Washing equipment water inlet device, water inlet method and washing equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a washing equipment water inlet device, a water inlet method and washing equipment, the washing equipment water inlet device is installed on a water inlet pipeline of the washing equipment, the water inlet pipeline is divided into a main water supply pipeline and an auxiliary water supply pipeline after being connected to a water inlet valve, and the main water supply pipeline and the auxiliary water supply pipeline are respectively communicated with a washing barrel of the washing equipment. And a water storage tank and a water pump are arranged on the auxiliary water supply waterway. The washing efficiency can be effectively improved and the washing time can be shortened through the design that water enters the washing barrel through the main water supply path and the auxiliary water supply path at the same time, the water inlet efficiency is further improved through the water pump and the water storage tank which are arranged on the auxiliary water supply path, and the water consumption of the washing equipment can be better controlled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of water inlet of washing equipment, and specifically, relates to a water inlet device for washing equipment, and also relates to a water inlet method applied to the water inlet device for washing equipment. Also provided is a washing equipment equipped with the water inlet device for washing equipment or applying the water inlet method. Background Art

[0002] In the current home appliance market, washing equipment is one of the essential appliances in the home. The operation of various washing equipment mainly depends on the inflow and outflow of water, but in actual use, users sometimes encounter the problem of slow water inflow. This problem may be caused by a variety of reasons, such as low water pressure in the area or blockage of the water inlet pipe. However, no matter what the reason is, the slow water inflow speed will greatly affect the user experience. Summary of the invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and provide a water inlet device for washing equipment.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the technical solution of the present invention is:

[0005] A water inlet device for washing equipment is installed on the water inlet pipeline of the washing equipment. The water inlet pipeline is divided into a main water supply path and an auxiliary water supply path after being connected to the water inlet valve. The main water supply path and the auxiliary water supply path are respectively connected to the washing tub of the washing equipment. A water storage tank and a water pump are arranged on the auxiliary water supply path.

[0006] Preferably, the water inlet pipeline comprises a water inlet pipe connected to a water inlet valve, and a flow meter is provided on the water inlet pipe.

[0007] Preferably, the water inlet valve comprises a main valve and an auxiliary valve, which are respectively used to control the on-off and / or flow rate of the main water supply path and the auxiliary water supply path.

[0008] The present invention also provides a water inlet method applied to the water inlet device of the washing equipment, comprising the step of determining the water consumption before starting the next washing procedure;

[0009] Determine the water storage capacity of the water tank according to the water consumption;

[0010] Filling the water tank with water while the current washing program is in progress;

[0011] When the next washing procedure is carried out, the main water supply channel and the auxiliary water supply channel are controlled to simultaneously supply water into the washing tub to start washing.

[0012] Preferably, the step of determining the water consumption is performed by the user selecting the water intake amount, and / or the washing equipment weighing the laundry to determine the water intake amount.

[0013] Preferably, after the step of determining the water consumption is completed, water intake of the current washing program is started, the flow rate a of the water intake of the current washing program is measured, and the amount of water intake required by the water storage tank in the next washing program is determined according to the flow rate a;

[0014] Preferably, in the rinsing program, it is determined whether there are any remaining rinse times. If there are no rinse times, the spin-drying program is executed. If there are still remaining rinse times, water is added to the water tank before the next rinsing program, and the water intake required for the next rinsing program is determined according to the flow rate a.

[0015] Preferably, water is filled into the water tank before the next washing program starts, and water filling into the water tank is stopped when the next washing program starts. The main water supply path and the auxiliary water supply path fill water into the washing tub at the same time. The main water supply path uses the water inlet pipe to fill water, and the auxiliary water supply path uses the water tank to fill water.

[0016] Preferably, the water consumption of the next washing program is set to d, the water inflow c into the forward water tank at the start of the next washing program is recorded, and when the next washing program is performed, the flow rate a1 of the main water supply path is recorded, and the water inflow b of the washing tub when water is simultaneously inflowed into the main water supply path and the auxiliary water supply path is calculated based on the flow rate a1. If c+b>d, a water inflow timeout alarm is issued.

[0017] Preferably, the flow rate a is detected in real time. If the flow rate a increases or decreases relative to the initial value when the main water supply path and the auxiliary water supply path simultaneously supply water to the washing tub, the main water supply path is controlled to reduce the water intake or increase the water intake time of the main water supply path.

[0018] The present invention further provides a washing device, which is equipped with the washing device water inlet device as described above, or is applied with the water inlet method as described above.

[0019] After adopting the above technical scheme, a washing equipment water inlet device, a water inlet method and a washing equipment provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0020] (1) The design of simultaneously supplying water to the washing tub through the main water supply line and the auxiliary water supply line can effectively improve the washing efficiency and shorten the washing time. By installing a water pump and a water storage tank in the auxiliary water supply line, the water supply efficiency can be further improved, and the water consumption of the washing equipment can be better controlled.

[0021] (2) By storing water in advance according to the water consumption of the next washing program, the main water supply line and the auxiliary water supply line can supply water at the same time when the next washing program is carried out. Water is stored when the current washing program is carried out, which makes full use of the idle period of the water supply pipeline during washing, improves the washing efficiency, avoids the washing time overtime caused by insufficient water intake during the washing process, and further ensures the washing effect.

[0022] (3) The user selects the water intake amount, or the washing machine weighs the laundry to determine the water consumption, which can better meet the user's personalized needs. At the same time, the water consumption can be adjusted according to the weight of the laundry, saving more water resources.

[0023] (4) By measuring the flow rate of water entering the current washing program, the amount of water required by the water tank for the next washing program is determined based on the flow rate. This can not only adjust the water storage capacity according to actual conditions, but also avoid wasting water resources due to excessive water storage, and at the same time ensure the smooth progress of the next washing program. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings are part of the present invention and are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention, but do not constitute an improper limitation of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work. In the accompanying drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water inlet device of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 It is a schematic flow chart of the water intake method of the present invention.

[0027] In the figure: 11, water inlet pipe; 12, flow meter; 13, water inlet valve; 14, main valve; 15, auxiliary valve; 16, main water supply line; 17, auxiliary water supply line; 18, water storage tank; 19, pump water inlet line; 21, water pump; 22, pump water supply line; 23, washing tub.

[0028] It should be noted that these drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the conceptual scope of the present invention in any way, but are intended to illustrate the concept of the present invention for those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention but are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0030] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “inside” and “outside” are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0031] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0032] In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0033] Embodiment 1

[0034] like Figure 1 to Figure 2 As shown, a water inlet device for washing equipment provided by the present invention is installed on a water inlet pipe 11 of the washing equipment. The water inlet pipe 11 is divided into a main water supply line 16 and an auxiliary water supply line 17 after being connected to a water inlet valve 13. The main water supply line 16 and the auxiliary water supply line 17 are respectively connected to a washing tub 23 of the washing equipment. A water storage tank 18 and a water pump are provided on the auxiliary water supply line.

[0035] The design of simultaneously supplying water to the washing tub 23 through the main water supply line 16 and the auxiliary water supply line 17 can effectively improve the washing efficiency and shorten the washing time. The water pump and water storage tank 18 set in the auxiliary water supply line 17 can further improve the water supply efficiency and better control the water consumption of the washing equipment.

[0036] Preferably, the water inlet pipe 11 includes a water inlet pipe 11 connected to a water inlet valve 13, and a flow meter 12 is provided on the water inlet pipe 11. The specific setting position of the flow meter 12 is before the pipeline enters the water inlet valve 13, so that the most initial water inlet flow data can be obtained.

[0037] Further preferably, the water inlet valve 13 includes a main valve 14 and a secondary valve 15, which are respectively used to control the on-off and / or flow rate of the main water supply path 16 and the secondary water supply path 17. Specifically, the main valve 14 is used to control the on-off of the main water supply path 16 and the degree of on-off of the main water supply path 16 to change the flow rate of the main water supply path 16. The secondary valve 15 is used to control the degree of on-off of the secondary water supply path 17 to change the flow rate of the secondary water supply path 17.

[0038] Furthermore, after coming out of the water inlet valve 13, the main water supply line 16 is directly connected to the washing tub 23, and after being connected from the water inlet valve 13, the auxiliary water supply line 17 is first connected to the water tank 18, and the water tank 18 and the water pump are connected through the pump water inlet line 19, and then the water pump is connected to the washing tub 23 through the pump water supply line 22.

[0039] Preferably, after the water tank 18 is fixedly installed, the water path entering the water tank 18 is connected to the upper part of the water tank 18 and stops after extending into the interior of the water tank 18 for a short distance, because water intake only requires a water inlet. The lower the water inlet is, the greater the water pressure required to achieve water intake after the horizontal plane passes the water inlet. In order to avoid this defect, the water inlet is set at a certain position on the top of the inner wall of the water tank 18. In order to pursue the best effect, the water inlet can be set at the highest point on the top of the inner wall of the water tank 18. However, for the sake of cost control and simple design, the water inlet can be directly set at any position on the top of the inner wall of the water tank 18, depending on factors such as ease of installation.

[0040] Preferably, the bottom of the water tank 18 is conical, specifically a circular cone or a square cone, in order to create a lowest point at the bottom. After the pump water inlet 19 is inserted into the water tank 18, it is arranged at the lowest point of the cone, so as to facilitate the water in the water tank 18 to be pumped out.

[0041] Furthermore, a maximum water level line can be set in the water tank 18, and a vent can be set above the maximum water level line. Specifically, two vents can be set to form a ventilation duct, and further, multiple vents can be set to form multiple ventilation ducts. A low-power fan or blower can be installed on the ventilation duct to form an air flow loop to quickly dry the inside of the water tank 18. If there is water stored in the water tank 18, water will be wasted, and the remaining water may even cause problems such as breeding bacteria and odor.

[0042] Preferably, if the washing device has a drying function, a branch can be led out of the air duct of the drying fan and connected to the vent, so that hot air can be used directly for drying, which has a more significant effect.

[0043] Further preferably, a water level detection device is provided in the water tank 18 or in the water path entering the water tank 18, so as to more accurately monitor the water level in the water tank 18, thereby obtaining a better control effect.

[0044] This embodiment also provides a washing device, which is equipped with the above-mentioned washing device water inlet device. Specifically, the washing device described in this embodiment can be a washing machine, a dishwasher and other household appliances that need water inlet, and is not limited to a certain type. As long as there is a water inlet demand, the water inlet device can be installed.

[0045] Embodiment 2

[0046] like Figure 1 to Figure 2 As shown, the present embodiment also provides a water inlet method for the water inlet device of the washing equipment in the above embodiment, including the step of determining the water consumption before the next washing program starts, determining the water storage capacity of the water storage tank 18 according to the water consumption, filling water into the water storage tank 18 when the current washing program is in progress, and controlling the main water supply path 16 and the auxiliary water supply path 17 to simultaneously fill water into the washing tub 23 to start washing when the next washing program is in progress.

[0047] By storing water in advance according to the water consumption of the next washing program, it can be achieved that when the next washing program is carried out, the main water supply line 16 and the auxiliary water supply line 17 can supply water at the same time. Water is stored when the current washing program is carried out, which makes full use of the idle period of the water supply pipeline during washing, improves the washing efficiency, avoids washing time overtime due to insufficient water intake during the washing process, and further ensures the washing effect.

[0048] Preferably, the step of determining the water consumption is performed by the user selecting the water intake amount and / or by the washing device weighing the laundry to determine the water intake amount. The user selecting the water intake amount or the washing device weighing the laundry to determine the water consumption can better meet the user's personalized needs, and the water consumption can also be adjusted according to the weight of the laundry, thereby saving more water resources.

[0049] Preferably, after the step of determining the water consumption is completed, water intake of the current washing program is started, the flow rate a of the water intake of the current washing program is measured, and the amount of water intake required by the water storage tank 18 for the next washing program is determined according to the flow rate a. After the step of determining the water consumption is completed, water intake of the current washing program is started, the flow rate of the water intake of the current washing program is measured, and the amount of water intake required by the water storage tank 18 for the next washing program is determined according to the flow rate. In this way, the water storage amount can be adjusted according to the actual situation, and water resources can be avoided from being wasted due to excessive water storage, and the next washing program can be smoothly carried out at the same time.

[0050] Further, in the rinsing procedure, we need to determine whether there are any remaining rinse times. If there are no remaining rinse times, we need to perform the spin-drying procedure. And if there are any remaining rinse times, we need to fill the water storage tank 18 with water before the next rinse procedure.

[0051] In order to determine the amount of water required for the next rinse procedure, we need to calculate based on the flow rate a. Specifically, the flow rate a represents the amount of water flowing through per unit time, usually measured in liters / minute, milliliters / second, etc. We can determine the amount of water required for the next rinse procedure by measuring the flow rate a.

[0052] Specifically, a rinse program is listed here:

[0053] 1. In the rinse program, set a variable to record the remaining number of rinses.

[0054] 2. Before each rinse cycle, determine the remaining number of rinses. If the remaining number is 0, execute the spin cycle.

[0055] 3. If the remaining number is not 0, water is fed into the water storage tank 18. Specifically, the amount of water fed can be controlled by controlling the opening time of the water inlet valve 13.

[0056] 4. During the water intake process, use the flow meter 12 to measure the flow rate a of the water flow.

[0057] 5. Based on the measured flow rate a, an algorithm is used to calculate the water intake required for the next rinsing procedure. The algorithm can be designed according to actual needs, for example, based on the proportional relationship between the flow rate a and the standard water intake required for the rinsing procedure.

[0058] 6. The calculated water intake is passed as a parameter to the next rinsing procedure to ensure accurate control of the water intake.

[0059] Through the above technical solution, we can determine whether to execute the spin-drying process according to the remaining times in the rinsing process, and determine the amount of water required for the next rinsing process according to the flow rate a. This can improve the efficiency and accuracy of the rinsing process and save water resources.

[0060] Preferably, water is supplied to the water tank 18 before the next washing program starts, and the supply of water to the water tank 18 is stopped when the next washing program starts. The main water supply path 16 and the auxiliary water supply path 17 supply water to the washing tub 23 at the same time. The main water supply path 16 uses the water inlet pipe 11 to supply water, and the auxiliary water supply path 17 uses the water tank 18 to supply water.

[0061] The main water supply line 16 and the auxiliary water supply line 17 simultaneously supply water to the washing tub 23, which can increase the flow rate and pressure of the water supply and improve the washing effect. The main water supply line 16 uses the water inlet pipe 11 to supply water, which is simple and direct. At the same time, because it is before the next washing program starts to execute, that is, the previous washing program is supplying water to the water storage tank 18 during washing, the main water supply line is in an idle state at that time and is fully utilized. When the main water supply line 16 and the auxiliary water supply line 17 simultaneously supply water to the washing tub 23, the main water supply line 16 monopolizes the water inlet flow of the water inlet pipe 11, which can be directly monitored by the flow meter 12, and the water inlet situation can be more effectively grasped. The auxiliary water supply line 17 uses the water storage tank 18 to supply water, and still uses a water pump to pump water. When it is inletting water, it is an independent water inlet system, which can ensure the stability of the water inlet flow and flow rate.

[0062] Preferably, the water consumption of the next washing program is set to d, and the water inflow c of the forward water storage tank 18 is recorded when the next washing program starts. When the next washing program is performed, the flow rate a1 of the main water supply path 16 is recorded. The water inflow b of the washing tub 23 when water is simultaneously flowing into the main water supply path 16 and the auxiliary water supply path 17 is calculated based on the flow rate a1. If c+b>d, a water inflow timeout alarm is issued. Further, a fixed time out alarm can be set. For example, a timeout alarm is issued if the washing tub is not full of water within twenty minutes. It can also be based on the flow rate a. If the flow rate a is lower than a certain value, it is judged that the washing task cannot be completed. For example, according to the calculation according to the current flow rate a value, it may take several hours to complete the washing. In this case, washing will not be performed, and an alarm will be issued to remind the user. The alarm can be in the form of sound, or displayed on the display panel, pushed by the APP, etc., depending on the user settings.

[0063] Preferably, the flow rate a is detected in real time. If the flow rate a increases or decreases relative to the initial value when the main water supply path 16 and the auxiliary water supply path 17 simultaneously supply water to the washing tub 23, the main water supply path 16 is controlled to reduce the water intake or increase the water intake time of the main water supply path 16.

[0064] Specifically, a method for detecting the flow velocity a in real time is provided herein:

[0065] 1. Real-time flow rate detection: Install flow rate sensors or flow meters 12 on the main water supply line 16 and the auxiliary water supply line 17 to monitor the flow rate of the incoming water. These sensors or flow meters 12 will measure the flow rate in real time and transmit the data to the control system.

[0066] 2. Data collection and processing: The control system will collect the data from the sensor, process and analyze it. It will compare the actual value a1 of the flow rate a with the initial value to determine whether there is a trend of increase or decrease.

[0067] 3. Control strategy: The control system will formulate corresponding control strategies according to the changes in the flow rate a1. If the flow rate a1 increases relative to the initial value, it means that the water inflow of the main water supply path 16 is too large, and the control system will adjust it by reducing the water inflow of the main water supply path 16. If the flow rate a1 decreases relative to the initial value, it means that the water inflow of the main water supply path 16 is insufficient, and the control system will adjust it by increasing the water inflow time of the main water supply path 16.

[0068] 4. Control execution: The control system will send a corresponding control signal to the main valve 14 controlling the main water supply line 16 to achieve adjustments such as reducing the water intake or increasing the water intake time.

[0069] 5. Feedback mechanism: The control system will continuously monitor the change of flow rate a and make feedback adjustments according to the actual situation. If the adjusted control strategy does not achieve the expected effect, the control system will make adjustments again to ensure that the water inflow of the main water supply line 16 and the auxiliary water supply line 17 can be balanced, so that there is no water in the water storage tank 18 when the water inflow is completed, so as to achieve the purpose of real-time regulation.

[0070] Through the above technical solution, we can realize real-time detection of flow rate a, and control the water inflow or water inflow time of the main water supply path 16 according to its changes, so as to achieve balanced water inflow of the main water supply path 16 and the auxiliary water supply path 17, and improve the efficiency and usage experience of the washing tub 23.

[0071] This embodiment further provides a washing device, which is equipped with the washing device water inlet device as described above, or the washing device is applied with the water inlet method as described above.

[0072] In the description of this specification, the description with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" etc. means that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described may be combined in any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art may combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of the different embodiments or examples, without contradiction.

[0073] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention in any form. Although the present invention has been disclosed as a preferred embodiment as above, it is not used to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with this patent can make some changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments of equivalent changes by using the technical content suggested above without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. The implementation scheme in the above embodiment can also be further combined or replaced. However, any simple modification, equivalent change and modification made to the above embodiment based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention still falls within the scope of the solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water inlet device for a washing device, installed on a water inlet pipe of the washing device, characterized in that: The water inlet pipeline is divided into a main water supply path and an auxiliary water supply path after being connected to the water inlet valve. The main water supply path and the auxiliary water supply path are respectively connected to the washing tub of the washing equipment. The auxiliary water supply path is provided with a water storage tank and a water pump.

2. A water inlet device for washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water inlet pipeline comprises a water inlet pipe connected to a water inlet valve, and a flow meter is arranged on the water inlet pipe.

3. A water inlet device for washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water inlet valve comprises a main valve and an auxiliary valve, which are respectively used to control the on-off and / or flow rate of the main water supply path and the auxiliary water supply path.

4. A water inlet method used in the water inlet device of a washing equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: including a step for determining the amount of water to be used before the next washing cycle begins; Determine the water storage capacity of the water tank according to the water consumption; Filling the water tank with water while the current washing program is in progress; When the next washing procedure is carried out, the main water supply channel and the auxiliary water supply channel are controlled to simultaneously supply water into the washing tub to start washing.

5. A water intake method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The step of determining the water consumption is performed by the user selecting the water intake amount and / or by the washing device weighing the laundry to determine the water intake amount.

6. A water inlet method according to claim 5, characterized in that: After the step of determining the water consumption is completed, water intake of the current washing program begins, the flow rate a of the water intake of the current washing program is measured, and the amount of water intake required by the water storage tank in the next washing program is determined according to the flow rate a; Preferably, in the rinsing program, it is determined whether there are any remaining rinse times. If there are no rinse times, the spin-drying program is executed. If there are still remaining rinse times, water is added to the water tank before the next rinsing program, and the water intake required for the next rinsing program is determined according to the flow rate a.

7. A water intake method according to claim 6, characterized in that: Before the next washing program starts, water is filled into the water tank. When the next washing program starts, water is stopped from being filled into the water tank. The main water supply line and the auxiliary water supply line fill water into the washing tub at the same time. The main water supply line uses the water inlet pipe, and the auxiliary water supply line uses the water tank.

8. A water intake method according to claim 7, characterized in that: Set the water consumption of the next washing program to d, record the water inflow c into the water storage tank before the next washing program starts, and record the flow rate a1 of the main water supply when the next washing program is carried out. Calculate the water inflow b of the washing tub when the main water supply and the auxiliary water supply are simultaneously filled with water based on the flow rate a1. If c+b>d, a water inflow timeout alarm is issued.

9. A water intake method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that: The flow rate a is detected in real time. If the flow rate a increases or decreases relative to the initial value when the main water supply channel and the auxiliary water supply channel simultaneously supply water to the washing tub, the main water supply channel is controlled to reduce the water intake or increase the water intake time of the main water supply channel.

10. A washing device, characterized in that: The washing equipment is equipped with a washing equipment water inlet device as described in any one of claims 1-3, or, is applied with a water inlet method as described in any one of claims 4-9.

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