose, technical scheme and advantages of the embodiments of the present application more clear, the technical scheme in the embodiments will be described clearly and completely below in conjunction with the drawings of the embodiments of the present application. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present application, but not to limit the scope of the present application.

[0043] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "inner", "outer" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the devices or elements referred to must have a particular orientation, be constructed and operated in a particular orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0044] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "mounting", "connection" should be understood broadly, for example, it can be fixed connection, or detachable connection, or integrally connected; it can be mechanical connection, or electrical connection; it can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] Embodiment one

[0046] The present embodiment provides a washing machine and a control method thereof.

[0047] As shown in Figure 1 , the washing machine described in the present embodiment is a drum washing machine, which comprises:

[0048] outer cylinder 100;

[0049] inner cylinder 200, arranged in the outer cylinder 100, made at least partially of a metal material capable of generating eddy current in an alternating magnetic field;

[0050] electromagnetic heating device 300, mounted on the outer cylinder 100, generating an alternating magnetic field radiating outward to heat the inner cylinder 200, the alternating magnetic field forming a radiation area on the outer cylinder 100.

[0051] Specifically, the inner cylinder 200 in the embodiment is not provided with a dehydration hole, and an openable / closable inner cylinder door 210 is arranged at the cylinder opening of the inner cylinder 200, and when the inner cylinder door 210 is closed, a closed washing cavity is formed inside the inner cylinder 200, which can independently hold washing water in the washing and rinsing stages.

[0052] A drainage hole is arranged on the cylinder wall of the inner cylinder 200, and a centrifugal drainage structure is mounted, and the initial state of the centrifugal drainage structure is to block the drainage hole, so as to keep the inner cylinder 200 closed and independently hold water. When the rotating speed of the inner cylinder 200 reaches the drainage rotating speed, the centrifugal drainage structure can open the drainage hole under the action of centrifugal force, thereby realizing the drainage function of the inner cylinder 200. The washing machine of the embodiment is provided with a lifting rib 220 on the cylinder wall of the inner cylinder 200, and the lifting rib 220 is provided with an opening, and the centrifugal drainage structure is integrally arranged inside the lifting rib 220.

[0053] The washing machine further comprises a cabinet 400 composed of an upper top panel 410, a front panel 430, a rear back panel and a bottom plate 420. The bottom plate 420 is fixedly mounted with a bottom foot 421 for supporting the entire washing machine. The front panel 430 is provided with a laundry loading / unloading opening and is mounted with an openable / closable machine door 431.

[0054] The outer cylinder 100 and the inner cylinder 200 are coaxially arranged inside the cabinet 400, and the outer cylinder 100 has a central mounting hole in which a bearing structure is fixedly mounted. The driving shaft fastened to the inner cylinder 200 penetrates through the bearing structure and is connected to a driving motor, so as to drive the inner cylinder 200 to rotate by the driving motor. The driving shaft has a hollow structure forming a water inlet channel communicating with the inside of the inner cylinder 200, the water inlet channel communicates with the water inlet pipeline of the washing machine, and a dynamic seal is arranged between the water inlet channel and the water inlet pipeline, thereby realizing the water inlet function of the inner cylinder 200.

[0055] The electromagnetic heating device 300 comprises a coil 310 for generating an alternating magnetic field after being electrified. The current is input to the rectifier 330 or the driver 340, and finally converted into high-frequency alternating current input into the coil 310, so that the coil 310 generates a high-frequency alternating magnetic field radiating outward. The high-frequency alternating magnetic field generated by the coil 310 radiates to the inner cylinder 200 made of metal material, so that the inner cylinder 200 generates eddy current under the electromagnetic induction, and the eddy current completes the conversion of electric energy into heat energy when flowing against the internal resistance of the inner cylinder 200, realizes self-heating of the inner cylinder 200, and thus heats the washing water therein.

[0056] In the embodiment, to avoid the outer cylinder 100 from heating under the action of the electromagnetic heating device 300, the outer cylinder 100 can be made of a material that is not excited by a magnetic field, such as plastic, and at the same time, the outer cylinder 100 can also avoid affecting the alternating magnetic field formed by the electromagnetic heating device 300. However, when the electromagnetic heating device 300 works, metal objects located in the coverage range of the alternating magnetic field generated thereby are likely to be excited by the magnetic field and heated.

[0057] However, metal foreign matters may be left in the outer cylinder 100 due to various accidental reasons. For example, during assembly of the washing machine, workers mistakenly leave metal parts such as iron wires, screws and other metal objects between the inner cylinder 200 and the outer cylinder 100. Or, during maintenance of the washing machine, metal objects are accidentally left in the outer cylinder 100 after opening the outer cylinder 100. It is also possible that children put metal toys into the gap between the inner cylinder 200 and the outer cylinder 100 during play. It is also possible that metal ornaments on clothes fall off during the washing process and remain between the inner cylinder 200 and the outer cylinder 100 after drainage.

[0058] Once there are metal foreign matters in the outer cylinder 100, it is possible that the metal foreign matters are excited by the magnetic field and sharply heated after the electromagnetic heating device 300 is turned on, so that an abnormal high-temperature environment is locally generated in the outer cylinder 100, which may cause damage to the outer cylinder 100 or the electromagnetic heating device 300, or even cause serious safety accidents.

[0059] To solve this problem, the embodiment provides a control method of the washing machine, wherein when the electromagnetic heating device 300 works to heat the inner cylinder 200, the radiation area on the outer cylinder 100 is covered by water.

[0060] In the above scheme, the radiation area is the range of the electromagnetic heating device 300 on the outer cylinder 100. During the operation of the electromagnetic heating device 300, the radiation area of the alternating magnetic field on the outer cylinder 100 is covered by water, and the outer cylinder 100 in the radiation area can be in contact with water for heat exchange, thereby achieving rapid heat dissipation. If there is a metal foreign object remaining in the outer cylinder 100, the metal foreign object will be heated by the alternating magnetic field, and the generated heat will be transferred to the outer cylinder 100, and then dissipated into the water through the outer cylinder 100, thereby achieving rapid heat dissipation, and the situation of abnormal high temperature environment in the outer cylinder 100 caused by the rapid heating of the metal foreign object is avoided, and the safety accident is avoided, thereby playing a heating protection role during the operation of the electromagnetic heating device 300.

[0061] In a further scheme of the embodiment, when the electromagnetic heating device 300 heats the inner cylinder 200, the inner cylinder 200 has water in the outer cylinder 100, and the water in the outer cylinder 100 covers the inner surface of the radiation area on the outer cylinder 100.

[0062] In the above scheme, the inner surface of the radiation area is covered by the water in the outer cylinder 100, and the metal foreign object in the outer cylinder 100 can be directly immersed in the water, thereby directly contacting the surrounding water for heat exchange to achieve rapid heat dissipation of the metal clothes, thereby playing a more effective and reliable heating role.

[0063] In the embodiment, the electromagnetic heating device 300 is installed at the bottom region of the outer cylinder 100, and the radiation area at least includes the projection region of the coil 310 of the electromagnetic heating device 300 on the bottom of the outer cylinder 100. As shown in Figure 3 When the electromagnetic heating device 300 heats the inner cylinder 200, the water in the outer cylinder 100 satisfies that the projection of the water surface (S) in the outer cylinder 100 covers the projection region of the coil 310 on the bottom of the outer cylinder 100. Figure 3

[0064] The electromagnetic heating device 300 is installed at the bottom region of the outer cylinder 100, and heats the inner cylinder 200 from below, so that the alternating magnetic field generated thereby is concentrated and radiated at the bottom region of the inner cylinder 200, that is, the region where the washing water is concentrated, thereby having higher heating efficiency. Once a metal foreign object is left in the outer cylinder 100, the metal foreign object will also be concentrated inside the bottom region of the outer cylinder 100 with high probability, so that the outer cylinder 100 is filled with water to soak the metal foreign object during the operation of the electromagnetic heating device 300, thereby achieving more significant effect of preventing the rapid heating of the metal foreign object.

[0065] ​In the embodiment, the washing machine is a drum washing machine, the electromagnetic heating device 300 is installed on the cylinder wall of the outer cylinder 100, and the radiation area at least includes a projection area of the coil 310 of the electromagnetic heating device 300 on the cylinder wall of the outer cylinder 100. When the electromagnetic heating device 300 works to heat the inner cylinder 200, the projection of the water surface in the outer cylinder 100 on the cylinder wall of the outer cylinder 100 covers the projection area of the coil 310.

[0066] Specifically, the electromagnetic heating device 300 further includes a packaging shell 320, and the coil 310 is arranged inside the packaging shell 320, which can seal and protect the coil 310, prevent the coil 310 from being short-circuited due to contact with water, and further cause damage to the electromagnetic heating device 300.

[0067] In the embodiment, the electromagnetic heating device 300 is installed outside the outer cylinder 100, and the coil 310 projects upward to form the projection area. When the electromagnetic heating device 300 works to heat the inner cylinder 200, the projection of the water surface in the outer cylinder 100 on the inner wall of the outer cylinder 100 covers the projection area formed by the coil 310.

[0068] In the embodiment, the electromagnetic heating device 300 is installed outside the outer cylinder 100, and the coil 310 projects upward to form the projection area. When the electromagnetic heating device 300 works to heat the inner cylinder 200, the projection of the water surface in the outer cylinder 100 on the inner wall of the outer cylinder 100 covers the projection area formed by the coil 310.

[0069] Preferably, the amount of water in the outer cylinder 100 further satisfies that there is a certain interval between the water surface in the outer cylinder 100 and the outer surface of the cylinder wall of the inner cylinder 200. In this way, when the electromagnetic heating device 300 heats the inner cylinder 200, the heat generated by the inner cylinder 200 itself can be transmitted to the washing water in the inner cylinder 200 as much as possible, and the heat diffused to the air around the outer periphery of the inner cylinder 200 is little, which is beneficial to improve the heating efficiency of the washing water. If the inner cylinder 200 is in contact with the water in the outer cylinder 100, a large amount of heat will be diffused to the water outside the inner cylinder 200, which will reduce the heating rate of the washing water.

[0070] In the embodiment, in order to realize the purpose of containing water in the outer cylinder 100 during the working of the electromagnetic heating device 300, the washing machine includes a water inlet device (not shown in the figure), which supplies water to the outer cylinder 100 to cover the radiation area.

[0071] In a specific implementation manner of the embodiment, the water inlet device includes:

[0072] a total water inlet pipe for being connected to an external water source, and a water inlet valve is arranged on the total water inlet pipe;

[0073] A first water inlet pipe, having a water inlet end in communication with the water inlet pipe and a water outlet end in communication with the interior of the outer tub 100;

[0074] A second water inlet pipe, having a water inlet end in communication with the water inlet pipe and a water outlet end in communication with the interior of the inner tub 200;

[0075] A switching mechanism for controlling the communication between at least one of the first water inlet pipe and the second water inlet pipe and the water inlet pipe.

[0076] If the washing machine is running a washing program with a water heating function, the switching mechanism is controlled to communicate the first water inlet pipe with the water inlet pipe, and the water inlet valve is opened to allow water to flow into the outer tub 100 to cover the radiation area. By controlling the switching mechanism to communicate the second water inlet pipe with the water inlet pipe and opening the water inlet valve, water can be supplied to the inner tub 200.

[0077] In detail, the water outlet end of the second water inlet pipe is connected to the detergent box 600, which is in communication with the water inlet channel in the drive shaft of the inner tub 200 through a pipeline, so as to supply water to the inner tub 200.

[0078] In the above scheme, only one water inlet valve is provided in the washing machine, and the water flow direction is controlled by the switching mechanism, which helps to simplify the water inlet structure inside the washing machine.

[0079] To control the water inflow in the outer tub 100 and ensure that the radiation area on the outer tub 100 is completely covered by water, the water inflow is controlled by flow detection or water level detection in this embodiment.

[0080] For example, the washing machine further comprises a flow sensor for detecting the water inflow of the water inlet device. If the water inflow detected by the flow sensor reaches a preset water inflow, it is determined that the radiation area is covered by water.

[0081] Alternatively, the washing machine further comprises a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the outer tub 100. If the water level detected by the water level sensor reaches a preset water level, it is determined that the radiation area is covered by water.

[0082] In the preferred scheme of this embodiment, the water in the outer tub 100 is controlled to be just enough to completely cover the radiation area. Specifically, if the water inflow detected by the flow sensor reaches a preset water inflow, or the water level detected by the water level sensor reaches a preset water level, the water inlet device stops supplying water to the outer tub 100.

[0083] In the embodiment, the water amount in the outer tub 100 is controlled within a specific range, which is beneficial to achieve the best effect. If the water amount is too small, the metal foreign matter may not be completely immersed in the water, or the water in the outer tub 100 reaches a high temperature in a short time after the electromagnetic heating device 300 continuously works, which may limit the heating protection effect. If the water amount is too large, a large part of the heat generated by the electromagnetic heating device 300 will be absorbed by the water in the outer tub 100, which may reduce the heating efficiency of the washing water in the inner tub 200.

[0084] In the above scheme, the water amount in the outer tub 100 is monitored in real time during the water inlet process of the water inlet device through the flow sensor or the water level sensor, so that the actual water amount can be accurately controlled within the expected water amount. This can not only avoid the situation that the water amount is insufficient to achieve effective heating protection, but also prevent the situation that the water amount is too large to reduce the heating efficiency of the washing water in the inner tub 200.

[0085] In a further scheme of the embodiment, the outer tub 100 is provided with a drain port, and the washing machine further comprises a drain device 500 connected to the drain port and the outside of the washing machine.

[0086] When the electromagnetic heating device 300 works to heat the inner tub 200, the drain device 500 remains in a closed state to disconnect the drain port and the outside of the washing machine.

[0087] Specifically, during the period from the start of water inlet of the water inlet device to the shutdown of the electromagnetic heating device 300, the drain device 500 always remains in a closed state, and the water in the outer tub 100 cannot be drained, which ensures that the metal foreign matter possibly existing in the outer tub 100 is always immersed in water during the working period of the electromagnetic heating device 300, and avoids the occurrence of an abnormal high-temperature environment in the outer tub 100.

[0088] In a further scheme of the embodiment, after the washing machine receives a signal to start a washing program, if it is determined that the washing water heating function is turned on, water is supplied to the outer tub 100 to cover the radiation area.

[0089] Specifically, a control panel 700 is installed on the top of the washing machine, allowing the user to set the washing program to run. If the user-set washing program includes heating the washing water, upon receiving a signal to start the washing program, the water inlet device can be controlled to fill the outer drum 100 with water, submerging any metal foreign objects that may be present in the outer drum 100. The water filling operation can be completed before the electromagnetic heating device 300 starts heating, for example, before or simultaneously with water filling into the inner drum 200. Alternatively, it can be completed at the initial stage of heating by the electromagnetic heating device 300, for example, after water filling into the inner drum 200 is completed, water filling into the outer drum 100 begins simultaneously with the activation of the electromagnetic heating device 300. All these methods ensure that any metal foreign objects that may be present in the outer drum 100 can dissipate heat quickly, thus preventing a rapid temperature rise in the outer drum 100.

[0090] In this embodiment, during the operation of the electromagnetic heating device 300, the outer drum 100 is filled with water to cover the radiation area of ​​the alternating magnetic field, allowing any residual metal foreign objects in the outer drum 100 to be submerged. When the metal foreign objects are excited by the alternating magnetic field and generate heat, the heat generated can diffuse into the surrounding water, preventing a rapid increase in the local temperature of the outer drum 100 and thus preventing safety accidents during the heating process. By setting a water inlet device to directly supply water to the outer drum 100, the structure is simple and the water volume control is relatively accurate. This allows the water volume in the outer drum 100 to be accurately controlled so as to just completely cover the radiation area of ​​the alternating magnetic field on the outer drum 100, ensuring that any potentially excited metal foreign objects are completely submerged, ensuring effective heating protection, while also preventing excessive water intake from reducing the heating efficiency of the washing water in the inner drum 200.

[0091] Example 2

[0092] like Figure 2 As shown, the difference from Embodiment 1 above is that the electromagnetic heating device 300 is installed inside the outer cylinder 100. Specifically, the installation port is located at the bottom of the outer cylinder 100, and the electromagnetic heating device 300 passes through the installation port to be installed inside the outer cylinder 100.

[0093] The control method of the washing machine in this embodiment is basically the same as that in Embodiment 1. Water is introduced into the outer drum 100 through the water inlet device. Then, during the operation of the electromagnetic heating device 300, the water inside the outer drum 100 covers the inner surface of the radiation area, thereby immersing any metal foreign objects that may remain in the outer drum 100 in the water. This prevents the metal foreign objects from abnormally heating up under the action of the electromagnetic heating device 300 and causing a safety accident, thus achieving the heating protection function.

[0094] In the preferred scheme of the embodiment, the water in the outer cylinder 100 satisfies: the water surface in the outer cylinder 100 is not lower than the upper surface of the electromagnetic heating device 300, and is preferably higher than the upper surface of the electromagnetic heating device 300.

[0095] In the above scheme, the electromagnetic heating device 300 is installed inside the bottom region of the outer cylinder 100, and the metal foreign matter in the outer cylinder 100 can also be left on the upper surface of the electromagnetic heating device 300. The water amount in the outer cylinder 100 is controlled so that the water surface in the outer cylinder 100 is not lower than the upper surface of the electromagnetic heating device 300. The metal foreign matter left on the upper surface of the electromagnetic heating device 300 can also be in contact with the water in the outer cylinder 100, and heat dissipation is achieved through the water, thereby avoiding the case of sharp temperature rise.

[0096] On the other hand, the electromagnetic heating device 300 can also be immersed in water, which is beneficial to heat dissipation of the electromagnetic heating device 300 itself through the surrounding water, thereby avoiding overheating failure of the electromagnetic heating device 300 during operation.

[0097] In the embodiment, since the electromagnetic heating device 300 is directly in contact with water during operation and when the inner cylinder 200 drains water outward, the coil 310 is covered by the packaging shell 320, which effectively avoids contact between the coil 310 and water, thereby avoiding short circuit failure.

[0098] In the embodiment, further preferably, the water surface in the outer cylinder 100 is spaced apart from the outer wall of the inner cylinder 200, which ensures that the inner cylinder 200 is not in contact with the water in the outer cylinder 100, prevents the heat generated by the inner cylinder 200 from spreading outward, and reduces the heating efficiency of the washing water in the inner cylinder 200.

[0099] The embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the specific installation position of the electromagnetic heating device 300 is different, but the water in the outer cylinder 100 covers the radiation region of the alternating magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic heating device 300, which also has the same heating protection effect as in the first embodiment. At the same time, the water in the outer cylinder 100 can also be in contact with the electromagnetic heating device 300 installed in the outer cylinder 100, thereby enhancing the heat dissipation rate of the electromagnetic heating device 300.

[0100] Embodiment Three

[0101] The embodiment is a further limitation of the second embodiment, and the outer cylinder is provided with an installation groove on the cylinder wall, a concave structure is formed on the inner side of the cylinder wall, and the electromagnetic heating device is arranged in the installation groove.

[0102] In the embodiment, the radiation region of the alternating magnetic field on the outer cylinder is the groove bottom wall of the installation groove. When the electromagnetic heating device is in operation and the inner cylinder generates heat, the installation groove is filled with water, which achieves the purpose of covering the radiation region of the alternating magnetic field with water.

[0103] In the above scheme, since the installation groove is formed as a concave structure on the inner side of the cylinder wall, the water inlet into the outer cylinder can be collected in the installation groove, which is conducive to achieving complete coverage of the radiation area with less water inlet.

[0104] Embodiment Four

[0105] The difference between this embodiment and the above-mentioned embodiment two is that the outer surface of the radiation area on the cylinder wall of the outer cylinder is provided with a water storage box, and when the electromagnetic heating device works to heat the inner cylinder, the water storage box is filled with water, and the water in the water storage box covers the outer surface of the radiation area on the cylinder wall of the outer cylinder.

[0106] In this embodiment, although the metal foreign matter remaining in the outer cylinder does not directly contact with water for heat exchange, when it is heated by the electromagnetic heating device, the generated heat can also be transmitted to the water in the water storage box through the cylinder wall of the outer cylinder. Or in other words, the cylinder wall of the outer cylinder can achieve faster heat dissipation due to direct contact with water, so that the local sharp temperature rise of the cylinder wall of the outer cylinder does not occur, and thus the damage of the outer cylinder structure is avoided.

[0107] Embodiment Five

[0108] As shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2 The difference between this embodiment and the above-mentioned embodiment one or two is that the washing machine controls the inner cylinder 200 to drain water to the outer cylinder 100 to achieve the purpose of filling the water in the outer cylinder 100 to cover the inner surface of the radiation area.

[0109] Specifically, when the selected washing program includes a washing water heating operation, after the inner cylinder 200 completes water inlet, the washing machine controls the inner cylinder 200 to rotate at a drainage rotation speed to drain water to the outer cylinder 100 before the electromagnetic heating device 300 starts to heat the inner cylinder 200, or during the process of heating the inner cylinder 200 by the electromagnetic heating device 300.

[0110] In order to control the water amount in the outer cylinder 100, i.e. the drainage amount of the inner cylinder 200, in a further scheme of this embodiment, the washing machine controls the inner cylinder 200 to continuously rotate at the drainage rotation speed for a preset time length to drain water. By controlling the rotation time length of the inner cylinder 200, i.e. the drainage time length, when the inner cylinder 200 drains water at a specific rotation speed, the drainage rate is basically unchanged, so that the actual water amount in the outer cylinder 100 can be controlled within a suitable range.

[0111] Alternatively, the drainage process of the inner cylinder 200 can also be controlled by the water level sensor provided on the outer cylinder 100, when the water level detected by the water level sensor reaches a preset water level, the inner cylinder 200 is controlled to stop rotating, and thus the drainage to the outer cylinder 100 is stopped.

[0112] Embodiment Six

[0113] The difference between the present embodiment and the above-mentioned embodiment one is that the washing machine is a pulsator washing machine, and the electromagnetic heating device is installed on the bottom of the outer drum. When the electromagnetic heating device works to heat the inner drum, the projection of the water surface in the outer drum to the bottom of the outer drum covers the projection area of the coil on the bottom of the outer drum.

[0114] Specifically, the electromagnetic heating device can be installed inside the outer drum, and the water inlet device is used to fill water into the electromagnetic heating device so that the electromagnetic heating device is completely immersed in water. In this way, the metal foreign matter in the outer drum is prevented from being heated sharply by the electromagnetic heating device, and the electromagnetic heating device is also assisted to dissipate heat, thereby improving the working stability of the electromagnetic heating device.

[0115] The electromagnetic heating device can also be installed outside the outer drum, i.e. below the outer drum. At this time, the water inlet device is used to fill water between the inner drum and the outer drum until the bottom of the outer drum is completely covered, and there is a certain interval between the water surface and the bottom of the inner drum.

[0116] The above is only the preferred embodiment of the present application, and does not limit the present application in any form. Although the present application has been disclosed as above with the preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present application. Any person skilled in the art can make some changes or modifications to the above-mentioned technical content without departing from the technical solution of the present application, and any simple modification, equivalent change and modification of the above-mentioned embodiment according to the technical essence of the present application are still within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A control method of a washing machine, the washing machine comprising: an outer tub; an inner tub disposed in the outer tub, made at least partially of a metal material capable of generating eddy current in an alternating magnetic field; an electromagnetic heating device installed on the outer tub to generate an alternating magnetic field radiating outward to heat the inner tub, the alternating magnetic field forming a radiation area on the outer tub; characterized in that, when the electromagnetic heating device operates to heat the inner tub, the outer tub has water inside, and the radiation area on the outer tub is covered by the water; the electromagnetic heating device is installed on the inner side of the outer tub, and the water level in the outer tub is not lower than the upper surface of the electromagnetic heating device, and has a certain interval with the outer wall of the inner tub. The electromagnetic heating device comprises a coil for generating an alternating magnetic field after being energized; the electromagnetic heating device is installed on the bottom area of the outer tub, and the radiation area comprises at least the projection area of the coil on the bottom of the outer tub. When the electromagnetic heating device operates to heat the inner tub, the water level in the outer tub covers the projection of the outer tub bottom to the projection area of the coil on the bottom of the outer tub. The washing machine is a drum washing machine, and the electromagnetic heating device is installed on the tub wall of the outer tub; when the electromagnetic heating device operates to heat the inner tub, the water level in the outer tub covers the projection of the outer tub tub wall to the projection area of the coil on the tub wall of the outer tub. Alternatively, the washing machine is a pulsator washing machine, and the electromagnetic heating device is installed on the tub bottom of the outer tub; when the electromagnetic heating device operates to heat the inner tub, the water level in the outer tub covers the projection of the outer tub tub bottom to the projection area of the coil on the tub bottom of the outer tub. The washing machine comprises a water inlet device for supplying water to the outer tub to cover the radiation area.

2. The control method of the washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washing machine further comprises a flow sensor for detecting the water inlet amount of the water inlet device; if the water inlet amount detected by the flow sensor reaches a preset water inlet amount, it is determined that the radiation area is covered by the water in the outer tub. Alternatively, the washing machine further comprises a water level sensor for detecting the water level height in the outer tub; if the water level height detected by the water level sensor reaches a preset water level, it is determined that the radiation area is covered by the water in the outer tub.

3. The control method of the washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, If the water inlet amount detected by the flow sensor reaches the preset water inlet amount, the water inlet device stops supplying water to the outer tub. Alternatively, if the water level height detected by the water level sensor reaches the preset water level, the water inlet device stops supplying water to the outer tub.

4. The control method of a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer tub is provided with a drain port, and the washing machine further comprises a drain device communicating the drain port with the outside of the washing machine.

5. The control method of the washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the electromagnetic heating device operates to heat the inner tub, the drain device remains in a closed state to disconnect the communication between the drain port and the outside of the washing machine. After the washing machine receives a signal to start a washing program, if it is determined that the washing water heating function is turned on, water is supplied to the outer tub to cover the radiation area.

6. The control method of a washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, After the washing machine receives a signal to start a washing program, if it is determined that the washing water heating function is turned on, water is supplied to the outer tub to cover the radiation area. The washing machine adopts the control method of any one of claims 1-9.

7. The control method of a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, ​ ​ 8. The control method of a washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, ​ 9. The control method of the washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, ​ 10. A laundry machine characterized by ​

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