Washing equipment and eccentricity detection method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of washing equipment, particularly provides washing equipment and an eccentricity detection method thereof, and solves the problem of inaccurate eccentricity detection of a washing barrel of an existing washing machine. To this end, the washing apparatus of the present invention comprises: a washing tub; the connecting frame is provided with a plurality of connecting plates, the connecting plates are arranged around the washing barrel, and the connecting plates are connected with the washing barrel through connecting rods; and the strain detection piece is arranged on the connecting plate and is used for detecting the deformation of the connecting plate so as to determine whether the washing barrel is eccentric or not. Due to the fact that the strain detection piece is arranged on the connecting plate, the thickness of the connecting plate is small, deformation is large when the connecting plate is stressed, the strain detection piece can accurately obtain the deformation amount, and then whether the washing barrel is eccentric or not is accurately judged. Moreover, the strain detection piece is arranged on the connecting plate, and the original structure of the washing equipment is not changed, so that the detection mode is simpler in structure and lower in cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of washing equipment, and in particular provides a washing equipment and an eccentricity detection method thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the advancement of technology and society, washing machines have become an essential household appliance. Washing machines primarily include pulsator and front-loading washing machines, with pulsator washing machines consisting of single-drum and twin-drum models. However, existing single-drum pulsator washing machines suffer from an inability to effectively detect load eccentricity within the drum. When the load within the drum is significantly eccentric, the washing machine generates significant vibration, resulting in vibration and noise. Existing methods for detecting eccentricity include the following.

[0003] The first method for detecting eccentricity in a pulsator washing machine specifically includes installing force sensors to collect force data on the four hangers. The detection process includes the following steps: A. The washing machine is operated in dehydration mode, the motor speed r is recorded, and an eccentricity index threshold is set; B. The force data of each hanger is collected within 10 / rmin while the washing machine is running; C. The force data is filtered and denoised, and then the average force value Avg_Force, the maximum force value Max_Force, and the standard deviation Std_Dev of each hanger are calculated; D. The maximum eccentricity index of the four hangers is calculated based on the data and compared with the eccentricity index threshold set in A. If it is greater than the eccentricity index threshold, it is determined to be eccentric. The maximum eccentricity index of the four hangers is obtained from the force data of the four hangers, and the eccentricity is determined by comparing the maximum eccentricity index with the eccentricity index threshold.

[0004] The second method for detecting imbalance in washing machines includes technical solutions for pulsator washing machines and drum washing machines. Through multiple displacement sensors, the vibration offset of the outer drum in all directions can be detected in real time, avoiding collisions or washing machine jumping caused by severe load eccentricity, further improving the safety of the washing machine. The displacement sensor is integrated with the suspension rod or support shock absorber.

[0005] The third type is a washing machine comprising a housing, a drum, a suspension rod and a strain gauge, wherein the drum is arranged in the housing; the lower end of the suspension rod is connected to the outer wall of the drum, and the upper end of the suspension rod is connected to the inner wall of the housing; a plurality of suspension rods are provided, and are arranged at circumferential intervals; the strain gauge is attached to the peripheral wall of the suspension rod and is used to detect the axial expansion and contraction strain of the suspension rod.

[0006] However, the above methods will cause large deviations in the eccentricity detection data and inaccurate test results due to the large rigidity and poor ductility of the boom.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a washing device and an eccentricity detection method thereof to solve the above technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to solve the above technical problem, that is, to solve the problem of inaccurate detection of washing tub eccentricity of existing washing machines.

[0009] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a washing device comprising:

[0010] Washing tub;

[0011] a connecting frame, which is provided with a plurality of connecting plates, the connecting plates are arranged around the washing tub, and the connecting plates are connected to the washing tub via connecting rods;

[0012] A strain detection member is provided on the connecting plate and is used to detect deformation of the connecting plate to determine whether the washing tub is eccentric.

[0013] In a specific embodiment of the above washing device, the connecting plates are provided at the four corners of the connecting frame.

[0014] In a specific embodiment of the above washing equipment, the strain detection component is a strain gauge.

[0015] In a specific embodiment of the above washing device, a protective cover is further included, which is arranged to cover the strain detection component.

[0016] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for detecting eccentricity of a washing machine as described above, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

[0017] detecting the deformation of each of the connecting plates;

[0018] Whether the washing tub is eccentric is determined according to the deformation amount of each connecting plate and a preset value of each connecting plate.

[0019] In a specific embodiment of the eccentricity detection method for the washing device, “determining whether the washing tub is eccentric according to the deformation amount of each of the connecting plates and the preset value of each of the connecting plates” includes:

[0020] Calculating a reference value of each connecting plate according to the deformation amount of each connecting plate;

[0021] If the reference value of at least one of the connecting plates is greater than the preset value of the connecting plate, the washing tub is eccentric.

[0022] In a specific embodiment of the eccentricity detection method for the washing machine, “calculating the reference value of each connecting plate according to the deformation amount of each connecting plate” includes:

[0023] Continuously testing a plurality of deformation amounts and calculating an average value of the plurality of deformation amounts;

[0024] The next deformation is obtained by testing, and the reference value = (the next deformation - the average value) / the initial deformation.

[0025] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned method for detecting eccentricity of a washing device, after the washing tub becomes eccentric, the washing device is controlled to stop dehydration and the load in the washing tub is redistributed evenly.

[0026] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned method for detecting eccentricity of a washing machine, “calculating an average value of the plurality of deformation amounts” includes:

[0027] The average value of the ten deformation amounts is calculated.

[0028] In a specific embodiment of the above-mentioned eccentricity detection method for washing equipment, the preset value is determined according to the load in the washing tub and the rotation speed of the driving motor of the washing equipment.

[0029] When adopting the above-described technical solution, the washing machine of the present invention includes a washing tub, a connecting frame, and a strain detector. The connecting frame is provided with multiple connecting plates, which are arranged around the washing tub and connected to the washing tub by connecting rods. The strain detector is provided on the connecting plates and is used to detect deformation of the connecting plates to determine whether the washing tub is eccentric. Because the strain detector is provided on the connecting plates, the connecting plates are relatively thin and deform significantly when subjected to force. This allows the strain detector to accurately detect the deformation and, therefore, accurately determine whether the washing tub is eccentric. Furthermore, the provision of the strain detector on the connecting plates does not alter the existing structure of the washing machine, making this detection method simpler and more cost-effective.

[0030] The eccentricity detection method includes: detecting the deformation of each connecting plate; calculating a reference value for each connecting plate based on the deformation of each connecting plate; and determining that the washing tub is eccentric if the reference value of at least one connecting plate is greater than a preset value for that connecting plate. The deformation corresponding to each connecting plate is calculated separately and compared with the corresponding preset value to determine whether the washing tub is eccentric. Normally, when the washing tub is eccentric, at least one connecting plate will be subjected to excessive force and will deform significantly. Therefore, multiple connecting plates are tested. If the reference value of one connecting plate is greater than the preset value, the washing tub is determined to be eccentric. Furthermore, since the direction of eccentricity in the washing tub is not fixed, and therefore the connecting plate subjected to excessive force is not fixed, testing multiple connecting plates ensures the accuracy of eccentricity detection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the connecting frame provided by the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a partial enlarged view of the connecting frame provided by the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a flow chart of the main steps of the eccentricity detection method for washing equipment provided by the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 Detailed flowchart of step S2 of the western film detection method of the washing equipment provided by the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 Detailed flowchart of step S21 of the western film detection method of the washing device provided by the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 It is a flow chart of the detailed steps of the eccentricity detection method of the washing equipment provided by the present invention.

[0038] List of reference numerals:

[0039] 1. Connecting plate; 2. Strain detection component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these embodiments are only used to explain the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] It should be noted that in the description of the present invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer" indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and are not intended to indicate or imply that a device or component must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0042] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "disposed," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they may refer to direct connections, indirect connections through an intermediate medium, or internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0043] In order to solve the problem that several existing methods for detecting the eccentricity of the washing tub have large deviations in the eccentricity detection data and inaccurate detection results due to the large rigidity and poor ductility of the suspension rod.

[0044] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, this embodiment discloses a washing machine, which is specifically a pulsator washing machine. The washing machine includes a washing tub, a drive motor, and a connecting frame internal machine strain detection member 2. The washing tub is specifically the inner drum of the washing machine, which is used to hold clothes for washing, dehydrating, and rinsing. The washing machine also includes a control module, which is configured to execute the eccentricity detection method of the washing machine.

[0045] The output end of the driving motor is connected to the washing tub via a transmission shaft, so that the driving motor can drive the washing tub to rotate, thereby allowing the washing device to perform a dehydration operation.

[0046] The washing machine also includes a pulsator, which is rotatably disposed within the washing tub and is transmission-connected to the output end of a drive motor. The drive motor is capable of driving the pulsator to rotate to perform operations such as washing and rinsing. The pulsator includes a large pulsator and a small pulsator. The small pulsator is rotatably disposed on the large pulsator and is located on the upper surface of the large pulsator. The large pulsator and the small pulsator are capable of rotating independently of each other, allowing them to rotate in opposite directions to achieve different washing functions. The small pulsator is provided with first pulsator ribs, which are specifically arranged around the circumference of the small pulsator and are evenly distributed. The large pulsator is provided with second pulsator ribs, which are located outside the small pulsator. There are also multiple second pulsator ribs, which are evenly distributed along the circumference of the second pulsator.

[0047] The washing machine also includes a housing and a base, wherein the housing is mounted on the base, and the washing tub is disposed within the housing. The drive motor is fixed to the base, and the washing tub and the pulsator are both rotatably mounted on the base, specifically via bearings. The drive shaft is also rotatably mounted on the base, specifically via bearings.

[0048] A control panel is provided on the top of the housing, specifically on the front side of the top for easy operation. The control panel is equipped with various function buttons, which can be used to control the operation of the washing machine. Specifically, it can control operations such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration, as well as operating parameters such as detergent dosage, washing mode, wash time, wash intensity, washing water temperature, rinse time, rinse intensity, and dehydration time. The control panel is also connected to the control module, which specifically controls the various operations of the washing machine through the control module. The drive motor is connected to the control module, which can control the operation of the drive motor to control the washing machine to perform operations such as washing, dehydration, and rinsing.

[0049] The washing machine also includes a water inlet box, which is mounted on the top of the housing. A water inlet pipe is connected to the inlet end of the box. The water inlet pipe can be connected to a household faucet to supply tap water to the water inlet box. A first water outlet of the water inlet box is positioned toward the washing tub, allowing water in the water inlet box to flow into the washing tub to supply water to the washing tub. A first control valve is provided at the inlet end to control whether water is supplied to the water inlet box.

[0050] The washing machine also includes a detergent box that is retractably mounted on the top of the housing, specifically on one side of the control panel; more specifically, on the left side of the washing machine. A second water outlet of the water inlet box is located above the detergent box and is used to rinse detergent from the detergent box so that it can enter the washing tub for washing clothes. A second control valve is provided at the second water outlet to control whether water is supplied to the detergent box. Specifically, a three-way channel in the form of a three-way pipe can be provided at the inlet of the water inlet box, wherein a first channel allows water to flow in; a second channel allows water to flow into the water inlet box, and a control valve is provided on the second channel. Control of the control valve determines whether water is supplied to the water inlet box for filling the washing tub; and a control valve (also known as a second control valve) is provided on the third channel. Control of the control valve determines whether water is supplied to the detergent box. By controlling the opening and closing of the two control valves, water can be supplied to both the water inlet box and the detergent box simultaneously, or to either the water inlet box or the detergent box.

[0051] The washing apparatus also includes an outer tub, wherein the washing tub is rotatably mounted within the outer tub. A drain outlet is provided at the bottom of the outer tub, connected to a water pump connected to a drain pipe. The water pump drains the water in the outer tub into the drain pipe and then outwardly. A filter device is provided at the drain outlet and is detachably connected to the washing apparatus. The filter device is used to filter debris and other debris from the wastewater, thereby preventing debris from clogging the drain pipe and the water pump. After a period of use, the filter device can be removed and cleaned to allow it to continue filtering wastewater. Regarding the filter device, it should be noted that while a filter device is used in this embodiment, this is not a limitation of the present invention. In other embodiments, a mincing device can be provided at the drain outlet to reduce debris and other debris in the wastewater to a smaller size for discharge through the drain pipe. Alternatively, a filter device can be provided, but this requires the connection of a bypass valve and a valve. When debris accumulates in the filter device, the water in the filter device can be reversed and directed outwardly through the bypass valve into the drain pipe to clean the filter device. All of these alternatives do not deviate from the basic principles of the present invention and fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0052] The connecting frame is provided with a plurality of connecting plates 1, also known as corner plates. The plurality of connecting plates 1 are arranged around the washing tub. The connecting plates 1 are evenly arranged around the four sides of the washing tub. The evenly distributed arrangement ensures that the washing tub is evenly stressed and can minimize uneven stress during dehydration. In this embodiment, the number of connecting plates 1 is preferably four, and the four connecting plates 1 are located at the four corners of the washing device. Correspondingly, connecting plates 1 are provided at the four corners of the connecting frame. The connecting plates 1 are connected to the washing tub via connecting rods and a damping device so that the connecting frame supports the washing tub.

[0053] Regarding the number of connecting plates 1, it should be noted that although there are four connecting plates 1 in this embodiment, this is not a limitation of the present invention. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, in other embodiments, the number of connecting plates 1 may also be three, six, or eight, etc. When the number of connecting plates 1 changes, the placement of the connecting plates 1 also changes accordingly, but the connecting plates 1 must always be evenly distributed around the outer circumference of the washing tub. This does not deviate from the basic principles of the present invention and falls within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0054] Strain detection element 2 is provided on connecting plate 1 and is used to detect deformation of connecting plate 1 to determine whether the washing tub is eccentric. Strain detection element 2 is specifically a strain gauge. Regarding strain detection element 2, it should be noted that although it is a strain gauge in this embodiment, this is not a limitation of the present invention. In other embodiments, without departing from the principles of the present invention, it may alternatively be a strain gauge or strain sensor, as long as it can accurately measure the strain of connecting plate 1. Such variations do not deviate from the basic principles of the present invention and fall within its scope of protection.

[0055] In addition, in order to ensure the accuracy of the test results, the strain gauge is set along the length direction of the connecting rod, that is, the length direction of the strain gauge is the same as the force direction of the connecting plate 1. The deformation of the connecting plate in this direction is larger, which can ensure that the test results are relatively accurate.

[0056] The washing machine also includes a protective sleeve that covers the strain detection element 2. Specifically, it covers the surface of the strain gauge and is sealed to the connecting plate 1 on all sides. A lead hole is provided at one end of the protective sleeve, through which the lead wires of the strain gauge are inserted, and the protective sleeve and the lead wires are sealed. The protective sleeve can effectively prevent water from the washing process and water vapor in the bathroom from entering the strain gauge, protecting the strain gauge from damage and contamination, thereby ensuring its measurement accuracy and, in turn, ensuring accurate detection of eccentricity in the washing tub. The protective sleeve is specifically made of rubber or silicone, and is bonded to the connecting plate 1 with glue to achieve a sealed connection between the protective sleeve and the connecting plate 1. The lead wires of the strain gauge are connected to the control module and can transmit the detected data to the control module, which processes and calculates the data to determine whether the washing tub is eccentric.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, the eccentricity detection method includes the following steps:

[0058] S1. Detecting the deformation of each connecting plate 1; specifically, each connecting plate 1 needs to continuously detect multiple deformations, with one deformation being detected at every preset time interval.

[0059] S2. Determine whether the washing tub is eccentric according to the deformation amount of each connecting plate 1 and the preset value of each connecting plate 1.

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, “determining whether the washing tub is eccentric according to the deformation amount of each connecting plate 1 and the preset value of each connecting plate 1” includes:

[0061] S21, calculating a reference value of each connecting plate 1 according to the deformation amount of each connecting plate 1;

[0062] S22. If the reference value of at least one connecting plate 1 is greater than the preset value of the connecting plate 1, the washing tub is eccentric.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown, wherein “calculating the reference value of each connecting plate 1 according to the deformation amount of each connecting plate 1” includes:

[0064] S211, continuously testing multiple deformations and calculating an average value of the multiple deformations; during the process of continuously testing multiple deformations, one deformation is tested at every preset time interval. In this embodiment, the continuous test is one deformation, and the average value of the first ten deformations is calculated.

[0065] S212, and test to obtain the next deformation, reference value = (next deformation - average value) / initial deformation.

[0066] During the above method, the deformation corresponding to each connecting plate 1 is individually calculated and compared with its corresponding preset value to determine whether the washing tub is eccentric. Under normal circumstances, when the washing tub is eccentric, at least one connecting plate 1 is subjected to excessive force and will undergo significant deformation. Therefore, multiple connecting plates 1 are tested. If the reference value of one connecting plate 1 is greater than the preset value, the washing tub is determined to be eccentric. Furthermore, since the direction of eccentricity in the washing tub is not fixed, and therefore the connecting plate 1 subjected to excessive force is not fixed, testing multiple connecting plates 1 can ensure the accuracy of eccentricity detection.

[0067] After the washing tub becomes eccentric, the washing machine is controlled to stop dehydration and redistribute the load within the washing tub. This redistribution of the load within the washing tub specifically includes: filling the washing tub with water and controlling the washing machine to perform a rinse cycle. During the rinse cycle, agitating the clothes redistributes the center of gravity and clumping of the clothes, facilitating dehydration.

[0068] The preset value is determined based on the load in the washing tub and the speed of the washing machine's drive motor. Specifically, the initial deformation of the four connecting plates 1 is recorded as Δx0. The load weight in the washing tub is then determined. Based on Δx0, the deformation limit Lr corresponding to the load weight is selected. Where r represents the motor speed, Lr corresponds to different limit values ​​at different speeds. The limit values ​​for each load and speed are determined experimentally. The limit value refers to the maximum deformation of the connecting plates 1 without causing the washing tub to eccentric. The preset value is the limit value.

[0069] The load in the washing tub can be specifically obtained by a gravity sensor to determine the weight of the clothes in the washing tub. The results obtained by the gravity sensor are relatively accurate, and it is preferred to use the gravity sensor to obtain the results.

[0070] Regarding the acquisition of the load, it should be noted that although the load is acquired by a gravity sensor in this embodiment, in other embodiments, the load can also be acquired by image scanning and analysis, which does not deviate from the basic principles of the present invention and falls within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0071] Regarding the acquisition of limit values, it should be noted that although the limit values ​​are obtained through experiments in this embodiment, this is not a limitation of the present invention. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, in other embodiments, a simulation model can be established, and the model motor can be operated under the simulation model to obtain the limit values ​​through the output data of the simulation model.

[0072] like Figure 6 As shown, the eccentricity detection method of the washing device specifically includes the following steps:

[0073] S11. Obtain the load in the washing tub, specifically the weight of the clothes in the washing tub after drainage;

[0074] S12, obtaining the rotational speed of the driving motor of the washing device during dehydration;

[0075] S13, determining the limit value of the deformation of each connecting plate 1 under the current load according to the load and the rotation speed, that is, the preset value Lr of each connecting plate 1;

[0076] S14. Collect n+1 consecutive deformations Δxn detected by each strain gauge of each connecting plate 1, and calculate the average value an of the previous n deformations.

[0077] S15. Calculate the reference value Ln of each connecting plate 1, Ln = (△xn + 1 - an);

[0078] S16. Determine whether the Ln of each connecting plate 1 is smaller than the Lr of each connecting plate (1). If the Ln of each connecting plate 1 is larger than the Lr of each connecting plate 1, the washing tub is not eccentric; if the Ln of at least one connecting plate 1 is smaller than its corresponding Lr, the washing tub is eccentric.

[0079] Thus far, the technical solutions of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art may make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing device, characterized in that: The washing equipment comprises: Washing tub; A connecting frame is provided with a plurality of connecting plates (1), the connecting plates (1) are arranged around the washing tub, and the connecting plates (1) are connected to the washing tub via connecting rods; A strain detection member (2) is provided on the connecting plate (1) and is used to detect the deformation of the connecting plate (1) to determine whether the washing tub is eccentric.

2. The washing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that The connecting plates (1) are provided at the four corners of the connecting frame.

3. The washing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that The strain detection component (2) is a strain gauge.

4. The washing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that It also includes a protective cover, which is arranged to cover the strain detection component (2).

5. A method for detecting eccentricity of a washing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The steps include: detecting the deformation of each of the connecting plates (1); Whether the washing tub is eccentric is determined according to the deformation amount of each connecting plate (1) and the preset value of each connecting plate (1).

6. The eccentricity detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that: “Determining whether the washing tub is eccentric according to the deformation amount of each of the connecting plates (1) and the preset value of each of the connecting plates (1)” includes: Calculating a reference value of each connecting plate (1) based on the deformation amount of each connecting plate (1); If the reference value of at least one of the connecting plates (1) is greater than the preset value of the connecting plate (1), the washing tub is eccentric.

7. The eccentricity detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that: “Calculating the reference value of each connecting plate (1) based on the deformation amount of each connecting plate (1)” includes: Continuously testing a plurality of deformation amounts and calculating an average value of the plurality of deformation amounts; The next deformation is obtained by testing, and the reference value = (the next deformation - the average value) / the initial deformation.

8. The eccentricity detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the washing tub becomes eccentric, the washing device is controlled to stop dehydration and the load in the washing tub is redistributed evenly.

9. The eccentricity detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that: “Calculating an average value of a plurality of said deformation amounts” includes: The average value of the ten deformation amounts is calculated.

10. The eccentricity detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The preset value is determined according to the load in the washing tub and the rotation speed of the driving motor of the washing device.

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