Draining method for household appliance devices

Abstract

The present application provides a kind of household appliance device drainage method, comprising: water inlet program, in water inlet program, in the case where drain is closed, from washing water inlet, washing water is introduced into water storage container;Drainage program, in drainage program, open drain, to drain washing water in water storage container;And defoaming program, in defoaming program, remove the foam in water storage container, defoaming program includes first defoaming program and second defoaming program, after executing first defoaming program, water level detection step is executed, in water level detection step, when detecting washing water, error program is executed, when detecting foam, first defoaming program is executed again, when not detecting washing water and foam, second defoaming program is executed.According to the present application, a kind of household appliance device drainage method can be ensured both defoaming effect and promptly respond to the situation of poor drainage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a drainage method for household appliances such as washing machines, washer-dryers, spin dryers, and dishwashers, including types such as pulsator, agitator, and drum types. Background Technology

[0002] Chinese invention publication CN110387716A discloses a drainage method for a household appliance, the appliance including a water storage container. The drainage method includes: a water inlet procedure, in which washing water is introduced into the water storage container from the water inlet while the drain outlet is closed; a drainage procedure, in which the drain outlet is opened to drain the water from the water storage container; and a defoaming procedure, in which foam is removed from the water storage container by spraying. The drainage method includes a defoaming procedure, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of foam.

[0003] However, in the defoaming process of the aforementioned drainage method, a water level detection device is used to monitor the water level in the storage container in real time. If there is a significant amount of foam in the storage container, the following possibility exists: the defoaming process via spraying may be triggered by foam at the very beginning, causing the water level detection device to terminate and the process to switch back to drainage. In such cases, the spraying time may be extremely short, or even nonexistent, resulting in insufficient defoaming.

[0004] Furthermore, the drainage methods described above do not address situations where drainage from the water storage container is impaired due to drain valve malfunction or blockage in the drain pipe. In such cases, continued spraying for defoaming may cause the water level in the storage container to rise excessively, leading to overflow of washing water or foam entering the air pump. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0006] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned situation, and its purpose is to provide a drainage method for household appliances that can both ensure defoaming effect and respond promptly to situations of poor drainage.

[0007] Solution for solving the problem

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the first technical solution of the present invention provides a drainage method for a household appliance, the household appliance including a water storage container, the water storage container having a washing inlet for introducing washing water into the water storage container and a drain outlet for discharging the washing water from the water storage container, the drainage method of the household appliance including: a water inlet procedure, in which washing water is introduced into the water storage container from the washing inlet while the drain outlet is closed; a drainage procedure, in which the drain outlet is opened to discharge the washing water from the water storage container; and a defoaming procedure, in which foam is removed from the water storage container, the defoaming procedure including a first defoaming procedure and a second defoaming procedure, after executing the first defoaming procedure, a water level detection step is executed, in which an error reporting procedure is executed when washing water is detected, the first defoaming procedure is executed again when foam is detected, and the second defoaming procedure is executed when neither washing water nor foam is detected.

[0009] According to the first technical solution, a water level detection step is performed between the first defoaming procedure and the second defoaming procedure. This avoids the situation where the water level detection device is triggered by foam at the beginning of the defoaming procedure, thus ensuring the execution time of the defoaming procedure and ensuring the defoaming effect.

[0010] In addition, during the water level detection step, an error reporting procedure is executed when washing water is detected. This allows the defoaming program to end as early as possible in cases of poor drainage due to a malfunctioning drain valve or a blocked drain pipe, preventing excessive rise in the water level in the storage container caused by spray water, which could lead to overflowing washing water or foam entering the air pump. Furthermore, by ending the defoaming program early and switching to the error reporting procedure, the user can be notified promptly of any drain valve malfunction or blockage in the drain pipe.

[0011] Furthermore, during the water level detection step, the first defoaming procedure is executed again when foam is detected. Thus, even if there is still a large amount of foam in the water storage container due to excessive detergent dosage, executing the first defoaming procedure again can prevent the foam from being completely eliminated by the subsequent second defoaming procedure alone, ensuring the defoaming effect.

[0012] The second technical solution is that, based on the drainage method of the household appliance device in the first technical solution, the water storage container is further provided with a water level detection device. The water level detection device is used to detect whether the water level in the water storage container has reached a predetermined position. In the water level detection step, the water level detection device is used to detect the washing water or foam in the water storage container.

[0013] According to the second technical solution, the water level detection step can be reliably executed, thereby ensuring the defoaming effect and being able to respond promptly to situations where drainage is obstructed.

[0014] The third technical solution is based on the drainage method of the household appliance in the second technical solution. The water level detection device includes two detection electrodes. When the water level detection device is triggered, the voltage value between the two detection electrodes is used to determine whether the two detection electrodes are connected by only washing water, or by both washing water and foam, or only by foam.

[0015] According to the third technical solution, the water level detection step can be performed using a simple structure.

[0016] The fourth technical solution is based on the drainage method of the household appliance in the second technical solution. The water level detection device includes two detection electrodes, and the household appliance is also equipped with a weight detection device. The weight detection device is used to detect the weight of the water storage container and the washing water in the water storage container. In the water level detection step, when the water level detection device is triggered, the weight detection device determines whether the two detection electrodes are connected by only the washing water, or by both the washing water and the foam, or only by the foam, based on the weight detected by the weight detection device.

[0017] According to the fourth technical solution, since it is not necessary to accurately detect the voltage value between the two detection electrodes of the water level detection device, the requirements for the detection accuracy of the water level detection device can be reduced.

[0018] The fifth technical solution is, based on the drainage method of the household appliance device in the second technical solution, to not detect the water level in the water storage container during the first defoaming procedure and the second defoaming procedure.

[0019] According to the fifth technical solution, it is beneficial to avoid the situation where the water level detection device is triggered by foam at the beginning of the defoaming process, and the defoaming effect can be ensured more reliably.

[0020] The sixth technical solution is, based on the drainage method of the household appliance device in the first technical solution, to execute a standby program after executing the first defoaming program, and then execute the water level detection step.

[0021] According to the sixth technical solution, the water level detection step can be performed after the state of the washing water and foam in the water storage container has stabilized, which helps to avoid false detection.

[0022] The seventh technical solution is, based on the drainage method of the household appliance device in the first technical solution, to keep the drain outlet open during the defoaming process.

[0023] According to the seventh technical solution, drainage can also be carried out during the defoaming process, which helps to shorten the overall duration of the dehydration process and thus shorten the working time of household appliances.

[0024] The eighth technical solution is, based on the drainage method of the household appliance device in the first technical solution, the water storage container is further provided with a water level detection device. The water level detection device is used to detect whether the water level in the water storage container has reached a predetermined position. In the water inlet program, when the water level detection device detects that the water level in the water storage container has reached the predetermined position, the washing water inlet is closed, the drainage program is switched, and then the defoaming program is executed.

[0025] According to the eighth technical solution, the drainage process of household appliances can be reliably realized.

[0026] The ninth technical solution is based on the drainage method of the household appliance device in the first technical solution, wherein the first defoaming procedure and / or the second defoaming procedure respectively include a foam refining step for breaking up the foam in the water storage container to make it into smaller foam. In the foam refining step, water is sprayed on the foam and / or the foam is stirred to break up the foam.

[0027] According to the ninth technical solution, the foam in the water storage container can be reliably dispersed and defoamed through the foam refinement step, which helps to ensure the defoaming effect.

[0028] The tenth technical solution is based on the drainage method of the household appliance device in the ninth technical solution. The first defoaming procedure and / or the second defoaming procedure respectively include a foam entrainment step for forming a turbulent water flow in the water storage container to entrain foam into the washing water accumulated in the water storage container. In the foam entrainment step, a water flow is formed that flows into the water storage container along the side wall of the water storage container, and / or the washing water accumulated in the water storage container is stirred to form the turbulent water flow.

[0029] According to the tenth technical solution, foam can be reliably entrained into the washing water accumulated in the water storage container through the foam entrainment step to achieve defoaming, which helps to ensure the defoaming effect.

[0030] The eleventh technical solution is that, based on the drainage method of the household appliance device in the tenth technical solution, the household appliance device is further provided with a spray inlet, which can supply spray water into the water storage container when opened to disperse the foam and / or form the turbulent water flow.

[0031] According to the eleventh technical solution, the defoaming process can be performed through a simple structure.

[0032] The twelfth technical solution is based on the drainage method of the household appliance device in any of the first to eleventh technical solutions. The household appliance device is a clothing processing device, which further includes: a clothing processing tank, which is a bottomed cylindrical shape for containing clothing; a clothing processing tank seal for sealing the clothing processing tank; and an air pump, which has a negative pressure suction function and is connected to the clothing processing tank through a dehydration pipeline for creating a vacuum in the clothing processing tank during dehydration. The water storage container is located in the dehydration pipeline and between the clothing processing tank and the air pump. The drainage method of the household appliance device is carried out in the dehydration process of the clothing processing device.

[0033] According to the twelfth technical solution, by using the drainage method of the household appliance device of the present invention in the dehydration process of the clothing processing device, it is more conducive to achieving the excellent effect of the present invention.

[0034] The effects of the invention

[0035] According to the present invention, a drainage method for household appliances can be provided that can both ensure defoaming effect and respond promptly to situations of poor drainage. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the invention together with the specification and serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water inlet procedure of the drainage method for the household appliance device of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the drainage procedure of the drainage method for the household appliance device of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the defoaming procedure of the drainage method for the household appliance device of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a structural block diagram illustrating the foam removal device of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a first example of the foam removal device of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a first example of the foam removal device of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 7 This is another schematic diagram illustrating a first example of the foam removal device of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a second example of the foam removal device of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a third example of the foam removal device of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a fourth example of the foam removal device of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a fourth example of the foam removal device of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the drainage method of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of the drainage method of the present invention.

[0050] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0051] 10: Clothes handling tank; 11: Machine cover; 12: Clothes handling tank seal; 13: Washing water inlet valve; 14: Air valve; 15: Spin-dry outlet; 16: Clothes; 17: Washing water in the tank; 20: Air pump; 21: Spin-dry pipeline; 22: First spin-dry pipeline; 23: Second spin-dry pipeline; 30: Water storage container; 31: Washing water inlet; 32: Spray water inlet; 33: Spray water inlet valve; 34: Spray water inlet pipeline; 35: Air outlet; 36: Drain outlet; 37: Drain pipeline; 38: 41: Drain valve; 42: Washing water in container; 50: Foam; 51: Water level detection device; 52: First detection electrode; 53: Second detection electrode; 60: Foam removal device; 61: Foam refining device; 62: Foam entrainment device; 70: Spraying device; 71: Base plate; 72: Baffle; 73: First hole; 74: Second hole; 75: Spray water flow; 76: Side water flow; 77: Tumbling water flow; 78: Rotating blade; 79: Rotating shaft; 81: Rotating blade; 82: Motor. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Next, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] As an example of a household appliance device that applies the drainage method of the present invention, Figures 1 to 3A washing machine capable of washing, rinsing, and spin-drying clothes is shown. Those skilled in the art will understand that this invention is applicable to washing machines, washer-dryers, spin dryers, and other clothing handling devices of various types, including top-loading, agitator, and front-loading types. Furthermore, this invention is also applicable to other household appliances such as dishwashers. In other words, this invention can be applied to any household appliance that includes a water storage container with a washing inlet and a drain and requires drainage from the water storage container. As a typical structure, for example, it could be a pressure washing machine as disclosed in CN108884621A.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this washing machine employs a suction spin-drying system. The following description mainly focuses on the relevant parts of this suction spin-drying system, omitting descriptions of other parts of the washing machine. The structure of other parts of the washing machine can arbitrarily adopt structures known in the art.

[0055] like Figure 1 As shown, the washing machine may mainly include a clothes handling tub 10, a clothes handling tub seal 12, an air pump 20, and a water storage container 30. In addition, the washing machine also includes a control unit (not shown) for controlling the operation of the washing machine.

[0056] The air pump 20 is connected to the garment processing tank 10 via a dehydration pipe 21 consisting of a first dehydration pipe 22 and a second dehydration pipe 23. A water storage container 30 is provided in the dehydration pipe 21 and is located between the garment processing tank 10 and the air pump 20.

[0057] The garment handling tank 10 can be formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open top (e.g., a bottomed cylindrical shape, a bottomed square shape, or a bottomed polygonal shape; that is, in this application, unless otherwise specified, "cylindrical" is not limited to a cylinder, but also includes square cylinders, polygonal cylinders, etc.) for holding garments. In use, an electric motor (not shown) drives the garment handling tank 10 to rotate, thereby washing and rinsing the garments 16 inside the garment handling tank 10. Furthermore, the garment handling tank 10 is connected to pipelines equipped with a washing water inlet valve 13 and an air valve 14, which are controlled to open and close by a control unit. The washing water inlet valve 13 can be connected to a household tap, etc., and when the washing water inlet valve 13 is opened, water can be supplied to the garment handling tank 10. The air valve 14 can be connected to the atmosphere; when the air valve 14 is opened, air can be supplied to the garment handling tank 10, increasing the air pressure inside the garment handling tank 10. At the bottom of the garment processing tank 10, there is also a dehydration port 15 connected to the second dehydration pipe 23. The washing water in the garment processing tank 10 can be injected into the water storage container 30 through the dehydration port 15, the second dehydration pipe 23, and the washing water inlet 31 of the water storage container 30 (described later).

[0058] The washing machine also includes a lid 11, which can be installed on the top frame of the washing machine and can rotate with one end as the base point to open and close the upper opening of the clothes handling tub 10, so that the user can put clothes to be washed into the clothes handling tub 10 or take out the washed clothes from the clothes handling tub 10.

[0059] The garment processing tank seal 12 can be installed on the side of the cover 11 near the garment processing tank 10. It is a generally circular plate shape similar to the cover 11, or a generally circular plate with its central portion recessed towards the bottom of the garment processing tank 10. It is made of a material such as resin that can elastically deform and is used to seal the garment processing tank 10. When the upper opening of the garment processing tank 10 is closed using the cover 11, the outer periphery of the garment processing tank seal 12 is airtightly clamped between the cover 11 and the upper opening of the garment processing tank 10, thereby forming a closed space inside the garment processing tank 10. Furthermore, the side of the garment processing tank seal 12 opposite to the garment processing tank 10 communicates with the atmosphere through gaps or openings in the cover 11.

[0060] The air pump 20 can be a negative pressure pump with negative pressure suction function, which is connected to the clothing treatment tank 10 through the dehydration pipe 21 and is used to create a vacuum in the clothing treatment tank 10 during dehydration.

[0061] The water storage container 30 may be provided with a washing water inlet 31, an air outlet 35, and a drain outlet 36. The washing water inlet 31 is located at the top of the water storage container 30 and is connected to the clothes handling tank 10 via the second dehydration pipe 23 and the dehydration outlet 15 at the bottom of the clothes handling tank 10, for introducing washing water into the water storage container 30. The air outlet 35 is located at the top of the water storage container 30 and is connected to the air pump 20 via the first dehydration pipe 22. The drain outlet 36 is located at the bottom of the water storage container 30 and is connected to the drain valve 38 via the drain pipe 37, for draining the washing water in the water storage container 30.

[0062] Within the water storage container 30, gas enters through the washing inlet 31 and exits through the air outlet 35 and the first dehydration pipe 22. Washing water enters through the washing inlet 31 and accumulates at the bottom of the water storage container 30 due to gravity, thus achieving gas-liquid separation. The washing water accumulated in the water storage container 30 can eventually be discharged to the outside of the washing machine through the drain outlet 36, the drain pipe 37, and the drain valve 38.

[0063] In this example, the drain valve 38 has a structure that makes it airtight when closed, so as to airtightly isolate the interior of the dehydration system from the atmosphere during suction dehydration. However, the invention is not limited to this. Optionally, when the drainage method of the water storage container 30 is top drainage, that is, when the water storage container 30 drains to a higher position, the drain valve 38 can be replaced with a common drain pump, but a one-way valve needs to be installed on the drain pipe 37 upstream or downstream of the drain pump. As a preferred embodiment, the one-way valve is located upstream of the drain pump. The one-way valve can achieve a seal between gas and washing water. The one-way valve is open in the direction from the water storage container 30 toward the drain pump and not open in the opposite direction. During suction dehydration, the one-way valve automatically closes under negative pressure, achieving airtight isolation between the water storage container 30 and the atmosphere. When dehydration is completed, the negative pressure in the water storage container 30 disappears, and the one-way valve automatically opens under the gravity of the washing water 41 in the water storage container 30, realizing communication between the water storage container 30 and the drain pump. Alternatively, a valve body controlled by a control unit can be used to replace the aforementioned check valve.

[0064] In addition, the water storage container 30 may also be equipped with a water level detection device 50, which is used to detect whether the water level in the water storage container 30 has reached a predetermined position. The water level detection device 50 may include two detection electrodes installed on the side wall of the water storage container 30, namely a first detection electrode 51 and a second detection electrode 52. In this water level detection device 50, the first detection electrode 51 is installed near the bottom of the side wall of the water storage container 30, and the second detection electrode 52 is installed near the top of the side wall of the water storage container 30. When the water level in the water storage container 30 reaches the installation position of the second detection electrode 52, water is used to conduct electricity between the first detection electrode 51 and the second detection electrode 52. Therefore, the control unit can detect whether the water level in the water storage container 30 has reached the predetermined position by detecting whether there is electricity between the first detection electrode 51 and the second detection electrode 52. That is to say, the installation position of the second detection electrode 52 is equivalent to the predetermined position.

[0065] Furthermore, when foam is present in the water storage container 30, even if the water level in the water storage container 30 does not reach the installation position of the second detection electrode 52, if the foam floating on the water surface comes into contact with the second detection electrode 52, the foam, along with the washing water, can also make the first detection electrode 51 and the second detection electrode 52 conductive. Therefore, the water level in the water storage container 30 detected by the water level detection device 50 does not only refer to the height reached by the washing water in the water storage container 30, but also refers to the height reached by the foam in the water storage container 30 when there is foam floating on the washing water or when there is only foam in the water storage container 30. When there is conductive connection between the two detection electrodes 51 and 52, it is determined that washing water or foam has been detected; when there is no conductive connection between the two detection electrodes 51 and 52, it is determined that neither washing water nor foam has been detected.

[0066] In addition, the washing machine also includes a spray device 70, which is an example of the foam removal device 60 described later. The spray device 70 is connected to a spray inlet pipe 34 via a spray inlet 32, and a spray inlet valve 33, controlled by a control unit, is provided at the spray inlet pipe 34. The spray inlet valve 33 is connected to a household tap or similar water faucet, and when the spray inlet valve 33 is opened, water can be supplied to the spray device 70. The foam removal device 60 and the spray device 70 will be described in detail later.

[0067] The following reference Figures 1 to 3 The dehydration process of a washing machine with the above-described structure is described, in which the drainage method of the household appliance of the present invention is applied. The drainage method of the household appliance of the present invention includes a water inlet program, a drainage program, and a defoaming program. Wherein, Figure 1 Corresponding water intake procedure, Figure 2 Corresponding drainage procedures, Figure 3 Corresponding defoaming procedure.

[0068] like Figure 1 As shown, the washing machine executes the water inlet program. During the water inlet program, with the drain outlet 36 closed by the drain valve 38, washing water is introduced into the water storage container 30 from the washing water inlet 31.

[0069] Specifically, when the washing machine completes the washing and rinsing processes and begins the spin-drying process, the control unit shuts off the washing water inlet valve 13, air valve 14, spray water inlet valve 33, and drain valve 38. Then, the control unit starts the air pump 20. At this time, the clothes handling tub 10 and the water storage container 30 are connected via the second spin-drying pipe 23, forming a sealed space.

[0070] As the air pump 20 continues to operate, gas is continuously drawn out from the air outlet 35, and the pressure inside the garment processing tank 10 and the water storage container 30 becomes negative pressure. At this time, the atmospheric pressure on the outer surface of the garment processing tank seal 12 is greater than the pressure inside the garment processing tank 10 on its inner surface. Under the action of this pressure difference, the garment processing tank seal 12 elastically deforms along the side wall of the cylindrical garment processing tank 10 toward the bottom wall of the garment processing tank 10, thereby squeezing the clothes 16 inside the garment processing tank 10 toward the bottom wall of the garment processing tank 10 and squeezing out the washing water 17 inside the tank. Under the action of negative pressure, the washing water 17 inside the tank, together with the gas inside the garment processing tank 10, enters the second dehydration pipe 23 through the dehydration port 15 of the garment processing tank 10, and flows into the water storage container 30 through the washing water inlet 31.

[0071] In this water intake process, the control unit monitors the continuity between the first detection electrode 51 and the second detection electrode 52 in real time. When the washing water 41 or foam 42 in the water storage container 30 has not reached the predetermined position, there is no continuity between the first detection electrode 51 and the second detection electrode 52, and the air pump 20 continues to run. As the height of the washing water 41 or foam 42 in the water storage container 30 continuously rises, when the control unit detects continuity between the first detection electrode 51 and the second detection electrode 52, it determines that the washing water 41 or foam 42 in the water storage container 30 has reached the predetermined position. At this time, the control unit controls the air pump 20 to stop running and begins the drainage process in the water storage container 30.

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, the washing machine performs a drainage program, in which the drain outlet 36 is opened to drain the washing water in the water storage container 30.

[0073] Specifically, when the drainage program begins, the control unit closes the washing water inlet valve 13, air pump 20, and spray water inlet valve 33, and opens the air valve 14 and drain valve 38. At this time, the washing water 41 in the water storage container 30 flows out of the washing machine through the drain pipe 37 and drain valve 38. Simultaneously, the open air valve 14 replenishes air into the water storage container 30 through the clothes handling tub 10 and the second spin-drying pipe 23, adjusting the air pressure balance within the water storage container 30 and allowing the washing water 41 to drain smoothly.

[0074] Since detergent is typically added to the laundry treatment tank 10 to wash clothes, the washing water 17 in the tank may contain a large amount of foam, and a certain amount of detergent may also remain in the washing water 17. When the mixture of washing water 17 and gas in the tank enters the water storage container 30, some foam will be generated again due to the mixing of the detergent-containing washing water and gas. This foam, along with the foam drawn in from the laundry treatment tank 10 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "foam 42"), floats on top of the washing water 41 accumulated in the water storage container 30. Figure 3 As shown, these foams 42 may remain in the water storage container 30 even after the drainage process is completed, making it difficult to drain them smoothly.

[0075] If the water intake process is repeated immediately after the drainage process, the residual foam 42 in the water storage container 30 will rise rapidly to the position of the second detection electrode 52 as the washing water re-enters the container. The control unit will then determine that the water level in the container 30 has reached the predetermined position and proceed with the drainage process again. This will result in abnormally high-frequency switching between the water intake and drainage processes, leading to wasted time and energy.

[0076] To avoid this situation, in this invention, a defoaming process is performed after the drainage process is completed, in which foam 42 in the water storage container 30 is removed, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of foam.

[0077] As a specific example of a defoaming procedure, such as Figure 3 As shown, the spray inlet valve 33 is opened, and water is supplied to the spray device 70 through the spray inlet pipe 34 and the spray inlet 32. The supplied water falls from the spray device 70, forming a spray water flow 75, thereby removing the foam 42 remaining in the water storage container 30. During this period, the drain valve 38 is opened, while the drain outlet 36 remains open, and water flows out to the outside of the washing machine through the drain pipe 37.

[0078] The foam removal device 60 of the present invention will now be described in detail.

[0079] like Figure 4 As shown, the washing machine includes a foam removal device 60 for removing foam from the water storage container 30. This foam removal device 60 may include a foam refining device 61 for breaking up the foam 42 within the water storage container 30 into smaller bubbles, and a foam entrainment device 62 for creating a turbulent water flow within the water storage container 30 to entrain the foam 42 into the wash water accumulated within the water storage container 30. Reference will be made below. Figures 5 to 11 Several examples of the foam removal device 60 are described in detail. In these accompanying drawings, arrows are used to indicate the direction of water flow.

[0080] Figures 5 to 7 A first example of a foam removal device 60 is shown. In this example, the foam removal device 60 includes a spray device 70 disposed on top of a water storage container 30. The spray device 70 serves as a foam refining device 61 by forming a spray water flow 75 to disperse the foam, and further serves as a foam entrainment device 62 by forming a tumbling water flow 77 within the water storage container 30 by forming a side water flow 76.

[0081] The spray device 70 may have a spray inlet 32 ​​for introducing spray water into the spray device 70, and a first hole 73 and a plurality of second holes 74 connected to the spray inlet 32 ​​and disposed on a base plate 71 opposite to the water storage container 30.

[0082] Combination Figure 1 The spray inlet 32 ​​is connected to the spray inlet pipe 34 equipped with a spray inlet valve 33. When the spray inlet valve 33 is opened, water can be supplied to the spray device 70 through the spray inlet pipe 34 and the spray inlet 32, thereby supplying spray water to the water storage container 30 to disperse foam and / or form a rolling water flow. Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the spray inlet 32 ​​can be formed on the side of the box-shaped spray device 70. However, the position of the spray inlet 32 ​​is not limited to this and can be formed at any position.

[0083] The first hole 73 is located on the side of the base plate 71 near the water storage container 30. Water falling from the first hole 73 flows into the water storage container 30 along its side, forming a side water flow 76. Figure 6 As shown, the first hole 73 is elongated and its opening area is larger than that of a single second hole 74. Furthermore, the first hole 73 is located adjacent to the spray inlet 32, and the drain outlet 36 of the water storage container 30 is located on the side where the spray inlet 32 ​​and the first hole 73 are located. Figure 5 The diagram shows the opposite side (left side). Figure 5 (Illustration shown on the right) so that the side water flow 76 can flow smoothly out of the drain 36.

[0084] Multiple second holes 74 are distributed over most of the base plate 71, are circular, and the opening area of ​​each second hole 74 is smaller than the opening area of ​​the first hole 73. Water flowing into the water storage container 30 from these second holes 74 forms a spray water flow 75. To achieve a more uniform spray across the entire area of ​​the water storage container 30, such as... Figure 6 As shown, it can be configured to move away from the spray inlet 32 ​​(towards) Figure 6 (Go to the right side), the density of the second hole 74 increases.

[0085] A baffle 72 protruding upwards is provided on the base plate 71 between the first hole 73 and the second hole 74. This baffle 72 blocks water flowing into the spray device 70 from the spray inlet 32, preventing water from directly passing over the first hole 73 and causing insufficient water flow in the side water flow 76. By providing this baffle 72, a portion of the spray water flows into the first hole 73, while another portion enters the interior of the spray device 70 from both ends and the upper side of the baffle 72 and flows into the second hole 74.

[0086] It should be noted that the number, structure, and position of the first hole 73, the second hole 74, and the baffle 72 are not limited to the examples described above, but can be arbitrarily and appropriately arranged. Optionally, the first hole 73 can also be located on the side opposite to the side where the spray inlet 32 ​​is located, i.e. Figure 5 On the right side, the drain outlet 36 of the water storage container 30 is located on the side where the spray inlet 32 ​​is located, i.e. Figure 5On the left side. Preferably, in order to allow the side water flow 76 to flow out smoothly, the first hole 73 can be positioned on the side of the water storage container 30 opposite to the side where the drain outlet 36 is located. Optionally, the second holes 74 can be arranged irregularly, or can include multiple second holes 74 of different sizes. When the second holes 74 include multiple second holes 74 of different sizes, the opening area of ​​the second holes 74 can be set to increase as it moves away from the spray inlet 32.

[0087] like Figure 5 As shown, when a defoaming process is required, the spray inlet valve 33 is opened to supply water to the spray device 70, forming a side water flow 76 and a spray water flow 75 through the first hole 73 and the second hole 74, respectively. The spray water flow 75 sprays onto the foam 42, breaking it up into smaller bubbles. The side water flow 76 flows along the side wall of the water storage container 30 to the bottom, forming a turbulent water flow 77. The broken foam is drawn into the water 14 accumulated in the water storage container 30 by the turbulent water flow 77, and then discharged from the drain pipe 37 through the drain valve 38.

[0088] When the water 14 accumulated in the water storage container 30 is low, such as Figure 7 As shown, the side water flow 76 flows along the bottom of the water storage container 30, washing away the foam remaining inside the water storage container 30 and discharging it from the drain pipe 37.

[0089] As described above, under the combined action of the spray water flow 75 and the side water flow 76 formed by the spray device 70, the foam in the water storage container 30 can be effectively removed, avoiding the adverse effects of the foam.

[0090] Figure 8 A second example of a foam removal device 60 is shown. In this example, a rotating blade 78 capable of rotating about an axis parallel to the horizontal plane is provided within the water storage container 30 as a foam entrainment device 62, instead of the structure in the first example where a first hole 73 is provided in the base plate 71 of the spray device 70 to form a lateral water flow. The remaining components of the second example are the same as or similar to those of the first example, and the same reference numerals are used to designate components that are the same as or similar to those of the first example, and will not be described again here.

[0091] like Figure 8As shown, a rotating blade 78 is provided inside the water storage container 30. The rotation axis 79 of the rotating blade 78 is fixed to the side of the water storage container 30 and parallel to the horizontal plane. The rotating blade 78 can rotate freely around the rotation axis 79. It should be noted that the parallelism mentioned here is not limited to parallelism in a strict sense, but also includes situations where it is at a certain angle relative to the horizontal plane but does not affect the generation of the tumbling water flow 77. Furthermore, in this example, the rotating blade 78 is driven to rotate using a spray water flow 75. However, the invention is not limited to this; it can also be configured to use other power sources or a motor specifically designed for the rotating blade 78 to drive its rotation.

[0092] like Figure 8 As shown, when a defoaming process is required, the spray inlet valve 33 is opened to supply water to the spray device 70, forming a spray water flow 75 through the second hole 74. A portion of this spray water flow 75 is sprayed onto the foam 42, causing the foam 42 to break down, with larger bubbles becoming smaller bubbles. Another portion of the spray water flow 75 is sprayed onto the rotating blades 78, causing the blades 78 to begin rotating around the rotating shaft 79 and forming a tumbling water flow 77. The broken-down foam is drawn into the water 14 accumulated in the water storage container 30 by the tumbling water flow 77, and then discharged from the drain pipe 37 through the drain valve 38.

[0093] As described above, under the combined action of the spray water flow 75 formed by the spray device 70 and the tumbling water flow 77 formed by the rotating blades 78, the foam in the water storage container 30 can be effectively removed, avoiding the adverse effects of the foam.

[0094] Figure 9 A third example of a foam removal device 60 is shown. In this example, the first and second examples are combined, i.e., a first hole 73 and a rotating blade 78 are simultaneously provided, and a tumbling water flow 77 is formed by utilizing the side water flow 76 and the rotation of the rotating blade 78, so that the two tumbling water flows 77 act simultaneously. The remaining components of the third example are the same as or similar to those of the first and second examples, and the same reference numerals are used to designate the components that are the same as or similar to those of the first and second examples, and will not be described again here.

[0095] like Figure 9As shown, a first hole 73 is provided on the side of the base plate 71 of the spray device 70 near the water storage container 30. Simultaneously, a rotating blade 78 capable of rotating about an axis parallel to the horizontal plane is also provided inside the water storage container 30. Thus, while the side water flow 76 formed by the first hole 73 creates a tumbling water flow 77, the rotation of the rotating blade 78 around the rotation axis 79 also creates a tumbling water flow 77. The foam dispersed by the spray water flow 75 is drawn into the water 14 accumulated in the water storage container 30 under the combined action of these two tumbling water flows 77, and then discharged from the drain pipe 37 via the drain valve 38.

[0096] As described above, the combined effect of the tumbling water flow 77 formed by the first hole 73 and the rotating blade 78 can more effectively remove foam from the water storage container 30 and avoid the adverse effects of foam.

[0097] Figures 10 to 11 The fourth example of a foam removal device 60 is shown. In this example, a rotating blade 81 capable of rotating about an axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane is provided in the water storage container 30 to serve as a foam refining device 61, instead of the structure in the first to third examples where a second hole 74 is provided in the spray device 70 to form a spray water flow 75. The remaining components of the fourth example are the same as or similar to those of the first to third examples, and the same reference numerals are used to designate components that are the same as or similar to those of the first to third examples, and will not be described again here.

[0098] like Figure 10 As shown, with Figure 5 Compared to the spraying device shown, the spraying device 70 does not have a second hole 74 and a baffle 72 formed on its base plate 71, but only retains a first hole 73. Water falling from the first hole 73 flows into the water storage container 30 along its side, forming a side water flow 76. This side water flow 76 enters the bottom of the water storage container 30 along its side wall, forming a tumbling water flow 77.

[0099] Furthermore, a rotating blade 81 capable of rotating about an axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane is provided inside the water storage container 30. This rotating blade 81 is powered by an electric motor 82 located outside the water storage container 30. It should be noted that "perpendicular" here is not limited to a strictly vertical orientation, but also includes situations where it forms an angle relative to the vertical direction without affecting foam dispersion. In this example, a separately provided electric motor 82 drives the rotating blade 81. However, the invention is not limited to this; it can also be configured to use side water flow 76 or other power sources to drive the rotating blade 81.

[0100] An example of the specific structure of the aforementioned rotating blade 81 is as follows: Figure 11As shown, each blade is formed in a comb-like shape, with teeth on both the upper and lower sides. The teeth on the upper side correspond to the teeth on the lower side, and the length of the upper teeth is shorter than the length of the lower teeth. Although Figure 11 The illustration shows four blades and each blade having four teeth, but the number of blades and teeth is not limited to this and can be any number other than this. Furthermore, the shape of the rotating blade 81 is not limited; it can be configured such that the length of the upper tooth is longer than the length of the lower tooth, or that the teeth are parallel to the bottom surface of the water storage container 30.

[0101] like Figure 10 As shown, when a defoaming process is required, the motor 82 is started to rotate the rotating blades 81. Simultaneously, the spray inlet valve 33 is opened to supply water to the spray device 70, forming a side water flow 76 through the first hole 73. The rotating blades 81 rotate around an axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane, agitating and breaking up the foam 42. The broken foam is drawn into the water 14 accumulated in the water storage container 30 by the churning water flow 77, and then discharged from the drain pipe 37 through the drain valve 38.

[0102] As described above, the combined action of the side water flow 76 and the rotating blades 81 formed by the spray device 70 can effectively remove foam from the water storage container 30 and avoid the adverse effects of foam.

[0103] In the above example, the foam removal device 60 includes both a foam refining device 61 and a foam winding device 62. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the foam removal device 60 may also include only the foam refining device 61 or the foam winding device 62. As an example, only the foam refining device 61 or the foam winding device 62 may be included. Figure 8 The spray device 70 shown or Figure 10 The rotating blade 81 shown serves as a foam refining device 61, or it may simply be provided. Figure 10 The spray device 70 shown or Figure 9 The rotating blade 78 shown serves as a foam entrainment device 62. In this case, although the foam removal rate is reduced compared to the first to fourth examples, it is still able to effectively remove foam from the water storage container 30.

[0104] Alternatively, the foam removal device 60 may also include rotating blades capable of rotating about an axis at an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. These rotating blades can both agitate the foam and create a turbulent flow of water during rotation.

[0105] Furthermore, in the above example, the spray device 70 is formed as a box-shaped structure. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the spray device 70 can also be formed as other structures. For example, the spray device 70 can be formed as a tubular structure, with a first hole and a second hole formed at the bottom of the tubular structure.

[0106] The following is for reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 The drainage method of the household appliance device of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0107] exist Figure 1 The washing machine shown starts its spin-drying process after completing the washing and rinsing steps. Figure 12 The drainage method shown. Figure 12 As shown, the drainage method of the household appliance device of the present invention may include a water inlet procedure S1, a first drainage procedure S2, a defoaming procedure S3, and a second drainage procedure S4. That is, the drainage procedure includes a first drainage procedure S2 and a second drainage procedure S4. In the water inlet procedure S1, when the water level detection device 50 detects that the water level in the water storage container 30 has reached a predetermined position, that is, when the water level detection device 50 detects washing water 41 or foam 42, the air pump 20 is stopped and the washing water inlet 31 is closed, switching to the first drainage procedure S2, then the defoaming procedure S3 is executed, and then the second drainage procedure S4 is executed.

[0108] In the water inlet procedure S1, with the drain outlet 36 of the water storage container 30 closed, washing water is introduced into the water storage container 30 from the washing water inlet 31.

[0109] In the first drainage procedure S2, the drain outlet 36 of the water storage container 30 is opened to drain the washing water inside the water storage container 30.

[0110] In the defoaming procedure S3, the foam removal device 60 removes the foam in the water storage container 30. The defoaming procedure S3 may include a first defoaming procedure S31, a standby procedure S32, a water level detection step S33, and a second defoaming procedure S34.

[0111] The first defoaming procedure S31 and / or the second defoaming procedure S34 may each include at least one of a foam refining step for breaking up the foam 42 in the water storage container 30 into smaller foams and a foam entrainment step for forming a turbulent water flow 77 in the water storage container 30 to entrain the foam into the washing water accumulated in the water storage container 30. In the foam refining step, the foam refining device 61 breaks up the foam by spraying water onto the foam 42 and / or by agitating the foam. In the foam entrainment step, the foam entrainment device 62 forms a water flow that flows into the water storage container 30 along the side wall of the water storage container 30 and / or agitates the water accumulated in the water storage container 30 to form a turbulent water flow 77.

[0112] In the first defoaming procedure S31 and the second defoaming procedure S34, the water level in the water storage container 30 is not detected. After executing the first defoaming procedure S31, a standby procedure S32 is executed, followed by the water level detection step S33. Alternatively, after executing the first defoaming procedure S31, the standby procedure S32 may be skipped, and the water level detection step S33 may be executed directly. In the water level detection step S33, the washing water 41 or foam 42 in the water storage container 30 is detected using the water level detection device 50. In the water level detection step S33, an error reporting procedure is executed when washing water 41 is detected; the first defoaming procedure S31 is executed again when foam 42 is detected; and the second defoaming procedure S34 is executed when neither washing water 41 nor foam 42 is detected.

[0113] In the second drainage procedure S4, the drain outlet 36 of the water storage container 30 is opened to drain the washing water inside the water storage container 30. After the second drainage procedure S4 is completed, if the dehydration process has not yet been completed, the process can return to the water inlet procedure S1.

[0114] The following is for reference Figure 13 A specific example of a drainage method for a household appliance device according to the present invention will be described in detail. This specific example is the one described above. Figure 12 One implementation of the drainage method. This drainage method involves making... Figures 1 to 3 The control unit in the washing machine shown executes a pre-stored program to achieve this. Steps S101 to S106 correspond to... Figure 12 In the water intake process S1, steps S201 to S203 correspond to Figure 12 The first drainage procedure S2, steps S311 to S344 correspond to Figure 12 In the defoaming procedure S3, steps S311 to S314 correspond to Figure 12 The first defoaming procedure S31, steps S321 to S322 correspond to Figure 12 In the standby procedure S32, steps S331 to S332 correspond to Figure 12 The water level detection step S33, steps S341 to S344 correspond to Figure 12 The second defoaming procedure S34, steps S401 to S404 correspond to Figure 12 The second drainage procedure S4 in the process.

[0115] Water intake procedure

[0116] exist Figure 1 The washing machine shown starts its spin-drying process after completing the washing and rinsing steps. Figure 13The drainage method is shown. At this time, the control unit controls the cleaning water inlet valve 13, air valve 14, spray water inlet valve 33, and drain valve 38 to be in the closed state. Then, in step S101, the control unit controls the air pump 20 to start running. In step S102, the control unit starts timing the air pump running time T0. In step S103, the water level detection device 50 is used to detect the water level in the water storage container 30. When the water level detection device 50 is triggered, that is, when the two detection electrodes 51 and 52 are connected, it is determined that washing water 41 or foam 42 has been detected, and the process switches to step S105. When the water level detection device 50 is not triggered, that is, when the two detection electrodes 51 and 52 are not connected, it is determined that washing water 41 and foam 42 have not been detected, and the process switches to step S104.

[0117] In step S104, the control unit determines whether the cumulative air pump running time T0 has reached a set value. When the control unit determines that the cumulative air pump running time T0 has reached the set value, it switches to step S105. When the control unit determines that the cumulative air pump running time T0 has not reached the set value, it returns to step S103 and uses the water level detection device 50 to detect the water level in the water storage container 30 again. That is, if no washing water 41 and foam 42 are detected in step S103 and the cumulative air pump running time T0 has not reached the set value in step S104, the control unit repeatedly performs steps S103 and S104 until washing water 41 or foam 42 is detected in step S103, or the cumulative air pump running time T0 reaches the set value in step S104. The set value of the air pump running time T0 used in step S104 can be set through prior experimentation, and can be set to the time required for the continuous operation of the air pump 20 to drain all the washing water in the clothes treatment tank 10.

[0118] In step S105, the control unit controls the air pump 20 to stop running, and in step S106, the timing of the air pump running time T0 is paused. Then, the process switches to step S201 to start the first drainage procedure S2.

[0119] First drainage procedure

[0120] In step S201, the control unit opens the drain valve 38, and in step S202, it starts timing the drainage duration T1 of the drain valve 38. In step S203, the control unit continuously determines whether the drainage duration T1 of the drain valve 38 has reached the set value. When the control unit determines that the drainage duration T1 has reached the set value, it switches to step S311 and starts the first defoaming program S31 of the defoaming program S3. The set value of the drainage duration T1 used in step S203 can be set through prior experimentation, and can be set to the time required for all the washing water 41 in the water storage container 30 to be drained through the continuous opening of the drain valve 38 for that duration.

[0121] Defoaming program

[0122] In step S311, the control unit opens the spray inlet valve 33, initiating the first defoaming procedure S31. As described above, at this time, the spray device 70 begins to generate spray water flow 75 and side water flow 76, thereby removing foam 42 from the water storage container 30. In step S312, the control unit times the continuous opening time of the spray inlet valve 33, i.e., the first defoaming time T2. In step S313, the control unit continuously determines whether the first defoaming time T2 has reached a set value. When the control unit determines that the first defoaming time T2 has reached the set value, it switches to step S314. The set value used in step S313 can be set through prior experimentation, and can be set to the time during which most of the foam 42 in the water storage container 30 can be removed by the continuous opening of the spray inlet valve 33 for the first defoaming time T2 and the second defoaming time T4 (described later). In step S314, the control unit closes the spray inlet valve 33, ending the first defoaming procedure S31. During the execution of steps S311 to S314 and the entire defoaming procedure S3, the drain valve 38 remains open, while the drain outlet 36 remains open.

[0123] Then, the control unit switches to step S321 and begins the standby procedure S32. In step S321, the control unit starts timing the standby time T3. In step S322, the control unit continuously judges whether the standby time T3 has reached the set value. When the control unit determines that the standby time T3 has reached the set value, it switches to step S331 and executes the water level detection step S33. The set value of the standby time T3 used in step S322 can be set through prior experimentation. It can be set to the time during which the state of the washing water 41 and foam 42 in the water storage container 30 can be stabilized after standing for this period of time, for example, it can be set to 30 seconds.

[0124] In step S331, the water level detection device 50 detects the washing water 41 or foam 42 in the water storage container 30. When the water level detection device 50 is triggered, i.e., when there is conduction between the two detection electrodes 51 and 52, the voltage value between the two detection electrodes 51 and 52 is used to determine whether the conduction between the two detection electrodes 51 and 52 is solely due to the washing water 41, or both the washing water 41 and foam 42, or only the foam. Specifically, since the resistance of foam is greater than that of washing water, the voltage value between the two detection electrodes 51 and 52 when only the washing water 41 is used is necessarily less than the voltage value when both the washing water 41 and foam 42 or only the foam are used. Therefore, the voltage value between the two detection electrodes 51 and 52 when only the washing water 41 is used can be determined in advance through experimentation, and this voltage value can be set as the reference judgment voltage value V0.

[0125] In step S331, when the water level detection device 50 is triggered, if the voltage value between the two detection electrodes 51 and 52 is not greater than the reference judgment voltage value V0, the control unit determines that washing water 41 has been detected and switches to step S332 to execute the error reporting procedure; if the voltage value between the two detection electrodes 51 and 52 is greater than the reference judgment voltage value V0, the control unit determines that foam 42 has been detected and switches to step S311 to execute the first defoaming procedure S31 again. In step S331, if the water level detection device 50 is not triggered, the control unit determines that no washing water or foam has been detected and switches to step S341 to execute the second defoaming procedure S34.

[0126] By configuring the system in this way, in the event of poor drainage due to a malfunction of the drain valve 38 or a blockage in the drain pipe 37, the defoaming program S3 can be terminated as early as possible. This prevents the water level in the water storage container 30 from rising excessively due to spraying water, which could lead to the overflow of washing water 41 or the entry of foam 42 into the air pump 20. This is because, under normal circumstances, most of the washing water 41 and foam 42 in the water storage container 30 can be drained after the first defoaming program S31 and the standby program S32. If washing water 41 can still be detected in step S331, it can be inferred that the drain valve 38 has malfunctioned or the drain pipe 37 has been blocked. By terminating the defoaming program S3 as early as possible and switching to the subsequent error reporting program S332, the user can be notified of the malfunction of the drain valve 38 or the blockage of the drain pipe 37 in a timely manner. Furthermore, if foam 42 can still be detected in step S331, it can be inferred that a large amount of foam 42 still exists in the water storage container 30 due to excessive detergent input. By executing the first defoaming procedure S31 again, the situation where the foam cannot be completely eliminated by the subsequent second defoaming procedure S34 can be avoided, thus ensuring the defoaming effect.

[0127] In step S341, the control unit opens the spray inlet valve 33, initiating the second defoaming procedure S34. As described above, at this time, the spray device 70 begins to generate spray water flow 75 and side water flow 76, thereby removing the remaining foam 42 in the water storage container 30. In step S342, the control unit times the continuous opening time of the spray inlet valve 33, i.e., the second defoaming time T4. In step S343, the control unit continuously determines whether the second defoaming time T4 has reached a set value. When the control unit determines that the second defoaming time T4 has reached the set value, it switches to step S344. The set value used in step S343 can be set through prior experimentation. It can be set to the time required to remove most of the foam 42 in the water storage container 30 by the continuous opening of the spray inlet valve 33 during the second defoaming time T4 and the aforementioned first defoaming time T2. The second defoaming time T4 can be set to be equal to the first defoaming time T2, or one can be set to be greater than the other. In step S344, the control unit closes the spray inlet valve 33, ends the second defoaming procedure S34, and switches to step S401 to start the second drainage procedure S4.

[0128] Second drainage procedure

[0129] In step S401, while keeping the drain valve 38 open, the control unit times the drainage duration T1 of the drain valve 38. In step S402, the control unit continuously determines whether the drainage duration T1 of the drain valve 38 has reached a set value. When the control unit determines that the drainage duration T1 has reached the set value, it switches to step S403. The set value of the drainage duration T1 used in step S403 can be set through prior experimentation, and can be set to the time required for all the washing water 41 in the water storage container 30 to be drained through the continuous opening of the drain valve 38 for that duration. In addition, the set value of the drainage duration T1 used in step S403 can be the same as or different from the set value of the drainage duration T1 used in step S203.

[0130] In step S403, the control unit determines whether the cumulative air pump running time T0 has reached the set value. When the control unit determines that the cumulative air pump running time T0 has reached the set value, it switches to step S404. When the control unit determines that the cumulative air pump running time T0 has not reached the set value, it returns to step S101 and restarts the water intake procedure S1.

[0131] In step S404, the control unit closes the drain valve 38 and ends the entire dehydration process.

[0132] The above Figure 13 The flowchart shown is merely an example, and the drainage method of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0133] For example, the above description illustrates a structure in step S331, which is the water level detection step S33, that distinguishes between three cases: the detection of washing water 41, the detection of foam 42, and the detection of neither washing water nor foam, using only the water level detection device 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the water level detection device, the household appliance may also include a weight detection device (not shown) for detecting the weight of the water storage container 30 and the washing water 41 within it. Since the density of foam is low and negligible, in the water level detection step, when the water level detection device 50 is triggered, the weight detected by the weight detection device can determine whether the two detection electrodes 51 and 52 are connected only by the washing water 41, or by both the washing water 41 and foam 42, or only by foam 42. This structure achieves the same effect as the structure described above. Moreover, since it eliminates the need for precise detection of the voltage between the two detection electrodes 51 and 52, it also reduces the accuracy requirements of the water level detection device 50.

[0134] The present invention has been described above through embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. For example, other embodiments implemented by arbitrarily combining the constituent elements described in this specification, or by excluding certain constituent elements, may also be used as embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, modifications to the embodiments that can be conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention, that is, the meaning expressed by the statements in the claims, are also included in the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for draining water from a household appliance, characterized in that, The household appliance includes a water storage container, which has a washing inlet for introducing washing water into the water storage container and a drain outlet for discharging the washing water from the water storage container. The drainage method for the household appliance includes: The water inlet procedure involves introducing washing water into the water storage container from the washing water inlet while the drain outlet is closed. A drainage procedure, in which the drain outlet is opened to drain the washing water from the water storage container; and A defoaming process is performed to remove foam from the water storage container. The defoaming process includes a first defoaming process and a second defoaming process. After executing the first defoaming process, a water level detection step is performed. In the water level detection step, an error reporting procedure is executed when washing water is detected; the first defoaming process is executed again when foam is detected; and the second defoaming process is executed when neither washing water nor foam is detected. The water storage container is also equipped with a water level detection device, which is used to detect whether the water level in the water storage container has reached a predetermined position. In the water level detection step, the water level detection device is used to detect the washing water or foam in the water storage container. In the first defoaming procedure and the second defoaming procedure, the water level in the water storage container is not detected.

2. The drainage method for a household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water level detection device includes two detection electrodes. When the water level detection device is triggered, the voltage value between the two detection electrodes is used to determine whether the two detection electrodes are connected by only the washing water, or by both the washing water and the foam, or only by the foam.

3. The drainage method for a household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water level detection device includes two detection electrodes. The household appliance is also equipped with a weight detection device, which is used to detect the weight of the water storage container and the washing water inside the water storage container. In the water level detection step, when the water level detection device is triggered, the weight detection device determines whether the two detection electrodes are connected by only washing water, or by both washing water and foam, or only by foam, based on the weight detected by the weight detection device.

4. The drainage method for a household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, After executing the first defoaming procedure, a standby procedure is executed, followed by the water level detection step.

5. The drainage method for a household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the defoaming process, the drain outlet remains open.

6. The drainage method for a household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage container is also equipped with a water level detection device, which is used to detect whether the water level in the water storage container has reached a predetermined position. In the water inlet procedure, when the water level detection device detects that the water level in the water storage container has reached the predetermined position, the washing water inlet is closed, the process switches to the drainage procedure, and then the defoaming procedure is executed.

7. The drainage method for a household appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first defoaming procedure and / or the second defoaming procedure each include a foam refining step for breaking down the foam in the water storage container into smaller bubbles. In the foam refining step, water is sprayed onto the foam, and / or the foam is stirred to break it up.

8. The drainage method for a household appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first defoaming procedure and / or the second defoaming procedure each include a foam entrainment step for forming a turbulent water flow within the water storage container to entrain foam into the wash water accumulated within the water storage container. In the foam entrainment step, a water flow is formed that flows into the water storage container along the side wall of the water storage container, and / or the washing water accumulated in the water storage container is stirred to form the tumbling water flow.

9. The drainage method for a household appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that, The household appliance is also provided with a spray inlet, which, when opened, can supply spray water into the water storage container to disperse foam and / or form the turbulent water flow.

10. A method for draining water from a household appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The household appliance is a clothing processing device. The garment processing device further includes: A clothing handling tank, which is a bottomed cylindrical shape, is used to hold clothing; A garment processing tank seal, used to seal the garment processing tank; and An air pump, which has a negative pressure suction function, is connected to the garment processing tank through a dehydration pipeline and is used to create a vacuum inside the garment processing tank during dehydration. The water storage container is installed in the dehydration pipeline and is located between the clothing processing tank and the air pump. The method for draining the household appliance during the dehydration process of the garment processing apparatus.

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