A washing machine and a washing method of a washing machine

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of washing machine and washing machine washing method, belong to washing machine technical field.It includes: washing cylinder, it is formed with washing chamber;Water inlet valve, for injecting washing water into washing chamber;Detergent box, for containing detergent, washing water that flows out through water inlet valve flows into washing cylinder through detergent box;Refrigeration device, it is installed between water inlet valve and detergent box or installed between detergent box and washing cylinder, for the washing water that flows out from water inlet valve refrigeration to achieve cold water washing of clothes.The present application is cooled by setting refrigeration device, so that the normal temperature water of water inlet valve enters refrigeration device and then flows into washing cylinder for washing, realizes the cold water washing of controllable water temperature.Meanwhile, by changing the washing method, the cold water washing effect of clothes is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of washing machine technology, and more particularly to a washing machine and a washing method thereof. Background Technology

[0002] In the continuous innovation of washing machine technology, the research and development focus of various companies has always revolved around the three basic elements of washing, rinsing, and abrasion, although the technologies used in different historical periods have varied. Today, while ensuring that the three basic elements of washing are improved or not reduced, changing other conditions has become the main goal of washing technology development.

[0003] Therefore, cold water washing technology, which differs from conventional warm and hot water washing methods, emerged. Top-loading / agitator washing machines mostly use room temperature water for washing, while front-loading washing machines use heated (room temperature) cold water for washing. However, because hot water is more effective for cleaning, front-loading washing machines generally have higher energy consumption but a relatively higher washing efficiency; top-loading washing machines have lower energy consumption but a relatively lower washing efficiency.

[0004] In addition, washing with hot water, especially at higher temperatures (≥60℃), can easily damage the fabrics being washed, such as causing shrinkage, color fading, and fiber damage.

[0005] Against this backdrop, some companies have begun to propose new design ideas, using cold water to wash clothes, thereby avoiding problems such as shrinkage and fading caused by washing with hot water at high temperatures, and improving the performance of cold water washing through improvements in the structure and components of washing machines.

[0006] However, conventional cold water washing is essentially room temperature water washing, and the inlet water temperature is affected by the ambient temperature. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To overcome the problems existing in related technologies, the present invention proposes a washing machine and a washing method for the washing machine.

[0008] The first aspect of this invention provides a washing machine, comprising:

[0009] A washing drum having a washing chamber;

[0010] The inlet valve is used to inject washing water into the washing chamber;

[0011] The detergent dispenser is used to hold detergent. The washing water flowing out through the water inlet valve flows into the washing drum through the detergent dispenser.

[0012] A refrigeration unit, installed between the water inlet valve and the detergent dispenser or between the detergent dispenser and the washing drum, is used to cool the washing water flowing out of the water inlet valve to achieve cold water washing of clothes.

[0013] In the above technical solution, the refrigeration device includes a refrigeration mechanism and a water storage mechanism; the refrigeration mechanism includes a compression refrigeration circuit equipped with a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator; the water storage mechanism includes a cold water tank, which is installed on the water inlet pipe between the water inlet valve and the detergent dispenser, or on the water inlet pipe between the detergent dispenser and the washing drum.

[0014] The evaporator and the cold water tank are thermally coupled together by indirect heat exchange.

[0015] In the above technical solution, the compressor speed can be controlled to adjust according to the object being washed.

[0016] In the above technical solution, the washing machine also includes a clothes weight detection module and a controller. The controller can control the water intake of the water inlet valve according to the weight of the clothes detected by the clothes weight detection module.

[0017] In the above technical solution, the washing machine also includes a clothing information recognition module, and the controller can control the operating parameters of the washing drum and the compressor speed according to the clothing information recognized by the clothing information recognition module.

[0018] In the above technical solution, the clothing information that the clothing information recognition module can recognize includes at least one of the following: clothing color, clothing material, clothing type, and clothing characteristics;

[0019] The operating parameters of the washing drum include at least one of the following: washing time, rotation speed, soaking time, water level, and rotation-to-stop ratio.

[0020] A second aspect of the present invention provides a washing method for a washing machine, the washing method comprising:

[0021] In cold water washing mode, the water inlet valve is opened to allow washing water to enter, and the cooling device cools the washing water.

[0022] When the washing water temperature T drops to the preset temperature T1, the washing machine washes the clothes with cold water.

[0023] In the above technical solution, the weight of the clothes in the washing drum is detected before the water inlet valve is opened, and the water inlet volume is controlled according to the detected weight of the clothes.

[0024] In the above technical solution, in the cold water washing mode, the washing machine has a detergent dissolution step S1 and a clothes soaking step S2 before washing the clothes in cold water.

[0025] The detergent dissolution step S1 includes controlling the washing drum to run at a first rotation speed V1 and a first cycle time t1 after the cold water is introduced;

[0026] After step S1 is completed, the clothes soaking step S2 is executed, and the washing drum is stopped to allow the clothes to soak for a preset time t2.

[0027] After step S2 is completed, the normal laundry washing step S3 is performed, and the washing drum is controlled to wash the clothes at the second rotation speed and the second beat for a preset time t3.

[0028] The first speed is greater than the second speed.

[0029] In the above technical solution, the refrigeration device can be controlled to start and the compressor speed according to the water inlet temperature of the water inlet valve and the information of the clothes.

[0030] In the above technical solution, the refrigeration device can be controlled to start and the compressor speed according to the actual inlet water temperature of the inlet valve and the information of the clothes, including:

[0031] Set the corresponding preset cold water temperature based on the clothing information identified by the clothing information recognition module;

[0032] The decision to turn on the refrigeration unit and adjust the corresponding compressor speed is based on the preset chilled water temperature and the actual inlet water temperature of the inlet valve.

[0033] In the above technical solution, the washing drum's first rotation speed, first washing cycle, and preset duration t1 in stage S1 are controlled according to the type of clothing, the weight of the clothing, and the preset cold water temperature; and / or the second rotation speed, second washing cycle, and preset duration t2 in stage S2; and / or the preset soaking duration t2.

[0034] Beneficial effects

[0035] I. This invention incorporates a refrigeration device, allowing room-temperature water from the inlet valve to be cooled before flowing into the washing drum for washing, thus achieving temperature-controlled cold water washing. Simultaneously, by altering the washing method, the cold water washing effect on clothing is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system flow of an embodiment of the washing machine of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the control logic for the washing machine washing method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the invention as detailed in the appended claims.

[0040] In related technologies, conventional cold water washing in washing machines is essentially room temperature water washing, and the inlet water temperature is affected by the ambient temperature. In this embodiment of the invention, a refrigeration device is installed so that the room temperature water from the inlet valve enters the refrigeration device for cooling before flowing into the washing drum for washing, thus achieving cold water washing with controllable water temperature.

[0041] To address the above technical problems, this embodiment proposes a washing machine and a washing method for the washing machine.

[0042] In this embodiment, a refrigeration device is incorporated, allowing room-temperature water from the inlet valve to be cooled before flowing into the washing drum for washing, thus achieving temperature-controlled cold water washing. Simultaneously, by changing the washing method, the cold water washing effect on clothes is improved.

[0043] The technical solution of this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the absence of conflict, the following implementation methods and embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0044] Example 1

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, in one aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a washing machine, comprising:

[0046] A washing drum having a washing chamber;

[0047] The inlet valve is used to inject washing water into the washing chamber;

[0048] The detergent dispenser is used to hold detergent. The washing water flowing out through the water inlet valve flows into the washing drum through the detergent dispenser.

[0049] A refrigeration unit, installed between the water inlet valve and the detergent dispenser or between the detergent dispenser and the washing drum, is used to cool the washing water flowing out of the water inlet valve to achieve cold water washing of clothes.

[0050] In this embodiment, a refrigeration device is installed so that room temperature water from the inlet valve enters the refrigeration device for cooling before flowing into the washing drum for washing, thereby achieving cold water washing of clothes and avoiding the influence of ambient temperature on the temperature of the washing water.

[0051] like Figure 1As shown, the cooling device is installed between the water inlet valve and the detergent box. After the water inlet valve is opened, the water is first cooled before being discharged into the detergent box to mix with the detergent. However, cold water may reduce the solubility and cleaning performance of the detergent. Therefore, the washing drum needs to be equipped with a high-speed rotation rhythm to promote the dissolution of the detergent.

[0052] In some embodiments not shown, a cooling device may also be installed between the detergent dispenser and the washing drum, allowing the room-temperature washing water and detergent to mix first before cooling the washing water, thereby further improving the detergent's dissolving effect.

[0053] Specifically, the refrigeration device includes a refrigeration mechanism and a water storage mechanism;

[0054] The refrigeration mechanism includes a compression refrigeration circuit equipped with a compressor, condenser, expansion valve and evaporator; the water storage mechanism is equipped with a cold water tank, which is installed on the water inlet pipe between the water inlet valve and the detergent box or on the water inlet pipe between the detergent box and the washing drum.

[0055] The evaporator and the cold water tank are thermally coupled together via indirect heat exchange. Specifically, the evaporator is positioned close to or attached to the cold water tank to achieve indirect heat exchange.

[0056] In order to improve the washing effect of the washing machine on clothes, the compressor in this embodiment of the invention can be controlled to adjust the rotation speed according to the washing object.

[0057] In any of the above embodiments, in order to more accurately control the water intake of the inlet valve, the washing machine also includes a clothes weight detection module and a controller, wherein the controller can control the water intake of the inlet valve according to the weight of the clothes detected by the clothes weight detection module.

[0058] Furthermore, in order to improve the washing efficiency of clothes, in any of the above embodiments, the washing machine also includes a clothes information recognition module, wherein the controller can control the operating parameters of the washing drum and the compressor speed according to the clothes information recognized by the clothes recognition module.

[0059] Specifically, the clothing information recognition module can recognize clothing information including: clothing color, clothing material, clothing type, and clothing features (including tassels, holes, and metal ornaments, etc.).

[0060] The operating parameters of the washing drum include at least one of the following: washing time, rotation speed, soaking time, water level, and rotation-to-stop ratio.

[0061] On the other hand, the embodiments of the present invention provide a method such as Figure 2 The washing method shown is applied to the washing machine mentioned above, wherein the washing method includes:

[0062] In cold water washing mode, the water inlet valve is opened to allow washing water to enter, and the cooling device cools the washing water.

[0063] When the washing water temperature T drops to the preset temperature T1, the washing machine washes the clothes with cold water.

[0064] To ensure that the amount of washing water matches the amount of laundry, the weight of the laundry in the washing drum is detected before the water inlet valve is opened, and the water inlet flow is controlled according to the detected weight of the laundry.

[0065] In cold water washing mode, the washing machine has a detergent dissolution step S1 and a clothes soaking step S2 before washing clothes in cold water.

[0066] The detergent dissolution step S1 includes controlling the washing drum to run at a first rotation speed V1 and a first cycle time t1 after the cold water is introduced;

[0067] After step S1 is completed, the clothes soaking step S2 is executed, and the washing drum is stopped to allow the clothes to soak for a preset time t2.

[0068] After step S2 is completed, the normal laundry washing step S3 is performed, and the washing drum is controlled to wash the clothes at the second rotation speed and the second beat for a preset time t3.

[0069] The first rotation speed is greater than the second rotation speed. This is mainly achieved by generating a turbulent water flow through a higher rotation speed than conventional washing and a higher rotation-to-stop ratio, so as to ensure that the washing drum rotates at a high speed and thus promote the dissolution of detergent.

[0070] In this embodiment of the invention, the clothing soaking step in step S2 can promote the dissolution of stains in clothing.

[0071] It should be noted that, unlike conventional warm or hot water washing methods, while cold water washing can avoid problems such as shrinkage and fading caused by high-temperature hot water washing, it may reduce the solubility of detergent and the cleaning performance. Therefore, the aforementioned step S1, the detergent dissolution step, is set in the embodiment of the present invention. At this time, the high-speed rotation of the washing drum can generate a large water flow, thereby accelerating the dissolution speed and dissolution effect of the detergent.

[0072] It should also be noted that step S1, the detergent dissolution step, is not always necessary when washing clothes of different materials in cold water. Specifically, clothes can be broadly categorized into two types based on their material, color, type, and characteristics: one type prioritizes cleaning, such as cotton and linen, blended fabrics, light-colored clothes, and clothes without metallic embellishments; the other type prioritizes care, such as wool, silk, dark-colored clothes, and clothes with metallic embellishments. If the characteristics of the clothes overlap, the care aspect takes the highest priority. For example, when washing wool clothes, step S1 is unnecessary. Performing step S1 while washing wool clothes would damage them due to the high-speed rotating drum. Therefore, in this embodiment of the invention, the controller can select whether to execute step S1 based on the clothing information identified by the clothing information recognition module. Specifically, the program in the controller can be modularized. After the clothing information recognition module identifies the clothing information, different speeds, rotation / stop parameters, etc., can be combined to achieve intelligent program control.

[0073] More specifically, when the washing drum performs step S1, the controller can control the first rotation speed, first cycle time, and preset duration t1 of the washing drum in stage S1 according to the type of clothing, weight of clothing, and preset cold water temperature; and / or the second rotation speed, second cycle time, and preset duration t2 in stage S2; and / or the preset soaking duration t2.

[0074] Under these circumstances, for clothing types that require more washing, a longer washing time, a higher spin speed, and a higher spin-stop ratio can be selected to improve cleaning. For clothing types that require more care, a shorter washing time, a lower spin speed, and a higher spin-stop ratio can be selected, along with an appropriate increase in water level to reduce wear and tear on the clothing. At the same time, the soaking time can be extended to compensate for the lack of cleaning.

[0075] Under this premise, the rotation speed and rotation-to-stop ratio of the second cycle will be determined based on the information such as the clothing material identified by the clothing information recognition module. The rotation speed and rotation-to-stop ratio of regular clothing materials are greater than those of delicate clothing materials.

[0076] In any of the above embodiments, the aforementioned refrigeration device can be controlled to start and the compressor speed based on the inlet water temperature of the inlet valve and the clothing information.

[0077] Specifically, the refrigeration unit can be controlled to start and rotate the compressor based on the actual inlet water temperature and the information of the clothes, including:

[0078] Set the corresponding preset cold water temperature based on the clothing information identified by the clothing information recognition module;

[0079] The decision to turn on the refrigeration unit and adjust the corresponding compressor speed is based on the preset chilled water temperature and the actual inlet water temperature of the inlet valve.

[0080] More specifically, during step S1: the detergent dissolution process, the washing drum runs at a rhythm of 75rpm to 100rpm, 20s to 25s counterclockwise / 5s to 7s stop / 20s to 25s clockwise / 5s to 7s stop for 2min to 4min. The specific parameter values ​​are determined according to the specific information of the clothes.

[0081] It should be noted that in any of the above embodiments, the controller determines the preset temperature T1 based on the clothing information identified by the clothing identification information module. When the actual temperature T of the washing water drops to the preset temperature T1, the refrigeration device is controlled to shut down.

[0082] The controller can set different cold water washing temperatures according to the clothing information of the clothes to be washed, so as to achieve targeted washing of clothes of different materials.

[0083] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0084] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

[0085] Other embodiments of the invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention that follow the general principles of the invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are indicated by the following claims.

[0086] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of the invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that, include: A washing drum having a washing chamber; A water inlet valve is used to inject washing water into the washing chamber; The detergent box is used to hold detergent, and the washing water flowing out through the water inlet valve flows into the washing drum through the detergent box. A refrigeration device is installed between the water inlet valve and the detergent box or between the detergent box and the washing drum to cool the washing water flowing out of the water inlet valve so as to achieve cold water washing of clothes. The washing machine has a cold water washing mode, which includes a detergent dissolving step S1, a clothes soaking step S2 and a clothes washing step S3 executed sequentially. The detergent dissolution step S1 includes controlling the washing drum to run at a first rotation speed V1 and a first cycle time t1 after the cold water is introduced; The clothing soaking step S2 includes: stopping the washing drum rotation to allow the clothes to soak for a preset time t2; The clothing washing step S3 includes: controlling the washing drum to wash the clothes at a second rotation speed and a second beat for a preset duration t3. Wherein the first rotational speed is greater than the second rotational speed, and the rotation-to-stop ratio of the first cycle is greater than the rotation-to-stop ratio of the second cycle.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The refrigeration device includes a refrigeration mechanism and a water storage mechanism; The refrigeration mechanism includes a compression refrigeration circuit with a compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator; the water storage mechanism includes a cold water tank, which is installed on the water inlet pipe between the water inlet valve and the detergent dispenser, or on the water inlet pipe between the detergent dispenser and the washing drum. The evaporator and the cold water tank are thermally coupled together by means of indirect heat exchange.

3. The washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The compressor can be controlled to adjust its speed according to the object being washed.

4. The washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The washing machine also includes a clothes weight detection module and a controller. The controller can control the water inlet valve according to the weight of the clothes detected by the clothes weight detection module. The washing machine also includes a clothing information recognition module, and the controller can control the operating parameters of the washing drum and the compressor speed according to the clothing information recognized by the clothing information recognition module; The clothing information recognition module can recognize clothing information including: clothing color, clothing material, clothing type, and clothing characteristics, among others. The operating parameters of the washing drum include at least one of the following: washing time, rotation speed, soaking time, water level, and rotation-to-stop ratio. The garment features include at least tassels, holes, and metal ornaments.

5. A washing method for a washing machine, applied to the washing machine according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The washing method includes: In cold water washing mode, the water inlet valve is opened to allow washing water to enter, and the cooling device cools the washing water. When the washing water temperature T drops to the preset temperature T1, the washing machine washes the clothes with cold water. In cold water washing mode, the washing machine has a detergent dissolution step S1 and a clothes soaking step S2 before washing clothes in cold water. The detergent dissolution step S1 includes controlling the washing drum to run at a first rotation speed V1 and a first cycle time t1 after the cold water is introduced; After step S1 is completed, the clothes soaking step S2 is executed, and the washing drum is stopped to allow the clothes to soak for a preset time t2. After step S2 is completed, the normal laundry washing step S3 is performed, and the washing drum is controlled to wash the clothes at the second rotation speed and the second beat for a preset time t3. The first rotational speed is greater than the second rotational speed, and the rotation-to-stop ratio of the first cycle is greater than the rotation-to-stop ratio of the second cycle.

6. The washing method according to claim 5, characterized in that, Before the water inlet valve is opened, the weight of the clothes in the washing drum is detected, and the water inlet volume is controlled according to the detected weight of the clothes.

7. The washing method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The refrigeration device can be controlled to start and rotate the compressor based on the water temperature at the inlet valve and the information about the clothing.

8. The washing method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The refrigeration device can be controlled to start and adjust the compressor speed based on the actual inlet water temperature and clothing information, including: Set the corresponding preset cold water temperature based on the clothing information identified by the clothing information recognition module; The decision to turn on the refrigeration unit and adjust the corresponding compressor speed is based on the preset chilled water temperature and the actual inlet water temperature of the inlet valve.

9. The washing method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The washing drum is controlled according to the type and weight of the clothes, and the preset cold water temperature. In stage S1, the first rotation speed, the first beat, and the preset duration t1 are controlled; and / or in stage S2, the second rotation speed, the second beat, and the preset duration t2 are controlled; and / or the preset soaking duration t2 is controlled.

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