Washing machine and washing machine control method

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the technical field of washing machines and discloses a washing machine and a method for controlling the washing machine. The washing machine includes a water tank, a filter device that is connected to the water tank and receives and filters the water in the water tank, and has a pollutant outlet for discharging polluted water to the outside, a suction device that performs a suction operation to discharge the polluted water in the filter device from the pollutant outlet by the action of a pressure difference, and a recovery device that collects the polluted water discharged from the filter device. In the present invention, the recovery device can collect the polluted water discharged from the filter device. In addition, the suction operation of the suction device can provide a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the pollutant outlet of the filter device, thereby providing a driving force to the filter device that discharges the polluted water. In addition, compared with the conventional pump conveying method using a water pump, the problem of filtered foreign matter contained in the polluted water clogging the water pump is avoided.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of washing machines, and more particularly to a washing machine and a method for controlling the washing machine. [Background technology]

[0002] During the washing process of 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 will likely adhere to the surface of the clothes after the wash is complete, affecting the cleaning effect of the clothes. For this reason, conventional washing machines are equipped with a filter to filter out lint, and the wash water is circulated and passed through the filter during the washing process to remove lint from the wash water.

[0003] Generally, filters in conventional washing machines are installed inside the inner tub or drain pump and are used to filter lint and other foreign matter from the wash water. However, over time, the filter becomes filled with lint and other foreign matter, affecting the filter's filtering effectiveness. This can clog the drain valve / drain pump and make it extremely easy for bacteria to grow. If not cleaned immediately, the wash water can become contaminated, causing secondary contamination of clothes and endangering the user's health. However, in most washing machines, users must remove the filter and clean it manually, which is inconvenient.

[0004] To address the above-mentioned problems, conventional technologies have provided filtration devices with an automatic cleaning function that can automatically discharge the adhering filtering particles. However, in most washing machines using such filtration devices, after the automatic cleaning of the filtration device is completed, the wastewater containing the filtering particles is discharged by directly merging it with the drainage water flow of the washing machine, which leads to the following problems.

[0005] First, because the interior space of a washing machine is relatively compact, the contaminant discharge path for the filter to discharge wastewater to the outside is long and may have a certain difference in elevation. Therefore, it is difficult to sufficiently discharge the wastewater from the filter without using a driving force, and the wastewater remains in the filter. Therefore, after long-term use, problems such as bacterial growth occur.

[0006] Second, the concept of microplastics has recently emerged in the field of environmental conservation and is gradually gaining attention. Generally, microplastics refer to plastic fragments and particles less than 5 mm in diameter. Due to their large surface area, microplastics easily adsorb organic pollutants in the water and form organic pollution spheres when they are mixed into natural aquatic environments. Microplastics floating in the water are easily consumed by organisms lower in the food chain, such as mussels and zooplankton. However, because microplastics are indigestible, after these lower-level organisms are consumed by higher-level organisms, microplastics continue to accumulate in the bodies of these higher-level organisms. Humans, the top organisms in the food chain, have food sources that include the aforementioned organisms, which have accumulated microplastics in their bodies. Therefore, microplastics accumulate in the human body, potentially affecting human health.

[0007] Research has shown that a significant source of microplastics is wastewater discharged from household washing machines. This occurs because washing machines wash away clothing fibers during the wash cycle. With the widespread use of synthetic fabrics, these shed clothing fibers are discharged into the washing machine's wastewater, becoming microplastics that mix with the natural water environment. Microplastics can also be generated from industrial products made of plastic. Washing machine components, such as the outer tub and drain pipe, are generally made entirely of plastic. Therefore, with long-term use, plastic fragments inevitably fall off due to deterioration and other factors. Therefore, how to reduce the amount of microplastics in washing machine wastewater is an urgent issue in the field of environmental conservation. Conventional washing machines with automatic filter cleaning functions directly mix filtered debris, including microplastics, into the washing machine's wastewater and discharge them, resulting in excessive microplastic content in the washing machine's wastewater.

[0008] In view of the above, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a washing machine and a method for controlling the washing machine in order to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above technical problems, a first object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that provide a driving force for discharging wastewater from a filter by creating a pressure difference between the inside and outside of a pollutant discharge port of a filter. Specifically, the following technical solutions are adopted.

[0011] The washing machine includes a water tank, a filtering device that is connected to the water tank and receives and filters the water in the water tank, and has a pollutant outlet for discharging polluted water to the outside, a suction device that performs a suction operation to discharge the polluted water in the filtering device from the pollutant outlet by the action of a pressure difference, and a recovery device that collects the polluted water discharged from the filtering device.

[0012] Furthermore, the suction device communicates between the contaminated outlet of the filtering device and the recovery device through a suction line, and performs suction operation according to a command.

[0013] Preferably, the suction device is an air pump.

[0014] Furthermore, the contaminated outlet of the filtering device is in communication with a temporary wastewater storage device having an internal storage chamber, the temporary wastewater storage device is in communication with a recovery device, and the suction line is in communication with the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device.

[0015] When the suction device performs the suction operation, the wastewater in the filter device flows into the wastewater temporary storage device due to the pressure difference, and when the suction device stops, the wastewater in the wastewater temporary storage device is discharged into the recovery device.

[0016] Preferably, the temporary wastewater storage device is provided with an air vent for communicating the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device with an external space. When the suction device stops, external air enters the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device through the air vent, and the internal wastewater is discharged to the recovery device.

[0017] More preferably, the air vent is provided in the ceiling area of ​​the temporary wastewater storage device.

[0018] Furthermore, the discharge port of the temporary wastewater storage device is higher than the wastewater inlet of the recovery device, so that when the suction device stops, the wastewater in the temporary wastewater storage device is discharged into the recovery device by gravity.

[0019] And / or the washing machine further includes an air supply device used to introduce gas into the temporary wastewater storage device to discharge the wastewater therein to the recovery device, or the suction device is further used to introduce gas into the temporary wastewater storage device to discharge the wastewater therein to the recovery device.

[0020] Furthermore, a buffer section is provided between the suction device and the temporary wastewater storage device. The buffer section has a buffer chamber inside. The buffer chamber communicates with the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device. The suction pipe is connected to the buffer section, allowing communication between the suction device and the buffer chamber.

[0021] Furthermore, an openable / closable pollutant discharge control valve is provided between the pollutant discharge port of the filtering device and the suction inlet end of the suction line.

[0022] Preferably, the polluted discharge outlet of the filtering device is connected to a temporary wastewater storage device having an internal storage chamber, the temporary wastewater storage device is connected to a recovery device, and the suction line is connected to the temporary wastewater storage device, and the polluted discharge control valve is provided between the polluted discharge outlet of the filtering device and the temporary wastewater storage device.

[0023] The collection device further includes a housing having a collection chamber therein, and a filtration assembly disposed within the collection chamber and dividing the collection chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber.

[0024] Wastewater with contaminants enters the first chamber, passes through the filter assembly and is filtered before entering the second chamber, with the contaminants being collected in the first chamber.

[0025] Preferably, the second chamber is provided with a water outlet for discharging filtered clean water.

[0026] The washing machine control method includes controlling the suction device to perform a suction operation, so that the dirty water in the filtering device is discharged through the pollutant outlet under the action of a pressure difference and enters the recovery device.

[0027] Furthermore, the contaminated outlet of the filtering device is in communication with a temporary wastewater storage device having an internal chamber, the temporary wastewater storage device is in communication with a recovery device, and the suction device is in communication with the temporary wastewater storage device.

[0028] The control method includes the following steps.

[0029] S1: When the suction device is controlled to perform the suction operation, the air in the temporary wastewater storage device is sucked out, and the wastewater in the filter device is discharged into the temporary wastewater storage device due to the pressure difference.

[0030] S2: When the suction device is stopped, the wastewater in the temporary wastewater storage device is discharged into the recovery device.

[0031] Preferably, the discharge port of the temporary wastewater storage device is higher than the wastewater inlet of the recovery device. In step S2, the wastewater in the temporary wastewater storage device is discharged into the recovery device by gravity.

[0032] Preferably, the washing machine further includes an air supply device communicating with the temporary wastewater storage device. Step S2 includes stopping the suction device and activating the air supply device to introduce gas into the temporary wastewater storage device, thereby discharging the wastewater therein to the recovery device.

[0033] Alternatively, the suction device is further used to introduce gas into the temporary wastewater storage device. Step S2 includes stopping the suction device and then controlling the suction device to perform an air supply operation to introduce gas into the temporary wastewater storage device, thereby discharging the wastewater therein to the recovery device.

[0034] Furthermore, a pollutant discharge control valve that can be opened / closed is provided between the filtering device and the temporary wastewater storage device.

[0035] Specifically, step S1 includes the following steps:

[0036] S11: When the suction device is controlled to perform a suction operation, the air in the temporary wastewater storage device is sucked out.

[0037] S12: When the polluted discharge control valve is opened, the wastewater in the filter is discharged into the wastewater temporary storage device due to the pressure difference.

[0038] The second object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can quickly create a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the pollutant discharge port of the filtering device by combining a one-way opening blocking member attached to the collection device with a suction device. Specifically, the following technical solutions are adopted:

[0039] The washing machine includes a water tank, a filtering device that is connected to the water tank and receives and filters the water in the water tank, and has a pollutant outlet for discharging polluted water to the outside, a suction device that performs a suction operation to discharge the polluted water in the filtering device from the pollutant outlet by the action of a pressure difference, and a recovery device that collects the polluted water discharged from the filtering device.

[0040] The wastewater inlet of the recovery device is provided with a blocking member that opens in one direction from the outside to the inside, or the recovery device has a water outlet, and the water outlet is provided with a blocking member that opens in one direction from the inside to the outside.

[0041] Furthermore, the closing member is provided at the wastewater inlet of the recovery device and opens in one direction from the outside to the inside. The closing member includes a base attached to the wastewater inlet of the recovery device and an opening portion movable relative to the base to open / close the space outside and inside the recovery device.

[0042] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the wastewater inlet extends a certain length from the inner wall of the recovery device toward the inside of the recovery device to form a tubular portion. The base is attached to the extended end of the tubular portion, and the opening portion moves relative to the extended end of the tubular portion to open / close the opening of the extended end of the tubular portion.

[0043] Furthermore, the substrate is provided to cover the extended end of the tubular portion. The opening portion achieves closure by covering the opening of the tubular portion from the outside. The opening portion opens the opening by inverting in a direction away from the tubular portion.

[0044] Furthermore, the opening is made of a flexible material. When the suction device is activated, the part of the opening that covers the opening deforms so as to protrude toward the inside of the tubular part, thereby closing the opening.

[0045] Furthermore, the open portion is made of a hard material, and the surface of the open portion facing the opening is a convex surface that juts out toward the inside of the tubular portion.

[0046] Furthermore, the outer periphery of the wastewater inlet extends from the outer wall of the recovery device to the outside of the recovery device by a certain length to form a connection part, which is connected to a pipeline, and the pipeline communicates with the polluted discharge outlet of the filtering device.

[0047] Furthermore, the opening and the base may be integrally formed, or the opening and the base may be provided as separate bodies, which are connected to each other so as to be relatively operable.

[0048] Furthermore, the contaminated outlet of the filtering device is connected to a temporary wastewater storage device having an internal storage chamber, the temporary wastewater storage device is connected to a recovery device, and the suction device is connected to the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device and sucks air from inside the temporary wastewater storage device.

[0049] Furthermore, a buffer section is provided between the suction device and the temporary wastewater storage device, and a buffer chamber is provided inside the buffer section, and the buffer chamber is in communication with the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device and the suction device, respectively.

[0050] The third object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that prevents the wastewater from being sucked into the suction device by providing a wastewater temporary storage device between the filtering device and the recovery device. Specifically, the following technical solutions are adopted:

[0051] The washing machine includes a water tank, a filtering device communicating with the water tank to receive and filter the water in the water tank and having a pollutant outlet for discharging polluted water to the outside, a temporary wastewater storage device having an internal storage chamber communicating with the pollutant outlet of the filtering device, a recovery device communicating with the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device, in which the polluted water discharged from the filtering device passes through the temporary wastewater storage device and is collected in the recovery device, and a suction device that performs a suction operation to cause the polluted water in the filtering device to enter the temporary wastewater storage device by the action of a pressure difference.

[0052] Furthermore, the temporary wastewater storage device is provided with a first vent port communicating with a suction device.

[0053] Furthermore, the temporary wastewater storage device is provided with an air hole for communicating the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device with the external space.

[0054] When the suction device performs its suction operation, the wastewater in the filtration device enters the temporary wastewater storage device due to the pressure difference, and when the suction device stops, outside air enters the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device through the air vent, and the wastewater inside is discharged to the recovery device.

[0055] Furthermore, a buffer section is provided between the suction device and the temporary wastewater storage device. The buffer section has a buffer chamber inside. The buffer chamber communicates with the first air vent of the temporary wastewater storage device, and the suction device communicates with the buffer chamber.

[0056] Furthermore, the buffer section is provided with a second ventilation port communicating with a suction device.

[0057] Furthermore, the second vent of the buffer portion is connected to a suction pipe line, and the suction pipe line extends to be connected to the intake end of a suction device.

[0058] Furthermore, the first vent port of the temporary wastewater storage device is connected to a vent pipe, and the vent pipe extends until it communicates with the buffer chamber of the buffer section.

[0059] Furthermore, the discharge port of the temporary wastewater storage device is higher than the wastewater inlet of the recovery device, so that when the suction device stops, the wastewater in the temporary wastewater storage device is discharged into the recovery device by gravity.

[0060] And / or the washing machine further includes an air supply device used to introduce gas into the temporary wastewater storage device to discharge the wastewater therein to the recovery device, or the suction device is further used to introduce gas into the temporary wastewater storage device to discharge the wastewater therein to the recovery device.

[0061] The washing machine further includes a detection device for detecting the discharge status of the wastewater in the filter device, and the suction device stops suctioning when the detection device detects that the wastewater in the filter device has been completely discharged.

[0062] Furthermore, the amount of wastewater that can be accommodated between the polluted outlet of the filtering device and the wastewater inlet of the recovery device is equal to or greater than the maximum amount of wastewater that the filtering device can accommodate.

[0063] Preferably, the volume of the temporary wastewater storage device is equal to or greater than the volume of the filtration device.

[0064] The fourth object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that can automatically cut off communication between the suction device and the pollutant discharge port of the filter when the amount of wastewater discharged from the filter reaches a certain level, thereby preventing wastewater from being sucked into the suction device. Specifically, the following technical solutions are adopted:

[0065] The washing machine includes a water tank, a filtering device that is connected to the water tank and receives and filters the water in the water tank, and has a pollutant outlet for discharging polluted water to the outside, a suction device that performs a suction operation and discharges the polluted water in the filtering device from the pollutant outlet by the action of a pressure difference, a recovery device that collects the polluted water discharged from the filtering device, and an isolation mechanism that is provided between the pollutant outlet and the suction device and blocks communication between the suction device and the pollutant outlet as the polluted water is discharged.

[0066] The isolation mechanism further includes a float member, and a vent hole is provided in the communication path between the suction device and the pollutant outlet, and during the process of discharging the polluted water, the float member rises to the vent hole together with the water surface to block the vent hole.

[0067] Preferably, the float member is a float ball, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the vent hole.

[0068] Furthermore, the filtering device is in communication with a temporary wastewater storage device having an internal storage chamber, the temporary wastewater storage device is in communication with a recovery device, and the suction device is in communication with the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device and sucks air from inside the temporary wastewater storage device.

[0069] The float member is provided inside the temporary wastewater storage device, and the air hole is provided in the temporary wastewater storage device, and / or the float member is provided between the temporary wastewater storage device and the suction device.

[0070] Furthermore, a buffer section is provided between the suction device and the temporary wastewater storage device, and a buffer chamber is provided inside the buffer section, and the buffer chamber is in communication with the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device and the suction device, respectively.

[0071] The float member is provided inside the temporary wastewater storage device and the air hole is provided in the temporary wastewater storage device, and / or the float member is provided inside the buffer section and the air hole is provided in the buffer section.

[0072] The isolation mechanism further includes a guide portion extending from the bottom of the temporary wastewater storage device toward the air vent, the guide portion having a hollow passage, and the float member being disposed within the hollow passage.

[0073] Preferably, the guide is arranged to extend vertically.

[0074] Furthermore, a through hole is provided in the side wall of the guide portion, which allows the hollow path to communicate with the external space of the guide portion.

[0075] Furthermore, the float member is a float ball, and the guide portion has a cylindrical structure. The inner diameter of the guide portion is larger than the outer diameter of the float ball.

[0076] Furthermore, a vent pipe is connected to the temporary wastewater storage device, and the vent pipe is connected to a suction device. The float member is a float ball installed inside the temporary wastewater storage device. The diameter of the float ball is larger than the diameter of the vent pipe.

[0077] Furthermore, the float member is a float ball. A vent pipe is provided between the sewage temporary storage device and the suction device. The vent pipe extends from bottom to top and has a tapered section whose diameter gradually decreases. The float ball is provided inside the tapered section. Since the diameter of the upper end of the tapered section is smaller than the diameter of the float ball, the float ball rises to the upper end of the tapered section together with the water surface to achieve closure.

[0078] Furthermore, the temporary wastewater storage device is provided with an air vent that opens in one direction from the outside to the inside of the temporary wastewater storage device.

[0079] The fifth object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine in which the collection device can collect and filter the wastewater discharged from the filtration device before introducing it into the water tank, thereby effectively preventing the problem of overflow of the collection device. Specifically, the following technical solutions are adopted:

[0080] The washing machine includes a water tank, a filtering device 6 communicating with the water tank to receive and filter the water in the water tank and having a pollutant outlet 6 for discharging the polluted water to the outside, a suction device that performs a suction operation to suck out the polluted water in the filtering device from the pollutant outlet, and a recovery device that collects and filters the polluted water sucked out by the suction device and introduces the filtered water into the water tank.

[0081] The washing machine further includes a detergent dispenser communicating with the water tank for dispensing detergent into the water tank, and a recovery device communicating with the detergent dispenser, the filtered water in the recovery device being introduced into the water tank via the detergent dispenser.

[0082] The detergent dispenser further includes a water tank communicating with the water reservoir. The recovery device includes a housing and a filter assembly disposed within the housing. The filter assembly is used to filter the collected wastewater. The housing is provided with a water outlet for discharging the filtered water. The water outlet is communicated with the water tank.

[0083] The housing further includes a collection chamber within the housing, the filter assembly dividing the collection chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber, and the housing outlet communicates with the second chamber.

[0084] Wastewater with contaminants enters the first chamber, passes through the filter assembly and is filtered before entering the second chamber, with the contaminants being collected in the first chamber.

[0085] Preferably, the first chamber is located above the second chamber.

[0086] Furthermore, the housing of the recovery device is provided inside the water supply tank, and the water filtered in the recovery device flows out of the water outlet and directly into the water supply tank.

[0087] Preferably, the housing is provided inside the water tank so as to be insertable / removable.

[0088] More preferably, the filtration assembly is removably mounted within the housing.

[0089] Furthermore, the water outlet is connected to a water supply tank through a pipe, and the filtered water in the recovery device is discharged from the water outlet and flows into the water supply tank through the pipe.

[0090] Preferably, the housing is provided inside the casing of the washing machine so as to be insertable / removable.

[0091] More preferably, the filtration assembly is removably mounted within the housing.

[0092] Furthermore, the water supply tank is connected to a water supply pipe, and the water supply pipe communicates with a water reservoir.

[0093] Preferably, the outlet end of the water supply pipe is connected to a water tank. The water supply pipe includes a corrugated tube having a certain length.

[0094] Furthermore, the contaminated outlet of the filtering device is connected to a temporary wastewater storage device having an internal storage chamber, the temporary wastewater storage device is connected to a recovery device, and the suction device is connected to the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device and sucks air from inside the temporary wastewater storage device.

[0095] Furthermore, a buffer section is provided between the suction device and the temporary wastewater storage device, and a buffer chamber is provided inside the buffer section, and the buffer chamber is in communication with the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device and the suction device, respectively.

[0096] Furthermore, a pollutant discharge control valve that can be opened / closed is provided between the filtering device and the temporary wastewater storage device.

[0097] A sixth object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine control method and washing machine that can control the suction device to perform suction operation and automatically stop it when a certain condition is met, thereby avoiding the problem of the sewage temporary storage device overflowing and entering the sewage device as a result of the filter device discharging a large amount of sewage at once. Specifically, the following technical solutions are adopted.

[0098] In the method for controlling a washing machine, the washing machine includes a water tank, a filtering device connected to the water tank and configured to receive and filter the water in the water tank, the filtering device having a pollutant outlet for discharging polluted water to the outside, a temporary sewage storage device connected to the pollutant outlet of the filtering device, a recovery device connected to the temporary sewage storage device, and a suction device for performing a suction operation.

[0099] The control method is used in a pollution discharge process in which a filter device discharges wastewater, and includes:

[0100] S1': When the suction device is controlled to perform the suction operation, the air in the temporary wastewater storage device is sucked in, and the wastewater in the filter device is discharged into the temporary wastewater storage device due to the pressure difference.

[0101] S2': When the first set condition is reached and the suction device is stopped, the wastewater in the wastewater temporary storage device enters the recovery device.

[0102] Furthermore, in step S2', the first set condition is that the duration of the suction operation reaches a first predetermined time length t1, or the water level in the temporary wastewater storage device rises to a first set water level.

[0103] Furthermore, after step S2', step S3' is included, in which the process returns to step S1' if a second set condition is met.

[0104] Furthermore, in step S3', the second set condition is that the suction device is stopped for a second predetermined time period t2, or the water level in the temporary wastewater storage device drops to a second set water level.

[0105] Furthermore, between step S2' and step S3', it is determined whether the number of times step S1' has been performed has reached a predetermined number, and if so, the process of discharging contamination from the filtration device is terminated, but if not, step A is included in which step S3' is performed.

[0106] Furthermore, between steps S1' and S2', if the water level in the temporary wastewater storage device does not reach the third set water level within the third predetermined time period t3, the suction device is stopped and the pollution discharge process of the filtration device is terminated, but if not, step B is also included in which step S2' is performed.

[0107] The washing machine uses the washing machine control method described above.

[0108] Furthermore, the first set condition is that the water level in the temporary wastewater storage device rises to a first set water level.

[0109] The temporary wastewater storage device is provided with a water level detection device, which issues an early warning signal when the water level in the temporary wastewater storage device reaches a first set water level.

[0110] Preferably, the water level detection device includes a water level probe provided inside the temporary wastewater storage device and aligned with the height of the first set water level.

[0111] Alternatively, the water level detection device includes a float and a sensor capable of detecting the height at which the float is present.

[0112] Furthermore, the volume of the temporary wastewater storage device is smaller than the volume of the filtration device.

[0113] Furthermore, a buffer section is provided between the suction device and the temporary wastewater storage device, and a buffer chamber is provided inside the buffer section, and the buffer chamber is in communication with the suction device and the temporary wastewater storage device, respectively.

[0114] The seventh object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine and a control method thereof that can avoid the problem of microplastics in the wastewater by filtering the wastewater before discharging it. Specifically, the following technical solutions are adopted:

[0115] The washing machine includes a water tank, an external drain pipe for draining water outside the washing machine, and a filtration device for receiving and filtering water in the water tank, the filtration device having a water inlet, a filtered water outlet, and a polluted drain.

[0116] The filtered water outlet and the external discharge pipe are directly or indirectly connected to each other. The water in the water tank passes through a filtration device to remove foreign matter, and then is discharged through the external discharge pipe.

[0117] The washing machine further includes a collection device for collecting the dirty water with the filtered foreign matter discharged from the pollutant outlet.

[0118] The apparatus further includes a first switching device provided between the filtered water outlet and the external discharge pipe for selectively controlling the water storage tank and the external discharge pipe to communicate with the filtered water outlet of the filtration device.

[0119] Preferably, a transfer pump is provided between the water tank and the water inlet of the filtration device to transfer water from the water tank to the filtration device.

[0120] The first switching device further includes a first valve body having a first valve chamber, the first valve body having a water inlet communicating with the filtered water outlet, a circulating water outlet communicating with the water tank, and a drain outlet communicating with an external drain pipe.

[0121] A switching mechanism is provided in the first valve chamber, and the switching mechanism selectively opens the circulating water outlet and the drain outlet.

[0122] Preferably, the switching mechanism is rotatably mounted within the first valve chamber and includes a flap having a first surface and a second surface facing each other, a drainage seal member provided on the first surface of the flap and used to block the drainage outlet, and a circulation seal member provided on the second surface of the flap and used to block the circulating water outlet.

[0123] More preferably, the first switching device further includes a first drive member for rotating the flap within the first valve chamber.

[0124] The present invention further includes a pollution discharge control device that is provided between the pollution discharge port of the filtering device and the recovery device and is used to control opening / closing between the pollution discharge port and the recovery device.

[0125] The pollution control device further includes a second valve body having a second valve chamber, a wastewater inlet and a wastewater outlet, the wastewater inlet communicating with the pollution discharge port, and a blocking mechanism for blocking the wastewater inlet or the wastewater outlet, located within the second valve chamber.

[0126] Preferably, the pollution emission control device further includes a second drive member used to move the blocking mechanism within the second valve chamber to open / close the wastewater inlet or wastewater outlet.

[0127] Preferably, the washing machine further includes a first switching device for controlling the water tank and the external discharge pipe to selectively communicate with the filtered water outlet of the filtration device, the first switching device including a first valve body having a first valve chamber.

[0128] The second valve body and the first valve body are integrally connected, and the first valve chamber and the second valve chamber are independent from each other.

[0129] The collection device further includes a housing having a collection chamber therein, and a filtration assembly disposed within the collection chamber and dividing the collection chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber.

[0130] Wastewater with contaminants enters the first chamber, passes through the filter assembly and is filtered before entering the second chamber, with the contaminants being collected in the first chamber.

[0131] The collection device further includes a water outlet communicating with the second chamber, which is used to discharge the water that has passed through the filter assembly and been filtered.

[0132] Preferably, the water outlet communicates with a water tank to introduce filtered water into the water tank, and / or the water outlet communicates with an external discharge pipe to discharge filtered water from the external discharge pipe.

[0133] More preferably, the water outlet is connected to a second switching device, which controls the water tank and the external discharge pipe line to be selectively connected to the water outlet.

[0134] Furthermore, a three-way branch structure is provided between the water storage tank and the water inlet of the filter device, and the three-way branch structure is connected to an external discharge pipe. A control valve that can be opened or closed is provided between the three-way branch structure and the external discharge pipe.

[0135] In the above-mentioned method for controlling a washing machine, a transfer pump is provided between the water tank and the water inlet of the filter. When the transfer pump is activated during a draining step of the washing machine, water in the water tank is introduced into the filter, and after filtering out foreign matter, the water is discharged through an external discharge line.

[0136] Furthermore, the washing machine also includes a pollution discharge control device for controlling opening / closing between the collecting device and the pollution discharge port of the filtering device.

[0137] During the pollutant discharge process of the filtering device, the pollutant discharge control device opens the pollutant discharge outlet between the recovery device and the filtering device, so that the wastewater containing the filtered foreign matter is discharged from the pollutant discharge outlet and enters the recovery device for collection.

[0138] Preferably, the washing machine further includes a first switching device for controlling the water tank and the external discharge pipe to selectively communicate with the filtered water outlet of the filtering device.

[0139] During the washing / rinsing process, the first switch opens the water tank and the filtered water outlet of the filter, and when the transfer pump is started, the water in the water tank circulates and passes through the filter, removing foreign particles in the water.

[0140] During the draining stage of the washing machine, the first switching device opens the external discharge pipe and the filtered water outlet of the filtration device, and when the conveying pump is started, the water in the water tank passes through the filtration device to remove foreign particles, and then is discharged from the external discharge pipe. [Effects of the Invention]

[0141] By using the above technical solutions, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0142] 1. By installing a collection device in the washing machine, it is possible to collect wastewater discharged from the filtration device. This prevents lint and other filtered particles contained in the wastewater from being directly discharged from the washing machine. It also prevents microplastics contained in the filtered particles from entering the ecosystem with the wastewater flow, which could have an impact on the ecological environment and human health.

[0143] 2. When the suction device performs suction, a pressure difference is created between the inside and outside of the polluted discharge port of the filter device, providing a driving force for discharging the polluted water from the filter device, thereby avoiding situations where the polluted water cannot be discharged due to the distance between the filter device and the recovery device being too far or the difference in elevation.

[0144] 3. By providing a blocking member that opens in one direction on the recovery device and combining it with a suction device, when the suction device performs its suction operation, a large pressure difference is quickly formed between the inside and outside of the polluted discharge outlet of the filtration device, thereby reliably providing a driving force for discharging the wastewater from the filtration device.

[0145] 4. A temporary wastewater storage device is provided between the filtering device and the recovery device, and the suction device performs suction to create a negative pressure environment within the temporary wastewater storage device, allowing wastewater to be discharged from the filtering device due to the pressure difference. The discharged wastewater is stored within the temporary wastewater storage device, preventing it from being sucked into the suction device due to the strong suction force it receives. The suction device does not come into direct contact with the wastewater throughout the entire process of discharging it from the filtering device to the recovery device, preventing the pump body from clogging, which can occur when transporting wastewater using a water pump.

[0146] 5. The isolation mechanism is used to cut off the communication between the polluted discharge outlet and the suction device when a certain amount of polluted water is discharged, which prevents the polluted water from being sucked into the suction device and provides protection for the suction device.

[0147] 6. The collection device can filter the collected wastewater, and the filtered water can be returned to the water tank for subsequent use in the washing process, or can be discharged through a drain pipe connected to the water tank, which prevents filtered foreign matter from being discharged together with the wastewater and effectively prevents the collection device from overflowing.

[0148] 7. The washing machine can be controlled to stop the discharge of wastewater by having the suction device perform suction and automatically stopping it when a certain condition is met. This allows the amount of wastewater discharged from the filter device to be controlled at one time, preventing overflow in the wastewater temporary storage device and preventing the problem of wastewater overflowing and entering the suction device.

[0149] 8. The wastewater from the water tank first passes through a filter to remove any contaminants in the water before being discharged from the washing machine, further preventing contaminants from being present in the wastewater flow. This maximizes the likelihood that contaminants will not be discharged directly from the washing machine, preventing microplastics present in the contaminants from being discharged with the water and entering the ecosystem.

[0150] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below in conjunction with the drawings.

[0151] 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]

[0152] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the washing machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the communication structure between the filtering device and the recovery device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the communication structure between the filtering device and the recovery device in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a partial enlarged view (normal state) of the wastewater inlet of the recovery device in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partial enlarged view of the wastewater inlet of the recovery device in the third embodiment of the present invention (in a closed state when the air pump is activated). [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of the wastewater inlet of the recovery device in Example 3 of the present invention (in an open state after the air pump is stopped). [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a blocking member according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the communication structure between the filtration device and the recovery device in Example 6 of the present invention (when the temporary wastewater storage device is waterless). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic enlarged view of part A of FIG. 9 according to the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the communication structure between the filtration device and the recovery device in Example 6 of the present invention (when the temporary wastewater storage device is full of water). [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic enlarged view of part B of FIG. 11 according to the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the communication structure between the filtering device and the recovery device in Example 8 of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a washing machine according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a washing machine according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the communication structure between the filtering device and the recovery device in the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a washing machine in accordance with an eleventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method for controlling a washing machine in accordance with a twelfth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic structural diagram of a washing machine according to a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a schematic structural diagram of a washing machine according to a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of the water channel communication during the cleaning / rinsing process in Example 15 of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram of the water channel connections in the drainage stage in Example 15 of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of the water channel connection during the pollutant discharge process of the filtering device in Example 15 of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of the communication structure between the filtration device and the recovery device in Example 15 of the present invention. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a control flowchart of the drainage stage of the washing machine in the eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26]FIG. 26 is a control flowchart of the washing / rinsing process of the washing machine in Example 18 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0153] 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.

[0154] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the following will clearly and concisely describe the technical solutions of the embodiments in combination with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention, which are for the purpose of illustrating the present invention but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0155] 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.

[0156] 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]

[0157] 1 to 3, this embodiment provides a washing machine. The washing machine includes a water tank 100, a filtering device 600 that communicates with the water tank 100, receives water in the water tank 100, and filters it, and has a pollutant outlet 6103 for discharging polluted water to the outside, and a recovery device 500 that collects polluted water discharged from the filtering device 600.

[0158] In this embodiment, the washing machine is provided with a circulation filtration pipe, both ends of which are connected to the water tank 100. A filtration device 600 is provided in the circulation filtration pipe. A transfer pump 400 is also provided in the circulation filtration pipe. The transfer pump 400 constantly circulates the water in the water tank 100 through the circulation filtration pipe, and as the water passes through the filtration device 600, it can remove foreign matter such as lint. This reduces the amount of lint in the water and improves the washing effect of clothes.

[0159] The filtering device 600 is provided with a pollutant outlet 6103. Any filtered particles remaining in the filtering device 600 after filtration can be discharged through the pollutant outlet 6103 along with the water flow, eliminating the need for the user to remove the filtering device 600 and manually clean it, making it easier to use. The recovery device 500 is connected to the pollutant outlet 6103 of the filtering device 600. After being discharged through the pollutant outlet 6103, the wastewater containing the filtered particles can enter the recovery device 500 and be collected therein, without merging with the wastewater flow and being discharged from the washing machine. This method prevents microplastics contained in the filtered particles from being discharged along with the water flow and entering the ecological cycle, which could harm the ecological environment and human health.

[0160] Due to the constraints of the interior space of the washing machine, the distance between the filtration device 600 and the collection device 500 may be large, and the path that the wastewater must take to enter the collection device 500 may become long. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the collection device 500 and the filtration device 600 are respectively provided in the left and right areas of the ceiling of the housing 10 of the washing machine. Therefore, it is difficult to completely discharge the wastewater in the filtration device 600 into the collection device 500 without using an external force. Furthermore, if the installation height of the collection device 500 is higher than the pollutant discharge port 6103 of the filtration device 600, there is even a risk that the wastewater will not be able to be discharged.

[0161] Washing machines generally use a conventional water pump to provide the power to move the water. However, since the wastewater discharged from the filtration device 600 to the collection device 500 contains contaminants, the conventional pump transport method can cause clogging as the wastewater passes through the pump body of the water pump, potentially causing the washing machine to malfunction.

[0162] To solve the problem of discharging wastewater from the filtering device 600 to the collecting device 500, the washing machine of this embodiment is provided with a suction device. The suction device performs a suction operation to suck air from the space outside the pollutant discharge port 6103, so that the wastewater in the filtering device 600 can be discharged from the pollutant discharge port 6103 by the action of a pressure difference and enter the collecting device 500.

[0163] In this embodiment, an air pump 810 is used as the suction device. Specifically, when it is necessary to discharge wastewater from the filtering device 600, the air pump 810 is controlled to perform a suction operation, so that the air in the space outside the pollutant outlet 6103 is sucked out by the air pump 810. As a result, a negative pressure environment is formed in the pipeline outside the pollutant outlet 6103, and the wastewater in the filtering device 600 can be discharged due to the pressure difference, and is finally discharged into the recovery device 500.

[0164] According to the above method, the wastewater in the filtration device 600 can be efficiently and quickly discharged and collected into the recovery device 500. Furthermore, since the air pump 810 is used only to draw air and create a negative pressure environment, the discharged wastewater does not pass through the air pump 810. This avoids the problem of the pump body easily becoming clogged when transporting wastewater using a water pump.

[0165] In this embodiment, the air pump 810 communicates between the pollutant outlet 6103 of the filtering device 600 and the recovery device 500 through a suction line 811, and performs suction operation according to a command to control the filtering device 600 to discharge polluted water.

[0166] Furthermore, the polluted discharge port 6103 of the filtering device 600 is in communication with a temporary wastewater storage device 820 having an internal storage chamber. The temporary wastewater storage device 820 is in communication with the recovery device 500, and the suction line 811 is in communication with the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device 820.

[0167] When the filtration device 600 discharges the wastewater to the outside, the washing machine performs the following steps.

[0168] S1: When the air pump 810 is controlled to perform the suction operation, the air in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is sucked out by the air pump 810, and the wastewater in the filtration device 600 is discharged into the temporary wastewater storage device 820 due to the pressure difference.

[0169] S2: When the air pump 810 is stopped, the suction action generated by the air pump 810 disappears, and the wastewater in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is discharged into the recovery device 500.

[0170] In the above solution, the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is provided, so that the wastewater can be temporarily stored in the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 after being sucked out of the filtering device 600 by the pressure difference. This prevents the wastewater from being subjected to the strong suction force of the air pump 810 and entering the air pump 810 along the suction line 811 when the wastewater rapidly flows out of the filtering device 600. This provides protection to the air pump 810, preventing the performance of the air pump 810 from being affected.

[0171] Preferably, a first vent hole communicating with the suction line 811 is provided in the ceiling of the temporary wastewater storage device 820. By connecting the suction line 811 to the ceiling area of ​​the temporary wastewater storage device 820, wastewater can enter the suction line 811 only when the internal storage chamber is filled with wastewater. This allows the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 to be used to the fullest extent possible, thereby increasing the amount of wastewater that can be stored in the temporary wastewater storage device 820.

[0172] In this embodiment, the discharge port of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is higher than the wastewater inlet of the recovery device 500. Therefore, when the air pump 810 stops and suction is stopped, the wastewater in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is discharged into the recovery device 500 by the action of gravity.

[0173] In a preferred embodiment of this embodiment, the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is provided with an air vent 821 for connecting the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 with the outside space. When the air pump 810 is stopped, outside air enters the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 through the air vent 821, and the internal wastewater is discharged to the recovery device 500. Similar to the first air vent communicating with the suction pipe 811, the air vent 821 is also provided in the ceiling area of ​​the temporary wastewater storage device 820.

[0174] In the above solution, the opening area of ​​the air vent 821 is small. Therefore, when the air pump 810 is activated and performs suction, the air entering the temporary wastewater storage device 820 through the air vent 821 does not have a significant effect on the formation of a negative pressure environment. Furthermore, when the air pump 810 stops, the air inside the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is no longer sucked out. Furthermore, the provision of the air vent 821 allows the interior of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 to quickly recover to near atmospheric pressure, and the inflow of air allows wastewater to be discharged and enter the collection device 500. Furthermore, by providing the air vent 821 in the temporary wastewater storage device 820, it is possible to avoid a situation where the air pressure inside the collection device 500 is too high to allow wastewater to flow into the collection device 500 after the air pump 810 stops operating.

[0175] In addition, the air vent 821 may be controlled to open in one direction, from the outside to the inside, by attaching a check valve or similar structure to the air vent 821. This prevents the wastewater from overflowing from the air vent 821 after the wastewater temporary storage device 820 is filled with water.

[0176] In this embodiment, the air pump 810 is a bidirectional pump, and can perform a suction operation to suck in air, and can also perform an air supply operation to introduce air into the temporary wastewater storage device 820. In the above step S2, the air pump 810 is first stopped to stop the air suction, and then the air pump 810 is started again to perform the air supply operation, thereby introducing air into the temporary wastewater storage device 820 and discharging the wastewater therein to the recovery device 500.

[0177] In another embodiment of this embodiment, air pump 810 is a suction pump having only a suction function. The washing machine further includes an air supply device (not shown), such as an air supply pump, communicating with the temporary wastewater storage device. In the above embodiment, step S2 includes stopping air pump 810 and activating the air supply device to introduce air into temporary wastewater storage device 820, thereby discharging the wastewater therein to recovery device 500.

[0178] In a further solution of this embodiment, an openable / closable pollutant discharge control valve 241 is provided between the pollutant discharge port 6103 of the filtering device 600 and the suction inlet end of the suction line 811. Specifically, the pollutant discharge control valve 241 is provided between the filtering device 600 and the wastewater temporary storage device 820.

[0179] In detail, the pollutant discharge port 6103 and the temporary wastewater storage device 820 communicate with each other through a pollutant discharge pipe 240. A pollutant discharge control valve 241 is provided in the pollutant discharge pipe 240, and can control the opening and closing of the pollutant discharge pipe 240.

[0180] When the conveying pump 400 circulates and filters the water in the water tank 100, the pollutant discharge control valve 241 is closed and the pollutant discharge line 240 is blocked. Also, when it is necessary to discharge the polluted water in the filtration device 600, the washing machine performs the following steps in order.

[0181] S11: When the air pump 810 is controlled to perform a suction operation, the air in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is sucked out.

[0182] S12: The pollutant discharge control valve 241 is opened to open the pollutant discharge pipeline 240, and the pollutant in the filtration device 600 is discharged to the temporary pollutant storage device 820 due to the pressure difference.

[0183] S2: When the air pump 810 is stopped, the wastewater in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is discharged into the recovery device 500.

[0184] In the above solution, the pollutant discharge control valve 241 remains closed at the beginning of the suction operation of the air pump 810, preventing communication between the filtering device 600 and the temporary wastewater storage device 820. This allows a relatively clear negative pressure environment to be created more quickly within the temporary wastewater storage device 820. When the pollutant discharge control valve 241 is then opened, the wastewater within the filtering device 600 receives a greater driving force, allowing it to be efficiently and sufficiently discharged into the temporary wastewater storage device 820.

[0185] In a further aspect of this embodiment, the collection device 500 specifically includes a housing 510 having a collection chamber therein, and a filter assembly 520 disposed within the collection chamber and dividing the collection chamber into a first chamber 531 and a second chamber 532.

[0186] The wastewater temporary storage device 820 is in communication with the first chamber 531. Wastewater containing contaminants enters the first chamber 531, passes through the filter assembly 520, is filtered, and then enters the second chamber 532. The contaminants are collected in the first chamber 531.

[0187] In the above solution, the recovery device 500 can separate contaminants from the wastewater by collecting the wastewater discharged from the filtration device 600 and then filtering the wastewater using the internal filtration assembly 520. This allows the user to directly collect and treat the separated contaminants, thereby avoiding the situation where the contaminants get mixed into the wastewater and make it impossible to treat it effectively.

[0188] Specifically, the filter assembly 520 may be a frame installed horizontally at a certain height within the collection chamber, and a filter mesh laid on the frame. A first chamber 531 is formed on the upper side of the filter assembly 520, and a second chamber 532 is formed on the lower side. After wastewater containing contaminants enters the first chamber 531, the water can pass through the filter assembly 520 and enter the second chamber 532, but the contaminants are blocked by the filter mesh and remain on the top surface of the filter assembly 520.

[0189] The filter mesh of the filtration assembly 520 can filter microplastics in the wastewater to prevent microplastics from getting into the water.

[0190] In this embodiment, the collection device 500 is provided in the housing 10 of the washing machine so as to be insertable / removable. A user can remove the collection device 500 from the housing 10 and clean it.

[0191] Specifically, the housing 510 of the collection device 500 is mounted in the case 10 so as to be insertable / removable. The housing 510 has an opening at the top. When the user removes the housing 510 from the case 10, the user can clean the foreign matter adhering to the top surface of the filter assembly 520 through the opening at the top of the housing 510. Preferably, the filter assembly 520 is detachably connected to the housing 510. In this case, the user can disassemble and remove the filter assembly 520 from inside the housing 510 for cleaning, which makes the operation easier.

[0192] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, second chamber 532 is provided with a water outlet for discharging filtered clean water. Providing a water outlet in second chamber 532 allows clean water that has entered second chamber 532 to be quickly discharged from recovery device 500. This prevents overflow in recovery device 500 when a large amount of wastewater is discharged from filtering device 600. Otherwise, the capacity of second chamber 532 would need to be increased, which would require an increase in the volume of recovery device 500, which would occupy a large space inside the washing machine and be detrimental to reducing the overall volume of the washing machine.

[0193] Furthermore, since the water in second chamber 532 can be automatically discharged from the water outlet, when the user cleans collection device 500, he or she only needs to clean the filtered foreign matter on filter assembly 520, and does not need to manually discard the clean water in second chamber 532. Furthermore, if filter assembly 520 is removably attached within housing 510, the user can simply remove filter assembly 520 and clean it without having to completely remove housing 510 from casing 10 of the washing machine, making operation even easier.

[0194] Preferably, the water outlet of the second chamber 532 is connected to the water tank 100 through a pipe. In this case, clean water filtered by the filtration assembly 520 can be introduced into the water tank 100 for reuse, thereby reducing the amount of water used by the washing machine. Alternatively, the water outlet of the second chamber 532 may be connected to the outside of the washing machine through a pipe, so that filtered water free of foreign matter can be directly discharged from the washing machine. In this case, there is no problem with microplastics entering the ecosystem.

[0195] In this embodiment, the filtration device 600 specifically includes a filtration chamber 610 having a water inlet 6101, a filtered water outlet 6102, and a polluted water outlet 6103, the water inlet 6101 and the filtered water outlet 6102 being connected to the circulating filtration pipeline, a filtration mechanism 620 rotatably mounted within the filtration chamber 610, and a drive mechanism 660 for rotating the filtration mechanism 620 within the filtration chamber 610.

[0196] The filtering mechanism 620 includes a filter mesh holder and a filter mesh covering the surface of the filter mesh holder, and divides the interior of the filtering chamber 610 into an outer chamber and an inner chamber. Water in the water tank 100 enters the outer chamber of the filtering chamber 610 through the water inlet 6101, and contaminants in the water are blocked by the filter mesh and adhere to the outer surface of the filtering mechanism 620. Clean water, free of contaminants, enters the inner chamber, flows out through a water outlet joint 621 connected to the inner chamber, and finally leaves the filtering chamber 610 through a filtered water outlet 6102. By designing the pore size of the filter mesh, the filtering mechanism 620 can filter not only large lint particles in the water but also microplastics in the water, significantly reducing the amount of microplastics in the washing machine's wastewater.

[0197] When cleaning the filtration device 600, the filtration mechanism 620 is rotated within the filtration chamber 610 by a drive mechanism 660, such as a motor, to agitate the water remaining in the filtration chamber 610. As a result, foreign matter adhering to the surface of the filtration mechanism 620 is peeled off from the filtration mechanism 620 by the action of centrifugal force and the turbulent water flow, and mixed into the water within the filtration chamber 610. Finally, the air pump 810 operates to discharge the contaminated water from the contaminant discharge port 6103, allowing it to be collected by the recovery device 500.

[0198] In this embodiment, during the course of the washing machine executing one complete wash program, it performs at least one automatic cleaning operation by activating the driving mechanism 660 to rotate the filtration mechanism 620, and / or one pollution discharge operation by controlling the air pump 810 to perform a suction operation to discharge dirty water from the filtration device 600. When performing the pollution discharge operation, the filtration mechanism 620 may remain stationary or may be rotated by the driving mechanism 660.

[0199] Furthermore, cleaning particles 680 are provided within the filtering chamber 610 of the filtering device 600, which generate friction and collisions with the water flow to clean the inner wall of the filtering chamber 610 and the outer wall of the filtering mechanism 620. During circulating filtering, 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 as the water flows, causing adhering contaminants to fall off. This prevents the accumulation of contaminants and prevents the filtering mechanism 620 from being covered with contaminants, which would affect filtering efficiency. When the filtering mechanism 620 rotates to perform automatic cleaning, the cleaning particles 680 move within the filtering chamber 610 due to the action of the turbulent water flow, generating friction with the inner wall of the filtering chamber 610 and the outer wall of the filtering mechanism 620. This improves the efficiency of removing contaminants, improving the automatic cleaning effect of the filtering device 600.

[0200] A baffle 690 is further provided within the filtering chamber 610, dividing the interior of the filtering chamber 610 into a first space on the left side and a second space on the right side. The cleaning particles 680 and the main body of the filtering mechanism 620 are both located within the first space. The water inlet 6101 communicates with the first space, and the filtered water outlet 6102 and the pollutant outlet 6103 communicate with the second space. The baffle 690 has a water passage hole that connects the first space to the second space. While polluted water within the filtering chamber 610 can pass through the baffle 690 and be discharged from the pollutant outlet 6103, the cleaning particles 680 cannot pass through the water passage hole and are therefore blocked to the left by the baffle 690. This prevents the cleaning particles 680 from being discharged together with the pollutant water from the pollutant outlet 6103 or from accumulating and clogging the pollutant outlet 6103.

[0201] The circulation filtration pipeline of the washing machine in this embodiment specifically includes: a water tank drain pipe 260 connecting the water tank 100 and the water inlet end of the conveying pump 400; a drain pipe 210 having one end connected to the water discharge end of the conveying pump 400 and the other end connected to the switching device 270; a circulation pipe 220 having one end connected to the switching device 270 and the other end connected to the water inlet 6101 of the filtering device 600; and a return water pipe 230 having one end connected to the filtered water outlet 6102 of the filtering device 600 and the other end connected to the water tank 100, for conveying filtered water into the water tank 100.

[0202] Switching device 270 is further connected to external discharge pipe 250 for draining water to the outside of the washing machine. Switching device 270 can be controlled to selectively open circulation pipe 220 and external discharge pipe 250 to drain pipe 210. In this way, a single conveying pump 400 can provide driving force for circulation, filtration, and drainage of the washing machine, and the corresponding functions can be achieved simply by controlling the opening direction of switching device 270.

[0203] The discharge end of the return water pipe 230 is connected to the window packing 110 at the tank opening of the water tank 100. The water that has passed through the filtration device 600 and been filtered enters through the window packing 110 and returns into the water tank 100.

[0204] In this embodiment, the washing machine is provided with a recovery device 500 capable of collecting wastewater discharged from the filtration device 600. This prevents wastewater containing contaminants from being directly discharged from the washing machine, thereby preventing microplastics contained in the contaminants from entering the ecosystem and affecting the ecological environment and human health. The recovery device 500 is provided with a filter assembly 520 that filters the collected wastewater to separate the contaminants from water, making it easy to clean the contaminants.

[0205] The washing machine is provided with an air pump 810 that draws air between the filtering device 600 and the collecting device 500, creating a negative pressure environment outside the pollutant outlet 6103, and uses the pressure difference to discharge pollutant water from the filtering device 600 through the pollutant outlet 6103 and into the collecting device 500. Therefore, even if the filtering device 600 and the collecting device 500 are far apart or have a difference in elevation, the pollutant water can be sufficiently discharged from the filtering device 600. A temporary pollutant storage device 820 is provided between the filtering device 600 and the collecting device 500 and is directly connected to the air pump 810. This prevents the air pump 810 from sucking in pollutant water when drawing air. Using the air pump 810 to draw in pollutant water avoids the problem of contaminants in pollutant water clogging the water pump, compared to conventional water pumps, and allows for smoother pollutant discharge. [Example]

[0206] As shown in Fig. 4, this embodiment further limits the first embodiment. A buffer unit 830 is provided between the air pump 810 and the temporary wastewater storage device 820. A buffer chamber is provided inside the buffer unit 830. The buffer chamber communicates with the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 through the first air vent. In addition, a suction pipe 811 is connected to the buffer unit 830 to connect the air pump 810 and the buffer chamber. As a result, the air pump 810 sucks air from inside the temporary wastewater storage device 820 through the buffer unit 830.

[0207] In the above solution, when the air pump 810 is activated, it can suck the inside of the buffer unit 830 and the inside of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 to create a negative pressure state. Then, when the pollutant discharge control valve 241 is opened, the wastewater in the filtration device 600 can be quickly discharged due to the pressure difference. By providing the buffer unit 830 between the air pump 810 and the temporary wastewater storage device 820, even if the discharged amount of wastewater is large and overflows the temporary wastewater storage device 820, the overflowed wastewater can be stored in the buffer chamber of the buffer unit 830 and will not directly enter the air pump 810.

[0208] In a preferred embodiment of this embodiment, the buffer unit 830 is installed above the temporary wastewater storage device 820, and a first vent port of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is connected to a vent pipe 831. The vent pipe 831 extends vertically upward and communicates with the buffer chamber of the buffer unit 830. Furthermore, the air pump 810 is installed above the buffer unit 830. A second vent port communicating with the air pump 810 is installed in the ceiling wall of the buffer unit 830. The second vent port of the buffer unit 830 is connected to a suction pipe 811. Furthermore, the suction pipe 811 extends vertically upward and is connected to the intake end of the air pump 810.

[0209] According to the above structure, the suction force required for sewage to enter the upper buffer section 830 and the air pump 810 from the temporary sewage storage device 820 is greater due to the suction action of the air pump 810, thereby further preventing water from entering the air pump 810.

[0210] In this embodiment, a buffer section 830 is provided between the air pump 810 and the temporary wastewater storage device 820, making it possible to store wastewater that overflows from the temporary wastewater storage device 820, thereby preventing the wastewater from entering the air pump 810 when the amount of wastewater is too large. By providing the temporary wastewater storage device 820, the ventilation pipe 831, the buffer section 830, the suction pipe 811, and the air pump 810 in this order from bottom to top, the height that the wastewater must rise to when entering the air pump 810 increases, requiring greater suction force. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent water from entering the air pump 810. [Example]

[0211] 3 to 8, this embodiment further limits the above-mentioned embodiment 1 or 2. A sewage inlet 550 of the recovery device 500 is provided with a blocking member 540 that opens in one direction from the outside to the inside.

[0212] When the air pump 810 performs its suction operation, the blocking member 540 can block the wastewater inlet 550 of the collection device 500. This prevents air from being sucked out of the collection device 500 through the wastewater inlet 550, creating a relatively isolated space between the pollutant discharge outlet 6103 and the collection device 500. This allows the suction action of the air pump 810 to quickly create a negative pressure environment around the pollutant discharge outlet 6103, improving wastewater discharge efficiency. Furthermore, after the air pump 810 stops and the suction action disappears, the wastewater flows out of the wastewater temporary storage device 820 due to gravity or the increased air pressure caused by air entering the wastewater temporary storage device 820. The blocking member 540 can then open the wastewater inlet 550 under the action of water pressure, allowing the wastewater to enter the collection device 500 and be collected.

[0213] Specifically, the blocking member 540 includes a base 541 attached to the wastewater inlet 550 of the recovery device 500, and an opening portion 542 that is movable relative to the base 541 and opens / closes the space between the outside and inside of the recovery device 500.

[0214] Furthermore, the wastewater inlet 550 is provided in the housing 510 of the recovery device 500. The outer periphery of the wastewater inlet 550 extends a certain length from the inner wall of the housing 510 of the recovery device 500 toward the inside of the recovery device 500 to form a tubular portion 551. The base 541 is attached to the extended end of the tubular portion 551. Furthermore, the opening portion 542 moves relative to the extended end of the tubular portion 551 to open / close the opening at the extended end of the tubular portion 551.

[0215] In detail, the base 541 covers the extended end of the tubular portion 551. The open portion 542 achieves closure by covering the opening of the tubular portion 551 from the outside of the tubular portion 551. The open portion 542 opens the opening by reversing in a direction away from the tubular portion 551. The structure of the closure member 540 is simple. Furthermore, the open portion 542 abuts against the right end face of the tubular portion 551 and cannot be reversed toward the inside of the tubular portion 551, thereby achieving unidirectional opening of the sewage inlet 550 from the outside to the inside.

[0216] In this embodiment, the opening 542 is made of a flexible material, such as rubber, that can undergo elastic deformation. When the air pump 810 is activated, the portion of the opening 542 that covers the opening deforms and protrudes toward the inside of the tubular portion 551, thereby closing the opening. The opening 542 forms a certain degree of enclosure around the included angle between the inner wall of the tubular portion 551 and the right end face of the tubular portion 551, thereby increasing the contact area between the opening 542 and the opening of the tubular portion 551. Furthermore, the surface of the opening 542 facing the tubular portion 551 is convex, thereby increasing the surface area. This increases the force-receiving area of ​​the opening 542 when it receives the suction force of negative pressure, allowing the closing member 540 to provide a better seal against the wastewater inlet 550. This is advantageous for quickly creating a negative pressure environment.

[0217] Furthermore, the opening portion 542 and the base body 541 are integrally molded. That is, the entire closing member 540 is made of a flexible material. This allows the opening portion 542 and the base body 541 to move relatively without the need for an extra connecting structure between the base body 541 and the opening portion 542, and the opening at the right end of the tubular portion 551 is opened / closed by the movement of the opening portion 542.

[0218] In another embodiment of the present invention, the opening of the closing member is made of a hard material. The surface of the opening facing the opening of the tubular portion is a convex surface that bulges toward the inside of the tubular portion. Specifically, the opening of the tubular portion is circular, and the opening has a circular sheet structure. The surface of the opening facing the opening of the tubular portion is an arcuate surface that bulges outward from the center.

[0219] Because the open portion has an arcuate surface, when it closes the opening of the tubular portion, a portion of it can extend into the opening. Furthermore, the surface of the open portion that contacts the opening of the tubular portion is inclined relative to the end face of the tubular portion, allowing it to more firmly close the opening and achieve a better sealing effect. Furthermore, the arcuate surface structure of the open portion increases the surface area, which means that the open portion has a larger area to receive the suction force of the air pump, further strengthening the sealing performance. This better creates a negative pressure environment between the contaminated outlet of the filtering device and the recovery device.

[0220] Furthermore, the opening portion and the base of the closing member are provided as separate bodies, and are connected so as to be relatively movable. Specifically, the opening portion and the base are connected so as to be rotatable. The opening portion opens / closes the opening of the tubular portion by reversing movement.

[0221] Alternatively, the opening and the base may be integrally molded from plastic. In this case, both the opening and the base are rigid, so no significant deformation occurs. Furthermore, the opening and the base are connected via a connecting piece with a very small thickness. Because the connecting piece is thin, it deforms with a small applied force, allowing relative movement between the opening and the base.

[0222] In a further solution of this embodiment, the outer periphery of the wastewater inlet 550 extends a certain length from the outer wall of the housing 510 of the collection device 500 toward the outside of the collection device 500 to form a connection part 552. The connection part 552 is used to connect to a pipeline, and communicates with the wastewater temporary storage device 820 through the pipeline. The end of the pipeline can be covered by the connection part 552, making installation easier.

[0223] In this embodiment, a one-way opening blocking member 540 is provided at the wastewater inlet 550 of the recovery device 500. The blocking member 540 can seal the wastewater inlet 550 of the recovery device 500 when the air pump 810 draws air. This allows a negative pressure environment to be created more quickly, and the pressure difference that can be created at the pollutant outlet 6103 also increases, improving the efficiency of wastewater discharge from the filtration device 600. When the air pump 810 stops, the blocking member 540 can automatically open the wastewater inlet 550 due to the impact of the water flow, allowing wastewater to smoothly enter the recovery device 500 and be collected. [Example]

[0224] This embodiment differs from the above-described third embodiment in the following respects: The closing member is provided at the water discharge port of the recovery device, and opens in one direction from the inside to the outside of the recovery device.

[0225] Specifically, when the air pump is activated, the blocking member seals the outlet of the collection device, preventing outside air from entering. This creates a negative pressure environment within the buffer, the temporary wastewater storage device, and the collection device. When the wastewater in the filter is discharged due to the pressure difference, most of it is stored in the temporary wastewater storage device, but a small portion may enter the collection device directly. However, the wastewater blocks the pipeline between the temporary wastewater storage device and the collection device, preventing any further air from being sucked out of the collection device.

[0226] When the air pump stops, the temporary wastewater storage device can recover to near atmospheric pressure, but the inside of the recovery device remains at a certain negative pressure, allowing the wastewater in the temporary wastewater storage device to be discharged into the recovery device. Furthermore, as the wastewater enters the recovery device, the blocking member can open the outlet. This allows the air inside the recovery device to be discharged from the outlet as the wastewater enters, ensuring smooth entry of wastewater into the recovery device. [Example]

[0227] As shown in Fig. 4, this embodiment further limits the second embodiment. When the suction device (i.e., air pump 810) performs a suction operation once, all of the wastewater remaining in the filtering device 600 is discharged and can enter the temporary wastewater storage device 820.

[0228] In this embodiment, the washing machine further includes a detection device for detecting the discharge status of wastewater in the filtering device 600. The air pump 810 stops suctioning when the detection device detects that the wastewater in the filtering device 600 has been completely discharged. The air pump 810 can suck out all the wastewater in the filtering device 600 by performing the suctioning operation once, thereby achieving efficient discharge of wastewater.

[0229] Specifically, the detection device may be a water level meter provided in the filtering device 600, and determines whether the wastewater has been completely discharged by detecting the water level in the filtering device 600. When the water level in the filtering device 600, which is fed back from the water level meter, is 0, the air pump 810 is controlled to stop, thereby stopping the suction operation.

[0230] Alternatively, the detection device is a flow meter provided in the pollutant discharge pipe 240. If the flow meter detects that the flow rate in the pollutant discharge pipe 240 is continuously 0 while the air pump 810 is performing the suction operation, it is determined that the polluted water in the filtration device 600 has been completely discharged, and the air pump 810 is controlled to stop, thereby stopping the suction operation.

[0231] Alternatively, the detection device may collect images of the inside of filtration device 600 and determine whether or not the wastewater has been completely drained based on the collected images. When the washing machine determines that the wastewater has been completely drained based on the collected images of the inside of filtration device 600, it controls air pump 810 to stop the suction operation.

[0232] In a further embodiment of this embodiment, the amount of wastewater that can be accommodated between the polluted discharge outlet 6103 of the filtering device 600 and the wastewater inlet of the recovery device 500 is equal to or greater than the maximum amount of wastewater that the filtering device 600 can accommodate. Specifically, the polluted discharge outlet 6103 of the filtering device 600 and the temporary wastewater storage device 820 are connected via the polluted discharge pipe 240. The temporary wastewater storage device 820 and the recovery device 500 are also connected via the connecting pipe 825. The total volume of the polluted discharge pipe 240, the connecting pipe 825, and the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is equal to or greater than the volume of the filtering device 600.

[0233] According to the above structure, when the air pump 810 performs a single suction operation to completely discharge the wastewater from the filtering device 600, it is ensured that the discharged wastewater does not overflow from the temporary wastewater storage device 820 and flow into the air pump 810 before entering the recovery device 500. Therefore, the intrusion of wastewater into the air pump 810 is prevented.

[0234] In a preferred solution of this embodiment, the volume of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is set to be larger than the volume of the filtering device 600, or at least larger than the maximum amount of wastewater that can be stored in the filtering device 600, so that the temporary wastewater storage device 820 will not become full even if all the wastewater in the filtering device 600 is discharged at once. This prevents the wastewater from overflowing from the temporary wastewater storage device 820 and entering the air pump 810 when the wastewater is discharged from the filtering device 600 to the temporary wastewater storage device 820, thereby providing a protective effect for the air pump 810. [Example]

[0235] As shown in Figures 9 to 12, this embodiment further limits any of the above embodiments. The washing machine further includes an isolation mechanism provided between the pollutant discharge port 6103 and the suction device (i.e., air pump 810). The isolation mechanism gradually blocks communication between the air pump 810 and the pollutant discharge port 6103 as pollutant is discharged, thereby preventing the pollutant from being sucked into the air pump 810 when the air pump 810 continues to suction due to an excessive amount of pollutant being discharged from the pollutant discharge port 6103. This provides a protection for the air pump 810, preventing pollutant from entering the air pump 810 and affecting its performance.

[0236] In this embodiment, the isolation mechanism includes a float member, and a vent hole 832 is provided in the communication path between the air pump 810 and the pollutant discharge port 6103. During the sewage discharge process, the float member rises together with the water surface to below the vent hole 832, blocking the vent hole 832.

[0237] In this embodiment, the float member is a float ball 822. The diameter of the float ball 822 is larger than the diameter of the vent hole 832.

[0238] In a further embodiment of this embodiment, the float ball 822 is provided inside the temporary wastewater storage device 820, and the vent hole 832 is provided in the ceiling wall of the temporary wastewater storage device 820. Preferably, the isolation mechanism further includes a guide part 823 extending from the bottom of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 toward the vent hole 832. The guide part 823 has a hollow passage, and the float ball 822 is provided in the hollow passage.

[0239] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, in the initial state, the inside of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is waterless, so the float ball 822 is located at the bottom end of the guide part 823. Furthermore, as wastewater is being discharged into the temporary wastewater storage device 820, the water level inside the temporary wastewater storage device 820 gradually rises. Because the side wall of the guide part 823 is provided with through-holes that connect the hollow path to the outside space of the guide part 823, the water level inside the guide part 823 also rises simultaneously. Furthermore, since the float ball 822 always floats at the water level, it gradually rises as the water level rises. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, when the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is filled with water, the float ball 822 rises to the ceiling of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 along with the water level, blocking the air vent 832 from below. This prevents the dirty water from spilling further upwards through the vent 832, thereby ensuring that the dirty water does not spill out of the vent 832 and enter the air pump 810.

[0240] In the above solution, the vent hole 832 is blocked by the float ball 822 installed in the temporary wastewater storage device 820, and can be blocked when the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is full of water. This allows the filtration device 600 to discharge a larger amount of wastewater at one time, improving the efficiency of wastewater discharge, while ensuring that wastewater does not enter the air pump 810. In addition, by providing a guide portion 823 to guide the movement of the float ball 822, the float ball 822 can only reciprocate within the guide portion 823. This prevents the float ball 822 from deviating from its trajectory, making it unable to block the vent hole 832.

[0241] In this embodiment, the guide portion 823 has a cylindrical structure. The inner diameter of the guide portion 823 is larger than the outer diameter of the float ball 822. A clearance fit is formed between the float ball 822 and the guide portion 823, reducing and ultimately eliminating the frictional resistance that exists when the float ball 822 reciprocates inside the guide portion 823. This prevents the float ball 822 from getting caught inside the guide portion 823 and being unable to rise with the water surface.

[0242] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the guide portion 823 is provided to extend vertically inside the temporary wastewater storage device 820. This is more advantageous for the float ball 822 to rise unhindered as the water level rises and close the air hole 832.

[0243] In this embodiment, the lower end of the vent pipe 831 is connected to the ceiling wall of the temporary sewage storage device 820, and the connection point between the vent pipe 831 and the temporary sewage storage device 820 forms a vent hole 832. The diameter of the float ball 822 is larger than the diameter of the vent pipe 831. The float ball 822 rises with the water surface and closes the vent hole 832. That is, the float ball 822 moves to the lower end of the vent pipe 831 and closes the opening at the lower end of the vent pipe 831.

[0244] In this embodiment, by providing a float ball 822 and a guide part 823 inside the temporary wastewater storage device 820, the float ball 822 can close the upper air vent 832 when the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is filled with wastewater. This prevents wastewater from overflowing from the air vent 832, preventing the wastewater from overflowing and entering the air pump 810, and ensuring the operational performance of the air pump 810. [Example]

[0245] This embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in that the isolation mechanism, which is made up of the float ball and the guide portion, is provided inside the buffer portion.

[0246] Specifically, a vent hole is provided in the ceiling wall of the buffer section, and is connected to an air pump through a suction line. A guide section is provided within the buffer section, extending vertically upward from the bottom to the vent hole. A through-hole is provided in the side wall of the guide section. A float ball is also provided inside the guide section.

[0247] In this embodiment, the volume of the temporary wastewater storage device is made larger than the volume of the filter device. As a result, when the washing machine is operating normally, wastewater will not normally fill the temporary wastewater storage device completely. However, under some abnormal circumstances, a large amount of wastewater may enter the temporary wastewater storage device, causing an overflow. In this case, the wastewater will enter the buffer section upward along the ventilation pipe and gradually accumulate within the buffer chamber of the buffer section, preventing it from being directly sucked into the air pump.

[0248] As the sewage enters the buffer, the water level in the buffer gradually rises. The float ball also rises gradually within the guide along with the rising water level, approaching the air vent at the top. When the buffer is filled with sewage, the float ball rises to the very top of the guide, blocking the air vent at the bottom of the suction pipe, preventing the sewage from overflowing the buffer and being sucked into the air pump. [Example]

[0249] As shown in Figure 13, this embodiment differs from the above-mentioned Embodiment 6 in the following respects: Both the temporary wastewater storage device 820 and the buffer section 830 are provided with an isolation mechanism consisting of a float ball 822 and a guide section 823. In addition, the ceiling wall of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 and the ceiling wall of the buffer section 830 are provided with vent holes 832 that are blocked by the corresponding float balls 822, respectively.

[0250] Specifically, the lower end of the ventilation pipe 831 is connected to the ceiling wall of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 to form one ventilation hole 832. Also, the lower end of the suction pipe 811 is connected to the ceiling wall of the buffer part 830 to form the other ventilation hole 832.

[0251] Under normal circumstances, when the filtration device 600 discharges wastewater to the outside, the float ball 822 in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 rises along with the water surface. When it reaches the ceiling of the temporary wastewater storage device 820, it can block the vent hole 832, preventing wastewater from overflowing from the temporary wastewater storage device 820. However, if the float ball 822 in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 becomes stuck unexpectedly and becomes unable to move, the vent pipe 831 remains in communication with the temporary wastewater storage device 820. Therefore, if the filtration device 600 continues to discharge wastewater, the wastewater will flow upward along the vent pipe 831 and enter the buffer section 830.

[0252] In this embodiment, a float ball 822 is also provided inside the buffer section 830. Therefore, if sewage continues to enter the buffer section 830, the float ball 822 inside the buffer section 830 gradually rises together with the water surface. Then, if the buffer section 830 is filled with sewage, the float ball 822 can block the air vent 832 in the ceiling wall of the buffer section 830. In other words, since the float ball 822 blocks the lower end of the suction pipe line 811, the sewage overflows from the buffer section 830 and cannot enter the air pump 810.

[0253] In this embodiment, the float balls 822 are provided in both the temporary wastewater storage device 820 and the buffer section 830, providing double protection. Even if the float ball 822 in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 loses its function and wastewater overflows, when the buffer section 830 is filled with wastewater, the float ball 822 in the buffer section 830 can block the air hole 832 at the lower end of the suction pipe line 811. This prevents wastewater from further overflowing from the buffer section 830 and entering the air pump 810, making the system even safer and more reliable. [Example]

[0254] This embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment in that the float ball is installed between the temporary wastewater storage device and the air pump. Specifically, the float ball is installed in the ventilation pipe that connects the temporary wastewater storage device and the buffer section.

[0255] In this embodiment, the vent pipe has a tapered section extending from bottom to top, with the diameter gradually decreasing, and the float ball is located inside the tapered section. The diameter of the upper end of the tapered section is smaller than the diameter of the float ball, so that the float ball rises to the upper end of the tapered section together with the water surface, achieving closure.

[0256] The diameter of the bottom end of the narrowing section is larger than the diameter of the float ball to ensure that the float ball can move freely back and forth within the narrowing section. Furthermore, a position restriction part is provided below the narrowing section to prevent the float ball from falling into the temporary wastewater storage device.

[0257] In this specific example, the vent pipe has a tapered cross-sectional structure with a gradually decreasing diameter. The ceiling wall of the sewage temporary storage device has several small holes communicating with the vent pipe. The float ball is restricted in position within the vent pipe by the ceiling wall of the sewage temporary storage device. When sewage overflows from the sewage temporary storage device and enters the vent pipe, the float ball rises with the water surface. When it reaches a certain height in the vent pipe, the float ball comes into complete circumferential contact with the inner wall of the vent pipe, achieving closure.

[0258] In another specific example of this embodiment, the diameter of the vent pipe gradually increases and then decreases from bottom to top. The diameters of the top and bottom ends of the vent pipe are both smaller than the diameter of the float ball, and the maximum diameter of the vent pipe is larger than the diameter of the float ball. Because the diameter of the bottom end of the vent pipe is smaller than the diameter of the float ball, the float ball can be positioned within the vent pipe. When sewage overflows from the sewage temporary storage device and enters the vent pipe, the float ball rises to a certain height in the vent pipe along with the water surface. The float ball then comes into complete circumferential contact with the inner wall of the vent pipe, achieving blockage. [Example]

[0259] 4 and 14, this embodiment further limits the second embodiment. The recovery device 500 is directly or indirectly connected to the water tank 100, filters the collected wastewater, and then introduces the filtered water into the water tank 100.

[0260] Specifically, the washing machine further includes a detergent dispenser used to dispense detergent into the water tank 100 and communicating with the water tank 100. A recovery device 500 communicates with the detergent dispenser. The filtered water in the recovery device 500 is introduced into the water tank 100 via the detergent dispenser.

[0261] Furthermore, the detergent dispenser has a water supply tank 300 that communicates with the water tank 100. A water outlet for discharging filtered water is provided in a housing 510 of the recovery device 500. The water outlet communicates with the water supply tank 300, and filtered clean water is introduced into the water supply tank 300, whereby the water enters the water tank 100.

[0262] In particular, the water outlet communicates with the second chamber 532 inside the recovery device 500. As a result, the water discharged from the water outlet is clean water that has been filtered through the filter assembly 520.

[0263] In the above solution, the water supply tank 300 itself is used to introduce water into the water tank 100. Therefore, the recovery device 500 returns water to the water tank 100 through the water supply tank 300 of the detergent dispenser. In this case, there is no need to add a structure to connect the recovery device 500 to the water tank 100, which is advantageous in simplifying the water channel structure inside the washing machine and preventing the water channel from becoming excessively long. The recovery device 500 filters the collected wastewater, and then returns the clean water obtained by the filtration to the water tank 100 via the water supply tank 300 for reuse. This also serves to flush out any detergent that may be present inside the water supply tank 300, thereby improving the utilization rate of the detergent.

[0264] In this embodiment, the water supply tank 300 and the water outlet of the second chamber 532 of the recovery device 500 can be communicated through a conduit. Thus, after being discharged from the water outlet, the filtered clean water enters the water supply tank 300 through the conduit, and further enters the water storage tank 100 via the conduit that connects the water supply tank 300 and the water storage tank 100, thereby participating in the washing process.

[0265] In a preferred embodiment of this embodiment, the housing 510 of the recovery device 500 is installed inside the water tank 300. Thus, after the wastewater discharged from the filtration device 600 is filtered, the clean water flows out of the outlet of the second chamber 532 and directly enters the water tank 300, and then enters the water tank 100 through the pipe connecting the water tank 300 and the water storage tank 100.

[0266] According to the above-described structure, the internal space of the water supply tank 300 can be fully utilized, and there is no need to provide separate pipes to connect the recovery device 500 and the water supply tank 300. This makes the internal structure of the washing machine more compact, thereby saving installation space inside the washing machine.

[0267] Because the water supply tank 300 has a certain amount of space inside, the entire recovery device 500 is installed inside the water supply tank 300. The filtered water enters the water supply tank 300 immediately after flowing out of the water outlet, thereby achieving the purpose of introducing filtered water into the water supply tank 300. In addition, because the internal space of the water supply tank 300 can be fully utilized, the recovery device 500 does not occupy a portion of the space inside the washing machine by itself, which is advantageous for saving installation space.

[0268] In addition, because the water outlet of the recovery device 500 is located inside the water supply tank 300, filtered water in the recovery device 500 can be transported to the water supply tank 300 without the need to install a separate pipe to connect the water outlet to the water supply tank 300. This simplifies the pipe structure inside the washing machine. The simplified pipe structure makes the internal structure of the washing machine more compact, thereby reducing the space occupied by the external structure of the water tank 100. This contributes to a more compact design of the entire washing machine, provided that the capacity of the washing machine is guaranteed.

[0269] In a further embodiment of this embodiment, the housing 510 is installed inside the water tank 300 so as to be insertable / removable. Specifically, the water tank 300 is installed adjacent to the inner wall of the housing 10 of the washing machine. A user can insert the housing 510 into the housing 10 or remove it from the housing 10. An opening is provided on the upper side of the housing 510. When removing the housing 510, a user can clean filtered foreign matter adhering to the upper surface of the filter assembly 520 through the opening on the upper side of the housing 510. Preferably, the filter assembly 520 is detachably connected to the housing 510. In this case, a user can disassemble the filter assembly 520 from inside the housing 510, remove it, and clean it, making the operation even easier.

[0270] In a further solution of this embodiment, the water supply tank 300 is connected to a water supply pipe 310, which communicates with the water tank 100. Preferably, the discharge end of the water supply pipe 310 is connected to the water tank 100. The water supply pipe 310 comprises a corrugated tube having a certain length.

[0271] In the above solution, the water supply tank 300 is directly connected to the water storage tank 100 through the water supply pipe 310, allowing filtered water discharged from the recovery device 500 to be introduced into the water storage tank 100. Since the water storage tank 100 is subject to a certain degree of vibration during the operation of the washing machine, the water supply pipe 310 includes at least one section of corrugated tube. This allows the corrugated tube to absorb displacement caused by vibration of the water storage tank 100, thereby preventing water leakage due to shaking of the connection structure between the water supply pipe 310 and the water storage tank 100 caused by the seismic intensity of the water storage tank 100. [Example]

[0272] 15 and 16, this embodiment further limits the above-described embodiment 1. When it is necessary to discharge wastewater from the filtering device 600, the suction device (i.e., air pump 810) performs a suction operation multiple times, thereby completing the discharge of wastewater from the filtering device 600 in multiple steps.

[0273] Specifically, the washing machine control method in this embodiment includes:

[0274] S1': When the air pump 810 is controlled to perform the suction operation, the air in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is sucked in, and the wastewater in the filter device 600 is discharged into the temporary wastewater storage device 820 due to the pressure difference.

[0275] S2': When the first set condition is reached and the air pump 810 is stopped, the wastewater in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 flows into the recovery device 500.

[0276] According to the above method, when air pump 810 is activated and reaches the first set condition, the washing machine automatically controls air pump 810 to stop, thereby stopping the suction of air from temporary wastewater storage device 820. As a result, the wastewater from filtering device 600 does not enter temporary wastewater storage device 820. Furthermore, since the suction action of air pump 810 disappears, the wastewater stored in temporary wastewater storage device 820 can enter recovery device 500 by gravity, and temporary wastewater storage device 820 returns to an anhydrous state.

[0277] In the above solution, simply by rationally designing the first setting condition, the program can control the amount of wastewater discharged at one time from the filtering device 600 to the temporary wastewater storage device 820 so that it does not exceed the maximum capacity of the temporary wastewater storage device 820. This prevents the temporary wastewater storage device 820 from overflowing while the filtering device 600 is discharging wastewater. This prevents the wastewater from overflowing from the temporary wastewater storage device 820 and entering the air pump 810, thereby protecting the air pump 810.

[0278] In this embodiment, since the amount of wastewater discharged from the filtration device 600 can be controlled, the volume of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 can be made smaller than the volume of the filtration device 600. This reduces the overall volume of the temporary wastewater storage device 820. Reducing the space occupied by the temporary wastewater storage device 820 inside the washing machine housing 10 is advantageous in improving the utilization rate of the interior space of the washing machine, and realizing a more compact design for the washing machine.

[0279] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the water level in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is detected to control the stopping of the air pump 810, thereby controlling the process of discharging wastewater from the filtering device 600 to the outside.

[0280] Specifically, in step S2' of the control method, the first set condition is that the water level in temporary wastewater storage device 820 rises to a first set water level. That is, while air pump 810 is performing a suction operation, if the washing machine detects that the water level in temporary wastewater storage device 820 has risen to the first set water level, it controls air pump 810 to stop. As a result, wastewater does not enter temporary wastewater storage device 820. Furthermore, wastewater already present in temporary wastewater storage device 820 can be discharged into recovery device 500, and the water level in temporary wastewater storage device 820 drops.

[0281] To realize detection of the water level in the temporary wastewater storage device 820, the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is provided with a water level detection device 824. When the water level in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 reaches a first set water level, the water level detection device 824 issues an early warning signal.

[0282] As shown in FIG. 16, the water level detection device 824 in this embodiment includes a first water level probe installed in the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 and aligned with the height of a first set water level. The first set water level is close to the full water level of the temporary wastewater storage device 820. That is, the first water level probe is located at a height close to the ceiling wall of the temporary wastewater storage device 820, but is spaced apart from the ceiling wall. When the first water level probe is immersed in wastewater, the water level detection device issues an early warning signal. Upon receiving the early warning signal, the washing machine controls the air pump 810 to stop.

[0283] When the air pump 810 stops, the wastewater may not immediately stop flowing into the temporary wastewater storage device 820, so the first set water level is set close to but not to the full water level, thereby reliably ensuring that the temporary wastewater storage device 820 does not overflow.

[0284] In a further solution of this embodiment, after step S2', the control method further includes step S3', which returns to step S1' if a second set condition is reached.

[0285] After the air pump 810 stops, the wastewater stored in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is discharged into the recovery device 500, and then the air pump 810 is controlled to perform the suction operation again, thereby allowing the wastewater remaining inside the filtration device 600 to continue to be discharged. The above steps S1' to S3' are repeated in order, and when all of the wastewater inside the filtration device 600 has been discharged into the recovery device 500, the process of discharging wastewater from the filtration device 600 is completed.

[0286] Similar to step S2', in this embodiment, the resumption of the suction operation after stopping the air pump 810 is controlled by detecting the water level in the temporary wastewater storage device 820. Specifically, in step S3', the second set condition is that the water level in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 drops to a second set water level.

[0287] In this embodiment, the water level detection device 824 further includes a second water level probe aligned with the second set water level. The second water level probe is installed adjacent to or directly on the bottom wall of the temporary wastewater storage device 820. As the wastewater in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is discharged and enters the recovery device 500, the water level in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 gradually decreases. When the second water level probe leaks out of the water surface, the water level detection device 824 issues a release signal. Upon receiving the release signal, the washing machine controls the air pump 810 to resume the suction operation.

[0288] In another embodiment of this embodiment, the water level detection device 824 may be composed of a float and a sensor. The float can float on the water surface and move up and down with the change in the water level in the temporary wastewater storage device 820. The sensor is used to detect the height of the float and determine the water level in the temporary wastewater storage device 820.

[0289] As shown in FIG. 17, the control method for a washing machine in this embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0290] S11': The air pump is controlled to perform a suction operation.

[0291] S12': When the water level in the temporary wastewater storage device rises to the first set water level, the air pump is stopped.

[0292] S13': When the water level in the temporary wastewater storage device drops to the second set water level, the process returns to step S11'.

[0293] Compared to a method in which air pump 810 continues to operate to suck until all of the dirty water in filtering device 600 is discharged, the washing machine of this embodiment completes the process of discharging contaminants from filtering device 600 by controlling air pump 810 to perform multiple suction operations. As a result, the amount of dirty water discharged from filtering device 600 during each suction operation is reduced, thereby reducing the power required for air pump 810. In addition, the duration of each suction operation is shortened, thereby avoiding problems such as overheating that may occur when air pump 810 continues to operate for a long period of time. [Example]

[0294] As shown in Fig. 4, this embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment 11 in the following respects. That is, the washing machine achieves the purpose of preventing overflow of temporary wastewater storage device 820 by controlling air pump 810 to stop depending on the duration of the suction operation of air pump 810. Accordingly, a water level detection device does not need to be provided in temporary wastewater storage device 820 of this embodiment.

[0295] Specifically, in step S2' of this embodiment, the first set condition is that the duration of the suction operation reaches a first predetermined time length t1. That is, when the air pump 810 starts to perform the suction operation, the washing machine starts timing, and when the first predetermined time length t1 is reached, the air pump 810 is controlled to stop.

[0296] Furthermore, in step S3', the second set condition is that the stop of the air pump 810 reaches a second predetermined time length t2. That is, when the air pump 810 stops, the washing machine starts timing again, and when the second predetermined time length t2 is reached, the washing machine controls the air pump 810 to perform the suction operation again.

[0297] In the above solution, the specific values ​​of the first predetermined time length t1 and the second predetermined time length t2 may be obtained in advance through extensive experiments and directly written into the control program of the washing machine. Specifically, the value of the first predetermined time length t1 is the approximate length of time required for the water level in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 to rise from an empty state to a nearly full state when the air pump 810 operates at normal power. Also, the value of the second predetermined time length t2 is the approximate length of time required for the temporary wastewater storage device 820 to drain to the outside from a full state until it is empty.

[0298] In detail, as shown in FIG. 18, the control method for the washing machine in this embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0299] S21': The air pump is controlled to perform a suction operation.

[0300] S22': When the duration of the suction operation reaches the first predetermined time length t1, the air pump is stopped.

[0301] S23': When the air pump has been stopped for the second predetermined time t2, the process returns to step S21'.

[0302] It should be noted that the solution of this embodiment may be combined with the solution of embodiment 11 to be applied to a washing machine. For example, when air pump 810 performs a suction operation, the water level in temporary wastewater storage device 820 is detected, and when it reaches a first set water level, air pump 810 is controlled to stop. Then, when air pump 810 stops, timing is started, and when it reaches a second predetermined time length t2, air pump 810 is controlled to perform the suction operation again. The above process is repeated until all the wastewater in filter device 600 is discharged.

[0303] In this embodiment, the washing machine controls the duration of the suction operation of air pump 810 and the duration of the continuous stoppage, thereby discharging the wastewater from filtering device 600 in multiple batches. In this case, too, the effect of preventing overflow of temporary wastewater storage device 820 and preventing water from entering air pump 810 is achieved. [Example]

[0304] As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, this embodiment further limits the above-described embodiment 11 or 12 in order to control the termination of the contamination discharge process of the filtering device 600.

[0305] In this embodiment, the washing machine control method includes the following steps:

[0306] S1': When the air pump 810 is controlled to perform the suction operation, the air in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is sucked in, and the wastewater in the filter device 600 is discharged into the temporary wastewater storage device 820 due to the pressure difference.

[0307] S2': When the first set condition is reached and the air pump 810 is stopped, the wastewater in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 flows into the recovery device 500.

[0308] S3': When the second set condition is met, return to step S1.

[0309] In order to control the end of the pollutant discharge process of the filtering device 600, this embodiment can be specifically realized by the following several methods.

[0310] Method 1: Between steps S2' and S3', a step A is further included in which it is determined whether the number of times step S1' has been performed has reached a predetermined number N. If it has, the pollution discharge process of the filtration device 600 is terminated, but if it has not, step S3' is performed.

[0311] When the filtering device 600 discharges wastewater to the outside, the amount of wastewater discharged by one suction operation of the air pump 810 is approximately equal to the volume of the temporary wastewater storage device 820. In the above solution, the total number of suction operations required to completely discharge the wastewater from the filtering device 600 in one pollutant discharge process can be preset as a predetermined number N based on the ratio of the volumes of the filtering device 600 and the temporary wastewater storage device 820. When pollutant discharge is performed from the filtering device 600, the pollutant discharge process of the filtering device 600 is completed by controlling the air pump 810 to perform a total of N suction operations.

[0312] Method 2: Between steps S1' and S2', step B is further included, in which if the water level in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 does not reach the third set water level within the third predetermined time period t3, the air pump 810 is stopped to terminate the pollution discharge process of the filtration device 600, but if not, step S2 is executed.

[0313] In the above solution, the third predetermined time t3 is equal to or less than the first predetermined time t1, and the third set water level is equal to or less than the first set water level. The specific values ​​of the third predetermined time t3 and the third set water level are determined in advance through testing to satisfy the following: When the air pump 810 is operating at normal power and there is undischarged wastewater in the filtering device 600, if the air pump 810 continues to operate until the third predetermined time t3 is reached, the water level in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 should be equal to or greater than the third set water level. If the water level in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 does not reach the third set water level, it means that the wastewater in the filtering device 600 has been completely discharged, and the pollutant discharge process can be terminated.

[0314] Solution 3: The washing machine is provided with a detection device for detecting the discharge status of wastewater in the filter device 600. When the detection device detects that the wastewater in the filter device 600 has been completely discharged, the filter device 600 is controlled to terminate the pollutant discharge process.

[0315] Specifically, the detection device may be a water level meter provided in the filtering device 600, and detects the water level in the filtering device 600 to determine whether the wastewater has been completely discharged.

[0316] Alternatively, the detection device may be a flow meter provided in the contaminated discharge pipe 240. If the flow meter detects that the water flow is continuously stopped while the air pump 810 is performing the suction operation, it is determined that the contaminated water in the filtration device 600 has been completely discharged.

[0317] Alternatively, the detection device may collect images of the interior of the filtering device 600 and determine whether the wastewater has been completely discharged based on the collected images.

[0318] According to the above solution provided in this embodiment, when the wastewater in the filter device 600 is completely discharged, the washing machine can be automatically controlled to end the pollutant discharge process of the filter device 600, and it can be reliably ensured that subsequent programs that require operation can continue to be executed, thereby ensuring the operating efficiency of the washing machine. [Example]

[0319] As shown in FIG. 19, the washing machine described in this embodiment includes a water tank 100, an external discharge pipe 250 for draining water to the outside of the washing machine, and a filtration device 600 that receives and filters water in the water tank 100 and has a water inlet 6101 and a filtered water outlet 6102.

[0320] Filtered water outlet 6102 of filtration device 600 communicates with external discharge pipe 250. When the washing machine drains water, the water in water tank 100 passes through filtration device 600 to remove foreign matter, and then is discharged from external discharge pipe 250.

[0321] Specifically, in this embodiment, the filtered water outlet 6102 of the filtering device 600 is directly connected to the external discharge line 250. That is, the water inlet end of the external discharge line 250 is connected to the filtered water outlet 6102.

[0322] In the above solution, the wastewater flow from the washing machine is filtered through the filtration device 600 before being discharged from the external discharge pipe 250, thereby ensuring that the wastewater from the washing machine does not contain any filtered foreign matter. This prevents microplastics contained in the filtered foreign matter from being discharged with the water flow and entering the ecological cycle, which could cause harm to the ecological environment and human health.

[0323] Furthermore, the filtering device 600 of this embodiment is provided with a pollutant discharge port 6103. Any contaminants remaining in the filtering device 600 during the filtration process can be discharged through the pollutant discharge port 6103 along with the water flow, eliminating the need for the user to remove the filtering device 600 and clean it manually, making it even easier to use. A recovery device 500 is also provided inside the washing machine. The wastewater discharged through the pollutant discharge port 6103 is ultimately introduced and collected into the recovery device 500, preventing the contaminants from being mixed into the drainage water flow and being directly discharged from the washing machine. The recovery device 500 can collect the contaminants in the wastewater by treating the received wastewater, thereby preventing the contaminants from entering the natural water cycle.

[0324] The above method can maximize the guarantee that the filtered particles are not discharged with the washing machine's drainage water, thereby avoiding the problem of microplastics contained in the filtered particles entering the ecosystem.

[0325] In this embodiment, a transfer pump 400 is installed between the water tank 100 and the water inlet 6101 of the filtration device 600. Specifically, the water tank 100 is connected to a water tank drain pipe 260, which is connected to the water inlet end of the transfer pump 400. The discharge end of the transfer pump 400 is connected to a drain pipe 210, which communicates with the water inlet 6101 of the filtration device 600 through the drain pipe 210. The pollutant discharge port 6103 of the filtration device 600 is connected to the pollutant discharge pipe 240 and is used to transport the discharged wastewater. A pollutant discharge valve 241 is installed in the pollutant discharge pipe 240, so that the pollutant discharge pipe 240 can be controlled to open or close.

[0326] During the draining stage of the washing machine, pollutant discharge valve 241 closes and transfer pump 400 starts. Water in water tank 100 is introduced into filtration device 600 by the action of transfer pump 400, passes through filtration device 600 to remove foreign matter, and is then discharged from the washing machine through external discharge pipe 250. When draining is complete, pollutant discharge valve 241 opens and pollutant discharge pipe 240 opens. This allows the polluted water remaining in filtration device 600 to be discharged from pollutant discharge port 6103 and ultimately enters collection device 500 via pollutant discharge pipe 240.

[0327] The washing machine of this embodiment can remove contaminants present in the wastewater flow by filtering the wastewater flow using the filtration device 600. This prevents contaminants, including microplastics, from being directly discharged from the washing machine along with the wastewater flow, thereby avoiding the problem of excessive microplastics in the wastewater from the washing machine harming the ecological environment. [Example]

[0328] As shown in Figures 20 to 24, this embodiment differs from the above-described first embodiment in the following respects. Specifically, the filtered water outlet 6102 of the filtration device 600 is indirectly connected to the external discharge pipe 250. For example, the filtered water outlet 6102 is connected to an intermediary device such as a water tank or a water valve. Furthermore, the water inlet end of the external discharge pipe 250 is connected to the intermediary device. This achieves indirect communication between the filtered water outlet 6102 and the external discharge pipe 250.

[0329] In this embodiment, a first switching device is provided between the filtered water outlet 6102 of the filtration device 600 and the external discharge pipe 250, and the first switching device realizes indirect communication between the filtered water outlet 6102 and the external discharge pipe 250. The first switching device also communicates with the water tank 100, and can be used to control the water tank 100 and the external discharge pipe 250 to selectively communicate with the filtered water outlet 6102 of the filtration device 600.

[0330] Specifically, the first switching device includes a first valve body 711 having a first valve chamber. The first valve body 711 is provided with a water inlet 701 communicating with the filtered water outlet 6102, a circulating water outlet 702 communicating with the water storage tank 100 via the water return pipe 230, and a drain outlet 703 communicating with the external discharge pipe 250. A switching mechanism 712 is provided within the first valve chamber. The switching mechanism 712 is operably attached within the first valve chamber and can selectively open the circulating water outlet 702 and the drain outlet 703.

[0331] During the washing / rinsing cycle of the washing machine, the first switch device is controlled to open the filtered water outlet 6102 of the water storage tank 100 and the filtration device 600. That is, the switch mechanism 712 is controlled to open the circulating water outlet 702. When the transfer pump 400 is started, the water in the water storage tank 100 is transported by the pump into the filtration device 600, where it is filtered and enters the first valve chamber. The water then flows out from the circulating water outlet 702 and enters the return water conduit 230. Specifically, the return water conduit 230 is connected to the window packing 110 at the tub opening of the water storage tank 100. The water that has passed through the filtration device 600 and has had foreign matter removed therefrom returns to the water storage tank 100 through the window packing 110. The water in the water storage tank 100 is constantly circulated by the operation of the transfer pump 400, allowing it to pass through the filtration device 600, thereby removing foreign matter from the water. This reduces the content of filtered foreign matter in the wash / rinse water, improving the washing effect of the washing machine.

[0332] During the draining stage of the washing machine, the first switch device is controlled to open external drain pipe 250 and filtered water outlet 6102 of filtration device 600. That is, the switch mechanism 712 is controlled to open drain outlet 703. When transfer pump 400 is started, water in water tank 100 is transported by the pump into filtration device 600, where it is filtered and enters the first valve chamber. It then flows out from drain outlet 703 and enters external drain pipe 250. After the water in water tank 100 passes through filtration device 600 and foreign matter is removed, it can be discharged from external drain pipe 250. This significantly reduces the amount of foreign matter contained in the drainage water from the washing machine.

[0333] In the above solution, the washing machine is provided with a first switching device downstream of filtered water outlet 6102 of filtration device 600, which is capable of controlling the flow direction of filtered water discharged from filtration device 600. This allows the washing machine to circulate and filter washing / rinsing water in the washing / rinsing stages and to filter drain water in the draining stage using the same filtration device 600. Since the washing machine does not need to install separate filtration structures at different positions in the water channel structure, the internal structure of the washing machine can be simplified.

[0334] In this embodiment, the switching mechanism 712 in the first valve chamber is specifically rotatably mounted in the first valve chamber and includes a flap having a first surface and a second surface facing each other, a drainage seal member provided on the first surface of the flap and used to block the drainage outlet 703, and a circulation seal member provided on the second surface of the flap and used to block the circulating water outlet 702.

[0335] In detail, the water inlet 701 of the first valve body 711 is provided on the left chamber wall, the circulating water outlet 702 is provided on the front chamber wall, and the drain outlet 703 is provided on the right chamber wall. The flap of the switching mechanism 712 can be rotated 90° around the rotation axis to switch from a state in which the drain seal member blocks the drain outlet 703 to a state in which the circulation seal member blocks the circulating water outlet 702.

[0336] The first switching device further includes a first driving member for rotating the flap within the first valve chamber. In this embodiment, the first driving member is a first motor 713 provided outside the first valve body 711. The driving end of the first motor 713 is connected to the flap, and rotates the flap to a position where the drain seal member closes the drain outlet 703 during the washing / rinsing process of the washing machine, and rotates the flap to a position where the circulation seal member closes the circulating water outlet 702 during the draining stage of the washing machine.

[0337] In a specific embodiment of this embodiment, the filtration device 600 includes a filtration chamber 610 having a water inlet 6101, a filtered water outlet 6102, and a pollutant outlet 6103, a filtration mechanism 620 rotatably mounted inside the filtration chamber 610, and a driving mechanism 660 connected to the filtration mechanism 620 and used to rotate the filtration mechanism 620 within the filtration chamber 610.

[0338] The filtering mechanism 620 includes a filter mesh holder and a filter mesh covering the surface of the filter mesh holder, and divides the interior of the filtering chamber 610 into an outer chamber and an inner chamber. Water in the water tank 100 enters the outer chamber of the filtering chamber 610 through the water inlet 6101, and contaminants in the water are blocked by the filter mesh and adhere to the outer surface of the filtering mechanism 620. Clean water without contaminants enters the inner chamber and finally flows out of the filtering chamber 610 through the filtered water outlet 6102. By designing the pore size of the filter mesh, the filtering mechanism 620 can filter not only large lint particles in the water but also microplastics in the water, thereby significantly reducing the amount of microplastics in the washing machine's wastewater.

[0339] When it is desired to clean the filtration device 600, the filtration mechanism 620 is rotated within the filtration chamber 610 by a drive mechanism 660, such as a motor, to agitate the water remaining within the filtration chamber 610. As a result, foreign matter adhering to the surface of the filtration mechanism 620 is peeled off from the filtration mechanism 620 by the action of centrifugal force and the turbulent water flow, and mixed into the water within the filtration chamber 610. The foreign matter is then discharged together with the water flow from the contamination discharge port 6103, and finally enters the recovery device 500 for collection.

[0340] The washing machine described in this embodiment further includes a pollutant discharge control device that is installed between the pollutant discharge outlet 6103 of the filtering device 600 and the collecting device 500 and is used to control the opening / closing of the pollutant discharge outlet 6103 and the collecting device 500. When the filtering device 600 filters the introduced water, the pollutant discharge control device blocks the communication between the pollutant discharge outlet 6103 and the collecting device 500, thereby preventing the water that has entered the filtering device 600 from flowing out from the pollutant discharge outlet 6103. This ensures that the water received by the filtering device 600 can be discharged from the filtered water outlet 6102 after being filtered.

[0341] During the pollutant discharge process in which the filtering device 600 discharges wastewater to the outside, the pollutant discharge control device opens the collection device 500 and the pollutant discharge port 6103 of the filtering device 600. As a result, the wastewater containing filtered foreign matter is discharged from the pollutant discharge port 6103 and enters the collection device 500 to be collected.

[0342] In this embodiment, the pollution discharge control device includes a second valve body 721 having a second valve chamber. The second valve body 721 is provided with a wastewater inlet 704 and a wastewater outlet 705, and the wastewater inlet 704 is connected to the pollutant discharge port 6103. A blocking mechanism 722 is provided in the second valve chamber for blocking the wastewater outlet 705. The wastewater outlet 705 is connected to the pollutant discharge pipe 240. Thus, after flowing out of the wastewater outlet 705, the wastewater containing the filtered foreign matter flows along the pollutant discharge pipe 240 and finally enters the collection device 500.

[0343] The pollution emission control device further includes a second drive member used to move a blocking mechanism 722 in the second valve chamber to open / close the wastewater outlet 705 .

[0344] The specific structure of the closing mechanism 722 is similar to that of the switching mechanism 712 in the first valve chamber, and also consists of a rotatable flap and a sealing member attached to the flap. The wastewater outlet 705 is provided on the chamber wall on the right side of the second valve body 721, and by controlling the flap to rotate, the sealing member can close the wastewater outlet 705. Alternatively, by controlling the flap to rotate in the opposite direction and separate the sealing member from the wastewater outlet 705, the wastewater outlet 705 can be opened.

[0345] The second driving member is a second motor 723 provided outside the second valve body 721. The driving end of the second motor 723 is connected to a flap in the second valve chamber, and the sewage outlet 705 can be opened or closed by rotating the flap in the second valve chamber.

[0346] As can be appreciated, the positions of the wastewater inlet and wastewater outlet of the second valve body may be interchanged so that the blocking mechanism can open / close the wastewater inlet by moving within the second valve chamber, thereby still achieving control of wastewater discharge from the filter device.

[0347] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, the first valve body 711 and the second valve body 721 are integrally connected, but the first valve chamber and the second valve chamber remain independent of each other, and the first motor 713 and the second motor 723 control the operations of the switching mechanism 712 and the closing mechanism 722 separately and independently.

[0348] In the above solution, the first valve body 711 of the first switching device and the second valve body 721 of the pollution emission control device are integrally connected, and are therefore installed in the same space within the washing machine, which makes the structure more compact and is advantageous in saving installation space.

[0349] In this embodiment, the drain water from the washing machine passes through the filtration device 600 and the first valve body 711 in this order, and then enters and is discharged into the external discharge pipe 250. If a blockage occurs in the drain filtration circuit (from the water inlet 6101 of the filtration device 600 to the drain outlet 703 of the first valve body 711) during the draining stage of the washing machine, the washing machine may be unable to complete draining, and the washing program may be interrupted due to a drain abnormality.

[0350] To solve this problem, in this embodiment, a three-way branch structure is provided between the water tank 100 and the water inlet 6101 of the filtration device 600. The three-way branch structure is connected to the external discharge pipe 250. In addition, a control valve 251 that can be opened or closed is provided between the three-way branch structure and the external discharge pipe 250.

[0351] During the drainage stage of the washing machine, under normal circumstances, control valve 251 is closed, and the three-way branch structure and external drain pipe 250 are not open. Therefore, water in water tank 100 is introduced into filtration device 600, filtered, and then enters external drain pipe 250 via drain outlet 703 of first valve body 711 and is then discharged from the washing machine. On the other hand, if a blockage occurs in the drainage filtration circuit, control valve 251 is opened, and the three-way branch structure is opened to external drain pipe 250. As a result, water in water tank 100 is directly introduced into external drain pipe 250 and discharged from the washing machine. In this case, the washing machine's drainage water is not filtered, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the washing program.

[0352] In this embodiment, when the washing machine drains water, the water in the water tank 100 passes through the filtration device 600 to remove filtered contaminants before being discharged from the washing machine. This prevents microplastics that may be present in the washing machine's wastewater from being directly discharged with the wastewater flow and entering the ecosystem. The washing machine is also provided with a recovery device 500 that can collect wastewater containing filtered contaminants discharged from the filtration device 600. This prevents the filtered contaminants removed by the filtration device 600 from being directly discharged from the washing machine, thereby preventing the washing machine's wastewater from containing excessive microplastics.

[0353] A first switching device is connected to filtered water outlet 6102 of filtration device 600 to control whether the filtered water discharged from filtration device 600 is introduced back into water tank 100 or into external discharge pipe 250. This allows filtration device 600 to be used for circulating and filtering washing / rinsing water in the washing / rinsing stages and for filtering the drain water flow in the drain stage, thereby simplifying the internal structure of the washing machine.

[0354] In this embodiment, the specific structure of the recovery device 500 is the same as that of the tenth embodiment, and the received wastewater can be filtered by the filter assembly 520. The filtered water is discharged from the water outlet of the second chamber 532 and introduced back into the water tank 100 via the water supply tank 300 of the detergent dispenser.

[0355] Furthermore, similar to the second embodiment, the washing machine of this embodiment further includes a suction device, which performs a suction operation to generate a negative pressure environment outside the wastewater outlet 705 of the second valve body 721. As a result, the wastewater in the filtering device 600 flows out from the wastewater outlet 705 of the second valve body 721 due to the pressure difference, and is finally discharged into the recovery device 500.

[0356] Specifically, in this embodiment, the suction device is an air pump 810. In addition, a temporary sewage storage device 820 having an internal storage chamber is installed between the sewage outlet 705 and the recovery device 500. The air pump 810 communicates with the internal storage chamber of the temporary sewage storage device 820 through a suction pipe 811 to suck in the air inside. The discharge port of the temporary sewage storage device 820 is higher than the sewage inlet of the recovery device 500. In addition, a blocking member 540 that opens in one direction from the outside to the inside is installed at the sewage inlet 550 of the recovery device 500.

[0357] In this embodiment, the specific structure of the blocking member 540 is the same as that of the third embodiment, and therefore will not be described in further detail.

[0358] When the filtration device 600 needs to discharge wastewater, the air pump 810 is controlled to perform a suction operation, causing the blocking member 540 to block the wastewater inlet 550. This causes the air between the wastewater outlet 705 and the recovery device 500 to be sucked out by the air pump 810, creating a negative pressure environment in the pipeline outside the wastewater outlet 705. The pressure difference then allows the wastewater in the filtration device 600 to enter the second valve chamber and be discharged from the wastewater outlet 705.

[0359] While the air pump 810 is running, the wastewater inlet 550 of the recovery device 500 is closed, preventing air from entering between the wastewater outlet 705 and the recovery device 500 through the wastewater inlet 550. This allows a large pressure difference to be quickly created between the inside and outside of the wastewater outlet 705 of the second valve body 721, allowing the wastewater in the filtration device 600 to be efficiently and quickly discharged into the recovery device 500 and collected. Furthermore, because the air pump 810 is only used to draw in air and create a negative pressure environment, the discharged wastewater does not pass through the air pump 810. This avoids the problem of the pump body easily becoming clogged when transporting wastewater using a water pump.

[0360] When the dirty water in the filtration device 600 needs to be drained, the washing machine performs the following steps in order.

[0361] S1): When the air pump 810 is controlled to perform a suction operation, the sewage inlet 550 of the recovery device 500 is closed by the closing member 540, and the air inside the temporary sewage storage device 820 is sucked out.

[0362] S2): When the blocking mechanism 722 opens the wastewater outlet 705, the wastewater in the filtration device 600 is discharged into the temporary wastewater storage device 820 through the second valve body 721 due to the pressure difference.

[0363] S3): When the air pump 810 is stopped, the closing member 540 opens the wastewater inlet 550, and the wastewater in the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is discharged into the recovery device 500 by gravity.

[0364] In the above solution, the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is provided, so that the wastewater can be temporarily stored in the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 after being sucked out of the filtration device 600 by the pressure difference. This prevents the wastewater from being sucked into the air pump 810 due to the strong suction force of the air pump 810 when it rapidly flows out of the filtration device 600. This provides protection for the air pump 810, preventing the performance of the air pump 810 from being affected.

[0365] The blocking mechanism 722 keeps the wastewater outlet 705 closed at the beginning when the air pump 810 starts to perform the suction operation, preventing communication between the filtration device 600 and the temporary wastewater storage device 820. Furthermore, the presence of the blocking member 540 also prevents communication between the temporary wastewater storage device 820 and the recovery device 500. This makes it possible to more quickly create a relatively clear negative pressure environment within the temporary wastewater storage device 820. Thereafter, when the blocking mechanism 722 is operated to control the opening of the wastewater outlet 705, the wastewater within the filtration device 600 receives a greater driving force, allowing it to be efficiently and sufficiently discharged into the temporary wastewater storage device 820.

[0366] Furthermore, a buffer unit 830 is provided between the air pump 810 and the temporary wastewater storage device 820. A buffer chamber is provided inside the buffer unit 830. The buffer chamber is connected to the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device 820. A suction pipe 811 is connected to the buffer unit 830 to connect the air pump 810 and the buffer chamber.

[0367] In the above solution, when the air pump 810 is activated, it can suck the inside of the buffer unit 830 and the inside of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 to create a negative pressure state. Then, when the closing mechanism 722 opens the wastewater outlet 705, the pressure difference allows the wastewater in the filtration device 600 to be quickly discharged. By providing the buffer unit 830 between the air pump 810 and the temporary wastewater storage device 820, even if the discharged amount of wastewater is large and overflows the temporary wastewater storage device 820, the overflowed wastewater can be stored in the buffer chamber of the buffer unit 830 and will not directly enter the air pump 810.

[0368] In a preferred embodiment of this embodiment, the buffer unit 830 is installed above the temporary wastewater storage device 820 and communicates with it via a vertically extending ventilation pipe 831. The ventilation pipe 831 is connected to the ceiling of the temporary wastewater storage device 820. With the above structure, firstly, the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 can be fully utilized, and wastewater can enter the ventilation pipe 831 only when the internal storage chamber is filled with wastewater. This increases the amount of wastewater that can be stored in the temporary wastewater storage device 820. Secondly, the height that wastewater must rise to when entering the buffer unit 830 increases. Therefore, the suction force required of the air pump 810 also increases, further preventing overflow of the temporary wastewater storage device 820.

[0369] Similarly, the air pump 810 is provided above the buffer section 830, and a suction pipe 811 extends vertically to connect the air pump 810 to the buffer chamber of the buffer section 830. This further increases the suction force required for sewage to enter the air pump 810, thereby further preventing water from entering the air pump 810.

[0370] In this embodiment, an air vent 821 is provided in the ceiling of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 to connect the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 to the outside space. In particular, in the case where the wastewater is discharged to the recovery device 500 by gravity, when the air pump 810 is stopped, outside air can enter the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 through the air vent 821, causing the wastewater inside to flow toward the recovery device 500. As a result, the blocking member 540 opens the wastewater inlet 550, causing the wastewater to be discharged to the recovery device 500.

[0371] In the above solution, the opening area of ​​the air vent 821 is small. Therefore, when the air pump 810 is activated and performs suction, the air entering the temporary wastewater storage device 820 through the air vent 821 does not have a significant effect on the formation of a negative pressure environment. Furthermore, when the air pump 810 stops, the air inside the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is no longer sucked out. Furthermore, the provision of the air vent 821 allows the interior of the temporary wastewater storage device 820 to quickly recover to near atmospheric pressure, and the inflow of air allows wastewater to be discharged and enter the collection device 500. Furthermore, by providing the air vent 821 in the temporary wastewater storage device 820, it is possible to avoid a situation where the air pressure inside the collection device 500 is too high to allow wastewater to flow into the collection device 500 after the air pump 810 stops operating.

[0372] By providing an air pump 810 to draw air between the wastewater outlet 705 of the second valve body 721 and the recovery device 500, and by providing a one-way blocking member 540 at the wastewater inlet 550 of the recovery device 500, a negative pressure environment can be quickly created outside the wastewater outlet 705. The pressure difference causes wastewater in the filtration device 600 to be discharged through the second valve body 721, which impacts the blocking member 540 and opens the wastewater inlet 550, allowing the wastewater to be collected in the recovery device 500. Therefore, even if the filtration device 600 and the recovery device 500 are far apart or have a difference in elevation, the wastewater in the filtration device 600 can be sufficiently discharged. Furthermore, a temporary wastewater storage device 820 is provided between the filtration device 600 and the recovery device 500, and the temporary wastewater storage device 820 is connected to the air pump 810 via a buffer section 830. This effectively prevents the air pump 810 from sucking in dirty water when sucking in air. [Example]

[0373] This embodiment differs from the fifteenth embodiment in the following respects: the water outlet of the recovery device is connected to an external discharge line, and the water filtered through the filter assembly is discharged from the washing machine through the external discharge line.

[0374] The collection device is equipped with a filter assembly for filtering the collected wastewater. The filtered water does not contain any foreign matter, so it can be directly introduced into an external discharge pipe and discharged from the washing machine, eliminating the problem of microplastics entering the ecosystem together with the wastewater from the washing machine.

[0375] This example differs from Example 15 in that it only changes the behavior of the filtered water after it is discharged from the recovery device. This example also prevents overflow of the recovery device and prevents filtered foreign matter, including microplastics, from being directly discharged from the washing machine. [Example]

[0376] This embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment 15 in the following respects: the outlet of the recovery device is connected to a second switching device, which controls the water tank and the external discharge pipe to selectively connect to the outlet.

[0377] In the above solution, the second switching device controls the direction of the water flow discharged from the outlet of the recovery device, so that the water filtered by the recovery device can be selectively returned to the water tank or introduced into an external discharge pipeline for direct discharge.

[0378] Specifically, after draining water during the wash cycle is completed, the second switching device controls the external discharge pipe and the collection device's water outlet to open. When the pollution discharge control device opens the pollution discharge port and collection device, the wastewater containing the filtered contaminants in the filter device is discharged into the collection device. After being filtered by the filter assembly, the wastewater is discharged from the water outlet, enters the external discharge pipe, and is then directly discharged from the washing machine. In addition to the filtered contaminants, the wastewater during the wash cycle also contains a relatively high concentration of detergent. Because the detergent in the water cannot be removed by the filter assembly, the water discharged from the collection device is not suitable for use in the subsequent rinsing process. In this case, the second switching device controls the water discharged from the collection device to be directly discharged from the washing machine.

[0379] After the intermediate rinse cycle is over, the second switching device controls the water storage tank and the collection device outlet to open. When the pollution discharge control device opens the pollution discharge outlet and collection device, the wastewater containing the filtered contaminants in the filter device is discharged into the collection device. After being filtered by the filter assembly, it is discharged from the outlet and returned to the water storage tank. Because the wastewater from the intermediate rinse cycle is relatively clean, it can be returned to the water storage tank after the filtered contaminants have been removed in the collection device and used in the subsequent rinse cycle. This reduces the amount of water used during the washing machine's rinse cycle.

[0380] After the drainage of the final rinse cycle is completed, the second switching device controls the external discharge pipe and the outlet of the collection device to open. When the pollution discharge control device opens the pollution discharge outlet and the collection device, the wastewater containing the filtered foreign matter in the filter device is discharged into the collection device. After being filtered by the filter assembly, the wastewater is discharged from the outlet and enters the external discharge pipe and is discharged directly from the washing machine. Because the washing machine does not need to input a large amount of water into the water tank during subsequent operation, the second switching device can control the water discharged from the collection device to be discharged directly from the washing machine.

[0381] In this embodiment, the washing machine can automatically control whether to return the water discharged from the recovery device to the water tank or discharge it directly from the washing machine depending on the operating stage, making it even more intelligent. [Example]

[0382] This embodiment provides a method for controlling the washing machine in the above fifteenth embodiment.

[0383] 20 to 23, specifically, in the drain stage, switching mechanism 712 keeps circulating water outlet 702 closed and opens drain outlet 703. In addition, the washing machine alternately performs a drain filtering operation and a pollutant discharge operation.

[0384] The drainage filtering operation includes the transfer pump 400 being activated, the blocking mechanism 722 blocking the wastewater outlet 705, and the water in the water tank 100 passing through the filtration device 600 and being filtered before being discharged from the external discharge pipe 250.

[0385] The polluted discharge operation includes the transfer pump 400 being stopped, the blocking mechanism 722 opening the polluted water outlet 705 , and the polluted water in the filtration device 600 being discharged into the polluted discharge line 240 .

[0386] In the above solution, the drain filtering operation and the contaminant discharge operation are alternately performed during the draining process of the washing machine, thereby quickly discharging the foreign matter remaining inside the filtration device 600 during the drain filtering process and preventing the foreign matter from accumulating inside the filtration device 600 and affecting the filtering efficiency. In particular, when the content of foreign matter in the water is high, the solution of this embodiment effectively prevents the excessive accumulation of foreign matter from clogging the filtration device 600 compared to a method in which the filtering operation is continued until the draining is completed.

[0387] In a further solution of this embodiment, the washing machine controls the feed pump 400 to operate intermittently while performing the drain filtering operation. By intermittently operating the feed pump 400, the water in the water tank 100 temporarily stops passing through the filtering device 600 during the period when the feed pump 400 is stopped. During this period, any foreign matter adhering to the inside of the filtering device 600 can fall off and become mixed into the water, and be discharged with the water flow when the pollutant discharge operation is performed. This prevents the water flow from passing through the filtering device 600 for too long, causing the foreign matter to adhere too firmly to the inside of the filtering device 600 and preventing it from being sufficiently discharged when the pollutant discharge operation is performed.

[0388] Furthermore, by intermittently starting the transfer pump 400, it is possible to prevent the transfer pump 400 from operating continuously for a long period of time, thereby preventing the transfer pump 400 from breaking down due to overheating and extending the service life of the transfer pump 400.

[0389] In the specific solution of this embodiment, the wastewater filtering operation includes the following steps:

[0390] S181: The switching mechanism 712 is controlled to open the drain outlet 703.

[0391] S182: The transfer pump 400 is started and allowed to continue for a certain period of time.

[0392] S183: The transfer pump 400 is stopped.

[0393] S184: The driving mechanism 660 is started to rotate the filtration mechanism 620 within the filtration chamber 610 for a certain period of time.

[0394] S185: The drive mechanism 660 is stopped, and if the number of times step S2 has been executed in this drainage filtering operation reaches a predetermined number, the drainage filtering operation is ended, and if the number of times has not been reached, the process returns to step S182.

[0395] In the above solution, when the transfer pump 400 is stopped, the driving mechanism 660 rotates the filtering mechanism 620, so that the foreign matter adhering to the outer wall of the filtering mechanism 620 is separated by the combined effects of centrifugal force and turbulent water flow, and can be mixed into the water in the filtering chamber 610. This is advantageous in that the foreign matter adhering to the outer wall of the filtering mechanism 620 is thoroughly removed.

[0396] Furthermore, during one drainage filtering operation, the transfer pump 400 operates continuously for a fourth predetermined time t4 after the first activation, and then operates continuously for a fifth predetermined time t5 each time the transfer pump 400 is activated, the fourth predetermined time t4 being greater than the fifth predetermined time t5.

[0397] In the above solution, the specific values ​​of the fourth predetermined time period t4 and the fifth predetermined time period t5 may be obtained in advance through a large amount of experiments and directly written into the control program of the washing machine. Specifically, the fourth predetermined time period t4 is the time period that elapses until most of the mesh of the filter mesh of the filtering mechanism 620 is covered with filtered foreign matter when the filtering device 600 performs continuous filtering.

[0398] During a single drainage filtering operation, when the transfer pump 400 is first started, there is generally no foreign matter adhering to the filter mesh, so the value of the fourth predetermined time t4 can be large. On the other hand, even if the filtration mechanism 620 rotates at high speed while the transfer pump 400 is stopped, it is not guaranteed that the foreign matter adhering to the filter mesh will be completely removed. In other words, there is a possibility that some foreign matter will be adhering to the filter mesh each time the transfer pump 400 is started thereafter. Therefore, the value of the fifth predetermined time t5 is set smaller than the fourth predetermined time t4 to avoid the filter mesh becoming clogged and affecting the filtration process.

[0399] Furthermore, in step S184 of this embodiment, the continuous rotation time length of the filtering mechanism 620 is a sixth predetermined time length t6, which is shorter than the fifth predetermined time length t5.

[0400] The specific value of the sixth predetermined time t6 may be obtained through extensive experiments and directly written into the control program of the washing machine, thereby ensuring that the foreign particles adhering to the filtering mechanism 620 can be sufficiently removed.

[0401] FIG. 25 shows a control flow chart of the drain stage of the washing machine in this embodiment, which includes the following steps:

[0402] 11) The switching mechanism opens the drain outlet, opening the filtered water outlet and the external discharge pipe.

[0403] 12) The transfer pump is started and continues for a fourth predetermined time period t4.

[0404] 13) The transfer pump is stopped, and the drive mechanism is started and continued for a sixth predetermined time period t6.

[0405] 14) The drive mechanism is stopped, and the transfer pump is started and continued for a fifth predetermined time period t5.

[0406] 15) The transfer pump is stopped, and the drive mechanism is started and continued for a sixth predetermined time period t6.

[0407] 16) The drive mechanism is stopped, and the transfer pump is started and continued for a fifth predetermined time period t5.

[0408] 17) The transfer pump is stopped, and the drive mechanism is started and continued for a sixth predetermined time period t6.

[0409] 18) The drive mechanism is stopped, the blocking mechanism opens the wastewater outlet, and the filter device discharges the wastewater.

[0410] 19) Repeat steps 12) to 18) until the draining stage is complete.

[0411] In this embodiment, during the washing / rinsing process of the washing machine, the switching mechanism 712 keeps the circulating water outlet 702 open and closes the drain outlet 703. The washing machine also alternates between the circulating filtering operation and the pollutant discharging operation.

[0412] The circulating and filtering operation includes the transfer pump 400 being activated, the blocking mechanism 722 blocking the wastewater outlet 705, and the water in the water tank 100 being circulated and filtered.

[0413] As with the draining process, when the washing machine circulates and filters the washing / rinsing water during the washing / rinsing process, it alternates between circulating and filtering operations and pollutant draining operations to prevent the problem of large amounts of foreign matter accumulating inside the filtering device 600 and causing clogging.

[0414] The specific steps of the circulation filtration operation are the same as those of the drainage filtration operation, and filtration is also performed by intermittently starting the transfer pump 400. The only difference is that during the circulation filtration operation, the switching mechanism 712 keeps the circulating water outlet 702 open, rather than opening the drainage outlet 703.

[0415] FIG. 26 shows a control flow chart of the washing / rinsing process of the washing machine in this embodiment, which includes the following steps:

[0416] 21) The switching mechanism opens the circulating water outlet, opening the filtered water outlet and the water tank.

[0417] 22) The transfer pump is started and continues for a fourth predetermined time period t4.

[0418] 23) The transfer pump is stopped, and the drive mechanism is started and continued for a sixth predetermined time period t6.

[0419] 24) The drive mechanism is stopped, and the transfer pump is started and continued for a fifth predetermined time period t5.

[0420] 25) The transfer pump is stopped, and the drive mechanism is started and continued for a sixth predetermined time period t6.

[0421] 26) The drive mechanism is stopped, and the transfer pump is started and continued for a fifth predetermined time period t5.

[0422] 27) The transfer pump is stopped, and the drive mechanism is started and continued for a sixth predetermined time period t6.

[0423] 28) The drive mechanism is stopped, the blocking mechanism opens the wastewater outlet, and the filter device discharges the wastewater.

[0424] 29) Perform steps 22) to 28) until the cleaning / rinsing process is complete, and prepare to start draining.

[0425] In this embodiment, the washing machine alternates between a drain filtering operation and a contaminant discharge operation during the draining stage, and alternates between a circulating filtering operation and a contaminant discharge operation during the washing / rinsing process, thereby quickly discharging any remaining contaminants in the filtration device 600 through the contaminant discharge port 6103. This prevents the accumulation of contaminants from affecting filtration efficiency. During the drain filtering or circulating filtering operation, the conveying pump 400 is controlled to operate intermittently. Furthermore, while the conveying pump 400 is stopped, the driving mechanism 660 rotates the filtration mechanism 620, allowing contaminants adhering to the filtration mechanism 620 to be sufficiently removed and discharged during the contaminant discharge operation. Through the above process, the filtration device 600 can perform automatic cleaning as needed during the operation of the washing program. This prevents clogging of the filtration device 600 and ensures efficient water filtration by the washing machine.

[0426] 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. Within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, slight changes or modifications that can be made by those skilled in the art using the technical content presented above are equivalently modified equivalent embodiments, and none of them deviate from the content of the technical solution 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 solution of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0427] 10. Cabinet 100 Water Tank 110 Window Gasket 210 Drainage pipeline 220 Circulation pipeline 230 Water ring pipe 240 Pollution Discharge Pipes 241 Pollution Discharge Valve 250 External discharge pipe 251 Control valve 260 Water tank drain pipe 270 Switching Device 300 Water Tank 310 Water supply pipe 400 Transfer Pump 500 Recovery Device 510 Housing 520 Filtration Assembly 531 Chamber 1 532 Second Chamber 540 Closure member 541 Base 542 Open area 550 Sewage inlet 551 Tubular part 552 Connection 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 701 Water inlet 702 Circulating water outlet 703 Drainage outlet 704 Sewage inlet 705 Sewage outlet 711 First valve body 712 Switching Mechanism 713 First Motor 721 Second valve body 722 Closure mechanism 723 Second Motor 810 Air Pump 811 Suction line 820 Temporary wastewater storage equipment 821 Ventilation hole 822 Float Ball 823 Information Department 824 Water level detection device 830 Buffer section 831 Ventilation pipe 832 Ventilation hole

Claims

1. A water tank and A washing machine including a filtration device that communicates with a water tank, receives water in the water tank, and filters it, and has a polluted discharge port for discharging polluted water to the outside, Furthermore, a suction device that performs a suction operation to discharge the wastewater in the filtration device through a polluted discharge port by the action of a pressure difference; a collection device for collecting wastewater discharged from the filtration device; the suction device is connected between the contaminated outlet of the filtering device and the recovery device through a suction line, and performs suction operation according to a command; The suction device is an air pump, The contaminated discharge port of the filtering device is connected in series to the recovery device via a temporary wastewater storage device having an internal storage chamber, and the suction line branches off from the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device and communicates with the suction device; When the suction device performs the air suction operation, the wastewater in the filter device enters the wastewater temporary storage device due to the pressure difference, and when the suction device stops, the wastewater in the wastewater temporary storage device is discharged to the recovery device, The temporary wastewater storage device is provided with an air vent for communicating the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device with an external space, and when the suction device stops, external air enters the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device through the air vent, and the internal wastewater is discharged to the recovery device; The washing machine is characterized in that the air vent is provided in the ceiling area of ​​the temporary wastewater storage device.

2. The discharge port of the temporary wastewater storage device is higher than the wastewater inlet of the recovery device, and when the suction device stops, the wastewater in the temporary wastewater storage device is discharged into the recovery device by gravity; And / or the washing machine further includes an air supply device used to introduce gas into the temporary wastewater storage device to discharge the wastewater inside to the recovery device, or the suction device is further used to introduce gas into the temporary wastewater storage device to discharge the wastewater inside to the recovery device.

3. 2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a buffer section is provided between the suction device and the temporary wastewater storage device, the buffer section has a buffer chamber inside, the buffer chamber is connected to the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device, and the suction pipe is connected to the buffer section to communicate between the suction device and the buffer chamber.

4. 4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein an openable / closable pollutant discharge control valve is provided between the pollutant discharge port of the filtering device and the suction inlet end of the suction pipe.

5. The recovery device includes: a housing having a collection chamber therein; a filtration assembly disposed within the collection chamber and dividing the collection chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber; The wastewater containing the contaminants enters the first chamber, passes through the filter assembly, is filtered, and then enters the second chamber, and the contaminants are collected in the first chamber; 4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the second chamber is provided with a water outlet for discharging filtered clean water.

6. The sewage inlet of the recovery device is provided with a blocking member that opens in one direction from the outside to the inside, or the recovery device has a water outlet, and the water outlet is provided with a blocking member that opens in one direction from the inside to the outside. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The blocking member is provided at the wastewater inlet of the recovery device and opens in one direction from the outside to the inside, and the blocking member is a base attached to the wastewater inlet of the recovery device; 7. The washing machine according to claim 6, further comprising an opening portion that is movable relative to the base body and that opens / closes the space between the outside and the inside of the recovery device.

8. The washing machine of claim 7, wherein the outer periphery of the wastewater inlet extends a certain length from the inner wall of the recovery device toward the inside of the recovery device to form a tubular portion, the base is attached to the extended end of the tubular portion, and the opening portion moves relative to the extended end of the tubular portion to open / close the opening of the extended end of the tubular portion.

9. a collection device communicating with the internal chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device, wherein the wastewater discharged from the filtration device passes through the temporary wastewater storage device and is collected in the collection device; 3. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a suction device that performs a suction operation to draw the wastewater in the filtering device into the temporary wastewater storage device by the action of a pressure difference.

10. 10. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the temporary wastewater storage device is provided with a first vent hole communicating with a suction device.

11. The temporary wastewater storage device is provided with an air hole for communicating the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device with an external space, 11. The washing machine according to claim 10, wherein when the suction device performs a suction operation, the wastewater in the filter device enters the temporary wastewater storage device due to the pressure difference, and when the suction device stops, outside air enters the internal storage chamber of the temporary wastewater storage device through the air vent, and the wastewater inside is discharged to the recovery device.

12. 11. The washing machine according to claim 10, wherein a buffer section is provided between the suction device and the temporary wastewater storage device, the buffer section has a buffer chamber therein, the buffer chamber is in communication with a first air vent of the temporary wastewater storage device, and the suction device is in communication with the buffer chamber.

13. 13. The washing machine according to claim 12, wherein the buffer section is provided with a second vent hole communicating with a suction device, the second vent hole of the buffer section is connected to a suction pipe line, and the suction pipe line extends to be connected to an intake end of the suction device.

14. Furthermore, The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an isolation mechanism provided between the pollutant discharge port and the suction device, which blocks communication between the suction device and the pollutant discharge port as dirty water is discharged.

15. The washing machine according to claim 14, wherein the isolation mechanism includes a float member, and an air vent is provided in the communication path between the suction device and the pollutant discharge port, and during the process of discharging the pollutant, the float member rises to the air vent together with the water surface to block the air vent.

16. Furthermore, a suction device that performs a suction operation to suck out the wastewater in the filtering device through a polluted discharge port; 4. The washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a recovery device that collects and filters the dirty water sucked out by the suction device and introduces the filtered water into the water tank.

17. 17. The washing machine according to claim 16, further comprising a detergent dispenser communicating with the water tank and used to dispense detergent into the water tank, the recovery device communicating with the detergent dispenser, and the filtered water in the recovery device being introduced into the water tank via the detergent dispenser.

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