Washing machine and heating control method

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of clothes processing equipment, and discloses a washing machine and a heating control method.The washing machine comprises a washing drum, a water inlet pipe, a main body heating device and an inlet water heating device; the water inlet pipe is communicated with a water inlet of the washing drum and can inject washing water into the washing drum. The main body heating device is arranged on the washing drum so as to heat washing water in the washing drum. The water inlet heating device is arranged in the water inlet pipe to heat washing water in the water inlet pipe. The washing machine can improve the heating efficiency of washing water, so that a detergent can quickly play a role, and the washing efficiency and the washing effect are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of clothing treatment equipment, and particularly to a washing machine and a heating control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] The laundry process of a washing machine mainly includes several stages such as washing, rinsing and spin-drying. In the washing stage, detergents are needed to improve the washing effect. For the above-mentioned detergents, such as washing powder, their active enzymes can exert the maximum effect in water at about 40 degrees Celsius. The existing washing machines heat the washing water during the washing process, and the heating process is relatively slow.

[0003] In cold regions, during the washing stage, if the detergent is in low-temperature water for a long time, the dissolution rate of the detergent will be slowed down and it cannot play the best role. And if the washing water can only be slowly heated during the washing process, the temperature is relatively low in the early stage of washing, which affects the washing effect and reduces the washing efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a washing machine and a heating control method to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an object is to provide a washing machine that can improve the heating efficiency of washing water, thereby facilitating the detergent to quickly play a role and improving the washing efficiency and washing effect.

[0006] To achieve this purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] A washing machine, comprising:

[0008] A laundry tub;

[0009] A water inlet pipe communicating with the water inlet of the laundry tub and capable of injecting washing water into the laundry tub;

[0010] A main body heating device disposed in the laundry tub to heat the washing water in the laundry tub;

[0011] A water inlet heating device disposed in the water inlet pipe to heat the washing water in the water inlet pipe.

[0012] Through the above settings, the water inlet heating device can heat the washing water in the water inlet pipe and increase the initial temperature of the washing water. The main body heating device can perform heat supplement on the washing water that has been injected into the laundry tub, so as to ensure that the water temperature of the washing water is always at a temperature conducive to the detergent to play a role, and improve the washing effect.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the washing machine provided by the present invention, the washing machine further includes a temperature sensor disposed in the water inlet pipe and capable of detecting the temperature of the washing water in the water inlet pipe. Through the above arrangement, it is convenient for the control module to control the water inlet heating device according to the temperature of the washing water in the water inlet pipe.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the washing machine provided by the present invention, the washing machine further includes a water inlet valve disposed in the water inlet pipe and configured to control the on / off between the water inlet pipe and the washing tub. Through the above arrangement, it is convenient for the user to control the connection relationship between the water inlet pipe and the washing tub. The user can manually control the water inlet process of the washing tub, and the water inlet valve can be controlled by the control module to realize the control of the water inlet process of the outer tub by the control module.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment of the washing machine provided by the present invention, the washing machine further includes a temperature sensor, a water inlet valve and a control module. The temperature sensor and the water inlet valve are respectively disposed in the water inlet pipe and are respectively communicatively connected to the control module. The control module can control the on / off of the water inlet valve according to the washing water temperature signal detected by the temperature sensor. Through the above arrangement, the water inlet of the washing tub can be automatically carried out when the washing water reaches the preset temperature, improving the automation degree of the water inlet process of the washing machine.

[0016] As a preferred embodiment of the washing machine provided by the present invention, the washing machine further includes an alarm device communicatively connected to the control module. Through the above arrangement, when the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the washing water in the water inlet pipe is too low but the water inlet valve is in the open state at this time, the alarm device gives an alarm to remind the user to manually close the water inlet valve in time.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment of the washing machine provided by the present invention, the outer of the water inlet pipe is coated with a water inlet heat preservation layer, and the water inlet heat preservation layer can keep the washing water in the water inlet pipe warm. Through the above arrangement, it is possible to prevent the heated washing water from quickly losing heat when flowing rapidly in the water inlet pipe.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of the washing machine provided by the present invention, the main body heating device includes a waterproof housing and a heating component. The waterproof housing is disposed in the washing tub, and the heating component is disposed in the waterproof housing. Through the above arrangement, the waterproof housing can protect the heating component and prevent the heating component from being damaged by water.

[0019] As a preferred embodiment of the washing machine provided by the present invention, the laundry tub includes an inner tub and an outer tub that are interconnected. The inner tub is disposed within the outer tub and is capable of accommodating laundry. The water inlet pipe is connected to the outer tub and is capable of injecting washing water into the outer tub, and the outer tub is capable of injecting the washing water into the inner tub. The main heating device is disposed on a side of the outer tub facing away from the inner tub. Through the above arrangement, the water inlet step is divided into two steps, namely, water inlet into the outer tub and water injection from the outer tub into the inner tub. The washing water can be heated during both of these two water inlet steps, realizing a reasonable layout of the washing water heating function position and improving the heating efficiency of the washing water.

[0020] As a preferred embodiment of the washing machine provided by the present invention, the washing machine further includes a premixing device. The premixing device is disposed in the water inlet pipe, contains detergent, and is located between the water inlet heating device and the water inlet of the laundry tub. The premixing device is configured to mix the detergent with the washing water. Through the above arrangement, the detergent and the washing water can be premixed, facilitating the dissolution of the detergent, enabling the detergent to quickly take effect, and improving the washing efficiency and washing effect.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, an object is to provide a heating control method. The heating control method can be applied to the washing machine according to any one of the above embodiments to heat the washing water. The laundry tub includes an inner tub and an outer tub. The water inlet pipe can inject water into the outer tub, and the outer tub can inject water into the inner tub. The heating control method includes the following steps:

[0022] Step S10: Set a preset temperature T of the washing water;

[0023] Step S20: Start the water inlet of the outer tub, and judge the relationship between the actual water temperature T1 of the washing water in the water inlet pipe and the temperature lower limit value t;

[0024] If T1 < t, start the water inlet heating device simultaneously;

[0025] If T1 ≥ t, there is no need to start the water inlet heating device;

[0026] Step S30: When the water inlet volume of the outer tub reaches the first set volume, stop the water inlet of the outer tub;

[0027] Step S40: Detect the water temperature T2 of the washing water in the outer tub, and judge the relationship between T2 and T;

[0028] If T2 < T, start the main heating device, heat the washing water to the preset temperature T, and then start the water inlet of the inner tub;

[0029] If T2 ≥ T, there is no need to start the main heating device, and directly start the water inlet of the inner tub.

[0030] Advantages of the present invention:

[0031] The washing machine provided by the present invention includes a washing tub, a water inlet pipe, a main body heating device, and a water inlet heating device. The water inlet pipe is connected to the water inlet of the washing tub and can inject washing water into the washing tub. The water inlet heating device is arranged in the water inlet pipe to heat the washing water in the water inlet pipe. That is to say, the washing water can be preheated before entering the washing tub, improving the heating efficiency. The main body heating device is arranged in the washing tub to heat the washing water in the washing tub. That is to say, the main body heating device can perform heat supplement on the washing water in the washing tub when the temperature of the washing water decreases, ensuring that the water temperature of the washing water is always at a temperature conducive to the action of the detergent and improving the washing effect. With the cooperation of the water inlet heating device and the main body heating device, the heating time of the washing water can be shortened, the heating efficiency of the washing water can be improved, the detergent can quickly play its role, and the washing efficiency and washing effect can be improved.

[0032] The heating control method provided by the present invention can control the main body heating device and the water inlet heating device, improve the heating efficiency of the washing water, and maintain the water temperature of the washing water. Description of the Drawings

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the washing machine provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 is a flowchart of the heating control method provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0035] In the figure:

[0036] 100, washing tub; 110, inner tub; 120, outer tub; 121, outer tub temperature sensor;

[0037] 200, water inlet pipe; 210, water inlet heat preservation layer;

[0038] 300, main body heating device; 310, waterproof housing; 320, heating component;

[0039] 400, water inlet heating device;

[0040] 510, temperature sensor; 520, water inlet valve; 530, control module;

[0041] 600, alarm device;

[0042] 700, premixing device;

[0043] 800, circulation device; 810, circulation pipe; 820, circulation pump. Detailed Embodiments

[0044] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It can be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention, rather than limiting the present invention. Additionally, it should be noted that for the sake of convenience of description, only the parts related to the present invention rather than all the structures are shown in the drawings.

[0045] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "connected", "connected to", and "fixed" shall be understood in a broad sense. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or integrated; it may be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it may be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it may be the internal communication of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0046] In the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the direct contact between the first and second features, or may include the situation where the first and second features are not in direct contact but in contact through other features therebetween. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "over", and "on" the second feature includes that the first feature is directly above and obliquely above the second feature, or merely indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is higher than that of the second feature. The first feature being "below", "under", and "beneath" the second feature includes that the first feature is directly below and obliquely below the second feature, or merely indicates that the horizontal height of the first feature is lower than that of the second feature.

[0047] In the description of this embodiment, the orientation or positional relationships such as "up", "down", "right", and "left" are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of description and simplifying the operation, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only used for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0048] Embodiment 1

[0049] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the washing machine provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention is referred to Figure 1 . This embodiment provides a washing machine. The washing machine includes a washing tub 100, a water inlet pipe 200, a main body heating device 300, and a water inlet heating device 400.

[0050] Specifically, the water inlet pipe 200 is connected to the water inlet of the washing tub 100 and can inject washing water into the washing tub 100. The main body heating device 300 is arranged outside the washing tub 100 to heat the washing water in the washing tub 100. The water inlet heating device 400 is arranged in the water inlet pipe 200 to heat the washing water in the water inlet pipe 200. The water inlet heating device 400 can heat the washing water in the water inlet pipe 200 and raise the initial temperature of the washing water. The main body heating device 300 can re-heat the washing water that has been injected into the washing tub 100. That is to say, the main body heating device 300 can perform heat supplement when the temperature of the washing water in the washing tub 100 decreases, ensure that the water temperature of the washing water is always at a temperature conducive to the detergent's function, and improve the washing effect.

[0051] Specifically, the washing tub 100 includes an inner tub 110 and an outer tub 120 that are connected to each other. The inner tub 110 is arranged inside the outer tub 120 and can accommodate the laundry to be washed. The water inlet pipe 200 is connected to the outer tub 120 and can inject washing water into the outer tub 120. The outer tub 120 can inject the washing water into the inner tub 110. The main body heating device 300 is arranged on the side of the outer tub 120 facing away from the inner tub 110.

[0052] Preferably, in this embodiment, the outer tub 120 is connected to the inner tub 110 through a spray pipe. One end of the spray pipe is connected to the outer tub 120, and the other end extends into the inner tub 110, located at the upper end of the inner tub 110, and is provided with a plurality of nozzles. The spray pipe can use the nozzles to spray the washing water in the outer tub 120 onto the laundry to be washed in the inner tub 110 in a spraying manner, so that the laundry to be washed in the inner tub 110 can be wetted at a faster speed and facilitate the uniform distribution of the detergent mixed in the washing water.

[0053] Preferably, a plurality of nozzles are arranged at equal intervals along the axial direction of the inner tub 110 at the upper end of the inner wall of the inner tub 110. And the nozzles can spray the washing water simultaneously in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

[0054] Continue to refer to Figure 1 , the washing machine further includes a temperature sensor 510. The temperature sensor 510 is arranged in the water inlet pipe 200 and can detect the temperature of the washing water in the water inlet pipe. The washing machine is also provided with a display screen, and the display screen can display the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 510, which is convenient for the user to know the water temperature when the washing machine is running.

[0055] Specifically, the washing machine further includes a water inlet valve 520. The water inlet valve 520 is disposed in the water inlet pipe 200 and is configured to control the on-off between the water inlet pipe 200 and the outer tub 120. In this embodiment, the water inlet valve 520 can be an electromagnetic valve or the like, which facilitates the user's control of the connection relationship between the water inlet pipe 200 and the outer tub 120, and the user can manually control the water inlet process of the outer tub 120.

[0056] More specifically, the outer surface of the water inlet pipe 200 is covered with a water inlet heat preservation layer 210, and the water inlet heat preservation layer 210 can keep the washing water in the water inlet pipe 200 warm. The water inlet heat preservation layer 210 can prevent the problem that the heat of the heated washing water is quickly dissipated when it flows rapidly in the water inlet pipe 200. In this embodiment, the water inlet heat preservation layer 210 can be made of heat preservation cotton or the like.

[0057] Even more specifically, the washing machine further includes a control module 530. The temperature sensor 510 and the water inlet valve 520 are respectively communicatively connected to the control module 530. The control module 530 can control the on-off of the water inlet valve 520 according to the washing water temperature signal detected by the temperature sensor 510. When the temperature sensor 510 detects that the temperature of the washing water in the water inlet pipe 200 reaches the preset temperature, the control module 530 can control the water inlet valve 520 to open, and at this time, the outer tub 120 starts to fill with water. Through the above settings, the outer tub 120 can be automatically filled with water when the washing water reaches the preset temperature, improving the automation degree of the water inlet process of the washing machine. The water inlet valve 520 can be an electromagnetic valve, and the control module 530 can be a PLC controller. The structure and principle thereof are not described in detail in this embodiment.

[0058] Preferably, the washing machine further includes an alarm device 600, and the alarm device 600 is communicatively connected to the control module 530. The control module 530 can control the alarm device 600 according to the washing water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 510. When the temperature sensor 510 detects that the washing water temperature is lower than the preset temperature and the water inlet valve 520 is in the open state at this time, it indicates that the washing water temperature has not reached the temperature at which the detergent can achieve the best effect. At this time, the control module 530 immediately controls the alarm device 600 to give an alarm, reminding the user to manually close the water inlet valve 520 in time.

[0059] Continue to refer to Figure 1, the main body heating device 300 includes a waterproof housing 310 and a heating component 320. The waterproof housing 310 is disposed on the outer cylinder 120, and the heating component 320 is disposed within the waterproof housing 310. In this embodiment, the waterproof housing 310 is disposed outside the outer cylinder 120, and the heating component 320 may be an electric heating tube, which can perform heat supplement on the washing water in the outer cylinder 120. The waterproof housing 310 can protect the electric heating tube when the outer cylinder 120 leaks or other failures cause water seepage, preventing the electric heating tube from being damaged by water.

[0060] Preferably, the waterproof housing 310 is disposed at the bottom of the outer cylinder 120, and its cross-sectional area is substantially equal to the cross-sectional area of the outer cylinder 120. The above-mentioned electric heating tubes are uniformly arranged in the waterproof housing 310. Through the above arrangement, the uniformity of heating the outer cylinder 120 by the electric heating tubes can be improved, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the washing water in the outer cylinder 120 and being beneficial to the uniformity of heating the washing water.

[0061] Continue to refer to Figure 1 , the washing machine further includes a premixing device 700. The premixing device 700 is disposed in the water inlet pipe 200 and is connected between the water inlet heating device 400 and the water inlet of the outer cylinder 120. The premixing device 700 is configured to mix the detergent and the washing water. The premixing device 700 specifically includes a premixing chamber, in which the detergent is accommodated, and a stirring mechanism is provided. The stirring mechanism can stir the detergent and the washing water in the premixing chamber, accelerate the dissolution of the detergent, and make the detergent and the washing water be fully mixed before entering the outer cylinder 120, so that the detergent can exert its effect as soon as possible.

[0062] Continue to refer to Figure 1 , the washing machine further includes a circulation device 800. The circulation device 800 includes a circulation pipe 810 and a circulation pump 820. The circulation pipe 810 is connected between the inner cylinder 110 and the water inlet pipe 200. The circulation device 800 can circulate the washing water in the inner cylinder 110 to the upstream of the water inlet heating device 400 through the circulation pipe 810 under the action of the circulation pump 820 and be reheated by the water inlet heating device 400.

[0063] Embodiment Two

[0064] Figure 2 The flowchart showing the heating control method provided by Embodiment Two of the present invention is shown. Refer to Figure 2 , this embodiment provides a heating control method. The heating control method can be applied to the washing machine provided in Embodiment One to heat the washing water. The heating control method specifically includes the following steps:

[0065] In cold regions, only setting a heating device at the outer cylinder 120 will result in too low heating efficiency of the washing water. To improve the heating efficiency of the washing water, it is necessary to provide a relatively high initial temperature for the water entering the outer cylinder 120 at the water inlet pipe 200, so as to improve the heating efficiency of the subsequent washing water in the outer cylinder 120.

[0066] Step S10: Set the preset temperature T of the washing water.

[0067] Specifically, the preset temperature T is manually set according to the type of detergent, and the user can set it through the operation panel on the washing machine. The washing machine provided in this embodiment has a washing mode, a sterilization and mite removal mode, and a softening mode. In the above different modes, different detergents need to be added, such as washing powder, disinfectant, and softener. The temperatures at which the above different detergents can achieve the best effects are different. Correspondingly, the preset temperature T corresponding to different modes is also different. The preset temperature T can be selected according to the type of detergent, and this embodiment does not limit it here.

[0068] Step S20: Start the water inlet of the outer cylinder 120, and judge the relationship between the actual water temperature T1 of the washing water in the water inlet pipe 200 and the temperature lower limit value t. If T1 < t, it means that the initial temperature of the washing water is too low at this time, which is not conducive to subsequent heating and temperature rise. Then, while the outer cylinder 120 is being filled with water, start the water inlet heating device 400, thereby increasing the initial temperature of the water entering the outer cylinder 120, which is conducive to improving the heating efficiency of the subsequent main heating device 300. If T1 ≥ t, there is no need to start the water inlet heating device 400.

[0069] Specifically, the above temperature lower limit value t is less than the preset temperature T, that is to say, the water inlet heating device 400 can initially increase the initial temperature of the water entering the outer cylinder 120, which is conducive to improving the subsequent heating efficiency.

[0070] Step S30: When the water inflow of the outer cylinder 120 reaches the first set water volume, stop the water inlet of the outer cylinder 120. The above first water volume can be freely selected according to the amount of clothes to be washed.

[0071] Step S40: Detect the temperature T2 of the washing water in the outer cylinder 120, and judge the relationship between T2 and T. If T2 < T, start the main heating device 300, heat the washing water to the preset temperature T, and then start the water inlet of the inner cylinder 110. If T2 ≥ T, it means that the temperature of the washing water in the outer cylinder 120 has reached the temperature at which the detergent can achieve the best washing effect at this time, and there is no need to heat the washing water. At this time, there is no need to start the main heating device 300, and directly start the water inlet of the inner cylinder 110.

[0072] Step S50: When the amount of washing water in the inner cylinder 110 reaches the second set amount of water, stop the water inlet of the inner cylinder 110. The above-mentioned second set amount of water is not less than the first set amount of water. Then start the inner cylinder 110 to rotate for washing.

[0073] Obviously, the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly explaining the present invention, rather than limitations on the implementation manners of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, various obvious changes, re-adjustments and substitutions can be made without departing from the protection scope of the present invention. It is not necessary and impossible to enumerate all the implementation manners here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be included in the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing machine, characterized in that, Comprising: A washing drum (100); A water inlet pipe (200) communicating with the water inlet of the washing drum (100) and capable of injecting washing water into the washing drum (100); A main body heating device (300) disposed in the washing drum (100) to heat the washing water in the washing drum (100); A water inlet heating device (400) disposed in the water inlet pipe (200) to heat the washing water in the water inlet pipe (200).

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washing machine further includes a temperature sensor (510) disposed in the water inlet pipe (200) and capable of detecting the temperature of the washing water in the water inlet pipe.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein The washing machine further includes a water inlet valve (520) disposed in the water inlet pipe (200) and configured to control the on / off between the water inlet pipe (200) and the washing drum (100).

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that The washing machine further includes a temperature sensor (510), a water inlet valve (520), and a control module (530). The temperature sensor (510) and the water inlet valve (520) are respectively disposed in the water inlet pipe (200) and are respectively communicatively connected to the control module (530). The control module (530) can control the on / off of the water inlet valve (520) according to the washing water temperature signal detected by the temperature sensor (510).

5. The washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The washing machine further includes an alarm device (600) communicatively connected to the control module (530).

6. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer part of the water inlet pipe (200) is coated with a water inlet heat preservation layer (210), and the water inlet heat preservation layer (210) can keep the washing water in the water inlet pipe (200) warm.

7. The washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body heating device (300) includes a waterproof housing (310) and a heating component (320). The waterproof housing (310) is disposed outside the washing drum (100), and the heating component (320) is disposed inside the waterproof housing (310).

8. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The washing drum (100) includes an inner drum (110) and an outer drum (120). The inner drum (110) is disposed inside the outer drum (120) and can accommodate the laundry to be washed. The water inlet pipe (200) communicates with the outer drum (120) and can inject washing water into the outer drum (120). The outer drum (120) can inject the washing water into the inner drum (110). The main body heating device (300) is disposed on the side of the outer drum (120) facing away from the inner drum (110).

9. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The washing machine further includes a premixing device (700) disposed in the water inlet pipe (200) between the water inlet heating device (400) and the water inlet of the washing drum (100), and the premixing device (700) is configured to mix the detergent with the washing water.

10. A heating control method, characterized in that, It can be applied to the washing machine described in any one of claims 1-9 to heat the washing water; the laundry tub (100) includes an inner tub (110) and an outer tub (120), the water inlet pipe (200) can inject water into the outer tub (120), the outer tub (120) can inject water into the inner tub (110), and the heating control method includes: S10. Set a preset temperature T of the washing water; S20. Start the water inlet of the outer tub (120), and judge the relationship between the actual water temperature T1 of the washing water in the water inlet pipe (200) and the temperature lower limit value t; If T1 < t, start the water inlet heating device (400) at the same time; If T1 ≥ t, there is no need to start the water inlet heating device (400); S30. When the water inlet volume of the outer tub (120) reaches the first set water volume, stop the water inlet of the outer tub (120); S40. Detect the washing water temperature T2 in the outer tub (120), and judge the relationship between T2 and T; If T2 < T, start the main body heating device (300), heat the washing water to the preset temperature T, and then start the water inlet of the inner tub (110); If T2 ≥ T, there is no need to start the main body heating device (300), and directly start the water inlet of the inner tub (110).

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