Filtration module, filtration module control method and cleaning equipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to the technical field of cleaning equipment and discloses a filtration module, a control method for the filtration module, and a cleaning equipment. The filtration module includes a filtering device provided with a contaminated outlet for discharging wastewater containing filtered particles, and a collection device connected to the contaminated outlet of the filtering device and provided with at least two lint collecting assemblies. Each lint collecting assembly receives the wastewater discharged from the filtering device independently and / or together and collects the filtered particles in the wastewater. In the present invention, the collection device is provided with at least two lint collecting assemblies. By collecting filtered particles using at least two lint collecting assemblies, the total amount of filtered particles that can be collected can be increased, thereby extending the service life of the collection device after each cleaning. Furthermore, each lint collecting assembly can be cleaned separately, making it easier to use.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of cleaning equipment, and more particularly to a filtration module, a control method for a filtration module, and a cleaning equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, during the process of washing clothes in a washing machine, friction occurs between the clothes and between the clothes and the washing machine itself, causing lint to fall off the clothes and become mixed into the wash water. If the lint in the wash water cannot be removed, it is likely to adhere to the surface of the clothes after washing is complete, affecting the washing effect of the clothes. Therefore, conventional washing machines are equipped with a filter to filter out lint, and the wash water is constantly passed through the filter during the washing process to remove lint from the wash water.

[0003] However, there is a problem in that lint and other contaminants continue to accumulate in the filter after filtration, clogging it over time and rendering it unable to perform its filtering function. Furthermore, because filters are typically installed inside washing machines, users cannot directly observe the accumulation of contaminants and must clean them periodically. However, if a user washes a large amount of lint from the clothes they wash within a certain period of time or if the user forgets to clean the filter for a long period of time, the filter may become clogged. In this case, when the user uses the washing machine to wash clothes, the filter will be unable to perform its filtering function, affecting the washing performance of the clothes. Furthermore, if the washing machine fails to determine that the filter is clogged and forcibly draws wash water into the filter, the filter will be unable to drain, increasing water pressure in the washing machine's water channel structure, and in severe cases, the water channel structure may be damaged.

[0004] Meanwhile, the concept of microplastics has recently emerged in the field of environmental conservation and is gradually gaining attention. Research has shown that a significant source of microplastics is wastewater discharged from household washing machines. This is because, with the widespread use of synthetic fabrics, clothing fibers that fall off during the washing process are discharged into the wastewater from washing machines and become microplastics that enter the natural aquatic environment. Microplastics directly enter the ecosystem through wastewater and can eventually accumulate in humans via the natural food chain, potentially affecting human health. Therefore, some regions have established standards for the content of microplastics in wastewater from washing machines. However, when washing machines are operated without filters, lint from clothes can be directly discharged into the wastewater from the washing machine. This results in the presence of large amounts of microplastics in wastewater from washing machines, which can fail to meet emission standards.

[0005] In view of the above, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a filtration module, a control method for the filtration module, and a cleaning device to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, a first object of the present invention is to provide a filtration module with a long usage cycle and easy cleaning operation, and a cleaning device equipped with the filtration module. Specifically, the following technical means are used.

[0008] The filtration module includes a filtration device provided with a polluted outlet for discharging wastewater containing filtered foreign matter, and a collection device communicating with the polluted outlet of the filtration device and provided with at least two sets of lint collection assemblies.

[0009] Each lint collection assembly receives wastewater discharged from the filtering device independently and / or in combination with the others and collects the filtered debris in the wastewater.

[0010] Additionally, each lint collection assembly has a respective collection chamber for collecting filtered debris, and each collection chamber communicates with a respective contaminant outlet of the filtering device.

[0011] The system further includes a pollutant discharge pipe, the water inlet end of which is connected to the pollutant discharge port of the filtering device, the discharge end of which communicates with one of the collection chambers, and the water inlet end and the discharge end of which communicate with a pollutant discharge branch pipe, the discharge end of which communicates with another collection chamber.

[0012] Furthermore, the pollution discharge branch passage is provided with a branch passage control valve for controlling the opening and closing of the pollution discharge branch passage.

[0013] Furthermore, a pressure sensing element is provided between the water inlet end of the pollution discharge branch line and the branch line control valve for sensing the water pressure within the pollution discharge branch line.

[0014] Furthermore, the branch control valve is initially in a closed state, and it is determined whether or not to open the branch control valve based on the water pressure detected by the pressure detection member.

[0015] Furthermore, the pollution discharge pipe is provided with a pollution discharge control valve for controlling the opening and closing of the pollution discharge pipe.

[0016] Furthermore, the pollutant discharge control valve is provided between the discharge end of the pollutant discharge line and the inlet end of the pollutant discharge branch line.

[0017] The collection device further includes a housing having a main chamber within the housing, and the lint collection assembly is disposed within the main chamber.

[0018] The wastewater containing the filtered debris enters the collection chamber of the lint collection assembly, is filtered by the lint collection assembly, and then flows into the main chamber outside the collection chamber, where the filtered debris is collected in the collection chamber.

[0019] The cleaning device includes a water reservoir and further includes the filtration module, the filtration device of the filtration module being in communication with the water reservoir.

[0020] A second object of the present invention is to provide a filtration module that can automatically release pressure when clogging occurs, and a cleaning device equipped with the filtration module. Specifically, the following technical means are used.

[0021] The filtration module includes a filtration device provided with a polluted discharge outlet for discharging wastewater containing filtered foreign matter, a collection device that communicates with the polluted discharge outlet of the filtration device and receives the wastewater discharged from the filtration device, and a pressure relief device that is provided between the polluted discharge outlet of the filtration device and the collection device and is used to relieve pressure when wastewater entering the collection device becomes clogged.

[0022] The pressure relief device further includes a pressure relief branch line and a pressure relief valve installed in the pressure relief branch line. The water inlet of the pressure relief branch line is connected between the polluted discharge outlet of the filter device and the recovery device. When the pressure relief valve is opened, the pressure relief branch line is opened, allowing the polluted water discharged from the filter device to enter the pressure relief branch line, thereby realizing pressure relief.

[0023] The pressure relief valve further includes a valve body having a water inlet and a water outlet, a valve plug reciprocally disposed within the valve body, and a position return member that applies a position return force to the valve plug to cause the valve plug to maintain the closure of the water inlet.

[0024] When the water pressure in the pressure relief branch line reaches a preset value, the valve plug moves under the action of the water pressure to open the water inlet, and when the water pressure in the pressure relief branch line decreases, the valve plug returns to its original position under the action of the position return member to close the water inlet.

[0025] Furthermore, the valve body has a certain extension length along the direction of reciprocating motion of the valve plug. The water inlet is provided at one end of the valve body, and the water outlet is provided in an area of the side wall of the valve body near the end where the water inlet is located.

[0026] Furthermore, a pressure sensing member for sensing the water pressure in the pressure relief branch conduit is provided between the water inlet end of the pressure relief branch conduit and the pressure relief valve.

[0027] The system further includes a pollutant discharge pipeline, the pollutant discharge pipeline having a water inlet end connected to the pollutant outlet of the filtering device and a discharge end communicating with the recovery device, a pressure relief branch line having a water inlet end communicating with the pollutant discharge pipeline, and a pollutant discharge control valve for controlling the opening and closing of the pollutant discharge pipeline.

[0028] Furthermore, the pollutant discharge control valve is provided between the discharge end of the pollutant discharge line and the inlet end of the pressure relief branch line.

[0029] The collection device further includes a housing having a collection chamber therein, and a lint collection assembly provided within the collection chamber and surrounding a collection chamber for receiving wastewater, wherein the wastewater containing filtered foreign matter enters the collection chamber, is filtered by the lint collection assembly, and then flows into the collection chamber outside the collection chamber, and the filtered foreign matter is collected in the collection chamber.

[0030] The pressure relief device relieves pressure when the lint collection assembly becomes clogged with debris.

[0031] The pressure relief device further includes a pressure relief branch, the water inlet end of which is connected between the contaminated outlet of the filtering device and the recovery device.

[0032] The drain end of the pressure relief branch communicates with an exterior space, or the drain end of the pressure relief branch communicates with a recovery chamber outside the collection chamber.

[0033] The cleaning device includes a water reservoir and further includes the filtration module, the filtration device of the filtration module being in communication with the water reservoir.

[0034] A third object of the present invention is to provide a filtration module capable of autonomously detecting a clogged state, a control method thereof, and a cleaning device equipped with the filtration module. Specifically, the following technical means are used.

[0035] The filtration module includes a filtration device provided with a polluted discharge outlet for discharging wastewater containing filtered foreign matter, a collection device communicating with the polluted discharge outlet of the filtration device for receiving the wastewater discharged from the filtration device, and a clogging detection device for detecting whether a clogging has occurred during the process of the filtration device discharging the wastewater to the collection device.

[0036] Furthermore, the clogging detection device includes a flow rate detection device for detecting the flow rate of wastewater discharged from the filter device, and the clogging detection device determines whether a clogging has occurred in the process of the filter device discharging the wastewater to the recovery device based on the flow rate of wastewater discharged from the filter device.

[0037] The filter further includes a contaminated discharge line, the contaminated discharge outlet of the filter is connected to the inlet end of the contaminated discharge line, and the outlet end of the contaminated discharge line is connected to the recovery device, and the flow rate detection device is provided in the contaminated discharge line.

[0038] The clogging detection device further includes a water level detection device for detecting water level information in the recovery device, and the clogging detection device determines whether a clogging has occurred during the process of the filtering device discharging wastewater into the recovery device based on the water level information in the recovery device.

[0039] The water level detection device further includes a plurality of water level probes disposed at different heights within the recovery device, the water level probes contacting the water generate feedback signals.

[0040] Additionally, the pair of water level probes includes two spaced apart electrodes that generate a feedback signal when conductive with water.

[0041] The water level detection device further includes two electrode sheets extending a certain length in the vertical direction. The two electrode sheets are arranged facing each other with a certain distance between them. The capacitance value between the two electrode sheets varies depending on the area of the electrode sheets submerged under the water surface.

[0042] The collection device further includes a housing having a collection chamber therein, and a lint collection assembly provided within the collection chamber and surrounding a collection chamber for receiving wastewater, wherein the wastewater containing filtered foreign matter enters the collection chamber, is filtered by the lint collection assembly, and then flows into the collection chamber outside the collection chamber, and the filtered foreign matter is collected in the collection chamber.

[0043] The water level detection device is provided in the collection chamber to detect the water level information outside the collection chamber.

[0044] The above-mentioned method for controlling a filtration module determines whether a clog has occurred during the process in which the filtration device discharges wastewater into the recovery device, based on the detection result of the clogging detection device.

[0045] Furthermore, the clogging detection device includes a flow rate detection device for detecting the flow rate of the wastewater discharged from the filtering device, and when it is detected that the flow rate of the wastewater discharged from the filtering device is less than a predetermined flow rate, it is determined that a clogging has occurred in the process of the filtering device discharging the wastewater to the recovery device.

[0046] Alternatively, the clog detection device may include a water level detection device for detecting water level information in the recovery device, and when it is detected that the water level in the recovery device is higher than a predetermined water level or when it is detected that the rate of change of the water level in the recovery device is smaller than a predetermined rate of change, it is determined that a clog has occurred during the process in which the filtering device discharges wastewater into the recovery device.

[0047] The cleaning device includes a water reservoir and further includes the filtration module, the filtration device of the filtration module being in communication with the water reservoir. [Effects of the Invention]

[0048] By using the above technical means, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0049] 1. The collection device is provided with at least two lint collection assemblies. By collecting filtered debris using at least two lint collection assemblies, the total amount of debris that can be collected is increased, preventing situations where dirty water cannot enter the collection device. This, first, extends the cleaning cycle of the collection device. Second, it is easier to use because the user can clean each lint collection assembly separately.

[0050] 2. The filter module is equipped with a pressure relief device that can release pressure when the water pressure between the filter and the recovery device increases due to blockages that occur when wastewater enters the recovery device, thereby avoiding structural damage that may occur due to excessive water pressure and providing protection for the filter module.

[0051] 3. When the user cannot directly observe the state of the filtration module, the clogging detection device installed in the filtration module can independently detect whether a clogging has occurred during the process of the filtration device discharging wastewater into the recovery device, thereby enabling the cleaning equipment to monitor the state of the filtration module, thereby avoiding the problem of the filtration module becoming clogged and unable to perform its filtering function.

[0052] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below in conjunction with the drawings.

[0053] The drawings are used as part of the present invention for further understanding of the present invention. Furthermore, the schematic embodiments of the present invention and their explanations are used for interpreting the present invention, but do not unduly limit the present invention. It goes without saying that the drawings described below are only a part of the embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings from these drawings without requiring creative work. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0054] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a filtration module and associated water channels in Examples 1 to 3 of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a cleaning device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a cleaning device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a filtration module and related water channels in Example 4 of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of a filtration module and related water channels in Example 6 of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram (closed state) of a pressure relief valve according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram (open state) of a pressure relief valve according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic structural diagram of a filtration module and related water channels in Example 7 of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a cleaning device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a filtration module and related water channels in Example 9 of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic structural diagram of a filtration module and related water channels in Example 10 of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic structural diagram of a water level detection device in a recovery device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is another schematic structural diagram of the water level detection device in the recovery device according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic structural diagram of a filtration module and related water channels in Example 11 of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a cleaning device in a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] It should be explained that these drawings and written descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive concepts in any way, but rather to illustrate the inventive concepts to those skilled in the art with reference to specific embodiments.

[0056] In order to make the purpose, technical means and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the following will clearly and concisely describe the technical means of the embodiments in combination with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention, which are for the purpose of explaining the present invention but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0057] In describing the present invention, it should be noted that directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "inner," and "outer" are directions or positional relationships based on the drawings, and are merely for the convenience and simplification of the description of the present invention, and do not explicitly or implicitly indicate that the subject devices or components have a specific direction and must be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0058] In describing the present invention, it should be understood that unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "attach," "couple," and "connect" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they may be fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected. They may also be mechanically connected or electrically connected. Furthermore, they may be directly connected or indirectly connected via an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can interpret the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific circumstances. [Example]

[0059] This embodiment provides a filtration module and a cleaning appliance including the filtration module, which can be a washing machine with a laundry washing function, such as a washing machine, a combined washer-dryer, or a care machine.

[0060] 1 and 2, the cleaning equipment of this embodiment includes a water tank 100. The filtration module is in communication with the water tank 100 and is capable of receiving and filtering water in the water tank 100. Specifically, the filtration module includes a filtration device 600 and a recovery device 500.

[0061] The filtration device 600 is connected to the water tank 100. A circulation pump 400 is provided between the filtration device 600 and the water tank 100. Water in the water tank 100 can be drawn into the filtration device 600 and filtered by the circulation pump 400. The filtration device 600 has a self-cleaning function, eliminating the need for a user to remove the filtration device 600 and clean it manually. The filtration device 600 can perform self-cleaning and discharge impurities accumulated during the filtration process along with the water flow. Specifically, the filtration device 600 is provided with a contaminant outlet 6103, through which the wastewater containing the impurities after self-cleaning can be discharged. This prevents a large amount of impurities from accumulating inside the filtration device 600, which would affect the filtration efficiency.

[0062] The recovery device 500 is connected to the pollutant outlet 6103 of the filtering device 600 and can receive the wastewater discharged from the filtering device 600. This prevents the wastewater discharged from the filtering device 600 from joining the drainage water flow of the cleaning equipment and being discharged to the outside, thereby preventing the problem of microplastics in the filtered foreign matter entering the ecosystem circulation along with the drainage water flow.

[0063] In this embodiment, at least two lint collecting assemblies 570 are provided inside the collection device 500. Each lint collecting assembly 570 independently receives wastewater discharged from the filter device and collects contaminants in the wastewater. Each lint collecting assembly 570 has a collection chamber for collecting contaminants. Each collection chamber is connected to a contaminated outlet 6103 of the filter device 600.

[0064] Specifically, the collection device 500 in this embodiment is provided with a first lint collecting assembly 571 and at least one second lint collecting assembly 572. The first lint collecting assembly 571 and the second lint collecting assembly 572 independently receive the wastewater discharged from the filtering device 600 and collect foreign matter in the wastewater.

[0065] Furthermore, the first lint collecting assembly 571 has a first collection chamber for collecting filtered debris, and the second lint collecting assembly 572 has a second collection chamber independent of the first collection chamber. The first and second collection chambers are each in communication with the contaminant discharge port 6103 of the filtering device 600. The fact that the second collection chamber is independent of the first collection chamber means that when the dirty water discharged from the filtering device 600 does not enter the first collection chamber, it directly enters the second collection chamber.

[0066] In the above solution, the collection device 500 can preferentially use the first lint collecting assembly 571 to receive the wastewater discharged from the filtering device 600. However, if the first lint collecting assembly 571 becomes full and can no longer receive the wastewater, the collection device 500 may continue to receive the wastewater using one or more second lint collecting assemblies 572. This avoids a situation where the wastewater discharge process of the filtering device 600 is forcibly stopped.

[0067] In this embodiment, the collection device 500 further includes a housing 510. The housing 510 has a main storage chamber 533 therein, and a first lint collecting assembly 571 and a second lint collecting assembly 572 are both provided in the main storage chamber 533. The first lint collecting assembly 571 and the second lint collecting assembly 572 can each provide a filtering effect on the wastewater.

[0068] Specifically, when wastewater containing contaminants enters the first collection chamber of the first lint collecting assembly 571, it is filtered by the first lint collecting assembly 571 and can flow into the main storage chamber 533 outside the first collection chamber. As a result, the contaminants are collected in the first collection chamber. Also, when wastewater containing contaminants enters the second collection chamber of the second lint collecting assembly 572, it is filtered by the second lint collecting assembly 572 and can flow into the main storage chamber 533 outside the second collection chamber. As a result, the contaminants are collected in the second collection chamber.

[0069] 2 shows a plan view of the collection device 500 when one second lint collecting assembly 572 is provided. The first lint collecting assembly 571 and the second lint collecting assembly 572 are provided so as to be horizontally distributed in the housing 510. Therefore, water filtered by either the first lint collecting assembly 571 or the second lint collecting assembly 572 does not fall into the other.

[0070] Specifically, the housing 510 of the collection device 500 is provided with a first water inlet 511 and a second water inlet 512. The first water inlet 511 and the second water inlet 512 are both provided on the right end surface of the housing 510 and communicate with the contaminated discharge port 6103 of the filtering device 600 through a pipe. The first lint collecting assembly 571 includes a filter mesh mechanism surrounding a first collection chamber. The filter mesh mechanism is provided near the right end surface of the housing 510 and communicates with the first water inlet 511. The second lint collecting assembly 572 has a similar structure to the first lint collecting assembly 571 and also includes a filter mesh mechanism. The filter mesh mechanism surrounds a second collection chamber, is provided near the right end surface of the housing 510, and communicates with the second water inlet 512.

[0071] The housing 510 is attached to the case 10 of the cleaning device so as to be insertable and removable. The upper side of the housing 510 has an open structure. The first lint collecting assembly 571 and the second lint collecting assembly 572 are removably attached inside the housing 510. This allows the user to remove them for cleaning, making the cleaning operation even easier.

[0072] In the above solution, the wastewater discharged from the filtering device 600 can be filtered within the collection device 500. The final filtered particles are collected inside the first lint collecting assembly 571 or the second lint collecting assembly 572, and the water without the filtered particles is collected in the main storage chamber 533 of the collection device 500. By separating the filtered particles from the wastewater using the first lint collecting assembly 571 and the second lint collecting assembly 572, the user can easily dispose of the collected filtered particles directly. This prevents the filtered particles from being mixed into the water, making it impossible to effectively dispose of the water.

[0073] In a preferred solution of this embodiment, the housing 510 may be provided with a water outlet communicating with the main storage chamber 533, so that the water collected in the main storage chamber 533 of the recovery device 500 can be discharged from the water outlet. Since the water collected in the main storage chamber 533 is filtered water that does not contain filtered foreign matter, it may be drawn back into the water tank 100 for reuse. Alternatively, the water may be drawn directly into the external discharge pipe 250 of the cleaning device and discharged, which will not cause the problem of fine lint contained in the filtered foreign matter entering the ecosystem circulation.

[0074] In a further solution of this embodiment, the filtration module further includes a polluted discharge pipe 240 to discharge polluted water from the filtering device 600 to the collection device 500. The inlet end of the polluted discharge pipe 240 is connected to the polluted discharge port 6103 of the filtering device 600, and the outlet end is connected to the first water inlet 511 and communicates with a first collection chamber inside the first lint collecting assembly 571. The polluted discharge pipe 240 communicates between its inlet and outlet ends with a polluted discharge branch passage 244. The outlet end of the polluted discharge branch passage 244 is connected to the second water inlet 512 and communicates with a second collection chamber inside the second lint collecting assembly 572.

[0075] The pollutant discharge branch path 244 is provided with a branch path control valve 246 for controlling the opening and closing of the pollutant discharge branch path 244. When the branch path control valve 246 is closed, the pollutant discharge branch path 244 is not opened, and the polluted water discharged from the filtering device 600 flows along the pollutant discharge pipe 240 into the first collecting chamber. On the other hand, when the branch path control valve 246 is opened, the pollutant discharge branch path 244 is opened. This allows the polluted water discharged from the filtering device 600 to bypass the first lint collecting assembly 571 and flow along the pollutant discharge branch path 244 into the second collecting chamber.

[0076] In this embodiment, the second lint collecting assembly 572 is used as an auxiliary collecting assembly. When the first lint collecting assembly 571 becomes clogged with foreign matter and can no longer filter wastewater, the branch control valve 246 is opened to allow wastewater discharged from the filtering device 600 to be guided to the second lint collecting assembly 572.

[0077] Furthermore, the filtration module in this embodiment can monitor whether clogging occurs in the first lint collecting assembly 571 and automatically control the branch control valve 246 to open.

[0078] Specifically, a pressure sensing element 245 for sensing the water pressure in the pollutant discharge branch channel 244 is provided between the water inlet end of the pollutant discharge branch channel 244 and the branch channel control valve 246. The branch channel control valve 246 is initially in a closed state, and based on the water pressure sensed by the pressure sensing element 245, it is determined whether to open the branch channel control valve 246.

[0079] In an initial state, the first lint collecting assembly 571 is not clogged, and therefore the contaminated water discharged from the filter device 600 can smoothly enter the first collecting chamber of the first lint collecting assembly 571. At this time, there is almost no water in the contaminated discharge branch passage 244. However, if the first lint collecting assembly 571 becomes clogged, the contaminated water cannot pass through the first lint collecting assembly 571 and enter the main storage chamber 533, and the first collecting chamber quickly becomes full.

[0080] When the first collection chamber becomes nearly full, the wastewater cannot enter the first collection chamber any more and flows into the pollutant discharge branch passage 244. However, because the branch passage control valve 246 is closed, as the filtration device 600 continues to discharge the wastewater to the outside, the water pressure in the pollutant discharge branch passage 244 increases rapidly. When the pressure sensing member 245 detects that the water pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure, the branch passage control valve 246 is controlled to open, allowing the wastewater to be discharged into the second collection chamber inside the second lint collecting assembly 572.

[0081] In the above solution, the pressure sensing element 245 is provided to sense the water pressure in the contaminated discharge branch channel 244, thereby quickly detecting the occurrence of a blockage in the first lint collecting assembly 571. Then, the branch channel control valve 246 is automatically controlled to open, ensuring that the filtering device 600 can continue to discharge the contaminated water to the outside. The combination of the pressure sensing element 245 and the branch channel control valve 246 realizes automatic control of whether to start using the second lint collecting assembly 572, which is even more intelligent.

[0082] In a further solution of this embodiment, the pollutant discharge pipeline 240 is provided with a pollutant discharge control valve 241 for controlling the opening and closing of the pollutant discharge pipeline 240. Specifically, the pollutant discharge control valve 241 is provided between the discharge end of the pollutant discharge pipeline 240 and the inlet end of the pollutant discharge branch line 244.

[0083] When the filtration device 600 filters the drawn-in water, the pollutant discharge control valve 241 is closed, and the branch control valve 246 is also closed. As a result, the pollutant discharge port 6103 of the filtration device 600 is not in communication with the recovery device 500, and the filtration device 600 can only discharge the filtered water to the outside from the filtered water outlet 6102.

[0084] When the filtration device 600 attempts to discharge wastewater to the outside, it opens the pollutant discharge control valve 241. Alternatively, when the pressure detection member 245 detects that the water pressure has risen to a predetermined pressure, it opens the branch control valve 246. This allows the filtration device 600 to discharge wastewater to the recovery device 500.

[0085] It should be noted that the pollutant discharge control valve 241 is disposed between the discharge end of the pollutant discharge pipeline 240 and the inlet end of the pollutant discharge branch line 244, and therefore, when the pollutant discharge control valve 241 is closed, the water pressure in the pollutant discharge branch line 244 may increase. Therefore, in this embodiment, the pressure sensing element 245 is controlled to operate and detect the water pressure in the pollutant discharge branch line 244 only when the pollutant discharge control valve 241 is open. This prevents the branch line control valve 246 from being accidentally opened while the filtration device 600 is filtering.

[0086] In this embodiment, the collection device 500 is provided with the first lint collecting assembly 571 and the second lint collecting assembly 572. Therefore, even if the first lint collecting assembly 571 becomes clogged, the second lint collecting assembly 572 can receive and filter the wastewater discharged from the filtering device 600. Therefore, even if the first lint collecting assembly 571 becomes clogged, the filtering module can continue to operate, and the filtering device 600 will not be unable to discharge filtered debris, resulting in a decrease in filtering efficiency. In addition, by providing the pressure detecting member 245 and the branch control valve 246 in the contaminant discharge branch 244, automatic control of whether to start using the second lint collecting assembly 572 can be achieved, thereby increasing the degree of automation applied to the cleaning machine.

[0087] In a further solution of this embodiment, the filtering device 600 specifically includes: a filtering chamber 610 having a water inlet 6101, a filtered water outlet 6102, and a polluted water outlet 6103, the water inlet 6101 being connected to the water tank 100 to receive water drawn in, and the filtered water outlet 6102 being used to discharge filtered water; a filtering mechanism 620 rotatably arranged inside the filtering chamber 610, the filtering mechanism 620 having a water outlet joint 621 rotatably and sealingly connected to the filtered water outlet 6102; and a driving mechanism 660 connected to the filtering mechanism 620 and used to rotate the filtering mechanism 620 within the filtering chamber 610.

[0088] The filtering mechanism 620 divides the interior of the filtering chamber 610 into an outer storage chamber and an inner storage chamber. A water inlet 6101 communicates with the outer storage chamber, and a filtered water outlet 6102 communicates with the inner storage chamber. By the action of the circulation pump 400, water in the water storage tank 100 enters the outer storage chamber via the water inlet 6101, passes through the filtering mechanism 620, and enters the inner storage chamber, thereby achieving filtration. Foreign matter contained in the water adheres to the outer wall of the filtering mechanism 620, and the water from which the foreign matter has been removed passes through the water discharge joint 621 and flows out from the filtered water outlet 6102.

[0089] In detail, the filtering mechanism 620 includes a filter mesh holder and a filter mesh covering the filter mesh holder. One end of the filter mesh holder extends into the filtered water outlet 6102 to form the water discharge joint 621. The pore size of the filter mesh satisfies the following requirements: the size of the filtering foreign matter, such as lint that can be removed by filtration, is 17 μm±2 μm or more in diameter, and 500 μm±50 μm or more in length.

[0090] When it is desired to clean the foreign matter inside the filtration device 600, the driving mechanism 660 rotates the filtration mechanism 620, thereby agitating the water flow inside the filtration chamber 610. As a result, the foreign matter adhering to the outer wall of the filtration mechanism 620 is peeled off by the dual effects of centrifugal force and the turbulent water flow, and is mixed into the water inside the filtration chamber 610, where it is discharged together with the water flow from the contamination discharge port 6103 of the filtration chamber 610.

[0091] Between the inner wall of the filtering chamber 610 and the outer wall of the filtering mechanism 620, cleaning particles 680 are further provided to clean the inner wall of the filtering chamber 610 and the outer wall of the filtering mechanism 620 by generating friction and collisions in association with the water flow. During the filtering process, the cleaning particles 680 constantly generate friction with the inner wall of the filtering chamber 610 and the outer wall of the filtering mechanism 620 in association with the flowing water flow, causing adhering contaminants to fall off. This prevents the accumulation of contaminants, thereby avoiding a situation in which the filtering mechanism 620 is too quickly covered with contaminants, which would affect filtering efficiency. It also avoids a problem in which the thickness of the adhering contaminants becomes thick after filtering is completed and they adhere too tightly to the inner wall of the filtering chamber 610 or the outer wall of the filtering mechanism 620, making it difficult to remove the contaminants when cleaning the filtering device 600 later.

[0092] When the driving mechanism 660 rotates the filtering mechanism 620 within the filtering chamber 610 to achieve self-cleaning, the cleaning particles 680 move within the filtering chamber 610 due to the action of the turbulent water flow, generating friction against the inner wall of the filtering chamber 610 and the outer wall of the filtering mechanism 620. This improves the efficiency of removing the filtering foreign matter, and the self-cleaning effect of the filtering device 600 is improved.

[0093] A baffle 690 is further provided within the filtration chamber 610. The baffle 690 is also provided with a water passage hole 691. The cleaning particles 680 are provided on one side of the baffle 690 (i.e., the left side in FIG. 2), and the filtered water outlet 6102 and the contaminant discharge port 6103 of the filtration chamber 610 are both located on the other side of the baffle 690 (i.e., the right side in FIG. 2).

[0094] The provision of the baffle plate 690 makes it possible to prevent cleaning particles 680 from collecting at the filtrate outlet 6102 during the filtration process. Furthermore, when the filtration device 600 performs self-cleaning and discharges wastewater, the water passage hole 691 allows the wastewater, along with the filtered foreign matter, to pass through the baffle plate 690 and be discharged from the pollutant discharge port 6103. Meanwhile, the cleaning particles 680 are blocked by the baffle plate 690 and are not discharged from the pollutant discharge port 6103 along with the water flow. This prevents the loss of the cleaning particles 680. It also makes it possible to prevent the cleaning particles 680 from accumulating at the pollutant discharge port 6103, clogging the pollutant discharge port 6103 and affecting the discharge efficiency of the wastewater.

[0095] The washing machine of this embodiment specifically includes a circulation filtration pipe whose water inlet and outlet ends are respectively connected to the water tank 100. A filtration device 600 and a circulation pump 400 are both provided in the circulation filtration pipe. When the washing machine is washing clothes, the circulation pump 400 is activated to allow water in the water tank 100 to flow along the circulation filtration pipe, enter the filtration device 600, be filtered, and then return to the water tank 100.

[0096] Specifically, a water tank drain pipe 260 is connected to the bottom of the water tank 100. The water tank drain pipe 260 is connected to the inlet end of the circulation pump 400, and the outlet end of the circulation pump 400 is connected to the circulation pipe 220. In addition, the circulation pipe 220 is connected to the water inlet 6101 of the filtration device 600. The filtered water outlet 6102 of the filtration device 600 communicates with the water tank 100 through the water return pipe 230. Specifically, the drain end of the water return pipe 230 is connected to the window packing 110 at the tank opening of the water tank 100, and water is returned to the water tank 100 through the window packing 110.

[0097] In a further solution of this embodiment, a switching device 270 is provided between the filtered water outlet 6102 of the filtration device 600 and the return water pipe 230. The water inlet of the switching device 270 is connected to the filtered water outlet 6102 of the filtration device 600. The switching device 270 has a first water outlet and a second water outlet. The first water outlet is connected to the return water pipe 230, and the second water outlet is connected to an external discharge pipe 250 that drains water to the outside of the cleaning equipment. A switching mechanism is provided inside the switching device 270 to selectively control the first water outlet and the second water outlet to be connected to the water inlet. Note that the drainage water flow from the cleaning equipment is filtered by the filtration device 600 before being discharged to the outside, ensuring that the drainage water contains almost no microplastics.

[0098] By providing the switching device 270, the washing machine can achieve two types of filtration functions, circulation filtration during the washing process of the washing machine and drainage filtration during the drainage process, with just one filtration device 600. Furthermore, since circulation filtration and drainage filtration share the same circulation pump 400 and some of the piping structure, the water channel control structure inside the washing machine is simplified. Furthermore, since the circulation filtration and drainage filtration functions can be switched by controlling the opening direction of the switching device 270, the control logic is simple.

[0099] Preferably, a return water control valve 231 is further provided outside the filtrate outlet 6102 of the filtration device 600 to control opening and closing between the filtrate outlet 6102 and the switching device 270. When the filtration device 600 performs filtration (including circulation filtration and drainage filtration), the return water control valve 231 is in an open state. On the other hand, when controlling the filtration device 600 to discharge wastewater, the return water control valve 231 is closed, thereby preventing the filtration device 600 from discharging wastewater from the filtrate outlet 6102. This reliably ensures that wastewater within the filtration device 600 is sufficiently discharged from the pollutant discharge port 6103.

[0100] In this embodiment, the washing machine performs circulating filtration using the filtration device 600 during the washing process, removing foreign matter such as lint from the water to ensure effective washing of clothes. In addition, during the drainage stage, the filtration device 600 performs drainage filtration, and the drainage water is filtered by the filtration device 600 before being discharged to the outside. This minimizes the amount of microplastics contained in the drainage water, thereby avoiding the impact of laundry wastewater on the ecological environment. [Example]

[0101] 1 and 2, this embodiment provides a method for controlling the cleaning appliance described in the above-described embodiment 1. The control method includes the cleaning appliance running a cleaning program and executing an additional program for directing water to the filtering device 600 for filtering, and determining that the second lint collecting assembly 572 in the collection device 500 has started to be used and transmitting a warning message.

[0102] Specifically, the operations of the cleaning equipment in this embodiment to execute the additional program include operating the circulation pump 400, directing water to the filtration device 600 to filter it, and performing a pollution discharge operation in which the filtration device 600 discharges wastewater into the recovery device 500 according to a predetermined program.

[0103] The pollutant discharge operation according to a predetermined program means that the filtering device 600 continues filtering for a certain period of time, and then opens the pollutant discharge control valve 241 to discharge the polluted water into the recovery device 500 .

[0104] In the solution of this embodiment, when the second lint collecting assembly 572 is started to be used, the first lint collecting assembly 571 is clogged and filled with wastewater, meaning that it can no longer receive wastewater discharged from the filtering device 600. In this case, the second lint collecting assembly 572 can be used to achieve the wastewater receiving function, allowing the washing machine to complete the operation of the current washing program. However, if the user does not clean the collecting device 500 after the current washing program is completed, there is a high possibility that the second lint collecting assembly 572 will become clogged and the collecting device 500 will no longer be able to receive wastewater when the user runs the washing program again to execute an additional program that directs water to the filtering module.

[0105] In this embodiment, while the washing machine is running a washing program, it monitors whether the second lint collecting assembly 572 has been started, and when the second lint collecting assembly 572 has been started, it can send a warning to the user to remind the user to clean the collection device 500 after the current washing program is completed, thereby ensuring that the washing machine can complete the execution of the additional program the next time the washing machine runs a washing program.

[0106] Specifically, the method for controlling the cleaning equipment in this embodiment includes the following steps, as shown in FIG.

[0107] S11: The cleaning program starts.

[0108] S12: An additional program is executed to guide water to the filtration device 600 and perform filtration.

[0109] S13: Determine whether the second lint collecting assembly 572 has been started, and if it has been started, send a warning message and execute step S14. If it has not been started, execute step S14 directly.

[0110] S14: The cleaning program continues to run.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, whether to start using the second lint collecting assembly 572 is controlled by controlling the open / closed state of the branch control valve 246. Whether to open the branch control valve 246 is determined based on the water pressure detected by the pressure detecting member 245.

[0112] In step S13 of the control method of this embodiment, when the pollution discharge control valve 241 is in the open state and the water pressure detected by the pressure detection member 245 exceeds a predetermined pressure, the branch control valve 246 is controlled to be opened, and it is determined that use of the second lint collection assembly 572 has begun, and warning information is sent to warn the user to clean the collection device 500 after the current cleaning program is completed.

[0113] In particular, the cleaning appliance determines that use of the second lint collection assembly 572 has begun after receiving a signal that the water pressure has exceeded a predetermined pressure, or controls the branch control valve 246 to open after receiving a signal that the water pressure has exceeded a predetermined pressure, and determines that use of the second lint collection assembly 572 has begun when the cleaning appliance receives a signal that the branch control valve 246 is in an open state.

[0114] In this embodiment, the cleaning appliance sends a warning to the user after the second lint collecting assembly 572 is started. This quickly notifies the user of the current status of the collection device 500, thereby reminding the user to clean the collection device 500 after the current cleaning program is completed. This avoids the problem of the user forgetting to clean the collection device 500, which could cause the collection device 500 to be unable to continue receiving wastewater discharged from the filtration device 600 during the cleaning program, preventing the additional program that realizes the filtration function from continuing to run. [Example]

[0115] 1 and 2, this embodiment provides a control method for the cleaning device described in the above-mentioned embodiment 1. The control method includes the cleaning device running a cleaning program and executing an additional program for directing water to a filtration module for filtration, obtaining the current filtration capacity of the filtration module, and stopping the execution of the additional program when it is determined that the current filtration capacity of the filtration module is lower than a first filtration threshold.

[0116] Specifically, the operations of the cleaning equipment in this embodiment to execute the additional program include operating the circulation pump 400, directing water to the filtration device 600 to filter it, and performing a pollution discharge operation in which the filtration device 600 discharges wastewater into the recovery device 500 according to a predetermined program.

[0117] The pollutant discharge operation according to a predetermined program means that the filtering device 600 continues filtering for a certain period of time, and then opens the pollutant discharge control valve 241 to discharge the polluted water into the recovery device 500 .

[0118] The filtering capacity of the filtering module in this embodiment specifically refers to the excess filtering capacity of the collection device 500, which can be determined by monitoring whether a blockage has occurred in the first lint collecting assembly 571 and / or the second lint collecting assembly 572.

[0119] In this embodiment, when the current filtering capacity of the filtering module is lower than the first filtering threshold, it corresponds to a situation where both the first lint collecting assembly 571 and the second lint collecting assembly 572 are clogged. In this case, the collection device 500 is unable to accept the wastewater discharged from the filtering device 600. Therefore, since the foreign matter accumulated in the filtering device 600 cannot be discharged, if the additional program is continued to be executed, the filtering device 600 will soon become clogged.

[0120] Therefore, in this embodiment, if a blockage occurs in either the first lint collecting assembly 571 or the second lint collecting assembly 572, the execution of the additional program is stopped. In other words, water is not guided to the filtering device 600.

[0121] Furthermore, before determining that the current filtering capacity of the filtering module is lower than the first filtering threshold, determining that the current filtering capacity of the filtering module is lower than the second filtering threshold and starting use of the second lint collection assembly 572. This allows the cleaning program to continue to operate and maintains the continuation of the execution of the additional program.

[0122] When the current filtering capacity of the filtration module is lower than the second filtering threshold, this corresponds to a situation in which the first lint collecting assembly 571 is clogged and full of wastewater, preventing wastewater from entering the first collecting chamber of the first lint collecting assembly 571. In this case, by opening the branch control valve 246 and starting to use the second lint collecting assembly 572, the collection device 500 can continue to receive wastewater discharged from the filtering device 600, allowing the additional program to continue to run.

[0123] In a further solution of this embodiment, the cleaning program continues to run after the execution of the additional program is stopped. That is, when it is determined that the recovery device 500 is no longer able to accept the wastewater discharged from the filtration device 600, the filtration module is simply controlled to stop operation, but the cleaning program continues to run until it is completed.

[0124] This prevents clogging of the filtering device 600 due to continued execution and allows the current washing process to be completed without user intervention, resulting in a higher level of automation. In particular, since the washing program will no longer stop due to clogging of the collection device 500 when the user is not standing by the washing machine, it is possible to avoid user frustration caused by the inability to complete the washing program.

[0125] Furthermore, in this embodiment, stopping the execution of the above-mentioned additional program includes not starting the circulation pump 400 to perform circulation filtration during the process of running the cleaning program thereafter, but starting the circulation pump 400 only during the drainage stage to perform drainage filtration.

[0126] In the washing machine of this embodiment, the drain water flow must pass through the filter 600 before it can be discharged, so performing drain water filtration during the drain stage is essential. Compared to the washing / rinsing stage, the operation duration of the filter 600 during the drain stage is shorter, so even if the filtration of the drain water flow is completed without performing contaminated discharge, there will be no problem of the filter 600 becoming completely clogged.

[0127] In this embodiment, the cleaning equipment can determine whether the first lint collecting assembly 571 is clogged from the water pressure detected by the pressure detecting member 245, and control whether to open the branch passage control valve 246 to start using the second lint collecting assembly 572. Similarly, by detecting the water pressure in the contaminant discharge branch passage 244 with the pressure detecting member 245, it can also determine whether the second lint collecting assembly 572 is clogged.

[0128] Specifically, when the branch control valve 246 is closed, if the water pressure detected by the pressure detection member 245 exceeds a first predetermined pressure, it is determined that the first lint collection assembly 571 is clogged, and the branch control valve 246 is controlled to open, so that the second lint collection assembly 572 receives the wastewater discharged from the filtration device 600.

[0129] The cleaning equipment continues the operation of the cleaning program and opens the branch control valve 246 each time the filtering device 600 performs a pollutant discharge operation. If the water pressure detected by the pressure sensing member 245 exceeds the second predetermined pressure when the branch control valve 246 is open, it determines that the second lint collecting assembly 572 is clogged and stops the execution of the additional program.

[0130] In detail, the method for controlling the cleaning equipment includes the following steps, as shown in FIG.

[0131] S21: The cleaning program starts.

[0132] S22: An additional program is executed to guide water to the filtration device 600 and perform filtration.

[0133] S23: If the water pressure detected by the pressure detecting member 245 exceeds the first predetermined pressure, the branch control valve 246 is opened to start using the second lint collecting assembly 572.

[0134] S24: The cleaning program continues to operate, and the additional program continues to be executed.

[0135] S25: If the water pressure detected by the pressure detection member 245 exceeds the second predetermined pressure, the execution of the additional program is stopped.

[0136] S26: The washing program continues to run.

[0137] In the above solution, stopping the execution of the additional program simply means not performing circulation filtration, and drain filtration must be performed in the drain stage, so the second predetermined pressure value is smaller than the first predetermined pressure value.

[0138] If the water pressure detected by the pressure sensing member 245 exceeds the first predetermined pressure, it means that the first lint collecting assembly 571 is completely clogged and full of dirty water, and at this point, the second lint collecting assembly 572 begins to be used, thereby ensuring that the filtering capacity of the first lint collecting assembly 571 is fully utilized.

[0139] Because the second predetermined pressure is smaller than the first predetermined pressure, if the water pressure detected by the pressure sensing member 245 exceeds the second predetermined pressure, the second lint collecting assembly 572 is clogged at this point, but is not completely filled with dirty water and still has a certain amount of space to continue receiving dirty water. This allows a small amount of dirty water to be discharged into the collection device 500 when drainage filtration is performed in a subsequent washing program. This reduces the amount of filtered debris accumulated in the filtration device 600, thereby preventing clogging of the filtration device 600.

[0140] In this embodiment, when the first lint collecting assembly 571 becomes full of dirty water while the washing machine is running a washing program, the second lint collecting assembly 572 can be started. If the second lint collecting assembly 572 also becomes clogged, circulation filtration is not performed, but the washing program continues to operate and drain filtration is performed during the drain stage. This avoids the problem of clogging caused by the filtration device 600 continuing to operate when it is unable to discharge filtered foreign matter, and also ensures that the washing program is completed without user intervention, improving the automation of the washing machine. [Example]

[0141] As shown in Figures 1 and 5, this embodiment differs from the above-mentioned first embodiment in that the first lint collecting assembly 571 and the second lint collecting assembly 572 in the recovery device 500 receive the wastewater discharged from the filtering device 600 together and collect the filtered foreign matter in the wastewater.

[0142] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first lint collecting assembly 571 and the second lint collecting assembly 572 receiving wastewater together specifically means that when the filtering device 600 discharges wastewater to the outside, the wastewater can simultaneously enter the first lint collecting assembly 571 and the second lint collecting assembly 572. However, the second collecting chamber of the second lint collecting assembly 572 is still provided independently from the first collecting chamber of the first lint collecting assembly 571.

[0143] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pollutant discharge control valve 241 in the pollutant discharge pipe 240 is provided between the water inlet end of the pollutant discharge pipe 240 and the water inlet end of the pollutant discharge branch pipe 244. Furthermore, the pollutant discharge branch pipe 244 does not have a separate control valve structure for controlling opening and closing. When the pollutant discharge control valve 240 is opened, the first collection chamber of the first lint collecting assembly 571 and the second collection chamber of the second lint collecting assembly 572 are simultaneously connected to the pollutant discharge port of the filtering device 600, allowing the dirty water discharged from the filtering device 600 to enter the first collection chamber and the second collection chamber simultaneously.

[0144] In this embodiment, there is no priority order when the first lint collecting assembly 571 and the second lint collecting assembly 572 provided in the collection device 500 receive and filter wastewater. When the pollutant discharge control valve 241 is opened to discharge pollutants from the filtering device 600, the pollutant discharge pipe 240 and the pollutant discharge branch path 244 are simultaneously opened, allowing wastewater to flow toward the first lint collecting assembly 571 and the second lint collecting assembly 572 simultaneously.

[0145] According to the above method, the first lint collecting assembly 571 and the second lint collecting assembly 572 jointly receive the wastewater discharged from the filtering device 600, which is advantageous in extending the usage cycle of the collection device 500. Furthermore, since the first lint collecting assembly 571 and the second lint collecting assembly 572 are used with equal frequency, the first lint collecting assembly 571 is not used more frequently and therefore does not require frequent maintenance. [Example]

[0146] This embodiment further limits the first embodiment. A plurality of the second lint collecting assemblies are provided. The first lint collecting assembly receives wastewater discharged from the filtering device independently of the plurality of second lint collecting assemblies. The plurality of second lint collecting assemblies also receive wastewater discharged from the filtering device together.

[0147] Specifically, the contamination discharge port of the filtering device communicates with the first collection chamber of the first lint collecting assembly through a contamination discharge pipe. A contamination discharge control valve is provided in the contamination discharge pipe. A contamination discharge branch pipe communicates between the water inlet end of the contamination discharge pipe and the contamination discharge control valve. The contamination discharge branch pipe includes a main section connected to the contamination discharge pipe and several branch sections each communicating with the main section. The several branch sections communicate with the second collection chambers of the multiple second lint collecting assemblies in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0148] The branch control valve and pressure sensing element are both located in the main section of the pollutant discharge branch. In an initial state, the branch control valve is closed, and wastewater discharged from the filter device flows toward the first lint collecting assembly. However, if the first lint collecting assembly becomes clogged, wastewater enters the main section of the pollutant discharge branch, increasing the water pressure. When the water pressure sensed by the pressure sensing element exceeds a predetermined pressure, the branch control valve is controlled to open, allowing wastewater discharged from the filter device to flow from each branch section of the pollutant discharge branch toward each second lint collecting assembly.

[0149] In this embodiment, providing multiple second lint collecting assemblies further increases the total amount of filtered debris that can be collected by the collection device. When the first lint collecting assembly becomes clogged, multiple second lint collecting assemblies can simultaneously receive and filter wastewater discharged from the filter. In this case, first, the structure is simplified because there is no need to individually control the reception of wastewater by each second lint collecting assembly. Second, because each second lint collecting assembly is used at the same frequency, the degree of wear during use is approximately the same. This makes it convenient for users to perform maintenance or replace the entire assembly after a certain period of use. [Example]

[0150] 1 and 6, this embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments 1 to 5 in that the filtration module further includes a pressure relief device. The pressure relief device is installed between the pollutant outlet 6103 of the filtration device 600 and the recovery device 500, and is used to release pressure when the recovery device 500 is clogged with polluted water entering the recovery device 500.

[0151] Because the recovery device 500 accepts wastewater containing foreign matter, the foreign matter may clog the recovery device 500, preventing the wastewater discharged from the filtration device 600 from entering the recovery device 500. In particular, if the circulation pump 400 is in operation at this time and continues to send water from the water tank 100 toward the filtration device 600, water cannot be discharged from the filtration device 600 to the recovery device 500. This causes a significant increase in water pressure inside the filtration device 600 and between the filtration device 600 and the recovery device 500, and in serious cases, may damage the waterway structure.

[0152] Therefore, a pressure relief device is provided to quickly release excess water pressure, thereby preventing structural damage that may occur due to excessive water pressure and providing protection for the filtration module.

[0153] Specifically, the collection device 500 in this embodiment includes a housing 510 having a collection chamber therein, and a lint collection assembly 570 provided within the collection chamber. The lint collection assembly 570 surrounds a collection chamber that receives wastewater and divides the collection chamber into a collection chamber inside the lint collection assembly 570 and a main storage chamber 533 outside the lint collection assembly 570. Wastewater containing filtered particles discharged from the filtering device 600 enters the collection chamber and is filtered by the lint collection assembly 570 before flowing into the main storage chamber 533 outside the lint collection assembly 570. As a result, the filtered particles are collected in the collection chamber.

[0154] The housing 510 is attached to the case 10 of the cleaning device so as to be insertable / removable. The upper side of the housing 510 has an open structure. The lint collection assembly 570 is removably attached to the inside of the housing 510. Therefore, a user can remove it for cleaning, making the cleaning operation easier.

[0155] In the above solution, the wastewater discharged from the filtering device 600 can be filtered within the recovery device 500. The final filtered particles are collected in the collection chamber of the lint collecting assembly 570, and the water without filtered particles is collected in the main storage chamber 533 outside the lint collecting assembly 570. By separating the filtered particles from the wastewater using the lint collecting assembly 570, the user can easily dispose of the collected filtered particles directly. This prevents the filtered particles from being mixed into the water, making it impossible to effectively dispose of the water.

[0156] In this embodiment, the pressure relief device is primarily used to relieve pressure when the lint collecting assembly 570 becomes clogged with foreign matter. The interior of the lint collecting assembly 570 mainly collects foreign matter, and water, which accounts for most of the volume of wastewater, accumulates in the main collection chamber 533 outside the lint collecting assembly 570, making the interior volume of the lint collecting assembly 570 relatively small. If the lint collecting assembly 570 becomes clogged with foreign matter, subsequent wastewater cannot be filtered by the lint collecting assembly 570 and flow into the main collection chamber 533. Therefore, the collection chamber in the lint collecting assembly 570 quickly becomes full, making it impossible for subsequent wastewater to enter. In this case, a pressure relief device must be used to relieve pressure.

[0157] In the specific solution of this embodiment, the pressure relief device includes a branch pressure relief line 247 and a pressure relief valve 590 installed in the branch pressure relief line 247. The pollutant discharge port 6103 of the filtering device 600 and the recovery device 500 are connected via the pollutant discharge line 240. The water inlet of the branch pressure relief line 247 is connected to the pollutant discharge line 240 between the pollutant discharge port 6103 of the filtering device 600 and the recovery device 500. When the pressure relief valve 590 is opened, the branch pressure relief line 247 is opened, allowing the polluted water discharged from the filtering device 600 to enter the branch pressure relief line 247, thereby realizing pressure relief.

[0158] In the above solution, when pressure needs to be relieved, the pressure relief valve 590 is opened to open the pressure relief branch line 247. This allows the wastewater in the polluted discharge line 240 to enter the pressure relief branch line 247, allowing the wastewater in the filtration device 600 to be discharged along the pressure relief branch line 247, thereby achieving the purpose of reducing the water pressure in the polluted discharge line 240.

[0159] In a further solution of this embodiment, the discharge end of the pressure relief branch 247 communicates with the main chamber 533 outside the lint collecting assembly 570. That is, the wastewater is still discharged to the collecting device 500, but is drawn directly into the main chamber 533 outside the lint collecting assembly 570, rather than entering the inside of the collecting chamber of the lint collecting assembly 570. This achieves the purpose of releasing pressure and also avoids the problem of filtering foreign matter contained in the wastewater being arbitrarily released.

[0160] In this embodiment, the pressure relief valve 590 is a normally closed valve that can be automatically opened when the water pressure reaches a certain level, eliminating the need for separate control.

[0161] 7 and 8, the pressure relief valve 590 includes a valve body 591, a valve plug 592, and a position return member 593. The valve body 591 is provided with a water inlet 5911 and a water outlet 5912. The valve plug 592 is provided within the valve body 591 so as to be able to move back and forth. The position return member 593 is used to apply a position return force to the valve plug 592, causing the valve plug 592 to maintain the closure of the water inlet 5911.

[0162] When the water pressure in the pressure relief branch passage 247 reaches a preset value, the valve plug 592 moves under the action of the water pressure to open the water inlet 5911. When the water pressure in the pressure relief branch passage 247 decreases, the valve plug 592 returns to its original position under the action of the position return member 593 to close the water inlet 5911.

[0163] Furthermore, the valve body 591 has a certain extension length along the reciprocating direction of the valve plug 592. The water inlet 5911 is provided at one end (i.e., the left end in FIG. 7) of the valve body 591. Furthermore, the water outlet 5912 is provided in an area of the side wall of the valve body 591 near the end where the water inlet 5911 is located.

[0164] Specifically, a valve seat 596 is provided at the right end of the valve body 591. A guide rod 597 extending laterally is connected to the valve plug 592. The guide rod 597 is slidably attached to the valve seat 596. The position return member 593 is a compression spring that is fitted over the guide rod 597, with its left end abutting the valve plug 592 and its right end abutting the valve seat 596. A protruding position restricting portion 595 is provided on the inner wall of the valve body 591 in the water inlet 5911 area. The position restricting portion 595 surrounds the water inlet 5911, and the outer periphery of the left end face of the valve plug 592 abuts against the position restricting portion 595 to close the water inlet 5911. A protruding protrusion 594 is formed in the central region of the left end face of the valve plug 592. The protrusion 594 extends outward from the water inlet 5911.

[0165] When there is no water in the branch pressure relief passage 247 or when the water pressure is low, the position return member 593 brings the valve plug 592 into sealing contact with the position restricting portion 595 of the water inlet 5911, thereby closing the water inlet 5911. At this time, the pressure relief valve 590 is in a closed state and does not open the branch pressure relief passage 247.

[0166] On the other hand, if a blockage occurs as wastewater enters the recovery device 500, the water pressure in the pollutant discharge line 240 increases, and wastewater flows into the branch pressure relief channel 247. Because the valve plug 592 of the pressure relief valve 590 is in direct contact with the wastewater in the branch pressure relief channel 247, the water pressure acts on the protrusion 594 of the valve plug 592, generating pressure to the right. This moves the valve plug 592 to the right against the elastic force of the position return member 593, opening the water inlet 5911 and opening the water inlet 5911 and the water outlet 5912. At this time, the branch pressure relief channel 247 is opened, allowing wastewater to directly enter the recovery device 500 along the branch pressure relief channel 247.

[0167] After the pressure relief branch passage 247 opens, the internal water pressure drops rapidly. Then, when the water pressure acting on the valve plug 592 drops and becomes smaller than the elastic force applied by the position return member 593, the elastic force of the position return member 593 causes the valve plug 592 to move leftward and return to its original position, thereby again closing the water inlet 5911. This causes the pressure relief valve 590 to automatically return to its closed state.

[0168] In a further solution of this embodiment, a pressure sensing element 245 for sensing the water pressure in the pressure relief branch line 247 is further provided between the water inlet end of the pressure relief branch line 247 and the pressure relief valve 590. The pressure sensing element 245 is connected to the control system of the washing appliance. Based on whether the water pressure sensed by the pressure sensing element 245 reaches a preset value, the washing appliance can determine whether the pressure relief valve 590 is open at that time, thereby identifying whether the lint collecting assembly 570 in the collection device 500 is clogged.

[0169] In the above solution, pressure relief valve 590 automatically opens or closes in response to changes in the water pressure in pressure relief branch channel 247, but it cannot directly provide feedback on its own open / closed state. Therefore, in order to detect the open / closed state of pressure relief valve 590, a pressure sensing member 245 is provided in pressure relief branch channel 247 to detect the water pressure in pressure relief branch channel 247, thereby determining whether pressure relief valve 590 is open at that point in time. This structure is simple, and can effectively obtain the open / closed state of pressure relief valve 590.

[0170] In a further solution of this embodiment, specifically, a pollutant discharge control valve 241 is provided between the discharge end of the pollutant discharge line 240 and the inlet end of the pressure relief branch line 247 .

[0171] When the filtration device 600 filters the drawn-in water, the pollutant discharge control valve 241 is closed, and the pressure relief valve 590 also remains closed. As a result, the pollutant discharge port 6103 of the filtration device 600 is not in communication with the recovery device 500, so the filtration device 600 can only filter the drawn-in water and then discharge it. On the other hand, when the filtration device 600 attempts to discharge polluted water to the outside, the pollutant discharge control valve 241 is opened. This allows the filtration device 600 to discharge polluted water to the recovery device 500.

[0172] It should be noted that since the pollutant discharge control valve 241 is disposed between the discharge end of the pollutant discharge line 240 and the inlet end of the pressure relief branch line 247, closing the pollutant discharge control valve 241 may increase the water pressure in the pressure relief branch line 247. Therefore, in this embodiment, the pressure sensing member 245 is controlled to operate and detect the water pressure in the pressure relief branch line 247 only when the pollutant discharge control valve 241 is open. This prevents the filtration device 600 from misjudging that the lint collection assembly 570 is clogged due to the pollutant discharge control valve 241 not being open when performing filtration.

[0173] In this embodiment, the contaminated discharge line 240 is connected to a pressure relief branch line 247 and is provided with a pressure relief valve 590 that can automatically open when the water pressure reaches a preset value. In the event that the lint collecting assembly 570 in the collection device 500 becomes clogged, the pressure relief valve 590 can open the pressure relief branch line 247, allowing the wastewater discharged from the filtering device 600 to enter the collection device 500 directly along the pressure relief branch line 247. This provides an automatic pressure relief function when the lint collecting assembly 570 becomes clogged and the water pressure in the contaminated discharge line 240 becomes excessive, thereby preventing structural damage that may occur due to excessive water pressure. [Example]

[0174] 1 and 9, this embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in that the discharge end of the pressure relief branch line 247 does not communicate with the recovery device 500 but communicates with the external space of the filtration module. Specifically, in this embodiment, the pressure relief branch line 247 communicates with the external discharge line 250 of the washing machine. When pressure is released, the wastewater discharged from the pressure relief branch line 247 directly enters the external discharge line 250 and is discharged from the washing machine.

[0175] In this embodiment, pressure relief valve 590 automatically opens and closes according to the magnitude of the water pressure in pressure relief branch line 247. When the water pressure in pressure relief branch line 247 reaches a preset value, pressure relief valve 590 opens to relieve pressure. As a result, the water pressure in pressure relief branch line 247 drops rapidly, causing pressure relief valve 590 to close again within a short period of time. During this process, the wastewater discharged from pressure relief branch line 247 contains filtered foreign matter, but because the total amount of wastewater discharged is very small, it does not result in a situation where the microplastic content in the wastewater from the washing machine is so high that it does not meet the discharge standards.

[0176] Furthermore, pressure sensing element 245 provided in pressure relief branch line 247 can provide real-time feedback of the magnitude of the water pressure in pressure relief branch line 247. When circulation pump 400 is operating and filtration device 600 is discharging pollutants, if the water pressure sensed by pressure sensing element 245 exceeds a preset value and then a drop in water pressure is detected again, this means that pressure relief valve 590 has been opened by the action of water pressure at that point. Therefore, the cleaning equipment controls circulation pump 400 to stop operating and not to guide water to filtration device 600.

[0177] In an alternative solution to this embodiment, the pressure relief line 247 may communicate directly with the exterior of the washing machine, rather than draining the wastewater to the exterior through the external drain line 250 .

[0178] In this embodiment, pressure relief is achieved by directly connecting pressure relief line 247 to the external discharge line 250 of the washing machine or by directly connecting pressure relief line 247 to the outside of the washing machine, thereby discharging wastewater from the washing machine. Because pressure relief valve 590 automatically opens and closes under the action of water pressure, the overall time for pressure relief is greatly shortened, and the total amount of wastewater discharged to the outside for pressure relief is also reduced. In this way, pressure relief protects the filtration module and prevents the microplastics content in the wastewater from the washing machine from exceeding the standard. [Example]

[0179] 1, 6 and 9, this embodiment provides a control method for the cleaning device in the above-described embodiment 6 or 7. The control method includes the cleaning device operating a cleaning program and executing an additional program for directing water to the filtration device 600 for filtration, determining whether or not a blockage has occurred in the wastewater receiving section of the recovery device 500, and, if a blockage has occurred, stopping the execution of the additional program but maintaining the cleaning program in an operating state.

[0180] In the above solution, if the wastewater receiving section of the collection device 500 becomes clogged, i.e., if the lint collection assembly 570 becomes clogged, only the execution of the additional program is stopped, and the washing program continues to run until it is completed. This avoids the problem of the filtration device 600 being unable to discharge contaminants due to continued filtration, and also increases the degree of automation because the current washing process can be completed without user intervention. In particular, since the filtration module will no longer be inoperable and the washing program will no longer be stopped when the user is not standing by the washing machine, user frustration caused by the inability to complete the washing program is avoided.

[0181] In the specific solution of this embodiment, stopping the execution of the additional program includes not starting the circulation pump 400 to perform circulation filtration during the process of running the cleaning program thereafter, but starting the circulation pump 400 to perform drainage filtration only during the drainage stage.

[0182] The filtration device 600 is installed in the drainage path of the washing machine, so that the drainage water flow must pass through the filtration device 600. If the lint collection assembly 570 in the collection device 500 becomes clogged, the filtration device 600 will be unable to discharge contaminants, but will not lose its filtering function.

[0183] In this case, the cleaning equipment does not perform circulating filtration, but starts the circulation pump 400 to perform drainage filtration only when it has operated up to the drainage stage. This allows the drainage water flow to pass through the filtration device 600, so it is not impossible to discharge. In addition, since the filtration device 600 does not perform circulating filtration, the operating time of the filtration device 600 is reduced. This prevents the problem of excessive accumulation of foreign matter in the filtration device 600 during the drainage stage, causing clogging.

[0184] In a further solution of this embodiment, if it is determined that no blockage has occurred in the wastewater receiving section of the recovery device 500, the cleaning program continues to run and the operating state in which the additional program is executed is maintained.

[0185] Specifically, the method for controlling the cleaning equipment in this embodiment includes the following steps, as shown in FIG.

[0186] S31: The cleaning program is run.

[0187] S32: An additional program is executed to guide water to the filtration module and filter it.

[0188] S33: It is determined whether or not a blockage has occurred in the wastewater receiving section of the recovery device 500.

[0189] S34: If a blockage occurs, the execution of the additional program is stopped, and if no blockage occurs, the execution of the additional program continues.

[0190] S35: The washing program continues to run.

[0191] In step S33, if the pressure detecting member 245 detects that the water pressure has reached a preset value, it is determined that a blockage has occurred in the wastewater receiving section of the recovery device 500.

[0192] Furthermore, in step S34, if it is determined that a blockage has occurred and the water pressure detected by the pressure detection member 245 drops, the cleaning device will send further warning information to warn the user to clean the recovery device 500 after the current cleaning program is completed.

[0193] If the water pressure detected by the pressure sensing element 245 drops after reaching a preset value, it means that the pressure relief valve 590 has opened at that point. In this case, the user is immediately notified that the lint collecting assembly 570 in the collection device 500 has become clogged during the current wash cycle, and the pressure relief valve 590 has opened to release pressure. This allows the user to clean the lint collecting assembly 570 in the collection device 500 after the current wash cycle is completed, ensuring that the filtration module will operate normally when the washing machine runs the next wash program. In particular, the filtration device 600 can smoothly discharge filtered debris accumulated during the filtration process, ensuring effective filtration. This solves the problem of users forgetting to clean the lint collecting assembly 570 in the collection device 500 because they are unaware of its condition.

[0194] In this embodiment, the washing machine can determine whether a clog has occurred in the collection device 500 while it is receiving wastewater during operation. If the lint collection assembly 570 in the collection device 500 becomes clogged and can no longer continue to receive wastewater, the additional program stops running, but the washing program continues to run. This allows the washing machine to complete the current wash cycle without user intervention, resulting in a higher level of automation. The washing machine can also determine whether the pressure relief valve 590 has opened to release pressure based on the water pressure detected by the pressure sensing element 245. If the pressure relief valve 590 has opened, a warning message can be sent to alert the user to clean the collection device 500 after the current wash cycle is completed. This allows the additional program to run normally and the filtration function to be reliably achieved when the washing machine resumes operation, ensuring effective laundry washing. [Example]

[0195] 1 and 11, this embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments 1 to 8 in that the filtration module is provided with a clogging detection device for detecting whether or not a clogging has occurred in the process of the filtration device 600 discharging wastewater into the collection device 500. The filtration module can determine whether or not a clogging has occurred in the process of the filtration device 600 discharging wastewater into the collection device 500 based on the detection result of the clogging detection device.

[0196] Because the entire filtration module is installed inside the cleaning device, the user cannot directly observe the state of the filtration module (especially the accumulation of filtration debris) when using the cleaning device. However, if the filtration debris becomes excessive, it may become impossible to continue discharging wastewater from the filtration device 600 to the collection device 500, and the filtration module may no longer be able to continue performing its filtration function.

[0197] The clogging detection device allows the filtration module to independently detect whether a clog has occurred during the wastewater discharge process. Furthermore, by connecting the clogging detection device to the control system of the washing machine, the washing machine can quickly respond when wastewater discharge is obstructed. This prevents the filtration module from becoming clogged and failing to perform its filtering function because the user cannot directly observe the status of the filtration module.

[0198] In a specific solution of this embodiment, the clogging detection device includes a flow rate detection device for detecting the flow rate of wastewater discharged from the filtering device 600. The clogging detection device determines whether a clogging has occurred during the process in which the filtering device 600 discharges wastewater to the recovery device 500, based on the flow rate of wastewater discharged from the filtering device 600.

[0199] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pollutant discharge port 6103 of the filtering device 600 is connected to the inlet end of the pollutant discharge pipeline 240, and the outlet end of the pollutant discharge pipeline 240 communicates with the recovery device 500. In addition, the flow rate detection device is a flow meter 243 installed in the pollutant discharge pipeline 240.

[0200] Specifically, the control method for detecting whether a blockage has occurred includes detecting the flow rate of the wastewater discharged from the filtration device 600 during the process of the filtration device 600 discharging the wastewater into the recovery device 500, and determining that a blockage has occurred during the process of the filtration device 600 discharging the wastewater into the recovery device 500 when it is detected that the flow rate of the wastewater discharged from the filtration device 600 is less than a predetermined flow rate.

[0201] When the filtration module is in normal operation, the filtration device 600 discharges wastewater to the recovery device 500, and the flow rate of the discharged wastewater is maintained at a constant level. However, the flow rate of the discharged wastewater will decrease if the following conditions occur:

[0202] Situation 1: When a large amount of foreign matter accumulates inside the filtering device 600, causing clogging, or when foreign matter accumulates and clogs part of the polluted discharge pipe 240, the discharge of wastewater from the filtering device 600 to the recovery device 500 is hindered, causing a decrease in the flow rate of wastewater. When the cleaning equipment detects that the flow rate of wastewater has fallen below a predetermined flow rate, this means that a blockage exists in the filtering device 600 or the polluted discharge pipe 240, and wastewater cannot be discharged.

[0203] Situation 2: The collection device 500 of this embodiment is provided with a lint collecting assembly 570, which divides the interior of the collection device 500 into a first chamber 531 and a second chamber 532, which are vertically spaced apart. The discharge end of the contaminated discharge pipe 240 is connected to the first chamber 531. Wastewater containing contaminants enters the first chamber 531, is filtered by the filter mesh of the lint collecting assembly 570, and then enters the second chamber 532. As a result, the contaminants are collected in the first chamber 531, i.e., on the upper surface of the lint collecting assembly 570. The collection device 500 uses the lint collecting assembly 570 to separate the contaminants from the received contaminants, making it easy for users to directly dispose of the collected contaminants. This prevents the contaminants from being mixed into the water, preventing it from being effectively treated.

[0204] However, if the lint collecting assembly 570 in the collection device 500 becomes clogged with foreign matter, it will no longer be able to filter the received wastewater. In this case, the wastewater will no longer be able to pass through the lint collecting assembly 570 and enter the second chamber 532, and will gradually fill the first chamber 531. When the first chamber 531 is full or nearly full with wastewater, the wastewater will encounter greater resistance when entering the collection device 500. If the filtering device 600 were to complete the wastewater discharge operation relying solely on the gravity of the wastewater itself without using additional driving force during the process of discharging wastewater into the collection device 500, it would be difficult for the wastewater to enter the collection device 500, and the flow rate of the wastewater would decrease.

[0205] If the washing machine detects that the wastewater flow rate has dropped below a predetermined rate, it means that the first chamber 531 is nearly full due to a blockage in the lint collection assembly 570, and the filtering device 600 is unable to drain any more water into the collection device 500.

[0206] In the above solution, the flow rate of the wastewater discharged from the filtering device 600 directly reflects the wastewater discharge capacity from the filtering device 600 to the recovery device 500, and can be used to intuitively detect whether a blockage occurs during the pollutant discharge process. The detection structure and logic are simple, and the blockage situation can be accurately determined.

[0207] In a further solution of this embodiment, the collection device 500 includes a housing 510. A lint collection assembly 570 is attached at a certain height inside the housing 510 to filter the received wastewater and collect filtered foreign matter. The lint collection assembly 570 may be a horizontally installed frame and a filter mesh laid on the frame.

[0208] When the filtration module of this embodiment is installed in a cleaning appliance, the housing 510 is attached to the housing 10 of the cleaning appliance so as to be insertable and removable. The housing 510 has an opening on the upper side. The lint collecting assembly 570 is removably attached to the inside of the housing 510. When the user wants to clean the collection device 500, particularly the lint collecting assembly 570 therein, the user can disassemble the lint collecting assembly 570 from the inside of the housing 510 through the opening on the upper side of the housing 510 when the housing 510 is pulled out from the housing 10, remove it, and clean it. In this case, the operation is easier because there is no need to completely remove the collection device 500.

[0209] In this embodiment, the pollutant discharge pipe 240 is provided with a pollutant discharge control valve 241 for controlling the opening and closing of the pollutant discharge pipe 240. When the filtration device 600 filters the inflowing water, the pollutant discharge control valve 241 is closed to block the pollutant discharge pipe 240. This ensures that the water that has entered the filtration device 600 can flow out from the filtered water outlet 6102 after being filtered. Furthermore, when it is desired to discharge the polluted water in the filtration device 600, the pollutant discharge control valve 241 is opened to open the pollutant discharge pipe 240. This allows the polluted water in the filtration device 600 to be discharged to the recovery device 500.

[0210] The flow meter 243 is installed between the water inlet end of the pollutant discharge pipeline 240 and the pollutant discharge control valve 241. Only when the pollutant discharge control valve 241 is in an open state, the flow rate of the discharged sewage is detected by the flow meter 243, thereby determining whether a blockage has occurred during the discharge of the sewage.

[0211] Preferably, a return water control valve 231 is further provided outside the filtered water outlet 6102 of the filtration device 600 to control whether or not drainage to the outside is possible from the filtered water outlet 6102. When the filtration device 600 filters the water that has entered, the return water control valve 231 is in an open state. On the other hand, when controlling to drain wastewater from the filtration device 600, the return water control valve 231 is closed, thereby preventing the filtration device 600 from draining water from the filtered water outlet 6102. This reliably ensures that wastewater inside the filtration device 600 is sufficiently discharged from the polluted discharge port 6103.

[0212] In this embodiment, the washing machine executes an additional program for directing water to the filtration module for filtration during the operation of the washing program. Specifically, during the washing or rinsing stage, the switching device 270 opens the filtered water outlet 6102 of the filtration device 600 and the return water line 230, and the circulation pump 400 starts to perform circulating filtration. Meanwhile, during the draining stage, the switching device 270 opens the filtered water outlet 6102 of the filtration device 600 and the external discharge line 250, and the circulation pump 400 starts to perform draining filtration. The filtration device 600 performs a pollutant discharge operation to discharge polluted water into the recovery device 500 every time filtration is continued for a certain period of time, thereby preventing excessive accumulation of filtered foreign matter within the filtration device 600.

[0213] During the operation of the filtration module, the flow rate of the wastewater discharged from the filtration device 600 into the pollutant discharge line 240 is detected by the flow meter 243 to determine whether there is a blockage in the process in which the filtration device 600 discharges wastewater to the recovery device 500. This is convenient for determining the current state of the filtration module when direct observation by the user is not possible. The cleaning equipment can also respond quickly by determining whether the filtration device 600 can normally perform the pollutant discharge operation. This prevents the filtration device 600 from continuing to operate in a state in which it cannot discharge pollutants. Furthermore, it is possible to prompt the user to clean the recovery device 500 immediately to avoid affecting the next operation of the cleaning equipment. [Example]

[0214] 1 and 12, this embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment 9 in that the clogging detection device includes a water level detection device 580 for detecting water level information in the recovery device 500. The clogging detection device determines whether a clogging has occurred during the process in which the filtering device 600 discharges wastewater into the recovery device 500, based on the water level information in the recovery device 500.

[0215] Specifically, the collection device 500 of this embodiment has a collection chamber inside a housing 510. A lint collection assembly 570 is provided in the collection chamber and surrounds a collection chamber that receives wastewater. The discharge end of the contaminated discharge line 240 communicates with the collection chamber. Wastewater containing contaminants flows into the collection chamber, where it is filtered by the lint collection assembly 570 and then flows into the collection chamber outside the collection chamber. As a result, the contaminants are collected in the collection chamber.

[0216] The water level detection device 580 is provided in the collection chamber to detect the water level outside the collection chamber in the collection chamber. Figure 12 shows a plan view of the collection device 500 in this embodiment. Specifically, the water level detection device 580 is provided inside the side wall of the housing 510.

[0217] As a specific solution of this embodiment, the water level detection device 580 detects the water level in the collection device 500. If the water level is higher than a predetermined level, it is determined that a blockage has occurred while the filtering device 600 is discharging wastewater into the collection device 500.

[0218] The predetermined water level may be set near the overflow level of the recovery device 500. That is, when it is detected that the water level in the recovery device 500 is higher than the predetermined water level, the recovery device 500 is close to being full. In this case, if the filtration device 600 continues to perform the pollutant discharge operation, it becomes difficult for the wastewater to enter the recovery device 500, which corresponds to the occurrence of a blockage during the wastewater discharge process. Even if the discharged wastewater enters the recovery device 500, the recovery device 500 will immediately overflow.

[0219] By detecting whether the water level in the recovery device 500 has reached a predetermined level, it is possible to determine whether a blockage has occurred during the wastewater discharge process of the filtration device 600, thereby enabling quick feedback of the occurrence of a blockage and effectively preventing overflow of the recovery device 500.

[0220] As another specific solution of this embodiment, the water level detection device 580 detects the rate of change of the water level in the collection device 500. If the rate of change of the water level is smaller than a predetermined rate of change, it is determined that a blockage has occurred in the process of the filtering device 600 discharging wastewater into the collection device 500.

[0221] When the filtering device 600 normally discharges wastewater into the collection device 500, the wastewater that enters the collection chamber of the lint collecting assembly 570 is quickly filtered and flows out of the collection chamber, causing the water level outside the collection chamber to gradually rise. However, if the lint collecting assembly 570 becomes clogged with foreign matter, it will be unable to filter the received wastewater and flow out of the lint collecting assembly 570. As a result, the rise in the water level outside the collection chamber will slow down and eventually stop, significantly reducing the rate of change in the detected water level. Furthermore, if a clog occurs in the filtering device 600 or the contaminated discharge pipe 240, the flow rate of wastewater entering the collection device 500 will significantly decrease, and the rate of change in the detected water level will also decrease accordingly.

[0222] By detecting whether the rate of change of the water level in the recovery device 500 is less than a predetermined rate of change and determining whether a blockage has occurred during the wastewater discharge process of the filtration device 600, the response to the blockage can be made quick and effective.

[0223] The specific structure of the water level detection device 580 in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, includes multiple sets of water level probes 581 installed at different heights inside the recovery device. The water level probes 581 come into contact with water and generate feedback signals. The water level detection device 580 further includes a step structure 582 having multiple step surfaces at different heights. One set of water level probes 581 is installed on each step surface.

[0224] Additionally, each water level probe 581 includes two spaced apart electrodes in each pair that generate a feedback signal when conducted by water.

[0225] When the water level detection device 580 detects the water level, as the water level in the recovery device 500 rises, each time a step surface of the step structure 582 is submerged, the lower ends of two electrodes in a set of water level probes 581 on the corresponding step surface come into contact with the water, causing the two electrodes to become conductive and generate a feedback signal. The current water level in the recovery device 500 can be determined based on the conductive / disconnected state of each of the multiple sets of water level probes 581. The predetermined water level may be the height of the step surface corresponding to any one set of water level probes 581. When a signal is received indicating that the electrodes of that water level probe 581 are conductive, the water level detection device 580 determines that the water level is higher than the predetermined water level.

[0226] By using the water level detection device 580 having the above structure, as the water level in the recovery device 500 continues to rise and the two electrodes in each set of water level probes 581 become conductive in sequence, the time during which the two electrodes in each set of water level probes 581 are conductive can be obtained, and the rate of change of the water level can be calculated from the difference in the time during which the two electrodes in different water level probes 581 are conductive.

[0227] Alternatively, if a predetermined time has passed since two electrodes in any one set of water level probes 581 became conductive, and the two electrodes in an adjacent set of water level probes 581 that is higher than the two set of water level probes 581 are still not conductive, the current rate of change of the water level is determined to be smaller than the predetermined rate of change. For example, if a predetermined time has passed since two electrodes in one set of water level probes 581 became conductive, and the two electrodes in a set of water level probes 581 on an adjacent step surface that is higher than the two set of water level probes 581 are still disconnected, the current rate of change of the water level is determined to be smaller than the predetermined rate of change.

[0228] Another specific structure of the water level detection device 580 is an electrode-type water level detection device 583, as shown in Figure 14, which includes two electrode sheets extending a certain length in the vertical direction. The two electrode sheets are arranged facing each other with a certain distance between them. The capacitance value between the two electrode sheets changes depending on the area of the electrode sheets submerged under the water surface.

[0229] As the water level in the recovery device 500 changes, the area of the two electrode sheets submerged under the water surface also changes. That is, the area of the opposing surfaces of the two electrode sheets covered by the liquid changes. Because the two electrode sheets form a capacitor, this change is equivalent to the dielectric between the two electrodes changing from air to water. This causes a change in the capacitance value between the two electrode sheets. The water level in the recovery device 500 can be calculated based on the detected capacitance value.

[0230] By using the water level detection device 580 with the above structure, firstly, it is possible to obtain the specific water level inside the recovery device 500 in real time and determine whether the current water level has reached a predetermined water level. Secondly, by calculating the rate of change of the water level based on the real-time change in the detected water level, it is possible to determine whether the rate of change of the water level is lower than the predetermined rate of change. This makes it possible to more accurately detect the water level inside the recovery device 500.

[0231] In this embodiment, the filtration module is provided with a water level detector 580 as a clogging detector, which detects the water level in the recovery device 500 to determine whether a clogging has occurred during the wastewater discharge process of the filtration device 600. This structure is simple, and clogging feedback is provided quickly and effectively. [Example]

[0232] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 15, this embodiment differs from the tenth embodiment in the specific structure of the recovery device 500.

[0233] Specifically, in this embodiment, the structure of the collection device 500 is similar to that of the ninth embodiment. The interior of the collection device 500 is divided into a first chamber 531 and a second chamber 532, which are vertically spaced, by a lint collecting assembly 570 installed at a certain height within the housing 510. The discharge end of the contaminated discharge pipe 240 communicates with the first chamber 531. Wastewater containing contaminants enters the first chamber 531, is filtered by the filter mesh of the lint collecting assembly 570, and then enters the second chamber 532. As a result, the contaminants are collected in the first chamber 531, i.e., on the upper surface of the lint collecting assembly 570. The collection device 500 separates the contaminants from the received contaminants using the lint collecting assembly 570, allowing the user to easily dispose of the collected contaminants directly. This prevents the contaminants from being mixed into the water, preventing effective disposal.

[0234] In the specific solution of this embodiment, the water level detection device 580 detects whether the water level in the recovery device 500 is higher than a predetermined water level, thereby determining whether a blockage has occurred during the process of the filtration device 600 discharging wastewater into the recovery device 500.

[0235] Specifically, in this embodiment, the predetermined water level is higher than the installation height of the lint collecting assembly 570. When it is detected that the water level in the collection device 500 has reached the predetermined water level, it is possible that the collection device 500 is nearly full of contaminated water. If the filtering device 600 continues to discharge contaminants at this time, the contaminated water cannot enter the collection device 500, causing a blockage. It is also possible that the lint collecting assembly 570 is covered with foreign matter, causing a blockage, and the contaminated water that has entered the first chamber 531 remains in the first chamber 531 without being able to enter the second chamber 532 below after being filtered, causing the water level to gradually reach the predetermined water level.

[0236] Therefore, the solution in this embodiment can also use the same judgment logic as in embodiment 10. That is, if it is detected that the water level in the recovery device 500 is higher than a predetermined water level, it is determined that a blockage has occurred in the process in which the filtration device 600 discharges wastewater into the recovery device 500.

[0237] In another specific solution of this embodiment, the water level detection device 580 detects whether the rate of change of the water level in the recovery device 500 is smaller than a predetermined rate of change, thereby determining whether a blockage has occurred during the process in which the filtration device 600 discharges wastewater into the recovery device 500.

[0238] Specifically, the water level detection device 580 detects the rate of change of the water level in the second chamber 532. If the filtering device 600 or the contaminated discharge pipe 240 is clogged with foreign matter, the flow rate of wastewater entering the collection device 500 decreases, and the flow rate of water entering the second chamber 532 after being filtered by the lint collecting assembly 570 also decreases accordingly, resulting in a decrease in the rate of change of the water level in the second chamber 532. Furthermore, if the lint collecting assembly 570 is covered with foreign matter and clogged, the wastewater that has entered the first chamber 531 cannot enter the second chamber 532 below after being filtered, and as a result, the rate of change of the water level in the second chamber 532 also decreases.

[0239] Therefore, the solution in this embodiment can also use the same judgment logic as in embodiment 10. That is, if it is detected that the rate of change of the water level in the recovery device 500 is smaller than a predetermined rate of change, it is determined that a blockage has occurred in the process in which the filtration device 600 discharges wastewater into the recovery device 500.

[0240] In this embodiment, a recovery device 500 having a different structure from that of the tenth embodiment is used, but the water level information is still detected to determine whether clogging has occurred during the process of discharging contaminants from the filtering device 600. [Example]

[0241] As shown in Figure 1, this embodiment provides a control method for a cleaning device having the filtration module of the above embodiment. The control method includes the following: the cleaning device runs a cleaning program, executes an additional program for directing water to the filtration module for filtration, determines whether a blockage occurs during the pollution discharge process of the filtration device 600, and if a blockage occurs during the pollution discharge process, stops the execution of the additional program but keeps the cleaning program running.

[0242] In the above solution, if it is determined that a clog has occurred during the contaminant discharge process of the filtration device 600, only the execution of the additional program is stopped, and the washing program continues to run until it is completed. This avoids various problems that may occur due to continued filtration, and also increases the degree of automation because the current washing process can be completed without user intervention. In particular, since the filtration device 600 will no longer be unable to discharge contaminated water and the washing program will no longer stop when the user is not standing by the washing machine, it avoids user frustration caused by the inability to complete the washing program.

[0243] In the specific solution of this embodiment, stopping the execution of the additional program includes not starting the circulation pump 400 to perform circulation filtration during the process of running the cleaning program thereafter, but starting the circulation pump 400 to perform drainage filtration only during the drainage stage.

[0244] Since the filtration device 600 is provided on the drainage path of the cleaning equipment, the drainage water flow has to pass through the filtration device 600. In this embodiment, when the execution of the additional program is stopped by adjusting the clogging determination conditions, for example, the predetermined flow rate in the ninth embodiment, or the predetermined water level or the predetermined rate of change in the tenth and eleventh embodiments, clogging occurs during the contaminant discharge process of the filtration device 600, but the filtration function of the filtration device 600 is not completely lost.

[0245] In this case, the cleaning equipment does not perform circulation filtration, but starts the circulation pump 400 to perform drainage filtration only when it has operated up to the drainage stage. This allows the drainage water flow to pass through the filtration device 600, so it is not impossible to discharge.

[0246] In a further solution of this embodiment, if it is determined that no clogging has occurred during the contamination discharge process, the cleaning program continues to run and the operating state of the additional program is maintained.

[0247] Specifically, the method for controlling the cleaning equipment in this embodiment includes the following steps, as shown in FIG.

[0248] S41: The cleaning program is run.

[0249] S42: An additional program is executed to guide water to the filtration module and filter it.

[0250] S43: Determine whether clogging occurs during the process of discharging contaminants from the filtering device 600.

[0251] S44: If a blockage occurs during the pollution discharge process, the execution of the additional program is stopped, and if no blockage occurs, the execution of the additional program is continued.

[0252] S45: The washing program continues to run.

[0253] In a further solution of this embodiment, if it is determined that a clog has occurred during the contaminant discharge process of the filtration device 600, the cleaning device further transmits warning information to warn the user to clean the collection device 500 or perform maintenance on the filtration device 600 after the current cleaning program is completed. This avoids the problem of the user not knowing that a clog has occurred during the contaminant discharge process of the filtration device 600, and ensures that the filtration module will operate normally when the cleaning device runs the cleaning program again. In particular, the filtration device 600 can smoothly discharge filtered foreign matter accumulated during the filtration process, thereby ensuring the filtration effect.

[0254] In this embodiment, the washing machine can acquire the operating status of the filtration module and, if it determines that a clog has occurred during the contamination removal process of the filtration device 600, stop the execution of the additional program but continue to run the washing program. This allows the washing machine to complete the current washing process without user intervention, thereby increasing the degree of automation. It also avoids the problem of having to pause the washing program when an abnormality occurs in the filtration module, preventing the user from operating the machine promptly and wasting a lot of washing time. [Example]

[0255] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 5 to 9, and 11 to 15, this embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in that the filtering capacity of the filtering module is defined as the surplus usable number of times of the filtering module. When the surplus usable number of times falls to a preset number, the cleaning device issues a warning signal.

[0256] Specifically, in this embodiment, the recovery device 500 is integrated with the detergent dispenser and can be installed inside the tank of the detergent dispenser. After the recovery device 500 filters the received wastewater, the filtered water enters the tank. The tank is connected to the water tank 100 of the washing machine, so that the filtered water can be drawn into the water tank 100.

[0257] A dispenser case that can be inserted / pulled out is provided inside the tank. The dispenser case has a detergent addition chamber and a recovery attachment chamber that are separated from each other. The detergent addition chamber and the recovery attachment chamber are independently connected to the tank. The recovery device 500 is attached to the recovery attachment chamber.

[0258] A user can pull out the dispenser case and add detergent to the detergent addition chamber. Then, by reinserting the dispenser case into the tank, the washing machine can automatically add the detergent from the detergent addition chamber into the water storage tank 100 when a wash program is run. Also, when cleaning the collection device 500, the dispenser case can be pulled out to remove the lint collection assembly 570 from the collection device 500 for cleaning.

[0259] In this embodiment, based on the filtering debris collection capacity of the collection device 500, it is possible to predict the maximum number of cleaning programs that the cleaning equipment can run from the time the collection device 500 goes from its initial state (i.e., a state in which no filtering debris is collected) to the time it becomes completely clogged with filtering debris.

[0260] In this embodiment, each time the cleaning device runs a cleaning program once, the number of times the collection device 500 has been used is recorded as being increased by one. A total number of times S the collection device 500 can be used from its initial state is preset in the cleaning device. The total number of times S the collection device can be used is equal to or less than the maximum number of times the cleaning device can run. In other words, the collection device 500 will not become completely clogged with filtered foreign matter before the number of times S1 the collection device has been used reaches the total number of times S the collection device can be used.

[0261] The excess usable number of times of the filtration module in this embodiment is specifically the excess usable number of times of the recovery device 500. That is, it is the difference between the total usable number S and the number of times used S1.

[0262] Generally, when a user pulls out the dispenser case once, it means that the user puts detergent into the dispenser case and the washing machine runs a washing program once. Therefore, in a further solution of this embodiment, the washing machine accumulates the number of times the dispenser case has been pulled out as the number of times S1 the collection device 500 has been used, and calculates the remaining number of times S2 the collection device 500 can be used (S = S - S1) as the remaining number of times the filtration module can be used. Then, when the calculated number S2 falls below a predetermined number S0, the washing machine issues a warning signal to prompt the user to clean the collection device 500.

[0263] The above-described solution allows the washing machine to automatically warn the user to promptly clean the collection device 500. This prevents the washing machine from running a cleaning program when the collection device 500 is clogged, which makes it impossible to discharge the wastewater in the filtration device 600 and affects the filtering effect during the washing process.

[0264] Specifically, in this embodiment, the value of the preset number of times S0 is set to 0. Then, after the user has pulled out the dispenser case any number of times, when the cumulative number of times S1 of the cleaning device reaches S, i.e., when S2 drops to 0, the cleaning device issues a warning signal. In this case, the user simply cleans the recovery device 500 and then inserts the dispenser case back into the tank of the detergent dispenser device.

[0265] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the cleaning device detects that the dispenser case has been inserted again, it resets the current cumulative number S1, and when it detects that the dispenser case has been pulled out again, it records the cumulative number S1 as 1.

[0266] For example, the total number of times S that can be used that is preset in the cleaning device is 20, and each time the user pulls out the dispenser case, the number of times S2 calculated by the cleaning device decreases by one. When the user pulls out the dispenser case for the 20th time, the number S2 calculated by the cleaning device becomes 0, and a warning signal is issued. When the user cleans the collection device 500 and then reinserts the dispenser case, the current cumulative number S1 is reset. When the cleaning device detects that the dispenser case has been pulled out again, it records the current cumulative number S1 as 1. Of course, the preset value S of the total number of times that can be used may be any other value, for example, any number within the range of 10 to 30.

[0267] It should be noted that in this embodiment, when the cleaning device detects that the dispenser case has been inserted again after issuing a warning signal, the device directly executes an operation to reset the current cumulative number S1 without detecting whether the collection device 500 has been cleaned. In other words, in the cleaning device, after issuing a warning signal, the user cleans the collection device 500 and then inserts the dispenser case into the tank again by default.

[0268] However, in this embodiment, the washing machine does not accumulate the number of times the washing program is actually run, but rather the number of times the dispenser case is pulled out. Therefore, it is possible that the user pulls out the dispenser case multiple times, but the washing program is only run once. Alternatively, if the amount of lint that falls off the laundry being washed by the user is small, even if the accumulated number of times S1 the dispenser case has been pulled out by the user reaches S, i.e., even if the washing program has been run S times in total, the collection device 500 may still have a certain capacity and may be able to continue receiving wastewater and collecting foreign matter in the wastewater.

[0269] In the above two cases, when the washing machine issues a warning signal, the user may choose to continue running the next washing program by simply inserting the dispenser case back into the tank of the detergent dispenser without cleaning the collection device 500. However, in this case, the washing machine resets the current cumulative number of times S1 the dispenser case has been withdrawn, and only triggers the warning again when the cumulative number of times S0 has been reached again.

[0270] However, because a certain amount of foreign matter has already been collected in the recovery device 500, it is possible that the recovery device 500 will become clogged with foreign matter and will no longer be able to accept any more wastewater discharged from the filtration device 600 by the time the total number of times the cleaning device has run the cleaning program again reaches S0. However, at this time, the cumulative number of times S1 has not yet reached S0, so the cleaning device will not issue a warning.

[0271] In order to avoid the occurrence of the above problem, in a further solution of this embodiment, the cleaning equipment can accept a user's adjustment command for the total number of times it can be used and adjust the value of the total number of times it can be used from a preset value S to S'.

[0272] Specifically, after the washing machine issues a warning signal, if the user determines that cleaning of the collection device 500 is not necessary at this time, they may complete the detergent dispensing operation and then insert the dispenser case directly into the tank of the detergent dispensing device. The user can then manually operate the washing machine to independently set the total number of uses based on the current amount of filtered foreign matter collected in the collection device 500. For example, if the preset value of the total number of uses is S=20, the user manually adjusts the value to S'=5. This causes the washing machine to again accumulate the number of times the dispenser case has been pulled out. Then, when the dispenser case is pulled out for the fifth time, i.e., when the warning condition S2=S'-S1=0 is triggered, the washing machine issues a warning signal.

[0273] In the above solution, the cleaning device provides an edit function for the total number of times the collection device 500 can be used. If the user does not clean the collection device 500 after the cleaning device issues a warning, the user can manually adjust the total number of times the collection device 500 can be used to reduce the number of times the cleaning program had been run before the warning. This ensures that the collection device 500 will not become clogged during the cleaning program.

[0274] In a further solution of this embodiment, after the cleaning device receives an adjustment command from the user and adjusts the value of the total number of times the dispenser case can be withdrawn, if the accumulated number of times the dispenser case has been withdrawn reaches the adjusted value S', i.e., if the warning condition of S2 = 0 is triggered, the cleaning device issues a warning signal. After that, the value of the total number of times the dispenser can be withdrawn automatically returns to the preset value S (e.g., 20 times in this embodiment).

[0275] The user's voluntary setting of the total usable count value generally occurs when the cleaning device issues a warning but the user does not clean the collection device 500. Therefore, after the cleaning device issues a warning signal again, there is a high probability that the collection device 500 has become clogged with foreign matter, or is at least close to being clogged, due to the user not performing a cleaning operation at the time of the previous warning. Therefore, there is a very high possibility that the user will manually clean the collection device 500 at the time of the next warning.

[0276] When the collection device 500 is used again after cleaning is complete, the total number of operations of the cleaning program is again accumulated because no filtered foreign matter has been collected. In other words, until the accumulated number of uses of the collection device 500 reaches the preset total number of uses S again, basically, no abnormality due to clogging of the collection device 500 occurs. In this embodiment, the value of the total number of uses is automatically controlled to return to the preset value S, thereby eliminating the need for the user to manually set it. In addition, the problem of the cleaning device issuing a warning when the collection device 500 can still be used multiple times is also eliminated.

[0277] In a preferred solution of this embodiment, after the cleaning equipment detects that the dispenser case has been pulled out and issues a warning signal based on the adjusted value S' of the total number of times it can be used, if no adjustment command for the total number of times it can be used is received before receiving a command to start a cleaning program, the value of the total number of times it can be used may be returned to the preset value S. On the other hand, if an adjustment command is received, the value of the total number of times it can be used may be determined based on the received adjustment command.

[0278] After the cleaning device issues a warning based on the adjusted value S' of the total usable number of times, there may be special circumstances, such as the value S' previously set by the user being inappropriate, that allow the collection device 500 to continue to be used at that time without cleaning. In the above-described solution, if such a situation occurs, the user can continue to manually set the value of the total usable number of times. On the other hand, if the user starts the cleaning program without manually setting the value of the total usable number of times, this means that the user has cleaned the collection device 500. Therefore, the cleaning device automatically controls the value of the total usable number of times to return to the preset value S.

[0279] In this embodiment, the total number of times the collection device 500 can be used is preset in the washing machine, and the number of times the collection device 500 is pulled out together with the dispenser case of the detergent dispenser is counted as the number of times the collection device 500 has been used. When the number of times the collection device 500 has been used reaches the preset number of times the collection device 500 can be used, the washing machine issues a warning signal to alert the user to clean the collection device 500. This ensures that the collection device 500 has sufficient capacity to receive the wastewater discharged from the filtering device 600 and collect the filtered foreign matter when the washing machine runs a washing program. [Example]

[0280] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5 to 9, and 11 to 15, this embodiment further limits any of the above embodiments.

[0281] The washing device executes an additional program in the washing program, which is to guide water to a filtration module for filtration, and the additional program is executed once each time the operation of the washing program is completed.

[0282] In this embodiment, the filtering capacity of the filtering module includes the number of times the filtering module can continue to execute the additional program in the current state until clogging occurs in the filtering device 600 and / or the recovery device 500.

[0283] The initial filtering capacity of the filtration module is at least 10 to 30 times, and preferably 15 to 25 times. For example, the initial filtering capacity of the filtration module is at least 20 times. In other words, when no foreign matter adheres to the inside of the filtration device 600 and no foreign matter or wastewater is collected in the recovery device 500, the filtration module can completely execute the additional program without causing any abnormality due to clogging when operating at least 20 cleaning programs consecutively.

[0284] In the above description of this embodiment, "completely executing the additional program" means performing circulation filtration based on a predetermined time length in each of the washing stage and rinsing stage, and performing drainage filtration in the drainage stage.

[0285] Each time the filtration module completely executes an additional program in the cleaning program, the cleaning device records that the current filtration capacity of the filtration module has been reduced by one from the previous filtration capacity. Also, if the length of time during which the filtration module performs circulating filtration in that cleaning program is shorter than a predetermined length of time, the current filtration capacity of the filtration module can be calculated by determining the amount of loss of filtration capacity in that cleaning program based on the ratio of the actual length of time during which filtration is performed to the predetermined length of time.

[0286] In a preferred solution of this embodiment, the filtration threshold value is set to 1 or 2. If the current filtration capacity of the filtration module is lower than the filtration threshold value, the water supply to the filtration module is stopped, and circulating filtration is not performed in the subsequent steps of the cleaning program.

[0287] In the above solution, the cleaning device controls to stop the supply of water to the filtration module when the calculated filtration capacity of the filtration module is close to 0 but has not yet reached 0. This avoids the problem that, due to a discrepancy between the calculated filtration capacity and the actual state of the filtration module at that time, it is not possible to quickly control to stop the supply of water to the filtration module before an abnormality such as clogging occurs in the filtration module.

[0288] In another preferred solution of this embodiment, the initial filtering capacity of the filtering module is X, and the filtering threshold value is X / 5 to X / 3. For example, if the initial filtering capacity of the filtering module is 20 times, the filtering threshold value can be 4 to 6 times. If the current filtering capacity of the filtering module is lower than the filtering threshold value, the frequency and / or duration of water supply to the filtering module is controlled to be reduced.

[0289] In the above solution, since the filtration threshold value is relatively large, even if there is a discrepancy between the calculated filtration capacity of the washing machine and the actual state of the filtration module at that time, if the calculated filtration capacity is lower than the filtration threshold value, the filtration module has not already become clogged or has other abnormalities that affect the filtration effect. In this case, by continuing to operate the washing program in a manner that reduces the frequency and / or duration of water supply to the filtration module, it is possible to maintain some filtration effect and improve the effectiveness of laundry washing.

[0290] The specific method for reducing the frequency and / or duration of water introduction into the filtration module has been described in detail in the above examples, and will not be described in detail again in this example.

[0291] In a further solution of this embodiment, the filtration device 600 filters the cleaning water and wastewater from the cleaning equipment, thereby removing impurities larger than 50 μm in size. The impurities may include microplastics. In particular, the impurities may include synthetic resin fibers having a length greater than 50 μm and a diameter of 10 to 1000 μm. Preferably, the synthetic resin fibers have a length of 400 to 600 μm, with the most common length being 500 μm ± 50 μm. Also, preferably, the diameter of these synthetic resin fibers is 10 to 50 μm, with the most common having a diameter of 17 μm ± 2 μm.

[0292] In order to achieve the filtration and removal of microplastics of the above sizes, a mesh size of 20 to 500 is selected for the filter mesh of the filtration device 600. Furthermore, to ensure that the recovery device 500 can collect as many microplastics contained in the wastewater as possible and to prevent the problem of microplastics removed by the filtration device 600 passing through the lint collecting assembly 570 within the recovery device 500, the pore size of the filter mesh of the lint collecting assembly 570 is at least equal to or smaller than the pore size of the filter mesh of the filtration device 600. In other words, the mesh number of the filter mesh of the lint collecting assembly 570 is equal to or larger than the mesh number of the filter mesh of the filtration device 600, which is 20 to 500 mesh.

[0293] In this example, a large amount of preliminary testing and trials were conducted on different types of clothing and different washing programs, and it was found that by setting the mesh count of the filter mesh of the lint collecting assembly 570 and the mesh count of the filter mesh of the filtration device 600 within the above ranges, it was possible to remove synthetic resin fibers of the above sizes from the wash water and wastewater from the washing machine. It was also found that microplastic particles accounting for more than 80% of the total content in the water could ultimately be collected in the recovery device 500, significantly reducing the final microplastic content in the wastewater from the washing machine and enabling it to meet the standards for direct discharge.

[0294] In this embodiment, since the filtering device 600 has a self-cleaning function, the loss of filtering capacity of the filtering module is mainly manifested in the collecting device 500. For example, in the collecting device 500, as the total amount of filtered debris increases, the lint collecting assembly 570 is gradually covered with the filtered debris, which clogs the filter mesh, making it impossible for the lint collecting assembly 570 to filter the wastewater.

[0295] In this embodiment, a large amount of tests and trials were conducted in advance for different types of clothes and different washing programs. By adjusting the structure of the lint collecting assembly 570, the maximum amount of filtered foreign matter that can be collected was changed. Assuming that the user does not clean the collection device 500, the filtering module can fully execute additional programs when running at least 10 to 30 consecutive washing programs, ensuring a good user experience.

[0296] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above through a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Minor changes or modifications that can be made by those skilled in the art using the technical content presented above, within the scope of the technical means of the present invention, are equivalently modified equivalent embodiments, and none of them deviate from the content of the technical means of the present invention. Furthermore, any simple modifications, equivalent variations, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention all fall within the scope of the solutions of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0297] 10. Cabinet 100 Water Tank 110 Window Gasket 220 Circulation pipeline 230 Water ring pipe 231 Return water control valve 240 Pollution Discharge Pipes 241 Pollution Discharge Control Valve 243 Flow meter 244 Pollution discharge branch 245 Pressure sensing element 246 Branch control valve 247 Pressure Relief Outfall 250 External discharge pipe 260 Water tank drain pipe 270 Switching Device 400 Circulation Pump 500 Recovery Device 510 Housing 511 First Water Inlet 512 Second Water Inlet 531 Chamber 1 532 Second Chamber 533 Main Containment Room 570 Lint Collection Assembly 571 First Lint Collection Assembly 572 Second Lint Collection Assembly 580 Water Level Detection Device 581 Water Level Probe 582 Step structure 583 Electrode-type water level detection device 590 Pressure Relief Valve 591 Valve body 5911 Water inlet 5912 Water outlet 592 Valve plug 593 Position return member 594 Protrusion 595 Position regulation part 596 Valve seat 597 Guide Rod 600 Filtration equipment 610 Filtration Chamber 6101 Water inlet 6102 Filtered water outlet 6103 Pollution outlet 620 Filtration mechanism 621 Water outlet joint 660 Drive Mechanism 680 Cleaning particles 690 Shielding board 691 Water vent

Claims

1. a filtering device provided with a polluted outlet for discharging polluted water containing filtered foreign matter; a collection device in communication with the contaminated outlet of the filtering device and provided with at least two sets of lint collection assemblies; A filtration module characterized in that each lint collecting assembly receives wastewater discharged from a filtration device independently and / or together with each other and collects filtration debris in the wastewater.

2. 2. The filtering module of claim 1, wherein each lint collecting assembly has a respective collection chamber for collecting filtered debris, each collection chamber communicating with a respective contaminant outlet of the filtering device.

3. 3. The filtration module of claim 2, further comprising a pollutant discharge pipe, the pollutant discharge pipe having an inlet end connected to the pollutant discharge outlet of the filtration device and a discharge end communicating with one of the collection chambers, the pollutant discharge pipe communicating with a pollutant discharge branch between the inlet end and the discharge end, and the discharge end of the pollutant discharge branch communicating with another collection chamber.

4. 4. The filtration module according to claim 3, wherein the pollutant discharge branch is provided with a branch control valve for controlling opening and closing of the pollutant discharge branch.

5. 5. The filter module according to claim 4, further comprising a pressure detecting element disposed between the water inlet of the pollutant discharge branch and the branch control valve for detecting the water pressure in the pollutant discharge branch.

6. 6. The filtration module according to claim 5, wherein the branch control valve is initially in a closed state, and whether or not to open the branch control valve is determined based on the water pressure detected by a pressure detection element.

7. 7. The filtration module according to claim 3, wherein the pollutant discharge pipe is provided with a pollutant discharge control valve for controlling opening and closing of the pollutant discharge pipe.

8. 8. The filter module according to claim 7, wherein the pollutant discharge control valve is disposed between the discharge end of the pollutant discharge line and the inlet end of the pollutant discharge branch line.

9. the collection device includes a housing having a main chamber within the housing, the lint collection assembly being disposed in the main chamber; A filtration module as described in any one of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that wastewater containing filtered foreign matter enters the collection chamber of the lint collecting assembly, is filtered by the lint collecting assembly, and then flows into the main storage chamber outside the collection chamber, and the filtered foreign matter is collected in the collection chamber.

10. a filtering device provided with a polluted outlet for discharging polluted water containing filtered foreign matter; a collection device in communication with the contaminated outlet of the filter device to receive the contaminated water discharged from the filter device; A filtration module characterized by including a pressure relief device disposed between the polluted outlet of the filtration device and the recovery device, and used to relieve pressure when the recovery device is clogged with wastewater entering the recovery device.

11. 11. The filtering module of claim 10, wherein the pressure relief device includes a pressure relief branch and a pressure relief valve provided in the pressure relief branch, the water inlet of the pressure relief branch is connected between the polluted discharge outlet of the filtering device and the recovery device, and when the pressure relief valve is opened, the pressure relief branch is opened, allowing the polluted water discharged from the filtering device to enter the pressure relief branch, thereby realizing pressure relief.

12. The pressure relief valve is a valve body provided with a water inlet and a water outlet; a valve plug reciprocally disposed within the valve body; a position return member that applies a position return force to the valve plug to cause the valve plug to maintain the closure of the water inlet, 12. The filtering module of claim 11, wherein when the water pressure in the pressure relief branch line reaches a predetermined value, the valve plug moves under the action of the water pressure to open the water inlet, and when the water pressure in the pressure relief branch line decreases, the valve plug returns to its position under the action of the position return member to close the water inlet.

13. 13. The filtration module of claim 12, wherein the valve body has a certain extension length along the reciprocating direction of the valve plug, the water inlet is provided at one end of the valve body, and the water outlet is provided in an area of the side wall of the valve body near the end where the water inlet is located.

14. 12. The filter module according to claim 11, wherein a pressure sensing element for sensing water pressure in the pressure relief branch line is provided between the water inlet end of the pressure relief branch line and the pressure relief valve.

15. The filtration module according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising a pollutant discharge pipeline, the pollutant discharge pipeline having a water inlet end connected to the pollutant discharge outlet of the filtration device and a discharge end communicating with the recovery device, the pressure relief branch line having a water inlet end communicating with the pollutant discharge pipeline, and the pollutant discharge pipeline having a pollutant discharge control valve for controlling the opening and closing of the pollutant discharge pipeline.

16. 16. The filtration module of claim 15, wherein the pollutant discharge control valve is disposed between the discharge end of the pollutant discharge line and the inlet end of the pressure relief branch line.

17. The recovery device includes: a housing having a collection chamber therein; a lint collecting assembly disposed within the collection chamber and surrounding a collection chamber for receiving wastewater, wherein the wastewater containing filtered debris enters the collection chamber, is filtered by the lint collecting assembly, and then flows into the collection chamber outside the collection chamber, and the filtered debris is collected in the collection chamber; 17. The filtration module of any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the pressure relief device relieves pressure when the lint collection assembly becomes clogged with filtration debris.

18. the pressure relief device includes a pressure relief branch, the water inlet end of the pressure relief branch being connected between the contaminated outlet of the filtering device and the recovery device; 18. The filtration module of claim 17, wherein the drain end of the pressure relief branch line communicates with an exterior space, or the drain end of the pressure relief branch line communicates with a recovery chamber outside the collection chamber.

19. a filtering device provided with a polluted outlet for discharging polluted water containing filtered foreign matter; a collection device in communication with the contaminated outlet of the filter device for receiving the contaminated water discharged from the filter device; A filtration module comprising a clogging detection device for detecting whether a clogging has occurred during the process of the filtration device discharging wastewater into the recovery device.

20. 20. The filtration module of claim 19, wherein the clogging detection device includes a flow rate detection device for detecting the flow rate of wastewater discharged from the filtration device, and the clogging detection device determines whether a clogging has occurred during the process of the filtration device discharging wastewater to the recovery device based on the flow rate of wastewater discharged from the filtration device.

21. 21. The filtration module of claim 20, further comprising a pollutant discharge pipeline, wherein the pollutant discharge outlet of the filtration device is connected to the inlet end of the pollutant discharge pipeline, the outlet end of the pollutant discharge pipeline is connected to a recovery device, and the flow detection device is provided in the pollutant discharge pipeline.

22. 20. The filtration module of claim 19, wherein the clogging detection device includes a water level detection device for detecting water level information in the recovery device, and the clogging detection device determines whether a clogging has occurred during the process of the filtration device discharging wastewater into the recovery device based on the water level information in the recovery device.

23. 23. The filtration module of claim 22, wherein the water level detection device includes a plurality of sets of water level probes installed at different height positions inside the recovery device, the water level probes contacting water to generate a feedback signal.

24. 24. The filtration module of claim 23, wherein the set of water level probes includes two spaced apart electrodes that generate a feedback signal when conductive with water.

25. The filtration module of claim 22, characterized in that the water level detection device includes two electrode sheets extending a certain length in the vertical direction, the two electrode sheets arranged facing each other at a certain distance, and the capacitance value between the two electrode sheets changes depending on the area of the electrode sheets submerged under the water surface.

26. The recovery device includes: a housing having a collection chamber therein; a lint collecting assembly disposed within the collection chamber and surrounding a collection chamber for receiving wastewater, wherein the wastewater containing filtered debris enters the collection chamber, is filtered by the lint collecting assembly, and then flows into the collection chamber outside the collection chamber, and the filtered debris is collected in the collection chamber; The filtration module according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the water level detection device is provided in the collection chamber to detect water level information outside the collection chamber.

27. A method for controlling a filtration module according to any one of claims 19 to 26, comprising: The method comprises determining whether a clog has occurred in the filtering device during the process of discharging wastewater into the recovery device based on the detection result of the clog detection device.

28. The clogging detection device includes a flow rate detection device for detecting the flow rate of the wastewater discharged from the filtering device, and when it is detected that the flow rate of the wastewater discharged from the filtering device is less than a predetermined flow rate, it determines that a clogging has occurred in the process of the filtering device discharging the wastewater to the recovery device; Alternatively, the clogging detection device includes a water level detection device for detecting water level information in the recovery device, and when it is detected that the water level in the recovery device is higher than a predetermined water level, or when it is detected that the rate of change of the water level in the recovery device is smaller than a predetermined rate of change, it is determined that a clogging has occurred in the process of the filtering device discharging wastewater into the recovery device.

29. 1. A cleaning device including a water tank, A cleaning appliance further comprising a filtration module according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein a filtration device of the filtration module is in communication with the water reservoir.

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