A lint collection device, a washing machine and a lint collection method

Abstract

The application discloses a lint collecting device, a washing machine and a lint collecting method. The lint collecting device comprises a floating lint collector and a slide. The slide is arranged on the inner cylinder wall. The floating lint collector is arranged above the fixed lint collector. The floating lint collector comprises a floating part and a collecting part. The two ends of the floating part are slidably arranged in the slide. The floating part can move along the slide under the action of the buoyancy of water. The lint collecting device can float on the water surface in a large area. The lint collecting device cooperates with the fixed lint collector to improve the lint collecting effect of the washing machine.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The lint collection device of the washing machine can collect and filter lint, fine fibers and / or fuzz from clothes under the action of water circulation, so that clothes washed in the washing machine will not have a lot of impurities stuck to them.

[0003] Most existing washing machines have lint collection devices fixed in the middle of the inner drum, and this position is fixed and cannot be moved. Taking a top-loading washing machine as an example, when the water level is higher than the lint collection device, the lint floating on the surface cannot be collected. As a result, the lint on the surface will stick to the clothes after draining, reducing the washing machine's lint collection efficiency. Poor lint collection results in more lint residue on the washed clothes, reducing the washing effect of the machine.

[0004] Chinese patent CN111155279A discloses a floating filter device, which consists of multiple floating filter devices on the circumferential wall of the inner drum of a washing machine. These multiple floating filter devices have different floating heights along the axial direction of the inner drum, thereby achieving a layered filtration effect. However, it has the following drawbacks:

[0005] (1) At high water levels, floating filter devices are easily tangled with clothing, causing damage or even abrasion to clothing;

[0006] (2) The floating filter device is set close to the inner cylinder wall, and the collection port and collection area are small, resulting in insufficient filtration range and poor filtration efficiency.

[0007] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background technology of this application, and therefore may include prior art that is not known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In response to the problems pointed out in the background art, the present invention proposes an improved lint collection device, washing machine, and lint collection method. The lint collection device can float on the water surface over a large area and, in conjunction with a fixed lint collector, improves the lint collection effect of the washing machine.

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution:

[0010] This invention provides a lint collection device, disposed in the inner drum of a washing machine, wherein a fixed lint collector is provided on the inner drum, and the lint collection device includes:

[0011] Two slide rails are disposed opposite to each other on the inner wall of the inner cylinder, and the slide rails extend along the axial direction of the inner cylinder;

[0012] A floating wire debris collector is disposed above the fixed wire debris collector and is used to collect wire debris above the water surface of the fixed wire debris collector. The floating wire debris collector includes a floating part and a collection part disposed on the floating part. The two ends of the floating part are slidably disposed in the slide, and the floating part can move along the slide under the action of buoyancy of the water.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the floating part is a first crossbar that spans the inner cylinder, and the first crossbar is provided with a collection port, through which the lint enters the collection part.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the first crossbar is provided with a plurality of collection ports, and the collection part has a plurality of collection parts, with each of the plurality of collection parts corresponding to a plurality of collection ports.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the first crossbar is foldable, and the inner wall of the inner cylinder is provided with a receiving cavity for accommodating the folded floating lint collector.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the floating part further includes a second crossbar spanning the inner cylinder, the second crossbar being disposed on the first crossbar and perpendicularly intersecting the first crossbar, and the collecting part being disposed on the second crossbar.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, the floating part is provided with a hollow cavity, and the hollow cavity is filled with a certain volume of gas.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the hollow cavity has multiple portions, which are spaced apart and uniformly disposed within the floating portion.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the upper and lower ends of the slide are respectively provided with stop portions.

[0020] The present invention also provides a washing machine, including an inner drum, a fixed lint filter provided on the inner drum, and a lint collection device as described above.

[0021] The present invention also provides a lint collection method for a washing machine as described above, comprising:

[0022] The washing machine has a first water level below the fixed lint collector and a second water level above the fixed lint collector;

[0023] When the water level detection device detects that the water level in the inner cylinder is lower than the first water level, the system controls the water inlet program to introduce water until the water level is higher than the lowest end of the fixed wire debris collector, and uses the fixed wire debris collector to collect wire debris.

[0024] When the water level detection device detects that the water level in the inner drum is between the first water level and the second water level, the normal washing program is started, and the fixed lint collector is used to collect lint.

[0025] When the water level detection device detects that the water level in the inner cylinder is higher than the second water level, the system controls the water inlet program to execute the first level of water inlet, and uses the floating wire debris collector to collect the wire debris above the water surface that is higher than the fixed wire debris collector.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are:

[0027] The lint collection device disclosed in this application is a floating lint collection device, which is used in conjunction with a fixed lint collector to collect lint that is above the water surface of the fixed lint collector and cannot be collected by the fixed lint collector, thereby improving the lint collection and filtration effect of the washing machine and improving the washing effect.

[0028] The floating lint collector is positioned at a high water level, making it less likely for clothes to get tangled or cause wear and tear.

[0029] The floating lint collector is installed across the inner cylinder, providing a larger lint collection area and better lint collection effect.

[0030] The floating lint collector does not structurally affect the existing fixed lint collector. Only a sliding track structure needs to be made on the inner drum. The changes are minor and it is easy to apply to existing pulsator washing machines.

[0031] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer after reading the detailed embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0032] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the inner drum structure of a washing machine according to an embodiment;

[0034] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the wire chip collection device according to an embodiment. Figure 1 ;

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of the wire chip collection device according to an embodiment. Figure 2 ;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a floating wire chip collector according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure label:

[0038] 100 - Inner cylinder;

[0039] 200-Fixed wire chip collector;

[0040] 300-Floating Thread Collection Device;

[0041] 310-Slide;

[0042] 320-Floating wire chip collector, 321-Floating part, 3211-First crossbar, 3212-Second crossbar, 3213-Collection port, 3214-Hollow cavity, 3215-Protrusion, 322-Collection part;

[0043] A - First water level;

[0044] B - Second water level. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0046] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0047] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0048] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0049] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0050] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, examples of various specific processes and materials are provided in this invention, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0051] Example 1

[0052] This embodiment discloses a wire debris collection device 300, referring to... Figure 1 The inner drum 100 of the pulsator washing machine is provided with a fixed lint collector 200.

[0053] Multiple fixed wire chip collectors 200 are spaced apart on the peripheral wall of the inner cylinder 100.

[0054] This embodiment does not limit the specific structure of the fixed wire chip collector 200; existing technologies can be referenced.

[0055] The wire debris collection device 300 in this embodiment is a floating wire debris collection device, which is used in conjunction with the fixed wire debris collector 200 to collect wire debris that is above the water surface of the fixed wire debris collector 200 and that the fixed wire debris collector 200 cannot collect.

[0056] Reference Figure 2 The wire chip collection device 300 includes a slide 310 and a floating wire chip collector 320.

[0057] The slide 310 is used to install the floating wire debris collector 320, which is used to collect wire debris on the water surface.

[0058] There are two slides 310, which are disposed opposite to each other on the inner wall of the inner cylinder 100, and the slides 310 extend along the axial direction of the inner cylinder 100.

[0059] The floating wire debris collector 320 is located above the fixed wire debris collector 200 and is used to collect wire debris that is above the water surface of the fixed wire debris collector 200 and cannot be collected by the fixed wire debris collector 200.

[0060] The floating lint collector 320 includes a floating part 321 and a collecting part 322, with the collecting part 322 disposed on the floating part 321.

[0061] The floating part 321 is used to ensure that the entire floating lint collector 320 can float on the water surface, and the collection part 322 is used to collect and filter the lint on the water surface.

[0062] The two ends of the floating part 321 are slidably disposed in the slide rail 310, and the floating part 321 can slide along the slide rail 310 under the action of buoyancy of water.

[0063] In this embodiment, the floating lint collection device 300 floats on the water surface, higher than the fixed lint collector 200, and effectively collects and filters lint on the water surface that the fixed lint collector 200 cannot collect, thereby improving the lint collection and filtration effect of the washing machine and improving the washing effect.

[0064] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 The washing machine has a first water level A below the fixed lint collector 200 and a second water level B above the fixed lint collector 200.

[0065] When washing clothes, the user puts the clothes into the inner drum 100, the system performs fuzzy weighing, and the water inlet program adds a certain amount of water into the inner drum 100 according to the weight of the clothes.

[0066] If the washing machine water level detection device detects that the water level in the inner drum 100 is lower than the first water level A, the system controls the water inlet program to introduce water until the water level is higher than the lowest end of the fixed lint collector 200, and then the fixed lint collector 200 is used to collect lint.

[0067] If the water level detection device detects that the water level in the inner drum 100 is between the first water level A and the second water level B, the normal washing program is started, and the fixed lint collector 200 is still used to collect lint.

[0068] If the water level detection device detects that the water level in the inner cylinder 100 is higher than the second water level B, the system controls the water inlet program to execute the first level of water inlet. At this time, the floating wire debris collector 320 is used to collect the wire debris above the water surface that is higher than the fixed wire debris collector 200, while the fixed wire debris collector 200 is used to collect the wire debris in the water. The two collectors are used in parallel to improve the wire debris collection effect.

[0069] The floating lint collector 320 is positioned at a high water level, making it less likely to get tangled in clothes or cause wear and tear.

[0070] The floating lint collector 320 is installed across the inner cylinder 100, which provides a larger lint collection area and better lint collection effect.

[0071] The floating lint collector 320 will not have a structural impact on the existing fixed lint collector 200. Only a sliding track structure needs to be made on the inner drum 100. The changes are minor and it is easy to apply to existing pulsator washing machines.

[0072] For the specific structure of the floating wire chip collector, some embodiments of this application refer to... Figure 4 The floating part 321 is a first horizontal bar 3211 that spans the inner cylinder 100. Both ends of the first horizontal bar 3211 are respectively provided with protrusions that cooperate with the slide rail 310.

[0073] The first crossbar 3211 is provided with a collection port 3213, through which wire scraps enter the collection section 322.

[0074] The collection section 322 is a filter bag, which can be installed at the collection port 3213 using a detachable installation structure, such as a plug-in or snap-on installation structure, to facilitate the replacement and cleaning of the collection section 322.

[0075] Furthermore, the collection port 3213 is located on the vertical side of the first crossbar 3211. When the inner drum 100 rotates during the washing process, it drives the first crossbar 3211 to rotate synchronously. The vertically arranged collection port 3213 is more conducive to collecting the lint floating on the water surface.

[0076] Furthermore, the collection port 3213 can also be set slightly at an angle to increase the area of ​​the collection port 3213 and improve the lint collection effect.

[0077] Furthermore, the first crossbar 3211 is provided with multiple collection ports 3213, and the collection part 322 has multiple functions, with each collection part 322 corresponding to one of the multiple collection ports 3213, thereby further increasing the effective area for collecting wire debris and improving the wire debris collection effect.

[0078] Figure 4In the structure shown, two collection sections 322 and two collection ports 3213 are provided.

[0079] Furthermore, the first crossbar 3211 can be folded. The specific structure for achieving the folding function can refer to the existing technology, and this embodiment does not impose specific limitations.

[0080] The inner wall of the inner cylinder 100 is provided with a receiving cavity for accommodating the folded floating lint collector 320.

[0081] The floating lint collector 320 can be folded away before and after washing, making it easy to put clothes into or take them out of the inner drum 100.

[0082] Of course, in other, more simplified implementations, the folding structure of the first crossbar 3211 can be omitted, and the entire floating lint collector 320 can be directly removed from the inner cylinder 100.

[0083] Furthermore, refer to Figure 3 The floating part 321 also includes a second horizontal bar 3212 that spans the inner cylinder 100. The second horizontal bar 3212 is disposed on the first horizontal bar 3211 and intersects the first horizontal bar 3211 perpendicularly. A collection part 322 is provided on the second horizontal bar 3212.

[0084] Multiple collection units 322, such as two, are also provided on the second crossbar 3212, so that... Figure 3 For example, there are four collection units 322 on the water surface, which can more comprehensively cover the entire water surface area and ensure the collection effect of lint.

[0085] Regarding the floating structure that implements the floating part 321, in some embodiments of this application, reference is made to... Figure 4 The floating part 321 (i.e., the first crossbar 3211 and / or the second crossbar 3212) is provided with a hollow cavity 3214, which is filled with a certain volume of gas to reduce the weight of the floating part 321 and achieve floating on the water surface.

[0086] Furthermore, the hollow cavity 3214 has multiple cavities that are spaced apart and evenly arranged within the floating part 321, so that the floating part 321 collects evenly and avoids floating and tilting.

[0087] Regarding the specific structure of the slide, in some embodiments of this application, the slide 310 can be integrally formed with the inner cylinder 100, and the upper and lower ends of the slide 310 are respectively provided with stop portions (not shown) to limit the floating portion 321.

[0088] Example 2

[0089] This embodiment discloses a washing machine, in which a fixed lint filter 200 is provided on the inner drum 100, and a floating lint collection device 300 disclosed in Embodiment 1 is provided at the upper position of the inner drum 100.

[0090] Example 3

[0091] This embodiment discloses a method for collecting lint from a washing machine, including:

[0092] The washing machine has a first water level A below the fixed lint collector 200 and a second water level B above the fixed lint collector 200;

[0093] When washing clothes, the user puts the clothes into the inner drum 100, the system performs fuzzy weighing, and the water inlet program adds a certain amount of water into the inner drum 100 according to the weight of the clothes.

[0094] If the washing machine water level detection device detects that the water level in the inner drum is lower than the first water level A, the system controls the water inlet program to add water until the water level is higher than the lowest end of the fixed lint collector 200. At this time, the fixed lint collector 200 is used to collect lint.

[0095] If the water level detection device detects that the water level in the inner drum 100 is between the first water level A and the second water level B, the normal washing program is started, and the fixed lint collector 200 is still used to collect lint.

[0096] If the water level detection device detects that the water level in the inner cylinder 100 is higher than the second water level B, the system controls the water inlet program to execute the first level of water inlet. At this time, the floating wire debris collector 320 is used to collect the wire debris above the water surface that is higher than the fixed wire debris collector 200, while the fixed wire debris collector 200 is used to collect the wire debris in the water. The two collectors are used in parallel to improve the wire debris collection effect.

[0097] In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0098] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A lint collecting device provided in an inner tub of a washing machine, wherein a fixed lint collector is provided on the inner tub, characterized in that, The lint collecting device comprises: two slides oppositely arranged on the inner wall of the inner drum, the slides extending along the axial direction of the inner drum; a floating lint collector arranged on the upper part of the fixed lint collector for collecting lint above the water surface of the fixed lint collector, the floating lint collector comprising a floating part and a collecting part arranged on the floating part, both ends of the floating part being slidingly arranged in the slides, the floating part being movable along the slides under the buoyancy of water; the floating part being a first horizontal bar across the inner drum, the first horizontal bar being provided with a collecting opening through which lint enters the collecting part; the floating part further comprising a second horizontal bar across the inner drum, the second horizontal bar being arranged on the first horizontal bar and perpendicularly intersecting the first horizontal bar, the second horizontal bar being provided with the collecting part.

2. The lint collecting device according to claim 1, wherein the first horizontal bar is provided with a plurality of collecting openings, and the collecting part has a plurality of collecting parts corresponding to the plurality of collecting openings.

3. The lint collecting device according to claim 1, wherein the first horizontal bar is foldable, and the inner wall of the inner drum is provided with a receiving cavity for accommodating the folded floating lint collector.

4. The lint collecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a hollow cavity is arranged in the floating part, and the hollow cavity is filled with a certain volume of gas.

5. The lint collecting device according to claim 4, wherein the hollow cavity has a plurality of hollow cavities arranged in the floating part at intervals and uniformly.

6. The lint collecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the upper and lower ends of the slide are respectively provided with stoppers.

7. A washing machine comprising an inner tub provided with a fixed lint filter, characterized in that, The lint collecting device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A lint collecting method applied to the laundry machine of claim 7, characterized in that, The washing machine comprises: the washing machine has a first water level below the fixed lint collector and a second water level above the fixed lint collector; when the water level detecting device detects that the water level in the inner drum is below the first water level, the system controls the water inlet program to fill water to a water level above the lowest end of the fixed lint collector, and the fixed lint collector is used for lint collection; when the water level detecting device detects that the water level in the inner drum is between the first water level and the second water level, the normal washing program is started, and the fixed lint collector is used for lint collection; when the water level detecting device detects that the water level in the inner drum is above the second water level, the system controls the water inlet program to perform a first water inlet, and the floating lint collector is used for collecting lint above the water surface of the fixed lint collector.

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