Washing machine and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a washing machine and a control method thereof.The washing machine is provided with an electromagnetic adjusting assembly, the electromagnetic adjusting assembly comprises a first magnet and a second magnet, the first magnet is fixedly connected with the bottom of an outer cylinder, and the second magnet is oppositely arranged on the ground under the first magnet; the first magnet and / or the second magnet generate magnetic force after being electrified to provide balance weight for the washing machine. The electromagnetic adjusting assembly is installed on the outer barrel and the ground, the magnetic field generated by electrification between the magnets is used for providing variable balance weight for the washing machine, the magnetic part installed on the ground can provide balance weight more stably, and meanwhile the situation that the balance weight installed on the washing machine is too large, and eccentricity cannot be effectively adjusted is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of clothing processing equipment, and in particular, relates to a washing machine and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] The counterweight of a washing machine is generally a cement block or cast iron block of fixed mass. In order to reduce the vibration and noise of the washing machine during dehydration operation, the counterweight is generally made as heavy as possible. This causes great problems in transportation, making it difficult for porters to carry it, difficult for users to move it, and easy to be damaged by bumps during transportation.

[0003] When the washing machine is dehydrating, if the clothes in the washing machine are eccentric, the washing machine drum starts to vibrate to adjust the center of mass of the clothes inside it, until the center of mass of the clothes in the washing machine drum is stable, the washing machine drum will run at high speed to dehydrate. However, the quality and quantity of the clothes washed each time are different, and the counterweight block cannot meet the needs of clothes of different qualities. Clothes of different materials will also cause different eccentricities in the drum. Therefore, before each dehydration, the washing machine drum must vibrate for a period of time until the center of mass of the clothes in the drum is stable, which makes the dehydration time of the washing machine longer, and the loss of the washing machine is greater, which reduces the efficiency of the washing machine.

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the prior art has made a lot of research and attempts. Taking a drum washing machine as an example, the prior art usually sets vibration-damping components such as counterweights, suspension springs and shock absorbers on the outer drum to reduce the drum vibration generated when the inner drum rotates. However, these vibration-damping components can only passively adjust the vibration and cannot perform precision control based on the actual situation of the vibration. In addition, when designing these vibration-damping components, the limit state (i.e., the condition where the maximum vibration is generated) must be used as the design basis, resulting in a heavier weight of the counterweight, a higher number of suspension springs and shock absorbers, and therefore the transportation cost and the cost of the entire washing equipment also increase accordingly.

[0005] Chinese patent application number 201320289562.3 proposes a washing machine, in which a water storage device is arranged at the upper part or the lower part of the outer drum, and washing water is injected into the water storage device to act as a counterweight. However, the specific gravity of water is relatively small, and water as a liquid will shake when the washing machine vibrates, which is not conducive to playing a good role of the counterweight.

[0006] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the invention

[0007] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can adjust the counterweight by magnetic force to effectively reduce the weight of the washing machine, facilitate transportation and handling, and provide a counterweight force of variable size by using the magnetic field generated by the power supply between magnets.

[0008] In order to solve the above technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0009] A washing machine is provided with an electromagnetic adjustment component, which includes a first magnet and a second magnet. The first magnet is fixedly connected to the bottom of an outer drum, and the second magnet is relatively arranged on the ground directly below the first magnet. When the first magnet and / or the second magnet are energized, a magnetic field is formed to provide a counterweight for the washing machine.

[0010] Furthermore, the first magnet is configured as an electromagnet, the second magnet is configured as a magnetic metal, or both the first magnet and the second magnet are configured as electromagnets.

[0011] Furthermore, the first magnet and the outer cylinder are fixed to the bottom of the outer cylinder by fastening bolts, and the second magnet is provided with a plurality of through holes and is fixed to the ground by expansion bolts.

[0012] Furthermore, an eccentricity sensor installed on the outer drum is provided, and the eccentricity sensor detects the eccentricity of the washing machine and transmits the eccentricity to the washing machine in the form of an electrical signal.

[0013] Furthermore, a controller is provided, which can receive the electrical signal of the eccentricity sensor and send instructions to the electromagnetic adjustment component according to the received electrical signal.

[0014] The basic concept of another technical solution of the present invention is:

[0015] A control method for a washing machine is applied to the washing machine as described above. When the washing machine executes a dehydration program, the actual eccentricity value of the washing drum is detected to determine whether the actual eccentricity value of the washing drum is greater than the set eccentricity value. If so, the current flowing through the first magnet and / or the second magnet is increased.

[0016] Furthermore, the controller receives the electrical signal from the eccentricity sensor and controls the current flowing through the first magnet and / or the second magnet so that the actual eccentricity value of the washing tub is less than or equal to the set eccentricity value.

[0017] Furthermore, when the washing machine executes a washing program, the first magnet acts as a counterweight for the washing tub, and no magnetic field is generated between the first magnet and the second magnet.

[0018] Furthermore, the washing machine synchronously changes the magnitude of the current flowing through the first magnet and / or the second magnet according to the magnitude of the actual eccentricity value, and synchronously changes the magnitude of the force applied to the washing tub.

[0019] Furthermore, when the washing machine executes a dehydration program, the eccentricity sensor detects the eccentricity value, the first magnet and / or the second magnet are energized to generate a magnetic field, and the first magnet and / or the second magnet attract each other to provide counterweight for the washing machine.

[0020] After adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0021] (1) The electromagnetic adjustment assembly provided by the present invention is installed on the outer drum and the ground respectively, and uses the magnetic field generated by the power supply between the magnets to provide a variable counterweight force for the washing machine. The magnetic part installed on the ground can provide a more stable counterweight, while avoiding the counterweight installed on the washing machine being too large, which makes it impossible to effectively adjust the eccentricity.

[0022] (2) The present invention eliminates the conventional counterweight by providing two magnets, thereby effectively reducing the weight of the washing machine, facilitating transportation and handling, and effectively improving the dehydration rate of the washing machine. Even if the eccentricity is large, effective dehydration can still be performed.

[0023] (3) The present invention effectively solves the problem that the washing machine cannot effectively dehydrate due to the fixed weight of the counterweight when the eccentricity is large and the maximum speed cannot be reached during the spin cycle.

[0024] (4) The present invention effectively solves the problem that the weight of the washing machine counterweight is too heavy, resulting in a large overall weight of the washing machine, which is not conducive to transportation and handling.

[0025] (5) The present invention effectively solves the problem that the fastening bolts of the washing machine counterweight block may become loose after long-term operation, posing a safety hazard.

[0026] The specific implementation modes of the present invention are further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] 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 improper limitations on the present invention. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments. For ordinary technicians in this field, other accompanying drawings can be obtained based on these accompanying drawings without creative work.

[0028] In the attached picture:

[0029] Figure 1 is a front view of the electromagnetic adjustment assembly of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 is a side view of the electromagnetic adjustment assembly of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3It is the logic control diagram of the present invention.

[0032] In the figure:

[0033] 1. Drum washing machine;

[0034] 2. Outer cylinder;

[0035] 3. a first magnet;

[0036] 4. The second magnet.

[0037] 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

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Example 1

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides an electromagnetic adjustment component, which is applied to a clothing processing device, and includes a first magnet 3 and a second magnet 4. The first magnet 3 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the outer drum 2, and the second magnet 4 is relatively arranged on the ground directly below the first magnet 3. The first magnet 3 and / or the second magnet 4 are energized to form a magnetic field.

[0043] It is worth noting that the weight of the existing washing machine counterweight is fixed. When washing less clothes or the washed clothes are tangled, the eccentricity of the inner drum of the washing machine is large and cannot be increased to the optimal speed, resulting in no dehydration or poor dehydration effect.

[0044] The present invention eliminates the conventional counterweight by setting two magnets, effectively reducing the weight of the washing machine, making it easier to transport and carry. At the same time, the magnetic field generated by the power supply between the magnets is used to provide the washing machine with a counterweight force of variable size, effectively improving the dehydration rate of the washing machine. Even if the eccentricity is large, effective dehydration can still be performed.

[0045] In this embodiment, taking the drum washing machine 1 as an example, the specific structure and working principle of the electromagnetic regulating assembly provided by the present invention are introduced.

[0046] The drum washing machine 1 provided in this embodiment comprises an outer shell and a drum body, wherein the drum body is arranged inside the outer shell, wherein the outer shell comprises a side plate, a front plate and a rear plate, wherein a circular clothing inlet is arranged in the middle of the front plate, and a door cover matching the clothing inlet is also arranged. An inner drum is arranged inside the outer drum 2, and the inner drum is used to hold the clothes to be washed.

[0047] like Figure 1 It is worth noting that the drum washing machine 1 provided in this embodiment is not provided with a bottom plate, and the first magnet 3 is installed at the bottom of the outer drum 2. The first magnet 3 is installed at the bottom of the outer drum 2, and the first magnet 3 is fixed to the bottom of the outer drum 2 by fastening bolts. The second magnet is provided with 4-6 through holes and is fixed to the ground by expansion bolts.

[0048] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the second magnet is installed on the ground, which is different from the conventional counterweight. In the prior art, the magnetic parts are usually installed on the washing machine casing and the outer drum. When the eccentricity of the washing machine is large, the washing machine itself will also be affected by the eccentric force and cannot ensure its own stability. The eccentricity problem cannot be effectively solved by the counterweight force between the washing machine casing and the outer drum.

[0049] It is worth noting that in this embodiment, the first magnet is installed at the bottom of the outer drum, and the second magnet is installed on the ground. Compared with the washing machine, the ground is more stable, which can effectively solve the eccentricity problem.

[0050] When the washing machine is washing, the first magnet 3 can act as a counterweight for the washing drum; the second magnet 4 is installed on the ground directly below the outer drum 2, and the first magnet 3 and the second magnet 4 cooperate to provide a counterweight for the washing machine. As a part of the counterweight assembly, the second magnet 4 does not adopt the same installation method as the counterweight block in the prior art (installed on the washing machine), which effectively solves the problem that the overall weight of the washing machine is too large after the counterweight block is installed, which is not conducive to transportation and handling.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first magnet 3 is configured as a metal attracted by magnetic force, and the second magnet 4 is configured as an electromagnet. By controlling the magnitude of the current flowing through the second magnet 4 and the magnetic strength of the second magnet 4, a variable counterweight force is provided for the washing machine.

[0052] The second magnet 4 is connected in series with a switch, and the on and off of the second magnet 4 can be controlled by the controller of the washing machine. The current of the second magnet 4 is adjustable, and the adjustment method is not limited, for example, by changing the number of turns of the coil connected to the circuit, connecting a sliding rheostat in the circuit, etc.

[0053] It should be noted that an electromagnet is a device that generates electromagnetism when electricity is applied. A conductive winding matching its power is wound around the outside of an iron core. This coil with current passing through it has magnetic properties like a magnet.

[0054] The presence or absence of magnetism of an electromagnet can be controlled by turning on and off the electric current, the size of the magnetism can be controlled by the strength of the current or the number of turns of the coil, or the size of the magnetism can be controlled by changing the resistance to control the current size. The magnetic poles of an electromagnet can be controlled by changing the direction of the electric current. The strength of the magnetism of an electromagnet can be changed, the presence or absence of magnetism can be controlled, and the direction of the magnetic poles can be changed.

[0055] In this embodiment, when the drum washing machine 1 performs the dehydration program, the second magnet 4 is energized to generate a magnetic field, and a magnetic pole opposite to the lower end of the first magnet 3 is generated directly above the second magnet 4, generating a mutual attraction force between the first magnet 3 and the second magnet 4.

[0056] Preferably, the first magnet 3 is fixed to the bottom of the outer cylinder 2, and the second magnet 4 is fixed to the ground directly below the outer cylinder 2, which is equivalent to the second magnet 4 applying a downward force to the outer cylinder 2 through the magnetic field therebetween, so that the outer cylinder 2 remains relatively stable when rotating at high speed during dehydration.

[0057] In this embodiment, an eccentricity sensor and a controller are further provided inside the drum washing machine 1. An eccentricity sensor for detecting the eccentricity of the outer drum 2 is provided on the outer drum 2, and the eccentricity sensor is connected to the controller.

[0058] The eccentricity sensor is used to detect the eccentricity of the drum washing machine 1 and upload the eccentricity to the controller in the form of an electrical signal. The controller can receive the electrical signal of the eccentricity sensor and send instructions to the electromagnetic adjustment component according to the received electrical signal.

[0059] In this embodiment, the eccentricity of the outer cylinder 2 detected by the eccentricity sensor adjusts the magnitude of the current input to the second magnet 4 , thereby changing the magnitude of the force between the first magnet 3 and the second magnet 4 to change the counterweight of the outer cylinder 2 .

[0060] It should be noted that the eccentricity sensor can be set as an acceleration sensor or a position sensor, wherein the position sensor can detect the position of the internal cylinder, thereby performing eccentricity detection.

[0061] Example 2

[0062] In this embodiment, the first magnet 3 is configured as an electromagnet, and the second magnet 4 is also configured as an electromagnet. By controlling the magnitude of the current flowing through the first magnet 3 and the second magnet 4, the magnetic magnitude of the first magnet 3 and the second magnet 4 is controlled to provide a variable counterweight force for the washing machine.

[0063] The other implementations of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1.

[0064] Example 3

[0065] In this embodiment, four first magnets 3 are provided and are respectively installed around the outer cylinder 2, or are provided as an integral sleeve on the outer cylinder 2. Correspondingly, four second magnets 4 are also provided and are installed at the internal position of the box body opposite to the first magnets 3.

[0066] In this embodiment, a magnetic part is provided on the washing machine body and a corresponding magnetic part is provided on the ground. When the eccentricity value of the washing machine is small, the eccentricity problem is solved by the magnetic force between the washing machine shell and the magnetic part on the outer drum. When the eccentricity value of the washing machine is large, the eccentricity problem is solved by the magnetic force between the outer drum and the magnetic part on the ground.

[0067] The other implementations of this embodiment are the same as those of Embodiment 1.

[0068] Example 4

[0069] The present embodiment provides a control method for electromagnetic regulation, which is applied to the washing machine as described above. When the washing machine executes the dehydration program, the actual eccentricity value of the washing drum is detected to determine whether the actual eccentricity value of the washing drum is greater than the set eccentricity value. If so, the current flowing through the first magnet 3 and / or the second magnet 4 is increased.

[0070] The electromagnetic regulation control method provided by the present invention is that the washing machine executes the dehydration program, detects the actual eccentricity value of the drum, and if the actual eccentricity value of the drum is greater than the set eccentricity value, the current flowing through the first magnet 3 and / or the second magnet 4 is increased to make the actual eccentricity value of the drum less than or equal to the set eccentricity value, and the magnetic field strength generated by the change of the current flowing through the first magnet 3 and / or the second magnet 4 is increased to provide the washing machine with a variable counterweight force to make the actual eccentricity value of the drum less than or equal to the set eccentricity value, so that the washing machine can run stably, thereby eliminating the eccentricity of the drum and the clothes in the drum, and effectively improving the dehydration achievement rate of the washing machine. Even if the eccentricity is large, effective dehydration can still be performed.

[0071] When the actual eccentricity value of the detection cylinder is less than the first set eccentricity value, the controller controls the current flowing through the first magnet 3 and / or the second magnet 4 to be the first distributed current; when the actual eccentricity value of the detection cylinder is greater than the first set eccentricity value and less than the second set eccentricity value, the controller controls the current flowing through the first magnet 3 and / or the second magnet 4 to be the second distributed current, and the second distributed current is greater than the first distributed current; when the actual eccentricity value of the detection cylinder is greater than the second set eccentricity value, the controller controls the current flowing through the first magnet 3 and / or the second magnet 4 to be the third distributed current, and the third distributed current is greater than the second distributed current.

[0072] Figure 3 is a detailed flow chart of the electromagnetic regulation control method provided in this embodiment, combined with Figure 3 The specific control method of this embodiment is described in detail.

[0073] The washing process of the washing machine includes multiple stages such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration. When the washing machine executes the washing program, the first magnet 3 acts as a counterweight for the washing tub, and no magnetic field is generated between the first magnet 3 and the second magnet 4.

[0074] When the washing machine executes the dehydration program, the eccentricity sensor detects the eccentricity value, the first magnet 3 and / or the second magnet 4 are energized to generate a magnetic field, and the first magnet 3 and / or the second magnet 4 attract each other to provide counterweight for the washing machine.

[0075] In this embodiment, the control method includes the following steps:

[0076] S1. The controller has a preset eccentricity value.

[0077] S2. The eccentricity sensor detects the actual eccentricity value of the outer cylinder 2, and uploads the detected actual eccentricity value to the controller.

[0078] S3, the controller determines whether the actual eccentricity value is greater than the set eccentricity value. If so, it means that the front and rear of the outer cylinder 2 are unbalanced, and proceeds to S4, otherwise returns to S2.

[0079] S4. If the actual eccentricity value is greater than the set eccentricity value, it means that the controller increases the current input to the first magnet 3 and / or the second magnet 4 and then returns to S2.

[0080] S5. If the actual eccentricity value is less than or equal to the set eccentricity value, it means that the outer cylinder 2, and return to S2.

[0081] Compared with the fixed counterweight in the prior art, the eccentricity of the outer cylinder 2 can be adjusted in real time.

[0082] The controller receives the electrical signal from the eccentricity sensor and controls the current flowing through the first magnet 3 and / or the second magnet 4 so that the actual eccentricity value of the washing tub is less than or equal to the set eccentricity value.

[0083] The washing machine changes the magnitude of the current flowing through the first magnet 3 and / or the second magnet 4 according to the magnitude of the eccentricity value, controls the magnetic field strength generated by the first magnet 3 and the second magnet 4, and synchronously changes the magnitude of the force applied to the washing tub.

[0084] In summary, the electromagnetic regulation control method and washing machine provided by the present invention have the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0085] 1. The electromagnetic adjustment component provided by the present invention is installed on the outer drum and the ground respectively, and uses the magnetic field generated by the power supply between the magnets to provide a variable counterweight force for the washing machine. The magnetic parts installed on the ground can provide counterweight more stably, while avoiding the counterweight installed on the washing machine being too large, which makes it impossible to effectively adjust the eccentricity.

[0086] 2. The present invention eliminates the conventional counterweight by setting two magnets, effectively reducing the weight of the washing machine, making it easier to transport and carry, and effectively improving the dehydration rate of the washing machine. Even if the eccentricity is large, effective dehydration can still be performed.

[0087] 3. The present invention effectively solves the problem that the washing machine cannot reach the maximum speed and cannot effectively dehydrate when the eccentricity is large due to the fixed weight of the counterweight.

[0088] 4. The present invention effectively solves the problem that the weight of the washing machine counterweight is too heavy, resulting in a large overall weight of the washing machine, which is not conducive to transportation and handling.

[0089] 5. The present invention effectively solves the problem that the fastening bolts of the washing machine counterweight block may become loose after long-term operation, posing a safety hazard.

[0090] 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 washing machine, characterized in that: An electromagnetic adjustment component is provided, which includes a first magnet and a second magnet. The first magnet is fixedly connected to the bottom of the outer drum, and the second magnet is relatively arranged on the ground directly below the first magnet. When the first magnet and / or the second magnet are energized, magnetic force is generated to provide counterweight for the washing machine.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first magnet and the second magnet are configured as electromagnets and magnetic metals, or the first magnet and the second magnet are both configured as electromagnets.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first magnet and the outer cylinder are fixed to the bottom of the outer cylinder by fastening bolts, and the second magnet is provided with a plurality of through holes and is fixed to the ground by expansion bolts.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: An eccentricity sensor installed on the outer drum is also provided, and the eccentricity sensor detects the eccentricity of the washing machine and transmits the eccentricity to the washing machine in the form of an electrical signal.

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: A controller connected to the eccentricity sensor is also provided, and the controller can receive the electrical signal of the eccentricity sensor and send instructions to the electromagnetic adjustment component according to the received electrical signal.

6. A method for controlling a washing machine, characterized in that: A washing machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 5 is used. When the washing machine executes a dehydration program, the actual eccentricity value of the washing drum is detected to determine whether the actual eccentricity value of the washing drum is greater than the set eccentricity value. If so, the current flowing through the first magnet and / or the second magnet is increased.

7. The control method of the washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The controller receives the electrical signal from the eccentricity sensor and controls the current flowing through the first magnet and / or the second magnet so that the actual eccentricity value of the washing tub is less than or equal to the set eccentricity value.

8. The control method of the washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the washing machine executes a washing program, the first magnet acts as a counterweight for the washing tub, and no magnetic force is generated between the first magnet and the second magnet.

9. The control method of the washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The washing machine synchronously changes the magnitude of the current flowing through the first magnet and / or the second magnet according to the magnitude of the actual eccentricity value, and synchronously changes the magnitude of the force applied to the washing tub.

10. The control method of the washing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that: When the washing machine executes the dehydration program, the eccentricity sensor detects the eccentricity value, the first magnet and / or the second magnet are energized to generate magnetic force, and the first magnet and / or the second magnet attract each other to provide counterweight for the washing machine.

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