Washing machine and defoaming method

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application discloses a washing machine and a defoaming method, which belongs to the field of washing machines. The washing machine includes a shell; a drum assembly, which is arranged in the shell, and the drum assembly includes an outer drum and an inner drum, and the inner drum is rotatably arranged in the outer drum; an air filling device, which is arranged in the space between the shell and the outer drum, and the air filling device is connected to the outer drum, and is used to fill the outer drum in a closed state; a foam concentration detection device, which is used to detect the foam concentration in the inner drum; a control device, which is configured to control the air filling device to fill the outer drum in a closed state according to the foam concentration in the inner drum during the washing process. The present application increases the internal pressure of the outer drum by filling the outer drum with air, and the foam will shrink into the washing objects and washing water due to the action of the air pressure, thereby achieving the effect of defoaming and ensuring the effect of tumbling and washing the washing objects during the washing process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of washing machines, and in particular to a washing machine and a defoaming method. Background Art

[0002] Washing machines have become an essential household appliance in our daily lives. They primarily clean laundry by tumbling and washing it with detergent. During the wash cycle, if excessive foam concentration in the drum impairs the washing process, conventional washing machines typically have to wait or refill the drum to eliminate the foam, which consumes considerable time and water.

[0003] In related art, when excessive foam occurs during the wash cycle, defoaming is sometimes achieved by combining spraying and rotating the inner drum. However, spraying dilutes the detergent, reducing its concentration and affecting the wash performance. Another approach involves obtaining the machine's historical record of the stall ratio and adjusting it during the wash cycle. However, due to variations in the type and weight of laundry, as well as the type and amount of detergent used, defoaming based on previous wash records is less applicable to a new wash cycle, resulting in unsatisfactory defoaming results. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a washing machine and a defoaming method to at least solve the technical problems that the defoaming methods in the related art affect the washing effect and have poor defoaming effect.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a washing machine is provided, comprising:

[0006] case;

[0007] a barrel assembly disposed in the housing, the barrel assembly comprising an outer barrel and an inner barrel, the inner barrel being rotatably disposed in the outer barrel;

[0008] an inflating device, which is disposed in the space between the shell and the outer tube, the inflating device being connected to the outer tube and being used to inflate the outer tube in a sealed state;

[0009] a foam concentration detection device, used for detecting the foam concentration in the inner cylinder;

[0010] The control device is configured to control the inflation device to inflate the outer tub in a sealed state according to the foam concentration in the inner tub during the washing process.

[0011] This embodiment employs an aerator. When the foam concentration in the inner drum reaches a point where defoaming is necessary, the aerator inflates the outer drum to suppress foaming. Simultaneously, the increased pressure in the outer drum destroys the foam structure, causing the foam to contract into the laundry and wash water due to the air pressure, thereby achieving defoaming and ensuring a smooth, even washing process. Furthermore, the defoaming process eliminates the need to add water to the inner drum, preventing a decrease in detergent concentration and further ensuring a consistently effective wash.

[0012] In combination with the first aspect, in an optional implementation of the embodiment of the present application, the control device is further configured to determine the weight of the laundry before entering the washing process, determine the defoaming threshold based on the weight of the laundry, and control the inflation device to inflate the outer drum in a closed state when the foam concentration in the inner drum is greater than or equal to the defoaming threshold.

[0013] By adopting this implementation method, the impact of the defoaming process on the washing process can be reduced, while the defoaming efficiency can be improved.

[0014] In combination with the first aspect, in an optional implementation of the embodiment of the present application, the control device is further configured to determine the target inflation volume or target pressure value based on the weight of the laundry, and when the inflation device inflates the outer drum, control the inflation device to deliver an airflow of the target inflation volume into the outer drum or control the pressure in the outer drum to reach the target pressure value.

[0015] This implementation method can ensure that better defoaming effect can be achieved after the cylinder is pressurized, thereby improving the defoaming efficiency.

[0016] In combination with the first aspect, in an optional implementation of the embodiment of the present application, the washing machine further includes:

[0017] a pressure detection device, which is arranged in the outer cylinder and is used to detect the pressure value in the outer cylinder;

[0018] a heating device, which is arranged in the outer cylinder and is used to heat the interior of the outer cylinder in a sealed state;

[0019] The control device is further configured to control the inflation device to stop inflating the outer cylinder according to the pressure value in the outer cylinder when the inflation device inflates the outer cylinder, and to control the heating device to start heating when the foam concentration is still greater than the defoaming threshold.

[0020] The present implementation can avoid potential safety hazards caused by excessive pressure in the outer cylinder, while the defoaming effect can be ensured by assisting defoaming with the heating device.

[0021] In combination with the first aspect, in an optional implementation of the embodiment of the present application, the control device is further configured to control the heating device to stop heating according to the pressure value in the outer cylinder when the heating device starts heating, and to control the outer cylinder to relieve pressure according to the pressure value in the outer cylinder when the heating device stops heating.

[0022] By adopting this implementation method, it is possible to ensure that the pressure in the outer drum is always within a safe pressure range, thereby ensuring the reliability of the operation of the washing machine and reducing safety hazards.

[0023] In combination with the first aspect, in an optional implementation of the embodiment of the present application, the washing machine further includes:

[0024] A temperature detection device, used to detect the temperature value inside the outer cylinder;

[0025] The control device is further configured to control the heating device to stop heating according to the temperature value in the outer cylinder when the heating device starts heating.

[0026] This implementation can prevent the internal temperature of the outer drum from being too high, thereby preventing the laundry from being damaged.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of the present application, a defoaming method for a washing machine is provided, the defoaming method comprising:

[0028] During the washing process, determine the foam concentration in the inner drum;

[0029] When the foam concentration is greater than or equal to the defoaming threshold, the outer cylinder is controlled to be in a sealed state, and the inflation device connected to the outer cylinder is controlled to inflate air into the outer cylinder.

[0030] In conjunction with the second aspect, in an optional implementation of the embodiment of the present application, before entering the washing process, the defoaming method further includes:

[0031] determining the weight of the laundry, and determining the defoaming threshold according to the weight of the laundry;

[0032] The greater the weight of the laundry, the higher the defoaming threshold.

[0033] In conjunction with the second aspect, in an optional implementation of the embodiment of the present application, the defoaming method further includes: determining a target inflation volume or a target pressure value according to the weight of the laundry;

[0034] When controlling the inflation device connected to the outer tube to inflate the outer tube, the inflation device is also controlled to deliver a target inflation amount of air into the outer tube or the pressure in the outer tube is controlled to reach the target pressure value;

[0035] The greater the weight of the laundry, the greater the target inflation volume or the target pressure value.

[0036] In conjunction with the second aspect, in an optional implementation of the embodiment of the present application, when controlling the inflation device connected to the outer cylinder to inflate air into the outer cylinder, the defoaming method further includes:

[0037] determining a pressure value in the outer cylinder;

[0038] When the pressure value is greater than a first set pressure value, controlling the inflation device to stop inflating air into the outer cylinder;

[0039] When the foam concentration is still greater than the defoaming threshold, the heating device disposed in the outer cylinder is controlled to start heating.

[0040] In conjunction with the second aspect, in an optional implementation of the embodiment of the present application, after controlling the heating device provided in the outer cylinder to start heating, the defoaming method further includes:

[0041] determining the temperature inside the outer cylinder when the foam concentration inside the outer cylinder is greater than or equal to a defoaming threshold;

[0042] When the temperature inside the outer cylinder reaches a set temperature, the heating device is controlled to stop heating and the outer cylinder is maintained in a sealed state;

[0043] When the temperature inside the outer tube is lower than the set temperature and the pressure inside the outer tube is higher than a second set pressure, the heating device is controlled to stop heating and the outer tube is maintained in a sealed state;

[0044] After the heating device stops heating, when the pressure in the outer tube is greater than the third set pressure, controlling the outer tube to release pressure to the second set pressure;

[0045] Among them: the first set pressure < the second set pressure < the third set pressure.

[0046] In conjunction with the second aspect, in an optional implementation of the embodiment of the present application, the defoaming method further includes:

[0047] When the foam concentration in the outer drum is less than the defoaming threshold or the defoaming time is reached, the defoaming is ended and the subsequent washing process is continued while maintaining the outer drum in a sealed state.

[0048] The technical effects of the above-mentioned second aspect are similar to those obtained by the corresponding technical means in the first aspect, and will not be repeated here. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Figure 1It is a structural schematic diagram of a washing machine provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0050] Figure 2 This is one of the defoaming flow charts provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0051] Figure 3 This is the second defoaming flow chart provided in the embodiment of this application.

[0052] Figure 4 This is a system block diagram of an electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0053] The figures are marked as follows: 1. Shell; 2. Outer tube; 3. Inner tube; 4. Inflating device; 5. Air pressure detection device; 51. Air outlet pipe; 6. Heating device; 100. Processor; 200. Communication bus; 300. User interface; 400. External communication interface; 500. Memory. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solution of this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work should fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0055] It should be understood that the "plurality" mentioned herein refers to two or more. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, " / " means or, for example, A / B can mean A or B; "and / or" in this article is only a description of the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can mean: A exists alone, A and B exist at the same time, and B exists alone. In addition, in order to facilitate a clear description of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, in the embodiments of the present application, words such as "first" and "second" are used to distinguish between identical or similar items with basically the same functions and effects. Those skilled in the art can understand that words such as "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity and execution order, and words such as "first" and "second" do not limit certain different

[0056] In addition, the terms "comprises" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, system, product or apparatus that includes a series of steps or elements is not necessarily limited to those steps or elements expressly listed but may include other steps or elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, product or apparatus.

[0057] When a washing machine is washing laundry, if the foam concentration is high and affects the washing effect, the defoaming method of adding water and letting it stand is time-consuming and water-consuming. The defoaming method of combining spraying the laundry with rotating the inner drum to defoam will dilute the detergent and reduce the washing effect, and waste more water. The defoaming method of using the stop ratio of the inner drum in the previous washing process to change the stop ratio of the new washing process to defoam is less practical and has an unsatisfactory defoaming effect.

[0058] In order to solve the above technical problems, this embodiment proposes a washing machine, which includes:

[0059] case;

[0060] a barrel assembly disposed in the housing, the barrel assembly comprising an outer barrel and an inner barrel, the inner barrel being rotatably disposed in the outer barrel;

[0061] an inflating device, which is disposed in the space between the shell and the outer tube, the inflating device being connected to the outer tube and being used to inflate the outer tube in a sealed state;

[0062] a foam concentration detection device, used for detecting the foam concentration in the inner cylinder;

[0063] The control device is configured to control the inflation device to inflate the outer tub in a sealed state according to the foam concentration in the inner tub during the washing process.

[0064] This embodiment employs an aerator. When the foam concentration in the inner drum reaches a level requiring defoaming, the aerator inflates the outer drum to suppress foaming. Simultaneously, the increased pressure in the outer drum destroys the foam structure, causing the foam to contract into the laundry and wash water due to the air pressure, thereby achieving a defoaming effect and ensuring a smooth, even washing process. Furthermore, the defoaming process does not require the addition of water to the inner drum, which does not reduce the detergent concentration, further ensuring a consistently effective wash.

[0065] Furthermore, this embodiment provides a pressure detection device and a heating device, and when the inflation device is inflating the outer tube, the control device controls the inflation device to stop inflating through the pressure value detected by the pressure detection device, thereby avoiding safety hazards caused by excessive pressure in the outer tube.

[0066] After the inflation device stops inflating, when the foam concentration in the inner cylinder is still at a level requiring defoaming, the control device controls the heating device to start heating to assist defoaming and ensure the defoaming effect.

[0067] After the heating device starts heating, the heating device causes the air in the outer drum to expand, causing the air pressure in the outer drum to continue to rise. This embodiment also monitors the air pressure in the outer drum to control the heating device to stop heating or control the outer drum to release pressure to ensure that the washing machine operates within a normal pressure range.

[0068] Furthermore, this embodiment also monitors the temperature inside the outer cylinder by a temperature detection device disposed inside the outer cylinder, so as to avoid a safety hazard caused by a sudden increase in the air pressure inside the cylinder due to excessive temperature inside the outer cylinder.

[0069] The technical solution of this embodiment is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments and examples can be combined with each other unless there is any conflict.

[0070] Implementation Method 1

[0071] This embodiment provides a washing machine, which can be a washing machine with only a washing function or a washing machine with both a washing function and a drying function. In terms of structure, it can be a pulsator washing machine or a drum washing machine.

[0072] like Figure 1 As shown, the washing machine includes a housing 1, a drum assembly, an air charging device 4, a foam concentration detection device (not shown), and a control device (not shown). The drum assembly is disposed within the housing 1 and includes an outer drum 2 and an inner drum 3. The inner drum 3 is rotatably disposed within the outer drum 2. The outer drum 2 serves as a water storage drum, and the inner drum 3 serves as a washing drum. The wall of the inner drum 3 is provided with multiple flow holes, through which water in the outer drum 2 can flow into the inner drum 3. The outer drum 2 is provided with a drain outlet and an exhaust outlet. The drain outlet is provided with a drain valve for opening and closing the drain outlet, and the exhaust outlet is provided with an exhaust valve for opening and closing the exhaust outlet.

[0073] The washing machine also includes a detergent dispenser box, which is removably mounted within the housing 1. When the detergent dispenser box is pulled out of the housing 1, the user can dispense detergent into the dispenser box. After the detergent dispenser box is pushed into the housing 1, the detergent dispenser box is connected to the outer drum 2. After the user starts the washing machine, water from the washing machine's water inlet pipe flows into the detergent dispenser box and mixes with the detergent in the detergent dispenser box before flowing into the inner drum 3. At this time, the drain valve closes the drain outlet. During the rotation of the inner drum 3, foam will be generated in the outer drum 2 and the inner drum 3. Especially when a large amount of detergent is dispensed, more foam will be generated. Of course, the detergent dispensing method of the washing machine of this embodiment is not limited to the manual dispensing described above. Automatic detergent dispensing can also be achieved by providing an automatic dispensing system. Automatic dispensing of washing machines is a relatively mature technology in the field of washing machines and will not be described in detail here.

[0074] The inflating device 4 is arranged in the space between the shell 1 and the outer drum 2. The inflating device 4 is connected to the outer drum 2 and is used to inflate the outer drum 2 in a sealed state to eliminate foam. In one example, the shell 1 has a square structure, and a corner is formed between the two adjacent side panels. The inflating device 4 is arranged in the area between the corner and the outer drum 2 to prevent the drum assembly from being damaged by vibration during the dehydration process of the washing machine. The inflating device 4 has an air outlet, and an air outlet pipe 41 is connected to the air outlet. The end of the air outlet pipe 41 away from the air outlet is connected to the outer drum 2. In order to improve the defoaming effect on foam, it is preferred to connect the end of the air outlet pipe 41 away from the air outlet to the bottom of the outer drum 2. The air flow delivered by the inflating device 4 enters the washing water from the bottom of the outer drum 2 through the air outlet pipe 41 to accelerate the bursting of foam.

[0075] The airflow introduced into the outer cylinder 2 by the aerator 4 can be air drawn from outside the housing 1, nitrogen, or carbon dioxide. Nitrogen, an inert gas, can be injected into a foam-containing system to destabilize the foam by squeezing the air trapped within it, thereby helping to eliminate it. Carbon dioxide dissolves in water to form carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the wash water and changes its surface tension and viscosity, thereby aiding in the breakdown and elimination of foam. In practical applications, the airflow introduced into the outer cylinder 2 can be flexibly selected based on a comprehensive consideration of defoaming effectiveness and production costs.

[0076] The foam concentration detection device is used to detect the foam concentration in the inner drum 3. The foam detection device is located inside the inner drum 3 and continuously monitors the foam concentration in the inner drum 3 when the outer drum 2 is in a sealed state. The foam concentration detection device can detect foam by, but is not limited to, measuring the turbidity of the wash water, directly using a foam concentration meter, or utilizing the principle of light transmission.

[0077] The control device is configured to control the aeration device 4 to inflate the sealed outer tub 2 during the washing process based on the foam concentration in the inner tub 3. When the foam concentration in the inner tub 3 reaches a level requiring defoaming (i.e., when the foam concentration in the inner tub 3 is greater than or equal to the defoaming threshold), the control device first controls the outer tub 2 to remain sealed. Specifically, the control device maintains the drain valve closed and controls the exhaust valve to close the exhaust. Once the outer tub 2 is sealed, the control device then controls the aeration device 4 to inflate the outer tub 2 to suppress foaming. Simultaneously, the increased air pressure in the outer tub 2 disrupts the foam structure, causing the foam to shrink into the laundry and wash water, thereby achieving the desired defoaming effect.

[0078] After inflation is complete, the foam concentration detection device re-detects the foam concentration. If the newly detected foam concentration is still greater than or equal to the defoaming threshold, the control device re-inflates the outer drum 2. If the newly detected foam concentration is less than the defoaming threshold, the outer drum 2 remains sealed and the washing process continues. Maintaining the outer drum 2's sealed state during this period suppresses the generation of foam caused by the rotation of the inner drum 3 during the subsequent washing process, reducing the number of defoaming cycles.

[0079] In some embodiments, during the process of defoaming by pressurizing the inner cylinder 3 through the inflation device 4, the control device may control the inner cylinder 3 to be in a stationary state or maintain the inner cylinder 3 in a rotating state, which is not specifically limited here.

[0080] In one example, when the foam concentration in the inner drum 3 reaches the defoaming level, the control device controls the inner drum 3 to remain stationary, which can facilitate the collapse of foam. While the inner drum 3 is stationary, the control device controls the inflator 4 to inflate air into the sealed outer drum 2. After inflation is complete, the control device controls the inner drum 3 to rotate again, and the foam concentration detection device again detects the foam concentration in the inner drum 3. The above operation is repeated until the foam concentration in the inner drum 3 falls below the defoaming level. In other possible implementations, when the foam concentration in the inner drum 3 reaches the defoaming level, the control device controls the inner drum 3 to maintain its rotation and controls the inflator 4 to inflate air into the sealed outer drum 2 to avoid delaying the washing process.

[0081] Taking into account that the different weights of the laundry in the inner drum 3 will affect the foam concentration, therefore, in order to ensure the accuracy of the judgment on the timing of defoaming execution, in some embodiments, the control device is further configured to determine the weight of the laundry before entering the washing process, determine the defoaming threshold value based on the weight of the laundry, and when the foam concentration in the inner drum 3 is greater than or equal to the defoaming threshold value, the foam concentration in the inner drum 3 is too high, which will affect the washing effect of the washing machine. At this time, the foam concentration in the inner drum 3 has reached the defoaming level, and it is necessary to control the inflation device 4 to inflate the outer drum 2 in a sealed state. When the foam concentration in the inner drum 3 is not greater than or equal to the defoaming threshold value, defoaming is not required. Preferably, the defoaming threshold value is positively correlated with the weight of the laundry.

[0082] The weight of the laundry is the weight of the laundry in a dry state. This embodiment does not specifically limit the method for determining the weight of the laundry. For example, the weight of the laundry can be determined by a weight sensor, or based on parameters such as the load power when the motor rotates.

[0083] In a specific example, there is a preset correspondence between the defoaming threshold and the weight of the laundry. For example, when the weight of the laundry m is in the range of 0kg≤m<3kg, the range of the defoaming threshold b1 corresponding to this weight range is 30mL / L-80ML / L, preferably 50mL / L; when the weight of the laundry m is in the range of 3kg≤m<6kg, the range of the defoaming threshold b2 corresponding to this weight range is 80mL / L-150ML / L, preferably 100mL / L; when the weight of the laundry m is in the range of 6kg≤m, the range of the defoaming threshold b3 corresponding to this weight range is 150mL / L-250ML / L, preferably 200mL / L.

[0084] This embodiment determines the defoaming threshold according to the weight of the laundry to improve the accuracy of the defoaming execution timing, reduce the impact of the defoaming process on the washing process, and improve the defoaming efficiency.

[0085] Considering that the weight of the laundry in the inner drum 3 will affect the pressurization effect of the inflator 4 on the outer drum 2, in order to ensure the defoaming effect, in some embodiments, the control device also determines a target inflation volume or a target pressure value based on the laundry weight. When the inflator 4 inflates the sealed outer drum 2, the inflator 4 controls the airflow of the target inflation volume into the outer drum 2 or controls the pressure in the outer drum 2 to reach the target pressure value, thereby ensuring that a good defoaming effect can be achieved after the drum is pressurized, and improving the defoaming efficiency. Preferably, the target inflation volume and the target pressure value are both positively correlated with the laundry weight.

[0086] In a specific example, there is a preset corresponding relationship between the target air volume and the weight of the laundry. The air volume added to washing machines of different capacities is different. Taking a washing machine with a capacity of 10kg as an example, when the weight m of the laundry is in the range of 0kg≤m<3kg, the target air volume a1 corresponding to this weight range is in the range of 1.5L-2.5L, preferably 2L; when the weight m of the laundry is in the range of 3kg≤m<6kg, the defoaming threshold a2 corresponding to this weight range is in the range of 2.5L-3.5L, preferably 3L; when the weight m of the laundry is in the range of 6kg≤m, the defoaming threshold a3 corresponding to this weight range is in the range of 3.5L-5L, preferably 4L.

[0087] In some embodiments, the washing machine further includes a pressure detection device 5 and a heating device 6. The pressure detection device 5 is disposed within the outer drum 2 and is used to detect the pressure within the outer drum 2. The heating device 6 is disposed within the outer drum 2 and is used to heat the interior of the outer drum 2 when the outer drum 2 is in a sealed state to assist in defoaming. The heating methods of the heating device 6 include, but are not limited to, electric heating, electromagnetic heating, infrared heating tube heating, and the like.

[0088] The heating object of the heating device 6 of this embodiment can be either the washing water in the outer drum 2 or the air in the outer drum 2. When the heating device 6 heats the washing water in the outer drum 2, it changes the physical properties of the foam by increasing the temperature of the washing water, causing the foam to burst or reduce the thickness of the foam. When the temperature rises, the evaporation rate of the liquid will accelerate, and the water in the foam will gradually evaporate, causing the foam to become thinner and eventually burst. In addition, the temperature increase will also affect the surface tension and viscosity of the liquid, reducing the stability of the foam and making it more likely to burst. When the heating device 6 heats the air in the outer drum 2, it accelerates the evaporation of the foam water by increasing the temperature in the outer drum 2, causing the foam to become thinner and eventually burst. In actual application, whether the heating device 6 heats the washing water in the outer drum 2 or the air can be determined based on comprehensive considerations such as defoaming effect and production cost.

[0089] The control device is further configured to control the inflating device 4 to stop inflating the outer tub 2 based on the pressure within the outer tub 2 while the inflating device 4 is inflating the outer tub 2, and to control the heating device 6 to activate heating when the foam concentration is still greater than or equal to the defoaming threshold. Specifically, when the inflating device 4 is inflating the outer tub 2, if the pressure within the outer tub 2 is detected to be greater than a first set pressure, inflating the outer tub 2 is stopped to avoid safety hazards caused by excessive pressure within the tub. If the foam concentration within the inner tub 3 is still at a level requiring defoaming, the heating device 6 is further activated to assist in defoaming to ensure a good washing effect on the laundry. At this time, the outer tub 2 is maintained in a sealed state to continue pressurized defoaming. If the pressure within the outer tub 2 is detected to be less than or equal to the first set pressure, the inflating device 4 continues to inflate the outer tub 2.

[0090] The first set pressure may be in the range of 120 KPa-140 KPa, with a preferred value of 130 KPa.

[0091] Considering that heating the outer drum 2 by the heating device 6 causes the gas inside the outer drum 2 to expand due to heat, thereby further increasing the pressure inside the outer drum 2, to avoid potential safety hazards, in some embodiments, when the heating device 6 starts heating, it also controls the outer drum 2 to stop heating based on the pressure inside the outer drum 2. Furthermore, when the heating device 6 stops heating, the outer drum 2 is depressurized based on the pressure inside the outer drum 2. Specifically, during the heating process by the heating device 6, the outer drum 2 is in a state of increasing temperature. During this heating process, if the foam concentration inside the outer drum is still greater than or equal to the defoaming threshold, the pressure inside the outer drum 2 is monitored in real time. When the pressure inside the outer drum 2 reaches a second pressure value (the second pressure value is a safety limit and the maximum pressure value at which the washing machine can operate normally), heating is immediately stopped. At this time, the outer drum 2 remains sealed to continue pressurized defoaming. When the pressure inside the outer drum 2 falls below the second pressure value, the heating device 6 continues heating. The second pressure value is greater than the first pressure value and can range from 140 kPa to 170 kPa, with a preferred value of 150 kPa.

[0092] Furthermore, after the heating device 6 stops heating, the residual heat within the outer tube 2 may cause the pressure within the outer tube 2 to continue to rise. If the pressure within the outer tube 2 reaches a third pressure value (the third pressure value is the limit of the outer tube 2's tolerance), the outer tube 2 needs to be depressurized. That is, the exhaust port is controlled to open until the pressure within the outer tube 2 reaches the safety limit, that is, the second pressure value. The outer tube 2 is maintained in a sealed state to continue pressurized defoaming. The third pressure value is greater than the second pressure value and can range from 170 kPa to 210 kPa, with a preferred value of 180 kPa.

[0093] When the heating device 6 heats the outer drum 2, an excessively high temperature inside the outer drum 2 may damage the laundry. In some embodiments, the washing machine further includes a temperature detection device for detecting the temperature inside the outer drum 2. Specifically, when the heating device 6 heats the wash water inside the outer drum 2, the temperature detection device detects the temperature of the wash water. When the heating device 6 heats the air inside the outer drum 2, the temperature detection device detects the temperature of the air inside the outer drum 2. The control device is further configured to control the heating device 6 to stop heating based on the temperature inside the outer drum 2 when the heating device 6 is in the ON state.

[0094] Specifically, when the heating device 6 starts heating, the temperature inside the outer drum 2 shows an upward trend. When the foam concentration in the outer drum is still greater than or equal to the defoaming threshold, the temperature detection device detects the temperature inside the outer drum 2. When the temperature inside the outer drum 2 reaches the set temperature, the control device controls the heating device 6 to stop heating to prevent high-temperature washing water or high-temperature airflow from damaging the laundry. At the same time, the control device also maintains the closed state of the outer drum to continue pressurized defoaming. When the temperature inside the outer drum 2 is lower than the set temperature, the control device controls the heating device 6 to continue heating. When the heating device 6 heats the washing water, the set temperature is, for example, 50°C-70°C, preferably 60°C. When the heating device 6 heats the air inside the outer drum 2, the set temperature is, for example, 70-90°C, preferably 80°C.

[0095] During the defoaming process, as the pressurized defoaming or heated defoaming is carried out, the foam concentration detection device monitors the foam concentration in the outer drum in real time. When the foam concentration in the outer drum is less than the defoaming threshold, the defoaming is ended, and the control device controls the pressurizing device to stop pressurizing, or stops heating defoaming and stops heating, and continues the subsequent washing process while maintaining the outer drum in a closed state, so as to suppress the generation of foam caused by the rotation of the inner drum 3 in the subsequent washing process and reduce the number of defoaming times.

[0096] Implementation Method 2

[0097] This embodiment proposes a defoaming method for a washing machine, referring to Figure 2 The defoaming process flow chart shows that the defoaming method includes the following steps:

[0098] S201, during the washing process, determining the foam concentration in the inner drum 3;

[0099] S202 : When the foam concentration is greater than or equal to the defoaming threshold, the outer tube 2 is controlled to be in a sealed state, and the inflation device 4 connected to the outer tube 2 is controlled to inflate air into the outer tube 2 .

[0100] In some embodiments, before entering the washing process, the defoaming method further includes: determining the weight of the laundry, and determining a defoaming threshold according to the weight of the laundry; wherein, the greater the weight of the laundry, the higher the defoaming threshold.

[0101] In some embodiments, the defoaming method further includes: determining a target inflation volume or a target pressure value based on the weight of the laundry; when the inflation device 4 inflates the outer tub 2 in a closed state, controlling the inflation device 4 to deliver a target inflation volume of airflow into the outer tub 2 or controlling the pressure in the outer tub 2 to increase to a target pressure value; wherein, the greater the weight of the laundry, the greater the target inflation volume or the target pressure value.

[0102] In some embodiments, the defoaming method further includes: determining the pressure value inside the outer tube 2; when the pressure value is greater than a first set pressure value, controlling the inflation device 4 to stop inflating into the outer tube 2; and when the foam concentration is still greater than the defoaming threshold, controlling the heating device 6 provided in the outer tube 2 to start heating.

[0103] In some embodiments, after the step of controlling the heating device 6 to start heating, the defoaming method further includes: determining the temperature inside the outer tube 2 when the foam concentration inside the outer tube 2 is greater than or equal to the defoaming threshold; when the temperature inside the outer tube 2 reaches the set temperature, controlling the heating device to stop heating and maintain the airtight state of the outer tube 2; when the temperature inside the outer tube 2 is lower than the set temperature and the pressure inside the outer tube 2 is greater than the second set pressure, controlling the heating device to stop heating and maintain the airtight state of the outer tube 2; after the heating device stops heating, when the pressure inside the outer tube 2 is greater than the third set pressure, controlling the outer tube 2 to release pressure to the second set pressure; wherein: the first set pressure < the second set pressure < the third set pressure.

[0104] In some embodiments, the defoaming method further comprises:

[0105] When the foam concentration in the outer tub 2 is lower than the defoaming threshold or the defoaming time is reached, the defoaming is ended and the subsequent washing process is continued while maintaining the outer tub 2 in a sealed state.

[0106] Regarding the various steps and implementation methods in the above defoaming method, the specific implementation methods have been described in detail in the third implementation method and will not be elaborated here.

[0107] The defoaming method of this embodiment is adopted, by setting a defoaming threshold and an air filling amount corresponding to the weight of the laundry. During the washing process of the washing machine, when the foam concentration is too high, the defoaming effect is ensured by introducing an air filling amount corresponding to the weight of the laundry into the outer drum 2, while increasing the intensity and efficiency of the washing process, ensuring the detergent concentration and the washing effect, and avoiding waste of water resources. The pressure in the washing drum is monitored to avoid safety hazards caused by excessive pressure in the outer drum 2. Moreover, when the defoaming effect is poor when the pressure in the outer drum 2 reaches the first set pressure, the outer drum 2 is kept sealed, and defoaming is assisted by heating the outer drum 2. At the same time, the pressure and temperature in the outer drum 2 are monitored to ensure the safety of the washing machine and the user, while reducing the damage to the laundry caused by high temperature.

[0108] In the above embodiments of the present application, the descriptions of each embodiment have their own focuses. For the parts not detailed in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments. The steps shown in the relevant flowcharts can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer-executable instructions. And although the logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in a different order than here. In other words, the step order described in the previous embodiments is only an example. Based on the content of the embodiments of the present application, a reasonable adjustment of the step order is also within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present application.

[0109] Embodiment Three

[0110] This embodiment elaborates on the technical solution of the present application with specific examples.

[0111] Refer to Figure 1 the washing machine and Figure 3 the defoaming flowchart. The washing machine starts to run, obtains the weight m of the laundry, adds detergent into the outer tub and starts to fill water for washing. Different defoaming thresholds b and inflation amounts a are set according to the weight of the laundry. Since the inflation amounts of washing machines with different capacities are different, this embodiment takes a 10-kg capacity washing machine as an example. When 0 kg ≤ m < 3 kg, the defoaming threshold is set to b1 (30 mL / L - 80 mL / L, preferably 50 mL / L), and the preset inflation amount is a1 L (1.5 L - 2.5 L, preferably 2 L); when 3 kg < m < 6 kg, the defoaming threshold is set to b2 (80 mL / L - 150 mL / L, preferably 100 mL / L), and the preset inflation amount is a2 L (2.5 L - 3.5 L, preferably 3 L); when 6 kg ≤ m, the defoaming threshold is set to b3 (150 mL / L - 250 mL / L, preferably 200 mL / L), and the preset inflation amount is a3 L (3.5 L - 5 L, preferably 4 L).

[0112] Wash for T min (3 min - 10 min, preferably 5 min) to fully dilute and foam the detergent and avoid foam detection errors. After washing for T min, the current foam concentration B of the washing machine is obtained by the foam concentration detection device. The detected foam concentration B is compared with the defoaming threshold b corresponding to the weight of the laundry. If the current foam concentration B is less than the defoaming threshold b, no defoaming is required and normal washing continues until the next stage. If the current foam concentration B is greater than or equal to the defoaming threshold b, it means that the foam concentration in the tub is too high, which will affect the beating washing effect of the washing machine, and defoaming treatment is required.

[0113] As Figure 3As shown in the flowchart, when the foam concentration is too high, the washing machine enters the defoaming process. The outer drum is first sealed, and then the aerator is controlled to increase the amount of air aL corresponding to the weight of the laundry to suppress foaming. Because the aerator is in the wash water, its pressure disrupts the foam structure, further facilitating defoaming. The air pressure causes the foam to shrink into the laundry and wash water, achieving the desired defoaming effect. Subsequently, the foam concentration detection device re-detects the current foam concentration B in the washing machine and compares it with the defoaming threshold b. If the newly detected foam concentration B is less than the defoaming threshold b, defoaming is complete, and the high pressure in the drum is maintained until the end of the wash cycle. Otherwise, continue to inflate the outer drum, adding aL of air each time until the air pressure nKPa in the outer drum reaches the first set pressure cKPa (120KPa-140KPa, preferably 130KPa). In order to avoid safety hazards caused by excessive air pressure in the outer drum, stop pressurizing at this time. If the foam concentration of the washing machine is still greater than or equal to the defoaming threshold, keep the outer drum closed, and control the heating device to start heating the washing water to assist in defoaming by heating.

[0114] like Figure 3 As shown in the flow chart, when heating defoaming is used to assist defoaming, the heating device heats the wash water, gradually raising its temperature. Heating stops when the temperature reaches R°C (preferably 60°C). During the heating process, the air pressure in the outer drum is monitored in real time, nKPa. When the air pressure reaches a second set pressure, dKPa (140KPa-170KPa, preferably 150KPa), heating stops immediately, the drum remains sealed, and washing continues. If the pressure reaches a third set pressure, eKPa (170KPa-210KPa, preferably 180KPa), the washing machine depressurizes, reducing the pressure to dKPa, and washing continues.

[0115] During the heating stage, the foam concentration detection device obtains the new value B of the current foam concentration in the outer cylinder and compares it with the defoaming threshold b. If the new value B of the foam concentration in the outer cylinder is less than the defoaming threshold b, the defoaming is completed, or the accumulated foam running time t exceeds t1, that is, the defoaming is completed, and the range of t1 is 10min-120min, preferably 40min.

[0116] Implementation Method 4

[0117] An embodiment of the present application further provides an electronic device, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a defoaming method for a washing machine, and the processor is configured to adopt the defoaming method for a washing machine of the second embodiment when executing the defoaming method for a washing machine.

[0118] Specifically, such as Figure 4As shown, the electronic device includes a processor 100, at least one communication bus 200, a user interface 300, at least one external communication interface 400, and a memory 500. The communication bus 200 is configured to enable communication between these components. The user interface 300 may include a display screen, and the external communication interface 400 may include a standard wired interface and a wireless interface. The memory 500 stores a defoaming method for a washing machine. The processor 100 is configured to employ the aforementioned method when executing the defoaming method for the washing machine stored in the memory 500.

[0119] The descriptions of the computer program product, computer-readable storage medium, and electronic device described above are similar to the descriptions of the aforementioned method implementations and have similar beneficial effects as the method implementations. For any technical details not disclosed in the computer program product, computer-readable storage medium, and electronic device of this application, please refer to the descriptions of the method implementations of this application for understanding.

[0120] The sequence of numbers or introductions of the implementation methods of this application is for description only and does not represent the advantages or disadvantages of the implementation methods.

[0121] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed technical content can be implemented in other ways. Among them, the device embodiments described above are only exemplary. For example, the division of the units can be a logical function division. In actual implementation, there may be other division methods, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of units or modules, which can be electrical or other forms.

[0122] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple units. Some or all of the units may be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of this embodiment.

[0123] In addition, each functional unit in each embodiment of the present application may be integrated into a processing unit, each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into a single unit. The above-mentioned integrated units may be implemented in the form of hardware or software functional units.

[0124] In the above embodiments, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented using software, all or part of the embodiments can be implemented in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, all or part of the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the present application are generated. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server, or data center to another website, computer, server, or data center via wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) means. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer, or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrated therein. The available medium may be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, or a magnetic tape), an optical medium (e.g., a digital versatile disc (DVD)), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid state disk (SSD)). It is worth noting that the computer-readable storage medium mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may be a non-volatile storage medium, in other words, a non-transient storage medium.

[0125] It should be noted that the information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.), data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, stored data, displayed data, etc.) and signals involved in the implementation of this application are all authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties, and the collection, use and processing of relevant data must comply with the relevant laws, regulations and standards of the relevant countries and regions. For example, the scene data of the current frame in the three-dimensional virtual scene, the device information of the client, and the scene interaction information involved in the implementation of this application are all obtained with full authorization.

[0126] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present application. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present application. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that: The washing machine comprises: case; a barrel assembly disposed in the housing, the barrel assembly comprising an outer barrel and an inner barrel, the inner barrel being rotatably disposed in the outer barrel; an inflating device, which is disposed in the space between the shell and the outer tube, the inflating device being connected to the outer tube and being used to inflate the outer tube in a sealed state; a foam concentration detection device, used for detecting the foam concentration in the inner cylinder; a control device configured to control the inflation device to inflate the outer tub in a sealed state according to the foam concentration in the inner tub during washing; The control device is further configured to determine the weight of the laundry before entering the washing process, determine a defoaming threshold value based on the laundry weight, and control the inflation device to inflate the sealed outer drum when the foam concentration in the inner drum is greater than or equal to the defoaming threshold value; The washing machine further comprises: a pressure detection device, which is arranged in the outer cylinder and is used to detect the pressure value in the outer cylinder; a heating device, which is arranged in the outer cylinder and is used to heat the interior of the outer cylinder in a sealed state; The control device is further configured to control the inflation device to stop inflating the outer cylinder according to the pressure value in the outer cylinder when the inflation device inflates the outer cylinder, and to control the heating device to start heating when the foam concentration is still greater than the defoaming threshold.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein The control device is further configured to determine a target inflation volume or a target pressure value according to the weight of the laundry, and to control the inflation device to deliver an airflow of the target inflation volume into the outer tub or to control the pressure in the outer tub to reach the target pressure value when the inflation device inflates the outer tub.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein The control device is further configured to control the heating device to stop heating according to the pressure value in the outer cylinder when the heating device starts heating, and to control the outer cylinder to release pressure according to the pressure value in the outer cylinder when the heating device stops heating.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein The washing machine further comprises: A temperature detection device, used to detect the temperature value inside the outer cylinder; The control device is further configured to control the heating device to stop heating according to the temperature value in the outer cylinder when the heating device starts heating.

5. A defoaming method for a washing machine, characterized in that: The defoaming method comprises: During the washing process, determine the foam concentration in the inner drum; When the foam concentration is greater than or equal to the defoaming threshold, the outer cylinder is controlled to be in a sealed state, and an inflation device connected to the outer cylinder is controlled to inflate air into the outer cylinder; Before entering the washing process, the defoaming method further comprises: determining the weight of the laundry, and determining the defoaming threshold according to the weight of the laundry; The greater the weight of the laundry, the higher the defoaming threshold; When controlling the inflation device connected to the outer cylinder to inflate air into the outer cylinder, the defoaming method further includes: determining a pressure value in the outer cylinder; When the pressure value is greater than a first set pressure value, controlling the inflation device to stop inflating air into the outer cylinder; When the foam concentration is still greater than the defoaming threshold, the heating device disposed in the outer cylinder is controlled to start heating.

6. The defoaming method for a washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: The defoaming method further includes: determining a target inflation volume or a target pressure value according to the weight of the laundry; When controlling the inflation device connected to the outer tube to inflate the outer tube, the inflation device is also controlled to deliver a target inflation amount of air into the outer tube or the pressure in the outer tube is controlled to reach the target pressure value; The greater the weight of the laundry, the greater the target inflation volume or the target pressure value.

7. The defoaming method for a washing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: After controlling the heating device disposed in the outer cylinder to start heating, the defoaming method further includes: determining the temperature inside the outer cylinder when the foam concentration inside the outer cylinder is greater than or equal to a defoaming threshold; When the temperature inside the outer cylinder reaches a set temperature, the heating device is controlled to stop heating and the outer cylinder is maintained in a sealed state; When the temperature inside the outer tube is lower than the set temperature and the pressure inside the outer tube is higher than a second set pressure, the heating device is controlled to stop heating and the outer tube is maintained in a sealed state; After the heating device stops heating, when the pressure in the outer tube is greater than the third set pressure, controlling the outer tube to release pressure to the second set pressure; Among them: the first set pressure < the second set pressure < the third set pressure.

8. The defoaming method for a washing machine according to any one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that: The defoaming method further comprises: When the foam concentration in the outer drum is less than the defoaming threshold or the defoaming time is reached, the defoaming is ended and the subsequent washing process is continued while maintaining the outer drum in a sealed state.

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