U.S. patent application number 15/524668 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-09 for multi-drum washing machine and drainage control method.
This patent application is currently assigned to QINGDAO HAIER DRUM WASHING MACHINE CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is QINGDAO HAIER DRUM WASHING MACHINE CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Yuanyuan CHANG, Wenwei LI, Jinkai WANG, Jun WU, Shaolei YI.
Application Number | 20170321364 15/524668 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56106619 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170321364 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LI; Wenwei ; et al. |
November 9, 2017 |
MULTI-DRUM WASHING MACHINE AND DRAINAGE CONTROL METHOD
Abstract
A multi-drum washing machine drainage control method, the
multi-drum washing machine at least comprising a first washing drum
and a second washing drum; the method comprising: when the first
washing drum reaches a drainage process, determining whether the
second washing drum is draining; if yes, then the first washing
drum waits for the second washing drum to finish draining before
starting to drain; and if not, then determining whether the first
washing drum waits for the second washing drum to finish draining
before starting to drain. Alternatively, when the first washing
drum reaches the drainage process, determining whether the second
washing drum is draining or dehydrating; if yes, then the first
washing drum waits for the second washing drum to finish draining
before starting to drain; and if not, then determining whether the
first washing drum waits for the second washing drum to finish
draining before starting to drain.
Inventors: |
LI; Wenwei; (Qingdao,
Shandong, CN) ; WANG; Jinkai; (Qingdao, Shandong,
CN) ; WU; Jun; (Qingdao, Shandong, CN) ;
CHANG; Yuanyuan; (Qingdao, Shandong, CN) ; YI;
Shaolei; (Qingdao, Shandong, CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
QINGDAO HAIER DRUM WASHING MACHINE CO., LTD. |
Qingdao, Shandong |
|
CN |
|
|
Assignee: |
QINGDAO HAIER DRUM WASHING MACHINE
CO., LTD.
Qingdao, Shandong
CN
|
Family ID: |
56106619 |
Appl. No.: |
15/524668 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
August 31, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CN2015/088593 |
371 Date: |
May 5, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 29/00 20130101;
D06F 2210/00 20130101; D06F 2204/08 20130101; D06F 39/006 20130101;
D06F 39/083 20130101; D06F 2202/12 20130101; D06F 37/304 20130101;
D06F 2226/00 20130101; D06F 2220/00 20130101; D06F 34/22 20200201;
D06F 39/088 20130101; D06F 33/00 20130101; D06F 31/00 20130101;
D06F 37/02 20130101; D06F 2202/02 20130101; D06F 37/42
20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 33/02 20060101
D06F033/02; D06F 37/30 20060101 D06F037/30; D06F 37/02 20060101
D06F037/02; D06F 37/42 20060101 D06F037/42; D06F 39/00 20060101
D06F039/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 12, 2014 |
CN |
201410772774.6 |
Jul 9, 2015 |
CN |
201510401932.1 |
Claims
1. A drainage control method of a multi-drum washing machine which
at least comprises a first washing drum and a second washing drum,
wherein: when the first washing drum reaches a drainage process, it
is determined whether or not the second washing drum is in a
dehydration process at this time, if the second washing drum is in
the dehydration process, the first washing drum waits until the
dehydration process of the second washing drum is completed, and
then drains; if the second washing drum is not in the dehydration
process at this time, it is determined whether or not the first
washing drum waits until the dehydration process of the second
washing drum is completed, and then drains.
2. The drainage control method of the multi-drum washing machine
according to claim 1, wherein: the process to determine whether or
not the first washing drum waits until the dehydration process of
the second washing drum is completed and then drains includes:
determining a time T.sub.32 for reaching the dehydration process of
the second washing drum and a time T.sub.33 taken for the second
washing drum to dehydrate is, and setting an allowable waiting time
T.sub.3, if T.sub.32+T.sub.33<T.sub.3, the first washing drum
waiting until the dehydration process of the second washing drum is
completed, and then draining, otherwise, water in the first washing
drum being drained directly.
3. The drainage control method of the multi-drum washing machine
according to claim 1, wherein: when the first washing reaches the
drainage process, it is determined whether or not the second
washing drum is draining at this time, if the second washing drum
is draining at the time, the first washing drum waits until a
drainage of the second washing drum is completed, and drains,
otherwise, the water in the first washing drum is drained
directly.
4. The drainage control method of the multi-drum washing machine
according to claim 1, wherein: when the first washing drum reaches
the drainage process, it is compared a time T.sub.12 for reaching a
water supply process of the second washing drum and a time T.sub.11
for reaching a next drainage process of the first washing drum, if
T.sub.12<T.sub.11, the first washing drum waits until the second
washing drum supplies water, if T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.11, the water
in the first washing drum is drained directly.
5. The drainage control method of the multi-drum washing machine
according to claim 4, wherein: it is determined whether or not the
water in the first washing drum can be reused before comparing the
time T.sub.12 for reaching the water supply process of the second
washing drum and the time T.sub.11 for reaching the next drainage
process of the first washing drum, if no, the water in the first
washing drum is drained directly, if yes, it is compared the time
T.sub.12 for reaching the water supply process of the second
washing drum and the time T.sub.11 for reaching the next drainage
process of the first washing drum; or, it is determined whether or
not the water in the first washing drum is reused when the first
washing drum waits until the second washing drum supplies water, if
no, the water in the first washing drum is drained directly, if
yes, the water in the first washing drum is drained into the second
washing drum for reusing.
6. The drainage control method of the multi-drum washing machine
according to claim 4, wherein: if the second washing drum is
supplying water when the first washing drum reaches the drainage
process, the time T.sub.12 for reaching the water supply process of
the second washing drum is 0, and no need to wait.
7. The drainage control method of the multi-drum washing machine
according to claim 4 wherein: an allowable waiting time T.sub.1 is
set, T.sub.1<T.sub.11, it is compared the time T.sub.12 for
reaching the water supply process of the second washing drum and
the allowable waiting time T.sub.1, if T.sub.12<T.sub.1, the
first washing drum waits until the second washing drum supplies
water, if T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.1, the water in the first washing
drum is drained directly.
8. The drainage control method of the multi-drum washing machine
according to claim 4 wherein: when the first washing drum reaches
the drainage process, it is determined whether or not the process
which the second washing drum is in progress or is about to be
performed is a water supply for a last rinse, if yes, the water in
the first washing drum is drained directly, if no, it is continued
to be determined whether or not the water in the first washing drum
can be reused.
9. The drainage control method of the multi-drum washing machine
according to claim 1 wherein: when the second washing drum reaches
the drainage process, it is determined whether or not the first
washing drum is in the dehydration process at this time, if the
first washing drum is in the dehydration process, the second
washing drum waits until the dehydration process of the first
washing drum is completed, and then drains, if the first washing
drum is not in the dehydration process at this time, it is
determined whether or not to wait until the dehydration process of
the first washing drum is completed, and then drains.
10. The drainage control method of the multi-drum washing machine
according to claim 1 wherein: when the first washing drum reaches
the drainage process, it is determined whether or not the second
washing drum is operating at this time, if yes, it is determined
whether or not the second washing drum is in the dehydration
process or is about to execute the dehydration process, if no, the
first washing drum directly executes the drainage process.
11. A drainage control method of a multi-drum washing machine which
at least comprises a first washing drum and a second washing drum,
wherein: when the first washing drum reaches a drainage process, it
is determined whether or not the second washing drum is in a
drainage process or in a dehydration process, if the second washing
drum is in the drainage process or in the dehydration process, the
first washing drum waits until the dehydration process of the
second washing drum is completed, and then drains; if the second
washing drum is not in the drainage process or in the dehydration
process, it is determined whether or not the first washing drum
needs to wait until the dehydration process of the second washing
drum is completed, and then drains.
12. The drainage control method of the multi-drum washing machine
according to claim 11, wherein: a process for determining whether
or not the first washing drum needs to wait until the dehydration
process of the second washing drum is completed, and then drains,
comprises, determining T.sub.31 a time for reaching the drainage
process of the second washing drum, a time T.sub.34 taken for the
second washing drum to drain, a time T.sub.33 taken for the second
washing drum to dehydrate, and a time T.sub.5 for reaching a next
drainage process of the first washing drum, if
T.sub.5<T.sub.31+T.sub.34, the water in the first washing drum
being drained directly, otherwise, continuing to be determined
whether or not the first washing drum needs to wait until the
dehydration process of the second washing drum is completed, and
then drains.
13. The drainage control method of the multi-drum washing machine
according to claim 11, wherein: a process for determining whether
or not the first washing drum needs to wait until the dehydration
process of the second washing drum is completed, and then drains,
comprises determining the time T.sub.31 for reaching the drainage
process of the second washing drum, the time T.sub.34 taken for the
second washing drum to drain, and the time T.sub.33 taken for the
second washing drum to dehydrate, setting an allowable waiting time
T.sub.3, if T.sub.31+T.sub.34+T.sub.33<T.sub.3, the first
washing drum waiting until the dehydration process of the second
washing drum is completed, and then draining, otherwise, the water
in the first washing drum being drained directly.
14. The drainage control method of the multi-drum washing machine
according to claim 11, wherein: when the first washing drum reaches
the drainage process, it is firstly determined whether or not the
second washing drum is operating, if no, the first washing drum
directly executes the drainage process, if yes, it is continued to
be determined whether or not the second washing drum is in the
drainage process or in the dehydration process.
15. The drainage control method of the multi-drum washing machine
according to claim 11, wherein: if it is determined the first
washing drums waits until the dehydration process of the second
washing drum is completed, it is determined whether or not the
second washing drum needs to supply water after the dehydration
process is completed, if water supply is not required, the water in
the first washing drum is drained directly, if water supply is
required, it is determined whether or not the water in the first
washing drum can be reused, if the water can be reused, the water
in the first washing drum is drained into the second washing
drum.
16. The drainage control method of the multi-drum washing machine
according to claim 11, wherein: when the first washing drum reaches
the drainage process and if the second washing drum is supplying
water, it is determined whether or not the water in the first
washing drum can be reused, if the water can be reused, the water
in the first washing drum is drained into the second washing
drum.
17. The drainage control method of the multi-drum washing machine
according to claim 15, wherein: if the process which second washing
drum is in or is about to perform is a water supply for a last
rinse, the water in the first washing drum cannot be reused.
18. The drainage control method of the multi-drum washing machine
according to claim 15, wherein: if the first washing drum is in a
drainage of a last rinse, the water in the first washing drum
cannot be reused.
19. The drainage control method of the multi-drum washing machine
according to claim 15, wherein: the water in the first washing drum
cannot be reused, if the first washing drum is in a washing process
when it drains, and the second washing drum is in a rinse process
when it supplies water; or if the first and second washing drums
are both in the washing process when the first washing drum drains
and the second washing drum supplies water, and washing times of
the first washing drum is less than washing times of the second
washing drum; or if the first and second washing drums are both in
the rinse process when the first washing drum drains and the second
washing drum supplies water, and rinsing times of the first washing
drum is less than rinsing times of the second washing drum; or if a
turbidity of the water in the first washing drum exceeds a set
value.
20. The drainage control method of the multi-drum washing machine
according to claim 11, wherein: when the second washing drum
reaches the drainage process, it is determined whether or not the
first washing drum is in the drainage process or in the dehydration
process at this time, if the first washing drum is in the drainage
process or in the dehydration process, the second washing drum
waits until the dehydration of the first washing drum is completed,
and then drains, if the first washing drum is not in the drainage
process or in the dehydration process, it is determined whether or
not the second washing drum needs to wait until the dehydration
process of the first washing drum is completed, and then drains.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a field of washing, more
particularly, to a drainage control method of a multi-drum washing
machine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] At present, most of the drum washing machines on sale in the
market have only one washing drum. With the strengthening of
people's health awareness, more and more users need to separate the
different types of clothing to wash or to wash a small amount of
clothing in a timely manner.
[0003] With the improvement of people's quality of life, people's
health awareness has gradually increased, especially in the family
clothing washing, more and more people wash clothes separately. If
using the existing washing machine to take multiple laundry, the
laundry time is hard to meet the requirements of the users. If
buying two or more washing machines to wash separately at the same
time, it will not only bring a great waste of energy and water
resources but also occupy a large space, which is not suitable for
home use. Therefore, the use of multi-drum washing machine will
meet the needs above and solve the problem of energy, water and
space waste.
[0004] A patent No. 201010117002.0 discloses a control method of a
washing machine which comprises a first washing drum and a second
washing drum. The method includes steps: receiving a first
operation instruction for requiring a water supply or a drainage
program to be executed in said first washing drum; determining
whether or not a same operation instruction is being executed in
said second washing drum. When the same operation instruction is
being executed in the said second washing drum, it is determined
that the first operation instruction cannot be executed. When the
same operation instructions of the water supply and the drainage
program are input at the same time in said first washing drum and
said second washing drum, it is determined that said first washing
drum or said second washing machine has a shorter remaining washing
time. And the water supply or the drainage program is preferably
executed in the washing drum having a relatively shorter remaining
washing time.
[0005] A double-drum washing machine has a high center of gravity,
which is unstable, so it has a higher requirement to vibration.
However, the larger the overall weight of the washing machine, the
smaller the vibration. During the dehydration process, the
high-speed rotation of the drum will certainly bring vibration, and
the drum with a higher center of gravity will produce larger
vibration and noise which brings unnecessary trouble to the daily
life. Sometime, one washing drum is draining while the other
washing drum is dehydrating, if draining water away, the vibration
will increase. The water can be used as a counterweight if the
water is not drained away. However, the situation is usually not
that a washing drum is draining when the other washing drum is
dehydrating. So it needs to be determined whether to wait the other
washing drum drains.
[0006] In the view of foregoing, the present disclosure is
proposed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to overcome the
shortcomings of the prior art, and provides a drainage control
method of a multi-drum washing machine to reduce the vibration
during the dehydration process.
[0008] In order to achieve such object, the technical scheme is
adopted by the present disclosure as follows: a drainage control
method of a multi-drum washing machine which at least comprises a
first washing drum and a second washing drum. When the first
washing drum reaches a drainage process, it is determined whether
or not the second washing drum is in a dehydration process at this
time. If the second washing drum is in the dehydration process, the
first washing drum waits until the dehydration process of the
second washing drum is completed, and then drains.
[0009] If the second washing drum is not in the dehydration process
at this time, it is determined whether or not to wait until the
dehydration process of the second washing drum is completed, and
then to drain.
[0010] To determine whether or not to wait until the dehydration
process of the second washing drum is completed, and then to drain:
a time for reaching the dehydration process of the second washing
drum is T.sub.32, a time taken for the second washing drum to
dehydrate is T.sub.33, and an allowable waiting time T.sub.3 is
set. If T.sub.32+T.sub.33<T.sub.3, the first washing drum waits
until the dehydration process of the second washing drum is
completed, and then drains. Otherwise, the water in the first
washing drum is drained directly.
[0011] When the first washing is about to drain, it is determined
whether or not the second washing drum is draining at this time. If
the second washing drum is draining at the time, the first washing
drum waits until the drainage of the second washing drum is
completed, and drains. Otherwise, the water of the first washing
drum is drained directly.
[0012] When the first washing drum reaches the drainage process, it
is compared a time T.sub.12 for reaching a water supply process of
the second washing drum and a time T.sub.11 for reaching a next
drainage process of the first washing drum. If
T.sub.12<T.sub.11, the first washing drum waits until the second
washing drum supplies water. If T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.11, the water
in the first washing drum is drained directly.
[0013] It is determined whether or not the water in the first
washing drum can be reused before comparing the time T.sub.12 for
reaching the water supply process of the second washing drum and
the time T.sub.11 for reaching the next drainage process of the
first washing drum. If no, the water in the first washing drum is
drained directly. If yes, it is compared the time T.sub.12 for
reaching the water supply process of the second washing drum and
the time T.sub.11 for reaching the next drainage process of the
first washing drum.
[0014] Or, it is determined whether or not the water in the first
washing drum can be reused when the first washing drum waits until
the second washing drum supplies water. If no, the water in the
first washing drum is drained directly. If yes, the water in the
first washing drum is drained into the second washing drum for
reusing.
[0015] If the second washing drum is supplying water when the first
washing drum reaches the drainage process, the time T.sub.12 for
reaching the water supply process of the second washing drum is 0,
and no need to wait.
[0016] Set an allowable waiting time T.sub.1, if
T.sub.12<T.sub.1, the first washing drum waits until the second
washing drum supplies water. If T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.1, the water
in the first washing drum is drained directly.
[0017] When the first washing drum reaches the drainage process, it
is determined whether or not the process which the second washing
drum is in progress or is about to be performed is a water supply
for a last rinse. If yes, the water in the first washing drum is
drained directly. If no, it is continued to be determined whether
or not the water in the first washing drum can be reused.
[0018] When the second washing drum reaches the drainage process,
it is determined whether or not the first washing drum is in the
dehydration process at this time. If it is in the dehydration
process, the second washing drum waits until the dehydration
process of the first washing drum is completed, and then drains. If
the first washing drum is not in the dehydration process at this
time, it is determined whether or not to wait until the dehydration
process of the first washing drum is completed, and then
drains.
[0019] When the first washing drum reaches the drainage process, it
is determined whether or not the second washing drum is operating
at this time. If yes, it is determined whether or not the second
washing drum is in the dehydration process or is about to execute
the dehydration process. If no, the first washing drum directly
executes the drainage process.
[0020] A drainage control method of a multi-drum washing machine is
provided, and the multi-drum washing machine at least comprises a
first washing drum and a second washing drum. When the first
washing drum reaches a drainage process, it is determined whether
or not the second washing drum is in a drainage process or in a
dehydration process. If the second washing drum is in the drainage
process or in the dehydration process, the first washing drum waits
until the dehydration process of the second washing drum is
completed, and then drains. If the second washing drum is not in
the drainage process or in the dehydration process, it is
determined whether or not the first washing drum needs to wait
until the dehydration process of the second washing drum is
completed, and then drains.
[0021] To determine whether or not the first washing drum needs to
wait until the dehydration process of the second washing drum is
completed, and then drains: a time for reaching the drainage
process of the second washing drum is T.sub.31, a time taken for
the second washing drum to drain is T.sub.34, a time taken for the
second washing drum to dehydrate is T.sub.33, and a time for
reaching a next drainage process of the first washing drum is
T.sub.5. If T.sub.5<T.sub.31+T.sub.34, the water in the first
washing drum is drained directly. Otherwise, it is continued to be
determined whether or not the first washing drum needs to wait
until the dehydration process of the second washing drum is
completed, and then drains.
[0022] To determine whether or not the first washing drum needs to
wait until the dehydration process of the second washing drum is
completed, and then drains: a time for reaching the drainage
process of the second washing drum is T.sub.31, a time taken for
the second washing drum to drain is T.sub.34, a time taken for the
second washing drum to dehydrate is T.sub.33. An allowable waiting
time T.sub.3 is set. If T.sub.31+T.sub.34+T.sub.33<T.sub.3, the
first washing drum waits until the dehydration process of the
second washing drum is completed, and then drains. Otherwise, the
water in the first washing drum is drained directly.
[0023] When the first washing drum reaches the drainage process, it
is firstly determined whether or not the second washing drum is
operating. If no, the first washing drum directly executes the
drainage process. If yes, it is continued to be determined whether
or not the second washing drum is in the drainage process or in the
dehydration process.
[0024] If it is determined the first washing drums waits until the
dehydration process of the second washing drum is completed, it is
determined whether or not the second washing drum needs to supply
water after the dehydration process is completed. If water supply
is not required, the water in the first washing drum is drained
directly. If water supply is required, it is determined whether or
not the water in the first washing drum can be reused. If the water
can be reused, the water in the first washing drum is drained into
the second washing drum.
[0025] When the first washing drum reaches the drainage process and
if the second washing drum is supplying water, it is determined
whether or not the water in the first washing drum can be reused.
If the water can be reused, the water in the first washing drum is
drained into the second washing drum.
[0026] If the process which second washing drum is in or is about
to perform is a water supply for a last rinse, the water in the
first washing drum cannot be reused.
[0027] If the first washing drum is in the drainage of the last
rinse, the water in the first washing drum cannot be reused.
[0028] The water in the first washing drum cannot be reused, if the
first washing drum is in a washing process when it drains, and the
second washing drum is in a rinse process when it supplies water;
or if the first and second washing drums are both in the washing
process when the first washing drum drains and the second washing
drum supplies water, and washing times of the first washing drum is
less than washing times of the second washing drum; or if the first
and second washing drums are both in the rinse process when the
first washing drum drains and the second washing drum supplies
water, and rinsing times of the first washing drum is less than
rinsing times of the second washing drum; or if a turbidity of the
water in the first washing drum exceeds a set value.
[0029] When the second washing drum reaches the drainage process,
it is determined whether or not the first washing drum is in the
drainage process or in the dehydration process at this time. If the
first washing drum is in the drainage process or in the dehydration
process, the second washing drum waits until the dehydration of the
first washing drum is completed, and then drains. If the first
washing drum is not in the drainage process or in the dehydration
process, it is determined whether or not the second washing drum
needs to wait until the dehydration process of the first washing
drum is completed, and then drains.
[0030] By adopting the technical scheme of the present disclosure,
it brings the following benefits:
[0031] 1. When one washing drum of the washing machine of the
present disclosure drains and if the other washing drum is in the
dehydration process or will be in the dehydration process in a
certain time, the first washing drum will not drain to increase the
weight of the washing machine to reduce vibration. When one washing
drum reaches drainage process and if the other washing drum is in
the drainage or dehydration process, or will be in the drainage or
dehydration process in a certain time, the first washing drum will
not drain to increase the weight of the washing machine. It plays a
role in increasing the counterweight to achieve vibration
absorption effect when the second washing drum is dehydrating.
[0032] 2. The present disclosure increases the determination
process of waiting for drainage after dehydration, and reasonably
arranges the working process of the two washing drums to realize
the vibration reduction effect to the maximum extent.
[0033] 3. The present disclosure determines whether or not one
washing drum drains water to the other washing drum for water reuse
according to the drainage waiting time when it reaches the drainage
process. The present disclosure has a simple determination and
control logic and has a higher stability in the actual washing
process. At the same time, it makes full reuse of washing water and
has a high practical value and is more effective to promote the
application.
[0034] 4. The present disclosure accurately determines that the
water cannot be reused and ensures the washing effect.
[0035] The following is further described in details with
embodiments of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] FIG. 1: A structural diagram of a double-drum washing
machine of the present disclosure
[0037] FIG. 2: A flow chart of a control method of the present
disclosure
[0038] FIG. 3: A flow chart of a control method of an embodiment of
the present disclosure
[0039] FIG. 4: A flow chart of a control method of an embodiment of
the present disclosure
[0040] FIG. 5: A flow chart of a control method of an embodiment of
the present disclosure
[0041] FIG. 6: A flow chart of a control method of an embodiment of
the present disclosure
[0042] Wherein: 1. A first washing drum, 2. A second washing
drum.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, a double-drum washing machine which
provides with a first washing drum 1 and a second washing drum 2
capable of independently performing washing steps. The first
washing drum 1 and the second washing drum 2 can respectively and
independently execute a water supply process, a washing process, a
drainage process, a rinse process, a dehydration process in turn
for clothes, which is to achieve the purpose of washing clothes.
Preferably, the first washing drum and the second washing drum may
also be separately provided with a drying means for executing a
drying process after the dehydration process to achieve the purpose
of drying the clothes in the first washing drum and/or the second
washing drum. Preferably, the first washing drum is provided with a
first heater for heating the washing water therein, and the second
washing drum is provided with a second heater for heating the
washing water therein. Thus, during the execution of the washing
process, the washing water in the washing drum is subjected to a
heat treatment to control the water temperature during the washing
process and the washing effect is improved
[0044] In the present disclosure, the first washing drum is
communicated with the second washing drum. The water in the first
washing drum can be drained into the second washing drum for reuse
under a certain condition, and the water in the second washing drum
can be drained into the first washing drum for reuse under a
certain condition. If the water doesn't meet the condition for
reuse, it is drained away through a drainage pipe. Thus, it
improves the water utilization and avoids the waste of water. At
the same time, a control process is added to ensure that the water
is only be reused when the water is relatively clean, and ensure
the washing effect.
Embodiment 1
[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the drainage control method of a
multi-drum washing machine. When the first washing drum reaches the
drainage process, it is determined whether or not the second
washing drum is in a dehydration process. If the second washing
drum is in the dehydration process, the first washing drum waits
until the dehydration process of the second washing drum is
completed, and then drains. The water in the first washing drum
plays a role as a counterweight, thus it increases the overall
weight of the washing machine to achieve the effect of vibration
absorption.
[0046] If the second washing drum is not in the dehydration
process, it is determined whether or not to wait until the
dehydration process is completed, and drain. Thus can avoid the
scenario that the second washing drum starts to dehydrate as soon
as the first washing drum finished draining water. Under that
scenario the water in the first washing drum cannot achieve the
effect of vibration absorption, resulting waste.
[0047] To determine whether or not to wait until the dehydration
process is completed, and then drain: a time for reaching the
dehydration process of the second washing drum is T.sub.32, a time
taken for the second washing drum to dehydrate is T.sub.33, an
allowable waiting time is T.sub.3. If T.sub.32<T.sub.3-T.sub.33,
which means it is within a rang of the allowable waiting time, the
first washing drum waits until the dehydration process of the
second washing drum is completed, and then drains. Otherwise, the
water of the first washing drum is drained directly.
[0048] Since draining outlets of the first washing drum and the
second washing drum are connected to a drainage outlet of the
washing machine through a pipe line, and the entire washing machine
has only one drainage outlet. When the two washing drums drain at
the same time, it will cause contamination to clothes due to the
water reflux caused by the pressure difference. And the speeds of
drainage at the same time and at different times are essentially
the same while they share the same drainage pipe, so the first
washing drum and the second washing drum cannot drain at the same
time. When the first washing drum is about to drain, it is
determined whether or not the second washing drum is draining at
this time. If the second washing drum is draining at this time, the
first washing drum waits until the drainage process of the second
washing drum is completed, and then drains. Otherwise, the water in
the first washing drum is drained directly.
[0049] In order to reuse the water in the first washing drum, when
the first washing drum reaches the drainage process, it is
determined whether or not the water in the first washing drum can
be reused. If no, the water in the first washing drum is drained
directly. If yes, it is determined whether or not the second
washing drum is supplying water. If yes, the water in the first
washing drum is drained into the second washing drum to reuse the
water; if no, it is determined whether or not the first washing
drum waits until the second washing drum supplies water.
[0050] To determine whether or not the first washing drum waits
until the second washing drum supplies water: it is compared a time
T.sub.12 for reaching a water supply process of the second washing
drum and a time T.sub.11 for reaching a next drainage process of
the first washing drum. If T.sub.12<T.sub.11, the first washing
drum waits until a start of water supply process of the second
washing drum, and the water in the first washing drum is drained
into the second washing drum to reuse the water. If
T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.11, the water in the first washing drum is
drained directly.
[0051] The determination process above may result in a longer
waiting time, at this time, an allowable waiting time T.sub.1,
which T.sub.1<T.sub.11, can be set. If T.sub.12<T.sub.1,
which means that it is within the range of the allowable waiting
time, the first washing drum waits the start of the water supply
process of the second washing drum, and the water in the first
washing drum is drained into the second washing drum directly to
reuse water. If T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.1, which mean it is beyond
the range of the allowable waiting time, and the water in the first
washing drum is drained directly.
[0052] When it is determined whether or not the water in the first
washing drum can be reused, the turbidity value or the bubble
concentration value of the water in the first washing drum is
detected. If the turbidity value or the bubble concentration value
of the water is smaller than the set value, the water in the first
washing drum can be reused. Otherwise the water in the first
washing drum cannot be reused and is drained away directly.
[0053] When the first washing drum reaches the drainage process, it
is determined whether or not the process of which the second
washing drum is in progress or is about to be performed is a water
supply for a last rinse. If yes, the water in the first washing
drum is drained directly. If no, it is continued determined whether
or not the water in the first washing drum can be reused.
[0054] The first washing drum and the second washing drum are only
for the sake of convenience of the description, regardless of the
order of the relationship. It is possible to determine whether or
not the first washing drum is dehydrating at this time when the
second washing drum is draining. If the first washing drum is
dehydrating, the second washing drum waits after the dehydration of
the first washing drum is completed, and drains. The water in the
second washing drum plays the role as a counterweight which can
increase the overall weight of the washing machine to achieve the
effect of vibration absorption.
[0055] If the first washing drum is not draining at this time, it
is determined whether or not to wait until the dehydration process
is completed, and drain. Thus can avoid the scenario that the first
washing drum starts to dehydrate as soon as the second washing drum
finished draining water. Under that scenario the water in the
second washing drum cannot achieve the effect of vibration
absorption, resulting waste.
[0056] When the first washing drum reaches the drainage process, it
is determined whether or not the second washing drum is operating
at this time. If yes, it is determined whether or not the second
washing drum is in the dehydration process or is about to execute
the dehydration process. If no, the first washing drum directly
executes the drainage process.
[0057] As shown in FIG. 2, the control method of the present
embodiment is:
[0058] 1) the first washing drum reaching the drainage process,
[0059] 2) determining whether or not the second washing drum is
operating, if yes, executing step 3), if no, executing step 8),
[0060] 3 determining whether or not the second washing drum is
draining, if no, executing step 4), if yes, executing step 7),
[0061] 4) determining whether or not the second washing drum is
dehydrating, if no, executing step 5), if yes, executing step
6),
[0062] 5) a time for reaching the dehydration process of the second
washing drum being T.sub.32, a time taken for the second washing
drum to dehydrate being T.sub.33, an allowable waiting time being
set to T.sub.3, If T.sub.32<T.sub.3-T.sub.33, executing step 6),
otherwise executing step 8),
[0063] 6) the first washing drum waiting until the dehydration of
the second washing drum is completed, executing step 8),
[0064] 7) the first washing drum waiting until the drainage of the
second washing drum is completed, executing step 8),
[0065] 8) the first washing drum draining.
Embodiment 2
[0066] As shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 6, the drainage control method of
the multi-drum washing machine of the present disclosure. When the
first washing drum reaches the drainage process, it is determined
whether or not the second washing drum is in a drainage process or
in a dehydration process. If the second washing drum is in the
drainage process or in the dehydration process, the first washing
drum waits until the dehydration process of the second washing drum
is completed, and then drains. When the second washing drum is in
the dehydration process, the water in the first washing drum
remaining in the first washing drum, and said water in the first
washing drum plays a role as a counterweight which increases the
overall weight of the washing machine to achieve the effect of
vibration absorption. That is, the drainage process and the
dehydration process of the second washing drum are carried out
successively, and the drainage process and the dehydration process
are not interrupted by other processes.
[0067] If the second washing drum is not draining or dehydrating at
this time, it is determined whether or not the first washing drum
waits until the dehydration process of the second washing drum is
completed, and then drains. If the second washing drum is about to
dehydrate, the first washing drum may wait until the dehydration
process is completed, and then drain. Thus can avoid the scenario
that the second washing drum starts to dehydrate as soon as the
first washing drum just finished draining water or soon after the
first washing drum completes the drainage. Under that scenario the
water in the first washing drum cannot achieve the effect of
vibration absorption, resulting waste. When the second washing drum
is in the dehydration process, the water in the first washing drum
remain in the first washing drum, said water in the first washing
drum plays a role as a counterweight which increases the overall
weight of the washing machine to achieve the effect of vibration
absorption.
[0068] To determine whether or not the first washing drum needs to
wait until the dehydration process of the second washing drum is
completed, and then starts to drain: a time for reaching the
drainage process of the second washing drum is T.sub.31, a time
taken for the second washing drum to drain is T.sub.34, a time
taken for the second washing drum to dehydrate is T.sub.33, a time
from a next drainage process of the first washing drum is T.sub.5.
If T.sub.5<T.sub.31+T.sub.34, the water in the first washing
drum is drained directly. The water in the first washing drum is
utilized to achieve the vibration absorption of the dehydration
when the water in the first washing drum is drained next time.
Otherwise, the first washing drum is determined whether to need to
wait until the dehydration process of the second washing drum is
completed, and then drains. Thus can avoid the first washing drum
having a too long washing time which caused by the first washing
drum waiting too long for the completion of the dehydration process
of the second washing drum. And if the next drainage process of the
first washing drum can start before the dehydration process of the
second washing drum, the present drainage of the first washing drum
doesn't have to wait until the dehydration process of the second
washing drum is completed. The water of the first washing drum
plays a role as a counterweight which left in the first washing
drum for next drainage process, and it can increase the overall
weight of the washing machine to achieve vibration absorption.
[0069] To determine whether or not to wait until the dehydration
process is completed, and then drain: a time for reaching the
drainage process of the second washing drum is T.sub.31, a time
taken for the second washing drum to drain is T.sub.34, a time
taken for the second washing drum to dehydrate is T.sub.33. An
allowable waiting time T.sub.3 is set, if
T.sub.31+T.sub.34+T.sub.33<T.sub.3, which means it is within the
range of the allowable waiting time, the first washing drum waits
until the dehydration process of the second washing drum is
completed, and then drains. Otherwise, the water in the first
washing drum is drained directly. An allowable waiting time is set,
and if the drainage waiting time of the first washing drum exceeds
the set allowable waiting time, the first washing drum no longer
waits until the dehydration process of the second washing drum is
completed. It can avoid the first washing drum waiting too long for
drainage and cause the washing time of the first washing drum is
too long. Thus can reasonably arrange the washing processes of the
two washing drums.
[0070] When the first washing drum reaches the drainage process, it
is determined whether or not the second washing drum is operating
at this time. If yes, it is determined whether or not the second
washing drum is in or is about to execute the dehydration or
drainage process. If no, the first washing drum directly executes
the drainage process.
[0071] Since draining outlets of the first washing drum and the
second washing drum are connected to a drainage outlet of the
washing machine through a pipe line, and the entire washing machine
has only one drainage outlet. When the two washing drums drain at
the same time, it will cause contamination to clothes due to the
water reflux caused by the pressure difference. And the speeds of
drainage at the same time and at different times are essentially
the same while they share the same drainage pipe, so the first
washing drum and the second washing drum cannot drain at the same
time. At the same time, the drainage process and the dehydration
process of the second washing drum are carried out successively,
and the drainage process and the dehydration process are not
interrupted by other processes. When the first washing drum is
about to drain, it is determined whether or not the second washing
drum is draining at this time. If the second washing drum is
draining at this time, the first washing drum waits until the
drainage process of the second washing drum is completed, and then
drains. Otherwise, the water in the first washing drum is drained
directly.
[0072] The dehydration is prone to vibration, especially if a
clothing is uneven distribution, it will result in greater
vibration and is prone to produce noise. While the vibration is too
large likely to cause the connection of washing machine parts
loose, resulting in failure. Two washing drums are provided in the
present disclosure and when one of the washing drums is in
dehydration process, the water in the other washing drum can be
used to increase the overall weight of the washing machine to
reduce vibration. When the first washing drum is about to drain, it
is determined whether or not the second washing drum is dehydrating
at this time. If the second washing drum is dehydrating at this
time, the first washing drum waits until the dehydration process of
the second washing drum is completed, and then drains, which
reduces the vibration produced in the dehydration process of the
second washing drum.
[0073] At the same time, the water in the washing drum can be
reused. If it is determined the first washing drums waits until the
dehydration process of the second washing drum is completed, it is
determined whether or not the second washing drum needs to supply
water after the dehydration process is completed. If water supply
is not required, the water in the first washing drum is drained
directly. If water supply is required, it is determined whether or
not the water in the first washing drum can be reused. If the water
can be reused, the water in the first washing drum is drained into
the second washing drum.
[0074] When the first washing drum reaches the drainage process and
if the second washing drum is supplying water, it is determined
whether or not the water in the first washing drum can be reused.
If the water can be reused, the water in the first washing drum is
drained into the second washing drum.
[0075] The water in the first washing drum cannot be reused, if the
first washing drum is in a washing process when it drains and the
second washing drum is in a rinse process when it supplies water;
or if the first washing drum drains and the second washing drum are
both in the washing process when the first washing drum drains and
the second washing drum supplies water, and a number of washing
times of the first washing drum is less than a number of washing
times of the second washing drum; or if the first washing drum
drains and the second washing drum are both in the rinse process
when the first washing drum drains and the second washing drum
supplies water, and the number of rinsing times of the first
washing drum is less than the number of rinsing times of the second
washing drum; or if a turbidity of the water in the first washing
drum exceeds a set value.
[0076] When it is determined whether or not the water in the first
washing drum can be reused, the turbidity value or the bubble
concentration value of the water in the first washing drum is
detected. If the turbidity value or the bubble concentration value
of the water is smaller than the set value, the water in the first
washing drum can be reused. Otherwise the water in the first
washing drum cannot be reused and is drained away directly.
[0077] When the first washing drum reaches the drainage process, it
is determined whether or not the process of which the second
washing drum is in progress or is about to be performed is a water
supply for a last rinse. If yes, the water in the first washing
drum is drained directly. If no, it is continued to be determined
whether or not the water in the first washing drum can be
reused.
[0078] When the first washing drum reaches the drainage process, it
is determined whether or not the drainage is for the last rinse. If
the drainage is for the last rinse, the water in the first washing
drum is drained directly; if the drainage is not for the last
rinse, it is determined whether or not the water in the first
washing drum can be reused. Since the softener or antivirus agent
may be added in the last rinse, and the second washing drum may not
require the process, so that the laundry in the second washing drum
is prevented from being affected. If the drainage is for the last
rinse, the water in the first washing drum is drained away
directly.
[0079] The first washing drum and the second washing drum are only
for the sake of convenience of the description, regardless of the
order of the relationship. It is possible to determine whether or
not the first washing drum is draining or dehydrating at this time
when the second washing drum drains. If the first washing drum is
draining or dehydrating, the second washing drum waits until the
dehydration of the first washing drum is completed, and drains. The
water in the second washing drum plays the role as a counterweight
which can increase the overall weight of the washing machine to
achieve the effect of vibration absorption.
[0080] If the first washing drum is not draining or dehydrating at
this time, it is determined whether or not the second washing drum
waits until the dehydration process of the first washing drum is
completed, and then drains. Thus can avoid the scenario that the
first washing drum starts to dehydrate as soon as the second
washing drum finished draining water. Under that scenario the water
in the second washing drum cannot achieve the effect of vibration
absorption, resulting waste.
[0081] The control method of the present embodiment is:
[0082] 1) the first washing drum reaching the drainage process;
[0083] 2) determining whether or not the second washing drum is
operating, if yes, executing step 3), if no, executing step 6);
[0084] 3) determining whether or not the second washing drum is
draining, if no, executing step 4), if yes, executing step 5);
[0085] 4) determining whether or not the second washing drum is
dehydrating, if no, executing step 6), if yes, executing step
5);
[0086] 5) the first washing drum waiting until the dehydration of
the second washing drum is completed, executing step 6);
[0087] 6) the first washing drum draining.
[0088] Another control method of the present embodiment is:
[0089] 1) the first washing drum reaching the drainage process;
[0090] 2) determining whether or not the second washing drum is
operating, if yes, executing step 3), if no, executing step 7);
[0091] 3) determining whether or not the second washing drum is
draining, if no, executing step 4), if yes, executing step 6);
[0092] 4) determining whether or not the second washing drum is
dehydrating, if no, executing step 5), if yes, executing step
6);
[0093] 5) determining a time T.sub.31 for reaching the drainage
process of the second washing drum, a time T.sub.34 taken for the
second washing drum to drain, a time T.sub.33 taken for the second
washing drum to dehydrate, a time T.sub.5 for reaching a next
drainage process of the first washing drum, if
T.sub.5<T.sub.31+T.sub.34, executing step 7), otherwise,
executing step 6);
[0094] 6) the first washing drum waiting until the dehydration of
the second washing drum is completed, executing step 7);
[0095] 7) the first washing drum draining.
[0096] Another control method of the present embodiment is:
[0097] 1) the first washing drum reaching the drainage process;
[0098] 2) determining whether or not the second washing drum is
operating, if yes, executing step 3), if no, executing step 7);
[0099] 3) determining whether or not the second washing drum is
draining, if no, executing step 4), if yes, executing step 6);
[0100] 4) determining whether or not the second washing drum is
dehydrating, if no, executing step 5), if yes, executing step
6);
[0101] 5) determining a time T.sub.31 for reaching the drainage
process of the second washing drum, a time T.sub.34 taken for the
second washing drum to drain, a time T.sub.33 taken for the second
washing drum to dehydrate, setting an allowable waiting time
T.sub.3, if T.sub.31+T.sub.34+T.sub.33<T.sub.3, executing step
6), otherwise, executing step 7);
[0102] 6) the first washing drum waiting until the dehydration of
the second washing drum is completed, executing step 7);
[0103] 7) the first washing drum draining.
[0104] Another control method of the present embodiment is:
[0105] 1) the first washing drum reaching the drainage process;
[0106] 2) determining whether or not the second washing drum is
operating, if yes, executing step 3), if no, executing step 8);
[0107] 3) determining whether or not the second washing drum is
draining, if no, executing step 4), if yes, executing step 7);
[0108] 4) determining whether or not the second washing drum is
dehydrating, if no, executing step 5), if yes, executing step
7);
[0109] 5) determining a time T.sub.31 for reaching the drainage
process of the second washing drum, a time T.sub.34 taken for the
second washing drum to drain, a time T.sub.33 taken for the second
washing drum to dehydrate, a time T.sub.5 for reaching a next
drainage process of the first washing drum if
T.sub.5<T.sub.31+T.sub.34, executing step 8), otherwise,
executing step 6);
[0110] 6) determining a time T.sub.31 for reaching the drainage
process of the second washing drum, a time T.sub.34 taken for the
second washing drum to drain, a time T.sub.33 taken for the second
washing drum to dehydrate setting an allowable waiting time
T.sub.3, if T.sub.31+T.sub.34+T.sub.33<T.sub.3, executing step
7), otherwise, executing step 8);
[0111] 7) the first washing drum waiting until the dehydration of
the second washing drum is completed, executing step 8);
[0112] 8) the first washing drum draining.
[0113] Another control method of the present embodiment is:
[0114] 1) the first washing drum reaching the drainage process;
[0115] 2) determining whether or not the second washing drum is
operating, if yes, executing step 3), if no, executing step
12);
[0116] 3) determining whether or not the second washing drum is
draining, if no, executing step 4), if yes, executing step 7);
[0117] 4) determining whether or not the second washing drum is
dehydrating, if no, executing step 5), if yes, executing step
7);
[0118] 5) determining a time T.sub.31 for reaching the drainage
process of the second washing drum, a time T.sub.34 taken for the
second washing drum to drain, a time T.sub.33 taken for the second
washing drum to dehydrate, a time T.sub.5 for reaching a next
drainage process of the first washing drum, if
T.sub.5<T.sub.31+T.sub.34, executing step 8), otherwise,
executing step 6);
[0119] 6) determining a time T.sub.31 for reaching the drainage
process of the second washing drum, a time T.sub.34 taken for the
second washing drum to drain, a time T.sub.33 taken for the second
washing drum to dehydrate, setting an allowable waiting time
T.sub.3, if T.sub.31+T.sub.34+T.sub.33<T.sub.3, executing step
7), otherwise, executing step 8);
[0120] 7) the first washing drum waiting until the dehydration of
the second washing drum is completed, executing step 8);
[0121] 8) the first washing drum being about to drain;
[0122] 9) determining whether or not to supply water to the second
washing drum, if yes, executing step 10), if no, executing step
12);
[0123] 10) determining whether or not the water of the first
washing drum can be reused, if yes, executing step 11), if no,
executing step 12);
[0124] 11) the water in the first washing drum being drained into
the second washing drum for reuse;
[0125] 12) the water in the first washing drum being drained
away.
Embodiment 3
[0126] The control method of the present embodiment increases the
process of reusing the water of the first washing drum. As shown in
FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the drainage waiting time is
used as the determination criterion to determine whether or not to
reuse water. According to the drainage waiting time it is
determined whether to wait for the water to be drained to another
washing drum for reuse when the drainage process is reached. The
method has a simple judgment and control logic, in the actual
washing process, the control stability is high. At the same time,
it achieves a full reuse of water, and the practical value is high,
which is more effective to promote and apply.
[0127] When the first washing drum and the second washing drum are
both in the working state at the same time, the control method of
water reuse is as follows:
[0128] A control method of water reuse of a multi-drum washing
machine is provided. The multi-drum washing machine at least
comprises a first washing drum and a second washing drum. When the
first washing drum and the second washing drum are both in the
working state at the same time and the first washing drum reaches
the drainage process, it is compared a time T.sub.12 from a water
supply process of the second washing drum and a time T.sub.11 for
reaching a next drainage process of the first washing drum. If
T.sub.12<T.sub.11, the first washing drum waits until a start of
water supply process of the second washing drum. If
T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.11, the water in the first washing drum is
drained directly.
[0129] It is determined whether or not the water in the first
washing drum can be reused before comparing the time T.sub.12 for
reaching the water supply process of the second washing drum and
the time T.sub.11 for reaching the next drainage process of the
first washing drum. If no, the water in the first washing drum is
drained directly. If yes, it is compared the time T.sub.12 for
reaching the water supply process of the second washing drum and
the time T.sub.11 for reaching the next drainage process of the
first washing drum.
[0130] Or, it is determined whether or not the water in the first
washing drum can be reused when the first washing drum waits until
the start of the water supply process of the second washing drum.
If no, the water in the first washing drum is drained directly. If
yes, the water in the first washing drum is drained into the second
washing drum for reuse.
[0131] Specific:
[0132] step 1: when the first washing drum reaches the drainage
process, it is determined whether or not the water in the first
washing drum can be reused, if yes, execute step 2, if no, the
water in the first washing drum is drained directly;
[0133] step 2: it is compared a time T.sub.12 for reaching a water
supply process of the second washing drum and a time T.sub.11 for
reaching a next drainage process of the first washing drum. If
T.sub.12<T.sub.11, the first washing drum waits until a start of
water supply process of the second washing drum and the water in
the first washing drum is drained into the second washing drum to
reuse. If T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.11, the water in the first washing
drum is drained directly. By adding the process of the
determination of whether or not to wait, to a large extent it
increases the water reuse probability of the first washing drum,
and more water can be reused.
[0134] In step 1, if the second washing drum is supplying water
when the first washing drum reaches the drainage process, the time
T.sub.12 for reaching the water supply process of the second
washing drum is 0, and no need to wait. The water in the first
washing drum is drained into the second washing drum to reuse
water. It is also possible to first determine whether or not the
second washing drum is currently executing the water supply process
before comparing the time T.sub.12 for reaching the water supply
process of the second washing drum and the time T.sub.11 for
reaching a next drainage process of the first washing drum. If the
second washing drum is not subjected to the water supply process,
then it is compared the time T.sub.12 for reaching the water supply
process of the second washing drum and the time T.sub.11 for
reaching a next drainage process of the first washing drum.
[0135] In step 2, an allowable waiting time T.sub.1 is set, which
T.sub.1<T.sub.11. If T.sub.12<T.sub.1, the first washing drum
waits until the second washing drum supplies water and the water in
the first washing drum is drained into the second washing drum to
reuse water. If T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.1, the water in the first
washing drum is drained directly. This step can avoid the first
washing drum waiting too long and reasonably arrange the water
reuse under the premise of ensuring the washing time of the first
washing drum. Thus will not waste too much time of the first
washing drum because of only considering water reuse. If the
washing machine determines that the waiting time is too long and
exceeds the set allowable waiting time, the water in the first
washing drum is not reused. The determination makes the reuse of
water more reasonable, optimizing the relationship between waiting
time and water reuse.
[0136] In step 1, the turbidity value or the bubble concentration
value of the water in the first washing drum is detected. If the
turbidity value or the bubble concentration value of the water is
smaller than the set value, the water in the first washing drum can
be reused. Otherwise the water in the first washing drum cannot be
reused and is drained away directly. Water can be reused when the
turbidity value or bubble concentration value of the water is
within the set range.
[0137] In step 1, when the first washing drum reaches the drainage
process, it is determined whether or not the process of which the
second washing drum is in progress or is about to be performed is a
water supply for a last rinse. If yes, the water in the first
washing drum is drained directly. If no, it is continued to be
determined whether or not the water in the first washing drum can
be reused. Thus to ensure that the water supplied in the last rinse
process is clean water, which ensures that the effect of washing
clothes after washing.
[0138] In step 2, when the water in the first washing drum is
drained into the second washing drum, it is determined whether or
not the second washing drum executes the water supply process for
washing. If yes, the second washing drum first supplies water for
washing the detergent box. After the completion of water supply for
washing the detergent box of the second washing drum, the water in
the first washing drum is drained into the second washing drum. If
no, the water in the first washing drum is drained into the second
washing drum directly.
[0139] In step 2, when the water in the first washing drum is
drained into the second washing drum, the height of the water level
in the second washing drum is detected. If the water level in the
second washing drum reaches the set water level value, there is
water in the first washing drum, and the remaining water of the
first washing drum is discharged directly. If the water in the
first washing drum is entirely drained into the second washing
drum, and the water level in the second washing drum does not reach
the set water level value, then the second washing drum supplies
clean water through an external water inlet.
[0140] When the water in the first washing drum is drained away
directly, it is determined whether or not the second washing drum
is executing the dehydration process. If yes, the first washing
drum waits until the dehydration process of the second washing drum
is completed, and then drains. If no, a time for reaching the
dehydration process of the second washing drum is T.sub.32, a time
taken for the second washing drum to dehydrate is T.sub.33, an
allowable waiting time T.sub.3 is set. If
T.sub.32+T.sub.33<T.sub.3, the first washing drum waits until
the dehydration process of the second washing drum is completed,
and then drains. Otherwise, the water in the first washing drum is
drained directly.
[0141] It is also possible to determine whether or not the water in
the first washing drum can be reused by determining the washing
state and the washing times. In step 1, the water in the first
washing drum cannot be reused, if the first washing drum is in a
washing process when it drains and the second washing drum is in a
rinse process when it supplies water; or if the first washing drum
and the second washing drum are both in the washing process when
the first washing drum drains and the second washing drum supplies
water, and a number of washing times of the first washing drum is
less than a number of washing times of the second washing drum; or
if the first washing drum and the second washing drum are both in
the rinse process when the first washing drum drains and the second
washing drum supplies water, and the number of rinsing times of the
first washing drum is less than the number of rinsing times of the
second washing drum.
[0142] When the second washing drum reaches the drainage process,
it is determined whether or not the water in the second washing
drum can be reused. If yes, comparing the time for reaching the
water supply process of the first washing drum and the time for
reaching the next drainage process of the second washing drum, it
is determined whether or not the second washing drum waits until
the first washing drum executes the water supply process.
[0143] The drainage outlet of the first washing drum is
communicated with the second washing drum, and the water in the
first washing drum can be drained into the second washing drum to
reuse. The drainage outlet of the first washing drum is provided
with a holding valve, the water in the first washing drum can flow
through the holding valve into the second washing drum. The second
washing drum is provided with an inlet valve and the clean water
can flow into the second washing drum through the inlet valve. The
control method is as follows:
[0144] 1) The first washing drum reaches the drainage process,
[0145] 2) It is determined whether or not the water in the first
washing drum can be reused, if yes, execute step 3), if no, execute
step 6),
[0146] 3) A time T.sub.11 for reaching a next drainage process of
the first washing drum, a time T.sub.12 for reaching a water supply
process of the second washing drum, if T.sub.12<T.sub.11,
execute step 4), if T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.11, execute step 6),
[0147] 4) The first washing drum waits until the second washing
drum supplies water, execute step 5),
[0148] 5) The water in the first washing drum is drained into the
second washing drum,
[0149] 6) The water in the first washing drum is drained away
directly.
[0150] The control method can also add a process of determining
whether or not the second washing drum is supplying water before
comparing the time for reaching the next drainage process of the
first washing drum and the time for reaching executing the water
supply process of the second washing drum. The control method is as
follows:
[0151] 1) The first washing drum reaches the drainage process,
[0152] 2) It is determined whether or not the water in the first
washing drum can be reused, if yes, execute step 3), if no, execute
step 7),
[0153] 3) It is determined whether or not the second washing drum
is executing the water supply process, if no, execute step 4), if
yes, execute step 6),
[0154] 4) It is determined a time T.sub.11 for reaching a next
drainage process of the first washing drum, a time T.sub.12 for
reaching a water supply process of the second washing drum, if
T.sub.12<T.sub.11, execute step 5), if T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.11,
execute step 7),
[0155] 5) The first washing drum waits until the second washing
drum supplies water, execute step 6),
[0156] 6) The water in the first washing drum is drained into the
second washing drum,
[0157] 7) The water in the first washing drum is drained away
directly.
[0158] The control method may also include determining whether or
not the first washing drum have enough time to wait the second
washing drum supplying water, the control method is as follows:
[0159] 1) The first washing drum reaches the drainage process,
[0160] 2) It is determined whether or not the water in the first
washing drum can be reused, if yes, execute step 3), if no, execute
step 8),
[0161] 3) It is determined whether or not the second washing drum
is executing the water supply process, if no, execute step 4), if
yes, execute step 7),
[0162] 4) It is determined a time T.sub.11 for reaching a next
drainage process of the first washing drum, a time T.sub.12 for
reaching a water supply process of the second washing drum, if
T.sub.12<T.sub.11, execute step 5), if T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.11,
execute step 8),
[0163] 5) Set an allowable waiting time T.sub.1, if
T.sub.12<T.sub.1, execute step 6), if T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.1,
execute step 8),
[0164] 6) The first washing drum waits until the second washing
drum supplies water, execute step 7),
[0165] 7) The water in the first washing drum is drained into the
second washing drum,
[0166] 8) The water in the first washing drum is drained away
directly.
[0167] If the water in the first washing drum is too dirty or water
supply process of the second washing drum is for the last rinse,
the water in the first washing drum cannot be reused as well. The
control method is as follows:
[0168] 1) The first washing drum reaches the drainage process,
[0169] 2) The turbidity value or the bubble concentration value of
the water in the first washing drum is detected to determine
whether or not the turbidity value or the bubble density value is
smaller than the set value,
[0170] If yes, execute step 3), if no, execute step 9),
[0171] 3) It is determined whether or not the second washing drum
has only the last rinse left, if no, execute step 4), if yes,
execute step 9),
[0172] 4) It is determined whether or not the second washing drum
is executing water supply process, if no, execute step 5), if yes,
execute step 8),
[0173] 5) It is determined a time T.sub.11 for reaching a next
drainage process of the first washing drum, a time T.sub.12 for
reaching a water supply process of the second washing drum, if
T.sub.12<T.sub.11, execute step 6), if T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.11,
execute step 9),
[0174] 6) Set an allowable waiting time T.sub.1, if
T.sub.12<T.sub.1, execute step 7), if T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.1,
execute step 9),
[0175] 7) The first washing drum waits until the second washing
drum supplies water, execute step 8),
[0176] 8) The water in the first washing drum is drained into the
second washing drum,
[0177] 9) The water in the first washing drum is drained away
directly.
[0178] When the water in the first washing drum is drained into the
second washing drum and if the water supply of the second washing
drum is for washing, the detergent box need to be washed and water
level need to be detected. The control method is as follows:
[0179] 1) The first washing drum reaches the drainage process,
[0180] 2) The turbidity value or the bubble concentration value of
the water in the first washing drum is detected to determine
whether or not the turbidity value or the bubble density value is
smaller than the set value. If yes, execute step 3), if no, execute
step 12),
[0181] 3) It is determined whether or not the second washing drum
has only the last rinse left, if no, execute step 4), if yes,
execute step 12),
[0182] 4) It is determined whether or not the second washing drum
is executing water supply process, if no, execute step 5), if yes,
execute step 10),
[0183] 5) It is determined a time T.sub.11 for reaching a next
drainage process of the first washing drum, a time T.sub.12 for
reaching a water supply process of the second washing drum, if
T.sub.12<T.sub.11, execute step 6), if T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.11,
execute step 12),
[0184] 6) Set an allowable waiting time T.sub.1, if
T.sub.12<T.sub.1, execute step 7), if T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.1,
execute step 12),
[0185] 7) It is determined whether or not the second washing drum
is executing the water supply process for washing, if yes, execute
step 8), if no, execute step 10),
[0186] 8) The second washing drum first supplies water for washing
the detergent box, after the completion of water supply for washing
the detergent box of the second washing drum, execute step 9),
[0187] 9) The first washing drum waits until the second washing
drum supplies water, execute step 10),
[0188] 10) The water in the first washing drum is drained into the
second washing drum,
[0189] 11) Detect the height of the water level in the second
washing drum. When the water level in the second washing drum
reaches the set water level value and if there is still water left
in the first washing drum, the left water is drained away directly.
If the water level in the second washing drum still not reaches the
set water level value after the water in the first washing drum is
entirely drained into the second washing drum, water from outside
is flooded into the second washing drum through the water
inlet.
[0190] 12) The water in the first washing drum is drained away
directly.
[0191] The first washing drum and the second washing drum of the
present embodiment are only for the sake of convenience of the
description, regardless of the order of the relationship. It may
also to reuse the water in the second washing drum, the drainage
outlet of the second washing drum is communicated with the first
washing drum. The water in the second washing drum can be drained
into the first washing drum for reuse. The drainage outlet of the
second washing drum is provided with a holding valve and the water
in the second washing drum can flow into the first washing drum
through the holding valve. The first washing drum is provided with
an inlet valve, clean water from outside can flow into the first
washing drum through the inlet valve. When one washing drum reaches
the drainage process, it is determined whether or not the water of
the washing drum is drained into the other washing drum for reuse.
And when the other washing drum reaches the drainage process, it
doesn't need to consider the water reuse of the other washing drum.
It avoids causing an infinite loop of both washing drums waiting.
The control method is as follows:
[0192] 1) The second washing drum reaches the drainage process,
[0193] 2) It is determined whether or not the water in the second
washing drum can be reused, if yes, execute step 3), if no, execute
step 6),
[0194] 3) It is determined a time T.sub.11 for reaching a next
drainage process of the second washing drum, a time T.sub.12 for
reaching a water supply process of the first washing drum, if
T.sub.12<T.sub.11, execute step 4), if T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.11,
execute step 6),
[0195] 4) The second washing drum waits until the first washing
drum supplies water, execute step 5),
[0196] 5) The water in the second washing drum is drained into the
first washing drum,
[0197] 6) The water in the second washing drum is drained away
directly.
[0198] The control method can also add a process of determining
whether or not the first washing drum is supplying water before
comparing the time for reaching the next drainage process of the
second washing drum and the time for reaching executing the water
supply process of the first washing drum. The control method is as
follows:
[0199] 1) The second washing drum reaches the drainage process,
[0200] 2) It is determined whether or not the water in the second
washing drum can be reused, if yes, execute step 3), if no, execute
step 7),
[0201] 3) It is determined whether or not the first washing drum is
executing the water supply process, if no, execute step 4), if yes,
execute step 6),
[0202] 4) It is determined a time T.sub.11 for reaching a next
drainage process of the second washing drum, a time T.sub.12 for
reaching a water supply process of the first washing drum, if
T.sub.12<T.sub.11, execute step 5), if T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.11,
execute step 7),
[0203] 5) The second washing drum waits until the first washing
drum supplies water, execute step 6),
[0204] 6) The water in the second washing drum is drained into the
first washing drum,
[0205] 7) The water in the second washing drum is drained away
directly.
[0206] The control method may also include determining whether or
not the second washing drum have enough time to wait the first
washing drum supplying water, the control method is as follows:
[0207] 1) The second washing drum reaches the drainage process,
[0208] 2) It is determined whether or not the water in the second
washing drum can be reused, if yes, execute step 3), if no, execute
step 8),
[0209] 3) It is determined whether or not the first washing drum is
executing the water supply process, if no, execute step 4), if yes,
execute step 7),
[0210] 4) It is determined a time T.sub.11 for reaching a next
drainage process of the second washing drum, a time T.sub.12 for
reaching a water supply process of the first washing drum, if
T.sub.12<T.sub.11, execute step 5), if T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.11,
execute step 8),
[0211] 5) Set an allowable waiting time T.sub.1, if
T.sub.12<T.sub.1, execute step 6), if T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.1,
execute step 8),
[0212] 6) The second washing drum waits until the first washing
drum supplies water, execute step 7),
[0213] 7) The water in the second washing drum is drained into the
first washing drum,
[0214] 8) The water in the second washing drum is drained away
directly.
[0215] If the water in the second washing drum is too dirty or
water supply process of the first washing drum is for the last
rinse, the water in the second washing drum cannot be reused. The
control method is as follows:
[0216] 1) The second washing drum reaches the drainage process,
[0217] 2) The turbidity value or the bubble concentration value of
the water in the second washing drum is detected to determine
whether or not the turbidity value or the bubble concentration
value is smaller than the set value,
[0218] if yes, execute step 3), if no, execute step 9),
[0219] 3) It is determined whether or not the first washing drum
has only the last rinse left, if no, execute step 4), if yes,
execute step 9),
[0220] 4) It is determined whether or not the first washing drum is
executing the water supply process, if no, execute step 5), if yes,
execute step 8),
[0221] 5) It is determined a time T.sub.11 for reaching a next
drainage process of the second washing drum, a time T.sub.12 for
reaching a water supply process of the first washing drum, if
T.sub.12<T.sub.11, execute step 6), if T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.11,
execute step 9),
[0222] 6) Set an allowable waiting time T.sub.1, if
T.sub.12<T.sub.1, execute step 7), if T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.1,
execute step 9),
[0223] 7) The second washing drum waits until the first washing
drum supplies water, execute step 8),
[0224] 8) The water in the second washing drum is drained into the
first washing drum,
[0225] 9) The water in the second washing drum is drained away
directly.
[0226] When the water in the second washing drum is drained into
the first washing drum and if the water supply of the first washing
drum is for washing, the detergent box needs to be washed and water
level needs to be detected. The control method is as follows:
[0227] 1) The second washing drum reaches the drainage process,
[0228] 2) The turbidity value or the bubble concentration value of
the water in the second washing drum is detected to determine
whether or not the turbidity value or the bubble concentration
value is smaller than the set value. If yes, execute step 3), if
no, execute step 12),
[0229] 3) It is determined whether or not the first washing drum
only has water supply for the last rinse left, if no, execute step
4), if yes, execute step 12),
[0230] 4) It is determined whether or not the first washing drum is
executing any process, if no, execute step 5), if yes, execute step
10),
[0231] 5) It is determined a time T.sub.11 for reaching a next
drainage process of the second washing drum, a time T.sub.12 for
reaching a water supply process of the first washing drum, if
T.sub.12<T.sub.11, execute step 6), if T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.11,
execute step 12),
[0232] 6) Set an allowable waiting time T.sub.1, if
T.sub.12<T.sub.1, execute step 7), if T.sub.12.gtoreq.T.sub.1,
execute step 12),
[0233] 7) It is determined whether or not the first washing drum
executes the water supply process, if yes, execute step 8), if no,
execute step 10),
[0234] 8) The first washing drum first supplies water for washing
the detergent box, after the completion of water supply for washing
the detergent box of the first washing drum, execute step 9),
[0235] 9) The second washing drum waits until the first washing
drum supplies water, execute step 10),
[0236] 10) The water in the second washing drum is drained into the
first washing drum,
[0237] 11) Detect the height of the water level in the first
washing drum. When the water level in the first washing drum
reaches the set water level value and if there is still water left
in the second washing drum, the left water is drained away
directly. If the water level in the first washing drum does still
not reach the set water level value after the water in the second
washing drum is entirely drained into the first washing drum, water
from outside is flooded into the first washing drum through the
water inlet,
[0238] 12) The water in the first washing drum is drained away
directly.
Embodiment 4
[0239] As shown in FIG. 4, the present embodiment uses the waiting
time of the water supply as criterion to determine whether or not
to reuse the water. According to the waiting time of water supply,
it is determined whether to reuse water drained from the other
washing drum when one washing drum reaches the water supply
process. The method has a simple judgment and control logic; the
control stability is high in the actual washing process. At the
same time, it achieves a full reuse of water, and the practical
value is high, which is more effective to promote and apply.
[0240] When the first washing drum and the second washing drum are
both in the working state at the same time, the control method of
water reuse is as follows:
[0241] A control method of water reuse of a multi-drum washing
machine is provided, and the multi-drum washing machine at least
comprises a first washing drum and a second washing drum. When the
first washing drum and the second washing drum are both in the
working state at the same time, the control method for water reuse
is as follows: when the first washing drum reaches the drainage
process, it is compared a time T.sub.22 for reaching a drainage
process of the second washing drum and a time T.sub.21 for reaching
a next water supply process of the first washing drum. If
T.sub.22.gtoreq.T.sub.21, the first washing drum supplies clean
water directly. If T.sub.22<T.sub.21, the first washing drum
waits until a start of the drainage process of the second washing
drum.
[0242] It is determined whether or not the water in the second
washing drum can be reused before comparing the time T.sub.22 for
reaching the drainage process of the second washing drum and the
time T.sub.21 for reaching the next water supply process of the
first washing drum. If no, the water in the first washing drum
supplies clean water directly. If yes, it is compared the time
T.sub.22 for reaching the drainage process of the second washing
drum and the time T.sub.21 for reaching the next water supply
process of the first washing drum. Or, it is determined whether or
not the water in the second washing drum can be reused when the
first washing drum waits until the start of the drainage process of
the second washing drum. If no, the first washing drum supplies
clean water directly. If yes, the water in the second washing drum
is drained into the first washing drum for reuse.
[0243] Specific:
[0244] step 1: when the first washing drum reaches the water supply
process, it is compared the time T.sub.22 for reaching the drainage
process of the second washing drum and the time T.sub.21 for
reaching the next water supply process of the first washing drum.
If T.sub.22.gtoreq.T.sub.21, the first washing drum supplies clean
water directly. If T.sub.22<T.sub.21, the first washing drum
waits until a start of the drainage process of the second washing
drum, execute step 2;
[0245] Step 2: it is determined whether or not the water in the
second washing drum can be reused. If yes, the water in the second
washing drum is drained into the first washing drum to reuse, if
no, the first washing drum supplies clean water directly. By adding
the process of the determination of whether or not to wait, to a
large extent it increases the water reuse probability of the second
washing drum, and more water can be reused.
[0246] In step 1, if the second washing drum is draining water when
the first washing drum reaches the water supply process, the time
T.sub.22 for reaching the drainage process of the second washing
drum is 0, and no need to wait, and directly executes step 2. It is
also possible to first determine whether or not the second washing
drum is currently executing the drainage process before comparing
the time T.sub.22 for reaching the drainage process of the second
washing drum and the time T.sub.21 for reaching the next water
supply process of the first washing drum. If the second washing
drum is not subjected to the drainage process, then it is compared
the time T.sub.22 for reaching the drainage process of the second
washing drum and the time T.sub.21 for reaching the next water
supply process of the first washing drum.
[0247] In step 1, an allowable waiting time T.sub.2 is set, which
T.sub.2<T.sub.21. If T.sub.22<T.sub.2, the first washing drum
waits until the second washing drum drains, and executes step 2. If
T.sub.22.gtoreq.T.sub.2, the first washing drum supplies clean
water directly. This step can avoid the first washing drum waiting
too long and reasonably arrange the water reuse under the premise
of ensuring the washing time of the first washing drum. Thus will
not waste too much time of the first washing drum because of only
considering water reuse. If the washing machine determines that the
waiting time is too long and exceeds the set allowable waiting
time, the first washing drum will not reuse the water in the second
washing drum. The determination makes the reuse of water more
reasonable, optimizing the relationship between waiting time and
water reuse.
[0248] In step 2, the turbidity value or the bubble concentration
value of the water in the second washing drum is detected. If the
turbidity value or the bubble concentration value of the water is
smaller than the set value, the water in the second washing drum
can be reused. Otherwise the water in the second washing drum
cannot be reused. Water can be reused when the turbidity value or
bubble concentration value of the water is within the set
range.
[0249] In step 1, when the first washing drum reaches the drainage
process, it is determined whether or not the water supply process
being executed is a water supply for a last rinse. If yes, the
first washing drum supplies clean water directly. If no, it is
continued to compare the time T.sub.22 for reaching the drainage
process of the second washing drum and the time T.sub.21 for
reaching the next water supply process of the first washing drum.
Thus it is ensured that the water supplied-in in the last rinse
process is clean water, which ensures that the effect of washing
clothes after washing.
[0250] In step 2, when the water in the second washing drum is
drained into the first washing drum, it is determined whether or
not the first washing drum executes the water supply process for
washing. If yes, the first washing drum first supplies water for
washing the detergent box. After the completion of water supply for
washing the detergent box of the first washing drum, the water in
the second washing drum is drained into the first washing drum. If
no, the water in the second washing drum is drained into the first
washing drum directly.
[0251] In step 2, when the water in the second washing drum is
drained into the first washing drum, the height of the water level
in the first washing drum is detected. If the water level in the
first washing drum reaches the set water level value, there is
water in the second washing drum, and the remaining water in the
second washing tub is discharged directly. If the water in the
second washing drum is entirely drained into the first washing
drum, and the water level in the first washing tub does not reach
the set water level value, then the first washing drum supplies
clean water.
[0252] When the water in the second washing drum is drained away
directly, it is determined whether or not the first washing drum is
executing the dehydration process. If yes, the second washing drum
waits until the dehydration process of the first washing drum is
completed, and then drains. If no, it is determined a time for
reaching the dehydration process of the first washing drum is
T.sub.41, a time taken for the first washing drum to dehydrate is
T.sub.44, and an allowable waiting time T.sub.4 is set. If
T.sub.41+T.sub.44<T.sub.4, the second washing drum waits until
the dehydration process of the first washing drum is completed, and
then drains. Otherwise, the water of the second washing drum is
drained directly.
[0253] It is also possible to determine whether or not the water in
the first washing drum can be reused by determining the washing
state and the washing times. In step 2, the water in the first
washing drum cannot be reused, if the second washing drum is in a
washing process when it drains and the first washing drum is in a
rinse process when it supplies water; or if the first, second
washing drums are both in the washing process when the second
washing drum drains and the first washing drum supplies water, and
washing times of the second washing drum is less than washing times
of the first washing drum; or if the first, second washing drums
are both in the rinse process when the second washing drum drains
and the first washing drum supplies water, and washing times of the
second washing drum is less than washing times of the first washing
drum.
[0254] When the second washing drum reaches the water supply
process, it is compared the time for reaching the drainage process
of the first washing drum and the time for reaching the next water
supply of the second washing drum, it is determined whether or not
the second washing drum waits until the first washing drum
drains.
[0255] The drainage outlet of the second washing drum is
communicated with the first washing drum, and the water in the
second washing drum can be drained into the first washing drum to
reuse. The drainage outlet of the second washing drum is provided
with a holding valve, the water in the second washing drum can flow
through the holding valve into the first washing drum. The first
washing drum is provided with an inlet valve and the clean water
can flow into the first washing drum through the inlet valve. The
control method is as follows:
[0256] 1) The first washing drum reaches the water supply
process,
[0257] 2) It is determined whether or not the water in the second
washing drum can be reused, if yes, execute step 3), if no, execute
step 6),
[0258] 3) It is determined a time T.sub.21 for reaching a next
water supply process of the first washing drum, a time T.sub.22 for
reaching a drainage process of the second washing drum, if
T.sub.22<T.sub.21, execute step 4), if T.sub.22.gtoreq.T.sub.21,
execute step 6),
[0259] 4) The first washing drum waits until the second washing
drum drains, execute step 5),
[0260] 5) The water in the second washing drum is drained into the
first washing drum,
[0261] 6) The first washing drum supplies clean water directly and
the water in the second washing drum is drained away directly.
[0262] The control method can also add a process of determining
whether or not the second washing drum is draining water before
comparing the time T.sub.22 for reaching the drainage process of
the second washing drum and the time T.sub.21 for reaching the next
water supply process of the first washing drum. The control method
is as follows:
[0263] 1) The first washing drum reaches the water supply
process,
[0264] 2) It is determined whether or not the water in the second
washing drum can be reused, if yes, execute step 3), if no, execute
step 7),
[0265] 3) It is determined whether or not the second washing drum
is executing the drainage process, if no, execute step 4), if yes,
execute step 6),
[0266] 4) It is determined a time T.sub.21 for reaching a next
water supply process of the first washing drum, a time T.sub.22 for
reaching a drainage process of the second washing drum, if
T.sub.22<T.sub.21, execute step 5), if T.sub.22.gtoreq.T.sub.21,
execute step 7),
[0267] 5) The first washing drum waits until the second washing
drum drains, executes step 6),
[0268] 6) The water in the second washing drum is drained into the
first washing drum,
[0269] 7) The first washing drum supplies clean water directly and
the water in the second washing drum is drained away directly.
[0270] The control method may also include determining whether or
not the first washing drum has enough time to wait the second
washing drum draining, the control method is as follows:
[0271] 1) The first washing drum reaches the water supply
process,
[0272] 2) It is determined whether or not the water in the second
washing drum can be reused, if yes, execute step 3), if no, execute
step 8),
[0273] 3) It is determined whether or not the second washing drum
is executing the drainage process, if no, execute step 4), if yes,
execute step 7),
[0274] 4) It is determined a time T.sub.21 for reaching a next
water supply process of the first washing drum, a time T.sub.22 for
reaching a drainage process of the second washing drum, if
T.sub.22<T.sub.21, execute step 5), if T.sub.22.gtoreq.T.sub.21,
execute step 8),
[0275] 5) an allowable waiting time T.sub.2 is set, if
T.sub.22<T.sub.2, execute step 6), if T.sub.22.gtoreq.T.sub.2,
execute step 8),
[0276] 6) The first washing drum waits until the second washing
drum drains, execute step 7),
[0277] 7) The water in the second washing drum is drained into the
first washing drum,
[0278] 8) The first washing drum supplies clean water directly and
the water in the second washing drum is drained away directly.
[0279] If the water in the second washing drum is too dirty or
water supply process of the first washing drum is for the last
rinse, the water in the second washing drum cannot be reused. The
control method is as follows:
[0280] 1) The first washing drum reaches the water supply
process,
[0281] 2) It is determined whether or not the first washing drum
has only the last rinse left, if no, execute step 3), if yes,
execute step 9),
[0282] 3) It is determined whether or not the second washing drum
is executing drainage process, if no, execute step 4), if yes,
execute step 7),
[0283] 4) It is determined a time T.sub.21 for reaching a next
water supply process of the first washing drum, a time T.sub.22 for
reaching a drainage process of the second washing drum, if
T.sub.22<T.sub.21, execute step 5), if T.sub.22.gtoreq.T.sub.21,
execute step 9),
[0284] 5) an allowable waiting time T.sub.2 is set, if
T.sub.22<T.sub.2, execute step 6), if T.sub.22.gtoreq.T.sub.2,
execute step 9),
[0285] 6) The first washing drum waits until the second washing
drum supplies water, execute step 7),
[0286] 7) The turbidity value or the bubble concentration value of
the water in the second washing drum is detected to determine
whether or not the turbidity value or the bubble density value is
smaller than the set value, If yes, execute step 8), if no, execute
step 9),
[0287] 8) The water in the second washing drum is drained into the
first washing drum,
[0288] 9) The first washing drum supplies clean water directly and
the water in the second washing drum is drained away directly.
[0289] When the water in the second washing drum is drained into
the first washing drum and if the water supply of the first washing
drum is for washing, the detergent box need to be washed and water
level need to be detected. The control method is as follows:
[0290] 1) The first washing drum reaches the water supply
process,
[0291] 2) It is determined whether or not the first washing drum
has only the last rinse left, if no, execute step 3), if yes,
execute step 12),
[0292] 3) It is determined whether or not the second washing drum
is executing drainage process, if no, execute step 4), if yes,
execute step 7),
[0293] 4) It is determined a time T.sub.21 for reaching a next
water supply process of the first washing drum, a time T.sub.22 for
reaching a drainage process of the second washing drum, if
T.sub.22<T.sub.21, execute step 5), if T.sub.22.gtoreq.T.sub.21,
execute step 12),
[0294] 5) An allowable waiting time T.sub.2 is set, if
T.sub.22<T.sub.2, execute step 6), if T.sub.22.gtoreq.T.sub.2,
execute step 12),
[0295] 6) The first washing drum waits until the second washing
drum drains water, execute step 7),
[0296] 7) The turbidity value or the bubble concentration value of
the water in the second washing drum is detected to determine
whether or not the turbidity value or the bubble density value is
smaller than the set value,
[0297] if yes, execute step 8), if no, execute step 12),
[0298] 8) It is determined whether or not the first washing drum is
executing the water supply process for washing, if yes, execute
step 9), if no, execute step 10),
[0299] 9) The first washing drum first supplies water for washing
the detergent box, after the completion of water supply for washing
the detergent box of the first washing drum, execute step 10),
[0300] 10) The water in the second washing drum is drained into the
first washing drum,
[0301] 11) It is detected the height of the water level in the
first washing drum. When the water level in the first washing drum
reaches the set water level value and if there is still water left
in the second washing drum, the left water is drained away
directly. If the water level in the first washing drum still not
reaches the set water level value after the water in the second
washing drum is entirely drained into the first washing drum, water
from outside is flooded into the first washing drum through the
water inlet.
[0302] 12) The first washing drum supplies clean water directly and
the water in the second washing drum is drained away directly.
[0303] The first washing drum and the second washing drum of the
present embodiment are only for the sake of convenience of the
description, regardless of the order of the relationship. It may
also to reuse the water in the first washing drum, the water inlet
of the second washing drum is communicated with the drainage outlet
of the first washing drum. The water in the first washing drum can
be drained into the second washing drum for reuse. The drainage
outlet of the first washing drum is provided with a holding valve
and the water of the first washing drum can flow into the second
washing drum through the holding valve. The second washing drum is
provided with a water inlet, clean water from outside can flow into
the second washing drum through the water inlet. When one washing
drum reaches the water supply process, it is determined whether or
not the water in the other washing drum is drained into the washing
drum for reuse. And when the other washing drum reaches the water
supply process, it doesn't need to consider the water reuse of the
washing drum. It avoids causing an infinite loop of both washing
drums waiting.
[0304] The control method is as follows:
[0305] 1) The second washing drum reaches the water supply
process,
[0306] 2) It is determined whether or not the water in the first
washing drum can be reused, if yes, execute step 3), if no, execute
step 6),
[0307] 3) It is determined a time T.sub.21 for reaching a next
water supply process of the second washing drum, a time T.sub.22
for reaching a drainage process of the first washing drum, if
T.sub.22<T.sub.21, execute step 4), if T.sub.22.gtoreq.T.sub.21,
execute step 6),
[0308] 4) The second washing drum waits until the first washing
drum drains, execute step 5),
[0309] 5) The water in the first washing drum is drained into the
second washing drum,
[0310] 6) The second washing drum supplies clean water directly and
the water in the first washing drum is drained away directly.
[0311] The control method can also add a process of determining
whether or not the first washing drum is draining before comparing
the time T.sub.22 for reaching the next drainage process of the
second washing drum and the time T.sub.21 for reaching executing
the next water supply process of the first washing drum. The
control method is as follows:
[0312] 1) The second washing drum reaches the water supply
process,
[0313] 2) It is determined whether or not the water in the first
washing drum can be reused, if yes, execute step 3), if no, execute
step 7),
[0314] 3) It is determined whether or not the first washing drum is
executing the drainage process, if no, execute step 4), if yes,
execute step 6),
[0315] 4) It is determined a time T.sub.21 for reaching a next
water supply process of the second washing drum, a time T.sub.22
for reaching a drainage process of the first washing drum, if
T.sub.22<T.sub.21, execute step 5), if T.sub.22.gtoreq.T.sub.21,
execute step 7),
[0316] 5) The second washing drum waits until the first washing
drum drains, execute step 6),
[0317] 6) The water in the first washing drum is drained into the
second washing drum,
[0318] 7) The second washing drum supplies clean water directly and
the water in the first washing drum is drained away directly.
[0319] The control method may also include determining whether or
not the second washing drum has enough time to wait the first
washing drum to drain, the control method is as follows:
[0320] 1) The second washing drum reaches the water supply
process,
[0321] 2) It is determined whether or not the water in the first
washing drum can be reused, if yes, execute step 3), if no, execute
step 8),
[0322] 3) It is determined whether or not the first washing drum is
executing the drainage process, if no, execute step 4), if yes,
execute step 7),
[0323] 4) It is determined a time T.sub.21 for reaching a next
water supply process of the second washing drum, a time T.sub.22
for reaching a drainage process of the first washing drum, if
T.sub.22<T.sub.21, execute step 5), if T.sub.22.gtoreq.T.sub.21,
execute step 8),
[0324] 5) An allowable waiting time T.sub.2 is set, if
T.sub.22<T.sub.2, execute step 6), if T.sub.22.gtoreq.T.sub.2,
execute step 8),
[0325] 6) The second washing drum waits until the first washing
drum drains, execute step 7),
[0326] 7) The water in the first washing drum is drained into the
second washing drum,
[0327] 8) The second washing drum supplies clean water directly and
the water in the first washing drum drains away directly.
[0328] If the water in the first washing drum is too dirty or water
supply process of the second washing drum is for the last rinse,
the water in the first washing drum cannot be reused. The control
method is as follows:
[0329] 1) The second washing drum reaches the water supply
process,
[0330] 2) It is determined whether or not the second washing drum
has only the last rinse left, if yes, execute step 3), if no,
execute step 9),
[0331] 3) It is determined whether or not the first washing drum is
executing the drainage process, if no, execute step 4), if yes,
execute step 7),
[0332] 4) It is determined a time T.sub.21 for reaching a next
water supply process of the second washing drum, a time T.sub.22
for reaching a drainage process of the first washing drum, if
T.sub.22<T.sub.21, execute step 5), if T.sub.22.gtoreq.T.sub.21,
execute step 9),
[0333] 5) An allowable waiting time T.sub.2 is set, if
T.sub.22<T.sub.2, execute step 6), if T.sub.22.gtoreq.T.sub.2,
execute step 9),
[0334] 6) The second washing drum waits until the first washing
drum drains, execute step 7),
[0335] 7) The turbidity value or the bubble concentration value of
the water in the first washing drum is detected to determine
whether or not the turbidity value or the bubble density value is
smaller than the set value. If yes, execute step 8), if no, execute
step 9),
[0336] 8) The water in the first washing drum is drained into the
second washing drum,
[0337] 9) The second washing drum supplies clean water directly and
the water in the first washing drum is drained away directly.
[0338] When the water of the first washing drum is drained into the
second washing drum and if the water supply of the second washing
drum is for washing, the detergent box need to be washed and water
level need to be detected. The control method is as follows:
[0339] 1) The second washing drum reaches the water supply
process,
[0340] 2) It is determined whether or not the second washing drum
only has water supply for the last rinse left, if no, execute step
3), if yes, execute step 12),
[0341] 3) It is determined whether or not the first washing drum is
executing the drainage process, if no, execute step 4), if yes,
execute step 7),
[0342] 4) It is determined a time T.sub.21 for reaching a next
water supply process of the second washing drum, a time T.sub.22
for reaching a drainage process of the first washing drum, if
T.sub.22<T.sub.21, execute step 5), if T.sub.22.gtoreq.T.sub.21,
execute step 12),
[0343] 5) An allowable waiting time T.sub.2 is set, if
T.sub.22<T.sub.2, execute step 6), if T.sub.22.gtoreq.T.sub.2,
execute step 12),
[0344] 6) The second washing drum waits until the first washing
drum drains, execute step 7),
[0345] 7) The turbidity value or the bubble concentration value of
the water in the first washing drum is detected to determine
whether or not the turbidity value or the bubble density value is
smaller than the set value,
[0346] if yes, execute step 8), if no, execute step 12),
[0347] 8) It is determined whether or not the second washing drum
is executing the water supply process for washing, if yes, execute
step 9), if no, execute step 10),
[0348] 9) The second washing drum first supplies water for washing
the detergent box,
[0349] after the completion of water supply for washing the
detergent box of the second washing drum, execute step 10),
[0350] 10) The water in the first washing drum is drained into the
second washing drum,
[0351] 11) It is detected the height of the water level in the
second washing drum. When the water level in the second washing
drum reaches the set water level value and if there is still water
left in the first washing drum, the left water is drained away
directly. If the water level in the second washing drum still not
reaches the set water level value after the water in the first
washing drum is entirely drained into the second washing drum,
water from outside is flooded into the second washing drum through
the water inlet,
[0352] 12) The second washing drum supplies clean water directly
and the water in the first washing drum is drained away
directly.
[0353] While there has been shown several and alternate embodiments
of the present disclosure, it is to be understood that various of
variants and improvement can be made as would be known to one
skilled in the art without departing from the underlying scope of
the present invention as is discussed and set forth above and below
including claims.
* * * * *