CN106555307A - A kind of washing machine with steaming function and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a washing machine with steam washing function and a control method thereof. The washing machine comprises an outer cylinder, a heater is arranged inside the outer cylinder, and a sprayer for spraying water to the heater is arranged inside the outer cylinder. When the washing machine performs steam washing, disinfection and other programs that need to generate steam, the sprinkler sprays water to the working heater in the outer cylinder at intervals, so that the water flow density sprayed to the surface of the heater is low, so that the heater can be used at any time The nodes are all in contact with less spray water, so that the heater can be continuously maintained at a higher temperature, so that the efficiency of converting spray water into steam is higher, and the washing machine can quickly generate a large amount of steam. Simultaneously, the present invention has the advantages of simple structure, concise method and remarkable effect, and is suitable for popularization and use.

Description

A washing machine with steam washing function and its control method

technical field

The present invention relates to a washing machine in the field of washing, in particular to a washing machine with a steam washing function, and also to a control method of the washing machine.

Background technique

In order to meet the needs of consumers, additional functions of washing machines emerge in an endless stream, such as steam washing, sterilization, deodorization and other functions. In the existing washing machine products, there are two ways to realize the steam washing function:

One is to install a special steam generator on the washing machine. After the water is vaporized into high-temperature steam in the generator, the steam is poured into the outer cylinder, so as to realize the functions of rapid washing, sterilization and deodorization of clothes. .

For example, the Chinese patent whose application number is CN200510083626 introduces a steam generating device for a washing machine, which includes: a housing with an accommodation space for storing water; water. By installing a separate steam generating device on the washing machine, water is used to generate steam, and the steam flows into the outer tub of the washing machine, so as to realize the purpose of using steam to perform high-temperature disinfection treatment on the clothes in the inner tub.

Although in the above-mentioned scheme of separately installing a steam generator on the washing machine, the amount of steam generated is more, and the effect of cleaning and disinfecting clothes is better. However, because the steam generator needs to be installed separately, the production cost of the washing machine is increased; at the same time, the steam generator installed separately also occupies the inner space of the washing machine, so that the overall size of the washing machine becomes larger and the capacity of the inner cylinder becomes smaller.

The other is to immerse the heater in the outer tub of the washing machine into the washing water in the outer tub to heat the washing water to generate steam. However, in the washing machine using this method, since the total amount of washing water in the outer cylinder is relatively large, the heating rate is relatively slow, resulting in a small amount of steam generation, and the effect is not ideal.

In view of this, the present invention is proposed.

Contents of the invention

The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, and to provide a washing machine with a steam washing function and a control method, so as to realize the purpose of generating steam in the outer cylinder for high-temperature disinfection and rapid wetting of the clothes; another purpose is to: The purpose of using the heater in the outer cylinder to quickly generate a large amount of steam is achieved.

In order to solve the problems of the technologies described above, the present invention adopts the basic idea of technical solution to be:

A control method for a washing machine with a steam washing function, spraying water at intervals to a working heater in an outer cylinder, so that the sprayed water contacts with the heater to generate a large amount of steam.

Further, after spraying water to the heater for a certain period of time t1, stop spraying water for a certain period of time t2, so that the sprayed water can fully contact the heater to improve the steam generation efficiency.

Further, said t1 is less than t2, so that most of the water sprayed onto the surface of the heater is evaporated before spraying water, so as to improve the evaporation efficiency of the sprayed water, so that the temperature of the heater continues to be kept high and the steam The generation rate of has been increased. Preferably, t1<t2*0.5.

Further, when the temperature of the heater reaches T1, water is sprayed to the heater for a certain time t1, so that water is sprayed when the heater is at a higher temperature, so that the sprayed water is quickly evaporated and a large amount of steam is obtained. Preferably, T1 is 90°C to 100°C.

Further, after spraying water to the heater until the water level in the outer cylinder reaches the height of the heater, stop spraying water for a certain period of time t2, so that the heater will not be submerged by the accumulated water in the outer tub, and reduce the immersion of the heater in the outer tub At the same time, the water level in the outer bucket can be maintained for a certain period of time. During this period of time, the water level is just in contact with the heater, so that the heater can quickly heat the contacted water and generate a large amount of steam to improve the steam. Generate rate.

Further, set the set water level on the washing machine, the set water level is higher than the heater and lower than the lowest point of the inner cylinder; when the water level in the outer cylinder reaches the set water level, stop spraying water, and the heater continues to work to heat the water in the outer cylinder to generate steam.

Further, during the interval water spraying process, the heater is always in a heating state.

Further, during the interval water spraying process, at least the heater is in a heating state during the second half of the water spraying time period and the first half of the water spraying stop time period.

The present invention also provides a washing machine adopting any one of the above control methods, which comprises an outer cylinder, a heater is arranged inside the outer cylinder; a sprayer for spraying water to the heater is arranged inside the outer cylinder.

Further, the height of the heater is lower than the lowest point of the inner cylinder; the outer cylinder is provided with a water level sensor for detecting the height of the water level in the outer cylinder.

Further, the heater is provided with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater.

After adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art as follows:

By spraying water to the heater at intervals, the density of the water sprayed onto the surface of the heater is lower, so that the heater can be maintained at a higher temperature continuously, and the efficiency of converting the spray water into steam is higher, so that the washing machine can quickly generate a large amount of steam the goal of. At the same time, by detecting one or a combination of the water level of the outer bucket, working time, and heater temperature, and based on the detection, the specific interval spraying time period can be obtained, so that the interval spraying process can be accurately controlled, and the spray water can be further improved. Efficiency of conversion to steam. In addition, the present invention enables the heater to have the dual functions of heating the washing water in the outer cylinder and rapidly generating a large amount of steam through the above arrangement, thereby avoiding the need for additional special steam generating devices. Therefore, not only the cost of the washing machine can be reduced, but also the power consumption of the washing machine can be reduced. In addition, in the process of spraying water to the heater at intervals, due to the effect of spraying water, the temperature of the heater itself is in the process of rising and falling alternately, so that the scale on the surface of the heater will automatically fall off, which effectively solves the problem of the surface of the heater. dirt problem.

Therefore, the present invention has the advantages of simple structure, concise method and remarkable effect, and is suitable for popularization and use.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 is the structural representation of washing machine in the embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic structural view of an outer cylinder in an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is the structural representation of A-A section among Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is the structural representation of shower in the embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of an explosion structure of a shower and a heater in an embodiment of the present invention;

6 is a flow chart of the washing machine generating steam to perform steam washing, disinfection and other programs in an embodiment of the present invention;

Description of main components: 1—outer cylinder, 2—inner cylinder, 3—heater, 4—sprinkler, 5—connecting pipe, 6—water inlet structure, 7—spray hole, 8—groove, 9—three Pass, 10—inlet pump, 11—drainage pump, 12—water inlet pipe, 13—drainage pipe, 14—control valve, 40—pipeline.

detailed description

The specific implementation manners of the present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 , an embodiment of the present invention introduces a washing machine with a steam washing function, which includes an outer cylinder 1 and an inner cylinder 2 , and a heater 3 is provided between the outer cylinder 1 and the inner cylinder 2 . The heater 3 can heat the washing water flowing into the tub 1 to increase the temperature of the washing water. The washing machine also includes a shower 4 that sprays water to the heater 3 , the heater 3 heats and vaporizes the water sprayed onto the surface to form high-temperature steam, and the steam heats and moistens the clothes in the inner tub 2 .

By setting the shower 4 to spray water at the heater 3, the heater 3 can quickly heat and vaporize the spray water to form a large amount of steam, and the steam generated in the outer cylinder 1 can be used to cool the clothes in the inner cylinder 2. Heating and moistening, so that the washing machine has the functions of steam washing, drying clothes, sterilization, deodorization and ironing, and the effect is remarkable. At the same time, the heater 3 has the dual functions of heating the washing water in the outer cylinder 1 and quickly generating a large amount of steam, avoiding the need for additional special steam generating devices. Therefore, not only the cost of the washing machine can be reduced, but also the power consumption of the washing machine can be reduced.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the shower 4 and the heater 3 are attached or arranged at intervals correspondingly, and a plurality of spray holes 7 for spraying water to the heater 3 are arranged on the corresponding side of the shower 4 . Preferably, in order to increase the coverage area of the spray hole 7, the shower 4 and the heater 3 are arranged at a certain interval; at the same time, the distance between the adjacent spray holes 7 is smaller than the diameter of the area covered by the spray water flow, All parts of the heater 3 can be in contact with the spray water, so as to improve the efficiency of steam generation.

In the embodiment of the present invention, when the washing machine needs to generate steam to perform steam washing, disinfection and other procedures on the clothes in the inner cylinder, the sprayer provided on the washing machine sprays water at intervals to the working heater in the outer cylinder, so that the sprayed water Contact with heaters generates large amounts of steam.

By spraying water to the heater at intervals, the density of the water sprayed onto the surface of the heater is lower, so that the heater can be maintained at a higher temperature continuously, and the efficiency of converting the spray water into steam is higher, so that the washing machine can quickly generate a large amount of steam the goal of.

Embodiment one

In this embodiment, when the washing machine needs to generate steam to perform steam washing, disinfection and other procedures on the clothes in the inner tube, the shower set on the washing machine will stop spraying water for a certain time t2 after spraying water to the heater for a certain time t2, so that Water spraying and stop cycles are executed alternately to achieve the purpose of spraying water to the heater at intervals, so that the density of the spray water on the heater is low, and the temperature of the heater itself is kept high, so that the sprayed water can fully contact the heater and increase the steam temperature. Generated efficiency.

In this embodiment, the t1 is less than t2, so that most of the water sprayed onto the surface of the heater is evaporated and then sprayed, so as to improve the evaporation efficiency of the sprayed water, so that the temperature of the heater continues to be kept high , so that the steam generation rate is increased. Preferably, said t1<t2*0.5.

In this embodiment, according to the heater power Q, and the heat loss ΔQ, according to the formula Q=CMΔT+ΔQ, the mass M of the water that can be vaporized by the heater in the unit time ΔT is calculated; then according to the mass M, the The total area of the spray holes on the sprinkler, the flow rate of spray water and other parameters. Therefore, the water sprayed by the shower to the heater can generate as much spray steam as possible, so as to increase the total amount and rate of steam generation of the washing machine.

However, under the premise of ensuring a high steam generation rate and avoiding dry heating of the heater, the amount of spraying water needs to be much larger than the amount of water converted into steam, resulting in water accumulation in the outer cylinder. This will cause the water level in the outer cylinder to rise continuously after the steam is generated for a certain long period of time.

As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, in order to overcome the above-mentioned problems, to improve the rate of steam generation of the washing machine as much as possible, the following specific steps should be adopted:

Step 1. The washing machine starts to execute procedures such as steam washing and disinfection of clothes by using steam;

Step 2, the heater is powered on and starts to work (the heater is always in the heating state);

Step 3, the sprinkler sprays water to the heater at intervals (after spraying water to the heater for a certain period of time t1, stop spraying water for a certain period of time t2);

Step 4. Real-time detection of the water level in the outer barrel; when the water level in the outer barrel reaches the set water level (the set water level is higher than the heater and lower than the lowest point of the inner barrel), stop performing step 3; when the water level in the outer barrel is not high At the height of the heater, continue to step 3;

Step 5. After steam cleaning and disinfection procedures are completed, the heater is powered off and stops working, and the sprinkler stops spraying water.

During the process of the washing machine performing the above steps 1 to 5, water is sprayed at intervals to slow down the amount of water accumulated in the outer cylinder, so that in most of the programs that require a short time to generate steam, the heater is only sprayed to its The spray water on the surface is in contact with the surface to increase the rate of steam generation; when performing a program that generates steam for a long time, the heater is used to heat the water in the outer tub as a whole, so that the washing machine can generate a large amount of steam for a long period of time. and reduce power consumption. At the same time, when the washing machine uses steam to steam wash and sterilize the clothes, the accumulated water in the outer cylinder caused by the spray water will not exceed the set water level and flow into the inner cylinder, so as to avoid the occurrence of the accumulated water immersing the clothes. In addition, when the water level in the outer cylinder is lower than that of the heater, it is sprayed with water at intervals, which can effectively avoid the occurrence of dry burning of the heater.

In this embodiment, in order to realize the above steps 1 to 5, a water level sensor for detecting the water level in the outer tub is provided on the washing machine. The water level sensor is any device in the prior art that can accurately measure the water level in the outer cylinder.

Embodiment two

The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that a temperature sensor is provided at the heater of the washing machine, and the temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the heater itself. By detecting the temperature of the heater, the purpose of using the temperature of the heater to accurately control the interval spraying is achieved.

In this embodiment, when the washing machine needs to generate steam to steam wash and sterilize the clothes in the inner cylinder, whenever the temperature of the heater reaches T1, spray water to the heater for a certain time t1, so that the water spray and stop cycle are executed alternately , in order to achieve the purpose of spraying water to the heater at intervals.

Through the above method, when the heater is at a relatively high temperature, the sprayer sprays water, so that the sprayed water is quickly evaporated, and a large amount of steam is obtained in the outer tub of the washing machine, so as to improve the efficiency of steam generation.

Preferably, the set temperature T1 is from 80 degrees Celsius to 100 degrees Celsius, so as to spray water on the heater itself when it is close to or slightly lower than the boiling point of water, so as to facilitate the rapid evaporation of spray water and improve the conversion of steam efficiency.

Embodiment Three

The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment above is that in the process of executing steps 3 and 4, when the water level in the outer cylinder reaches the height of the heater, stop spraying water for a certain time t2, so that the heater will not be blocked by the outside. The accumulated water in the barrel has been submerged to reduce the time for the heater to be immersed in the accumulated water in the outer cylinder; and use the above-mentioned time period t2 to heat and evaporate the newly-contacted accumulated water to increase the steam generation rate in this time period; at the same time, in the time period After t2, continue to spray water at intervals to avoid the occurrence of dry burning of the heater.

By stopping the water intake for a certain period of time when the accumulated water reaches the height of the heater, the water level in the inner and outer barrels is maintained at this height during this period of time, so that the water level in the outer barrel is just in contact with the heater, so as to increase the rate of steam generation by the heater , so that the heater rapidly heats the contacting water during this period of time to generate a large amount of steam, so as to improve the efficiency of steam generation.

Embodiment four

The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment above is that during the execution of step 3, at least the heater is in the heating state during the second half of the water spraying period and the first half of the water spraying stop period, so that the heater performs interval heating , to make full use of the preheating of the heater to vaporize the spray water on the surface.

In this embodiment, in the process of performing the above step 3, the heater is in the heating state for a certain time t3, and the heating is stopped for a certain time t4, so that the heater performs heating and stops heating alternately, so as to avoid dryness caused by excessive temperature of the heater. The occurrence of burning; at the same time, it can also make full use of the waste heat after the heater stops heating to vaporize the spray water.

In this embodiment, t3+t4=t1+t2, so that the interval heating of the heater and the interval water spraying of the shower are interleaved correspondingly, so as to increase the rate of steam generation.

Preferably, during the first half of the time period t1 when the shower is spraying water, the heater is in a state of stopping heating; state; in the first half of the time period t2 when the sprinkler stops spraying water, the heater is in the heating state; .

Through the above arrangement, the interval heating of the heater and the interval water spraying of the shower are alternately arranged, so as to reasonably set the evaporation process and improve the efficiency of converting the spray water into steam.

Embodiment five

As shown in Figures 1 to 4, this embodiment introduces the shower 4 provided in the washing machine with steam washing function in the above-mentioned embodiment, and the fitting or spacing of the shower 4 corresponding to the heater 3 It is provided that a plurality of spray holes 7 for spraying water to the heater 3 are arranged on the corresponding side of the shower 4 . Preferably, in order to increase the coverage area of the spray hole 7, the shower 4 and the heater 3 are arranged at a certain interval; at the same time, the distance between the adjacent spray holes 7 is smaller than the diameter of the area covered by the spray water flow, All parts of the heater 3 can be in contact with the spray water, so as to improve the efficiency of steam generation.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in this embodiment, the heater 3 is composed of multiple sections of heating pipes arranged in an "S" shape; A pipeline 40 is formed, and a plurality of spray holes 7 for spraying water to the heater 4 are arranged at equal intervals along the axial direction on the pipeline 40 . By setting the sprayer and the heater in the same type, the coverage area of the spray water flow on the heater is increased, the steam generation efficiency is improved, and the dead angle of the heater is avoided, and the spray water flow cannot fully cover the situation.

As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, both ends of the pipeline 40 that constitutes the shower 4 are connected to the connecting pipe 5 through the same tee 9, and the connecting pipe 5 is connected to the water inlet structure 6 of the washing machine, so that The water flow can enter from both ends of the pipeline 40 at the same time, so as to reduce the length of the water flow path in the sprinkler 4 and make the water outlet pressure of each spray hole 7 relatively balanced, so as to improve the spraying stability of the sprinkler and accelerate the steam generation rate. Purpose.

In this embodiment, the connecting pipe 5 is provided with a control valve 14 for controlling the flow rate, so as to adjust the water flow rate of the shower, so as to indirectly adjust the coverage area of the spray water flow.

In this embodiment, the heater 3 and the shower 4 are both arranged between the outer cylinder 1 and the inner cylinder 2, and the steam generated at the heater 3 can flow into the inner cylinder through the dehydration holes provided on the inner cylinder 2, etc. 2, to steam wash, sterilize and deodorize the clothes in the inner tube 2.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in this embodiment, the heater 3 is arranged at the bottom of the outer cylinder 1, the shower 4 is arranged above the heater 3, and the spray hole 7 is arranged at the bottom of the outer cylinder 1. The lower surface of device 4. Since the steam density is low, it will move upward in the outer cylinder 1. By setting the heater 3 at the bottom of the outer cylinder 1, the steam generated in the outer cylinder 1 is evenly distributed in the inner space of the outer cylinder 1, so that the clothes and Steam is fully accessible.

As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the outer cylinder 1 communicates with the water inlet structure 6 through the water inlet pipe 12, and communicates with the outside through the drain pipe 13; The water inlet pump 10 and the drain pipe 13 are provided with a drain pump 11 for controlling the passage of the pipeline. When the sprinkler 4 is spraying water to the heater 3, the water inlet pump 10 and the drain pump 11 are both in the disconnected state, so that the inner space of the outer cylinder 1 is sealed, so that the generated steam can evenly fill the outer cylinder and avoid the outflow of steam the occurrence of the situation.

Preferably, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the bottom of the outer cylinder 1 is provided with a downwardly recessed groove 8 , and the heater 3 and the shower 4 are both arranged in the groove 8 . Thus, a certain gap is set between the heater 3 and the shower 4 and the inner cylinder 2 to avoid mutual contact and friction; at the same time, during the working process of the washing machine, the inner cylinder 2 shakes and does not affect the groove 8. The heater 3 and the shower 4 collide in order to reduce the probability of failure of the shower and the heater.

The implementations in the above examples can be further combined or replaced, and the examples are only descriptions of preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the concept and scope of the present invention. Various changes and improvements to the technical solutions of the present invention made by those skilled in the art belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims (10)

1. A control method for a washing machine with steam washing function, characterized in that: water is sprayed at intervals to the working heater in the outer cylinder, so that the sprayed water contacts with the heater to generate a large amount of steam. 2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: after spraying water to the heater for a certain time t1, the water spraying is stopped for a certain time t2. 3. The control method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: when the temperature of the heater reaches T1, spray water to the heater for a certain time t1. 4. The control method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: after spraying water to the heater until the water level in the outer cylinder reaches the height of the heater, stop spraying water for a certain period of time t2. 5. The control method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: a set water level is set on the washing machine, the set water level is higher than the heater and lower than the inner cylinder; when the water level in the outer cylinder reaches the set water level, Stop spraying water, and the heater continues to work to heat the water in the outer cylinder to generate steam. 6. The control method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, during the interval water spraying process, the heater is always in a heating state. 7. The control method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: during the interval water spraying process, at least the heater is in the heating state during the second half of the water spraying time period and the first half of the water spraying stop time period. 8. A washing machine that adopts the control method described in any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising an outer cylinder (1), and a heater (3) is arranged inside the outer cylinder (1); it is characterized in that: the outer cylinder (1 ) is provided with a shower (4) for spraying water to the heater (3). 9. The washing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: the height of the heater (3) is lower than the lowest point of the inner cylinder (2); the outer cylinder (1) is provided with a detection outer cylinder (1) Water level sensor for the height of the inner water level. 10. The washing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: the washing machine is provided with a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heater (3).