A washing machine with intelligent level adjustment and its control method

Abstract

This invention discloses an intelligently leveling washing machine and its control method, relating to the field of washing machine technology. The invention includes a housing, an outer tub installed within the housing, and an inner tub installed within the outer tub; it also includes four water level sensors, four lifting feet, and a control board. The four water level sensors are fixedly installed on the inner wall of the outer tub, located at the four corners of the washing machine. The four lifting feet are installed on the bottom of the housing, with the four water level sensors positioned near the four corners of the washing machine. All water level sensors and lifting feet are electrically connected to the control board. This invention, by incorporating four water level sensors, four lifting feet, and a control board into the washing machine, allows the four water level sensors to intelligently identify the water level at each corner position within the washing machine, and the four lifting feet to automatically adjust the height of each position accordingly. This results in a high degree of automation, rapid leveling efficiency, and a significantly improved user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of washing machine technology, and in particular relates to a washing machine with intelligent level adjustment and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Washing machines are among the most frequently used home appliances in every household. As living standards continue to improve, in addition to demanding high levels of cleanliness, reducing noise is also crucial for improving user experience and enhancing product competitiveness.

[0003] There are many reasons why washing machines produce noise, and one of the main causes is that the machine is not properly balanced. During the washing process, the drum and the machine body are prone to colliding, which not only produces various noises but can also damage the machine over time. Household washing machines are usually placed in bathrooms or on balconies, and the floors in these areas are typically sloped for drainage, further increasing the difficulty of balancing the machine. Even if it is initially balanced, the washing machine is still prone to tilting after a period of use.

[0004] A Chinese utility model patent with publication number CN204919102U discloses a leveling structure for a washing machine, including a machine body and height adjustment mechanisms disposed on the machine body. The height adjustment mechanisms consist of at least three mechanisms spaced apart at the bottom of the machine body. Each height adjustment mechanism includes a bolt and a nut that matches the bolt. The nut is disposed on the bottom surface of the machine body, and the bolt and nut are connected and act as supports for the machine body. A level bubble is disposed on the top surface of the machine body to sense whether the washing machine is level. In use, rotating the bolt adjusts the position of the bolt relative to the nut, thus adjusting the height of each support at the bottom of the washing machine. When the bubble in the level bubble at the top of the machine body is in the middle position, it indicates that the height of each support is consistent, and the washing machine is level. However, in this design, the height adjustment mechanisms are located at the bottom of the machine body, and the level bubble is located on the top surface. Personnel need to bend over to manually adjust the height adjustment mechanisms. Furthermore, during the adjustment of the bottom height adjustment mechanism, it is difficult to observe the level bubble at the top in real time, making the adjustment time-consuming, laborious, and inefficient. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an intelligent leveling washing machine and its control method. By setting four water level sensors, four lifting feet, and a control board on the washing machine, the four water level sensors and four lifting feet are correspondingly set and respectively located at the four corners of the washing machine. The four water level sensors intelligently identify the water level at each corner position inside the washing machine, and the four lifting feet adjust the height of each position in a targeted manner. This solves the problem that the existing leveling structure of washing machines requires bending over to manually adjust, which is time-consuming, laborious, and has low adjustment efficiency.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] This invention relates to an intelligent level-adjustable washing machine and its control method, comprising a housing, an outer tub installed within the housing, and an inner tub installed within the outer tub. It also includes four water level sensors, four lifting feet, and a control board. The four water level sensors are disposed between the outer tub and the inner tub, and are fixedly installed on the inner wall of the outer tub, all on the same reference plane. The four water level sensors are located at the four corners of the washing machine; the four lifting feet are installed on the bottom of the housing, respectively, near the four corners of the washing machine. All water level sensors and lifting feet are electrically connected to the control board.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lifting foot includes an electric push rod and a foot base. The electric push rod includes a push rod base and a push rod column. The push rod base is fixedly installed at the bottom of the housing, and one end of the push rod column extends out of the bottom surface of the housing and is connected to the foot base.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one end of the push rod is fixedly connected to the foot.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one end of the push rod is movably connected to the foot seat via a ball joint.

[0011] A control method for an intelligent level-adjusting washing machine includes the following steps: S1: The washing machine is powered on, and the user activates the intelligent level-adjusting function via the control board. S2: Water begins to fill the outer tub. When the water level surpasses the four water level sensors, water intake stops. S3: After a period of stillness, the four water level sensors detect the water level above the four lifting feet at the corners of the washing machine. S4: The control board receives and analyzes the water level information transmitted from the four water level sensors. S5: Based on the analysis results, the control board controls the four lifting feet to extend and retract according to the designed program, thereby adjusting the height of each point on the washing machine. S6: After adjustment, it is determined whether the water level heights sensed by the four water level sensors are the same. S3-S5 are repeated until the water level heights sensed by the four water level sensors are the same. At this point, the intelligent level-adjusting function is deactivated, completing the leveling operation.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, in the design program of S5, if the water level heights transmitted by the four water level sensors are different, then based on the lowest water level, the control board controls the operation of the other three lifting feet according to the proportion of the water level heights at each point, so that the water level at the other three points is lowered relative to the water level sensor corresponding to that point.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, in the design program of S5, if there are two points with the same water level height among the water levels transmitted by the four water level sensors, then the control board controls the extension or retraction of the lifting feet corresponding to the other two points based on the water level of the same point.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, it also includes S7: drum self-cleaning. After the leveling operation is completed, the water stored in the washing machine is used for self-cleaning of the inner drum and the outer drum. After cleaning is completed, the water is discharged from the washing machine.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in step S1, if the user does not actively enable the intelligent level adjustment function, the user is prompted to perform intelligent level adjustment every certain period of time.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in step S1, if the user does not actively activate the intelligent level adjustment function, the user is prompted to perform intelligent level adjustment and bucket self-cleaning function every certain period of time.

[0017] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] This invention features four water level sensors, four lifting feet, and a control board installed on the washing machine. The four water level sensors and four lifting feet are positioned at the four corners of the washing machine. The four water level sensors intelligently identify the water level at each corner, and the four lifting feet automatically adjust the height of each position accordingly. This solves the problem of the washing machine shifting during washing or being uneven during installation. The invention boasts a high degree of automation, fast leveling efficiency, and significantly improved user experience.

[0019] Of course, any product implementing this invention does not necessarily need to achieve all of the advantages described above at the same time. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a smart level-adjusting washing machine according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 A front view of a washing machine with intelligent level adjustment;

[0023] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Sectional view along the middle FF;

[0024] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A sectional view along the middle AA;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting feet structure;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the control method of the intelligent level-adjusting washing machine in Example 2;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the lifting base structure in Example 5;

[0028] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0029] 1-Shell, 2-Outer tub, 3-Inner tub, 4-Control board, 5-Water level sensor, 6-Lifting feet, 601-Electric push rod, 6011-Push rod base, 6012-Push rod column, 602-Foot, 603-Spherical hinge. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "opening", "upper", "lower", "thickness", "top", "middle", "length", "inner", "around", etc., which indicate orientation or positional relationship, are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the components or elements referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0032] Example 1

[0033] Please see Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment provides a washing machine with intelligent level adjustment, including a housing 1, an outer tub 2 installed inside the housing 1, and an inner tub 3 installed inside the outer tub 2.

[0034] Please see Figures 3-4As shown, four water level sensors 5 are installed between the outer tub 2 and the inner tub 3 to detect the water level inside the outer tub 2. The four water level sensors 5 are fixedly installed on the inner wall of the outer tub 2 and are on the same reference plane. Four lifting feet 6 are installed at the bottom of the casing 1, and the four water level sensors 5 and the four lifting feet 6 are correspondingly positioned, respectively near the four corners of the washing machine. A control board 4 for controlling the intelligent level adjustment function is provided on the casing 1, and the water level sensors 5 and the lifting feet 6 are electrically connected to the control board 4.

[0035] Please refer to the figure. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the lifting foot 6 includes an electric push rod 601 and a foot base 602. The electric push rod 601 includes a push rod base 6011 and a push rod column 6012. The push rod base 6011 is fixedly installed at the bottom of the housing 1, and one end of the push rod column 6012 extends out of the bottom surface of the housing 1 and is fixedly connected to the foot base 602.

[0036] Example 2

[0037] Based on Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2 provides a control method for an intelligently level-adjustable washing machine. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0038] S1: The washing machine is powered on, and the user activates the intelligent level adjustment function via control panel 4.

[0039] S2: Water begins to accumulate in the outer tank 2. When the water level exceeds the four water level sensors 5, water intake stops.

[0040] S3: After standing still for a period of time, once the water level in the tub has settled, the four water level sensors 5 will sense the water level height above the four lifting feet 6 at the corners of the washing machine.

[0041] S4: The control board 4 receives and analyzes the water level information transmitted from the four water level sensors 5.

[0042] S5: Based on the analysis results and according to the design program, the control board 4 controls the four lifting feet 6 to extend and retract, so as to realize the up and down adjustment of various points of the washing machine.

[0043] S6: After adjustment, determine whether the water level height sensed by the four water level sensors 5 is the same. Repeat S3-S5 until the water level height sensed by the four water level sensors 5 is the same. Then turn off the intelligent level adjustment function and complete the leveling operation.

[0044] During the experiment, there are two situations in the design program of S5. One is that if the water level heights transmitted by the four water level sensors 5 are different, then the control board 4 controls the other three lifting feet 6 to rise according to the ratio of the water level heights of each point, so that the water level of the other three points is lowered relative to the water level sensor 5 corresponding to those three points, based on the lowest water level.

[0045] Another approach is: if two of the water level readings transmitted by the four water level sensors 5 are at the same level, then the control board 4 controls the extension or retraction of the lifting feet 6 corresponding to the other two points based on the water level at the same point.

[0046] This embodiment uses four water level sensors 5 to intelligently identify the water level at each corner of the washing machine, and uses four lifting feet 6 to automatically adjust the height of each position, thereby solving the problem of the washing machine shifting due to washing or being uneven during installation. It has a high degree of automation, fast leveling efficiency, and greatly improves the user experience.

[0047] Example 3

[0048] Based on Embodiment 2, Embodiment 3 differs in that:

[0049] The control method also includes S7: drum self-cleaning. After the leveling operation is completed, the water stored in the washing machine is used for the self-cleaning of the inner drum 3 and the outer drum 2. After cleaning is completed, the water is discharged from the washing machine to improve water resource utilization.

[0050] Example 4

[0051] The difference between Example 4 and Example 2 is that:

[0052] In S1, if the user does not actively enable the intelligent level adjustment function, the user will be prompted to adjust the level intelligently every once in a while.

[0053] Alternatively, based on Embodiment 3, the difference between Embodiment 4 and Implementation 4 is as follows:

[0054] If the user does not actively enable the intelligent level adjustment function, the user will be prompted to enable the intelligent level adjustment function at regular intervals, and the user will also be reminded to enable the bucket self-cleaning function.

[0055] The time interval is one month.

[0056] Example 5

[0057] The difference between Example 1 and Example 5 is that:

[0058] Please see Figure 6As shown, one end of the push rod 6012 is movably connected to the foot 602 via a ball joint 603, so that the bottom surface of the foot 602 can fit against the bottom surface, further improving the stability of the washing machine.

[0059] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "example," "specific example," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0060] The preferred embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are merely illustrative of the invention. These preferred embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the invention to the specific implementations described. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of the invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the invention. The invention is limited only by the claims and their full scope and equivalents.

Claims

1. A control method for an intelligently adjustable washing machine, characterized in that, The washing machine includes a housing (1), an outer tub (2) installed inside the housing (1), and an inner tub (3) installed inside the outer tub (2); it also includes: Four water level sensors (5) are provided between the outer tub (2) and the inner tub (3). The four water level sensors (5) are fixedly installed on the inner wall of the outer tub (2) and are located on the same reference plane. The four water level sensors (5) are located at the four corners of the washing machine. Four lifting feet (6) are installed at the bottom of the housing (1) and are respectively close to the four corners of the washing machine; The control board (4), the water level sensor (5) and the lifting feet (6) are all electrically connected to the control board (4); The control method for the intelligent level-adjusting washing machine includes the following steps: S1: The washing machine is powered on, and the user turns on the intelligent level adjustment function through the control panel (4); S2: Water begins to accumulate in the outer tank (2). When the water level exceeds the four water level sensors (5), the water intake stops. S3: After standing still for a period of time, once the water level in the tub has settled, the four water level sensors (5) will sense the water level height above the four lifting feet (6) at the corner of the washing machine. S4: The control board (4) receives and analyzes the water level information transmitted from the four water level sensors (5). S5: The control panel (4) controls the four lifting feet (6) to extend and retract according to the analysis results and the design program, so as to realize the up and down adjustment of each point of the washing machine. S6: After adjustment, determine whether the water level height sensed by the four water level sensors (5) is the same. Repeat S3-S5 until the water level height sensed by the four water level sensors (5) is the same. Then turn off the intelligent level adjustment function and complete the leveling operation. In the design program of S5, if the water level heights transmitted by the four water level sensors (5) are different, the control board (4) controls the operation of the other three lifting feet (6) according to the ratio of the water level heights of each point, based on the lowest water level. This causes the water level of the other three points to decrease relative to the water level sensor (5) corresponding to that point.

2. The control method for an intelligent level-adjusting washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting foot (6) includes an electric push rod (601) and a foot seat (602). The electric push rod (601) includes a push rod base (6011) and a push rod column (6012). The push rod base (6011) is fixedly installed at the bottom of the housing (1). One end of the push rod column (6012) extends out of the bottom surface of the housing (1) and is connected to the foot seat (602).

3. The control method for an intelligent level-adjusting washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the push rod column (6012) is fixedly connected to the foot (602).

4. The control method for an intelligent level-adjusting washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, One end of the push rod post (6012) is movably connected to the foot (602) via a ball joint (603).

5. The control method for an intelligent level-adjusting washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the design program of S5, if there are two points with the same water level among the water levels transmitted by the four water level sensors (5), then the control board (4) controls the lifting feet (6) corresponding to the other two points to extend or retract based on the water level of the same point.

6. The control method for an intelligent level-adjusting washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes S7: tub self-cleaning. After the leveling operation is completed, the water stored in the washing machine is used for the self-cleaning of the inner tub (3) and the outer tub (2). After the cleaning is completed, the water is drained from the washing machine.

7. The control method for an intelligent level-adjusting washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, if the user does not actively enable the intelligent level adjustment function, the user will be prompted to adjust the level intelligently every once in a while.

8. The control method for an intelligent level-adjusting washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, In step S1, if the user does not actively enable the intelligent level adjustment function, the user will be prompted to perform intelligent level adjustment and bucket self-cleaning function every once in a while.

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