U.S. patent application number 15/535316 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-07 for a drainage-dehydration control method of a multi-drum washing machine.
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 Bin DING, Wenwei LI, Jinkai WANG, Jun WU, Shaolei YI.
Application Number | 20170350055 15/535316 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56106621 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170350055 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LI; Wenwei ; et al. |
December 7, 2017 |
A DRAINAGE-DEHYDRATION CONTROL METHOD OF A MULTI-DRUM WASHING
MACHINE
Abstract
A drainage-dehydration control method of a multi-drum washing
machine, the washing machine at least comprising a first washing
drum and a second washing drum; the method comprising: before the
first washing drum executing drainage or dehydration procedure,
judging whether the second washing drum is draining or dehydrating.
If yes, the first washing drum continuing executing a washing
procedure or a rinse procedure, or suspending executing the
drainage or dehydration procedure until the second washing drum
finishes dehydration; if no, the first washing drum starting
drainage and dehydration. By the above method, the first washing
drum and the second washing drum cannot execute the
drainage-dehydration procedure at the same time; and during the
waiting process of one washing drum, another washing drum continues
a washing procedure or a rinse procedure, so as to make the
rational use of waiting time and improve the efficiency of washing
clothing.
Inventors: |
LI; Wenwei; (Qingdao,
Shandong, CN) ; WANG; Jinkai; (Qingdao, Shandong,
CN) ; WU; Jun; (Qingdao, Shandong, CN) ; DING;
Bin; (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: |
56106621 |
Appl. No.: |
15/535316 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
August 31, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CN2015/088595 |
371 Date: |
June 12, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/04 20130101;
D06F 33/00 20130101; D06F 2204/10 20130101; D06F 29/00 20130101;
D06F 39/02 20130101; D06F 2202/08 20130101; D06F 2204/084 20130101;
D06F 2204/086 20130101; D06F 39/087 20130101; D06F 2220/00
20130101; D06F 31/00 20130101; D06F 39/083 20130101; D06F 39/088
20130101; D06F 2202/12 20130101; D06F 2202/085 20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 33/02 20060101
D06F033/02; D06F 39/04 20060101 D06F039/04; D06F 31/00 20060101
D06F031/00; D06F 39/08 20060101 D06F039/08; D06F 39/02 20060101
D06F039/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 12, 2014 |
CN |
201410778720.0 |
Claims
1. A drainage-dehydration control method of a multi-drum washing
machine, the washing machine at least comprising a first washing
drum and a second washing drum, wherein: before the first washing
drum executes a drainage procedure or a dehydration procedure, it
is judged whether the second washing drum is executing a drainage
procedure or a dehydration procedure; if yes, the first washing
drum continues executing a washing procedure or a rinse procedure,
or suspends executing drainage or dehydration until the dehydration
procedure of the second washing drum is completed; if no, the first
washing drum starts the drainage procedure and the dehydration
procedure.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: before the first
washing drum executes the drainage procedure or the dehydration
procedure, and while the second washing drum is executing the
drainage procedure or the dehydration procedure, the first washing
drum continues executing the washing procedure or the rinse
procedure, or suspends executing the drainage procedure or the
dehydration procedure; and the first washing drum restarts the
drainage procedure and the dehydration procedure after the
dehydration procedure of the second washing drum is completed.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: before the first
washing drum executes the drainage procedure or the dehydration
procedure, and while the second washing drum is executing the
drainage procedure, the first washing drum continues executing the
washing procedure or the rinse procedure, or suspends executing the
drainage procedure or the dehydration procedure, and the first
washing drum restarts the drainage procedure and the dehydration
procedure when the drainage procedure and dehydration procedure of
the second washing drum are completed.
4. The method according to claim 2, wherein: before the first
washing drum executes the drainage procedure or the dehydration
procedure, and while the second washing drum is executing the
dehydration procedure, the first washing drum continues executing
the washing procedure or the rinse procedure, or suspends executing
the drainage procedure or the dehydration procedure, and the first
washing drum restarts the drainage procedure and the dehydration
procedure when the dehydration procedure of the second washing drum
is completed.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: when the first washing
drum continues to execute the washing procedure or the rinse
procedure, it is necessary to judge whether a remaining time from
reaching an end of the dehydration procedure of the second washing
drum is less than a shortest interval time, if yes, the first
washing machine stops executing the washing procedure or the rinse
procedure; if no, the first washing machine continues to execute
the washing procedure or the rinse procedure.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: when the first washing
drum continues to execute the washing procedure or the rinse
procedure, it is necessary to judge whether a remaining time from
reaching an end of the dehydration procedure of the second washing
drum is less than a shortest interval time, if yes, the first
washing machine continues to execute the washing procedure or the
rinse procedure; if no, the first washing machine stops executing
the washing procedure or the rinse procedure.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: when the first washing
drum executes the drainage procedure, the second washing drum
cannot execute the drainage procedure or the dehydration procedure
simultaneously, when the first washing drum executes the
dehydration procedure, the second washing drum cannot
simultaneously execute any one of procedures selected from the
drainage procedure, a heating procedure, the dehydration procedure
and a drying procedure.
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: before the first
washing drum executes the drainage procedure or the dehydration
procedure, it is necessary to judge whether the second washing drum
is executing any one of procedures selected from of the drainage
procedure, the heating procedure, the dehydration procedure and the
drying procedure, if yes, the first washing drum suspends executing
the drainage procedure or the dehydration procedure, and the second
washing drum continues executing a running procedure, if no, the
first washing drum starts the drainage procedure or the dehydration
procedure.
9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: the first washing drum
directly executes the dehydration procedure after the drainage
procedure is completed.
10. The method according to claim 1, wherein: it is judged firstly
whether the second washing drum is working when the first washing
drum executes the drainage procedure or the dehydration procedure,
if no, the first washing drum executes the drainage procedure
directly, if yes, it is judged whether the second washing drum is
executing the drainage procedure or the dehydration procedure.
11. The method according to claim 2, wherein: when the first
washing drum continues to execute the washing procedure or the
rinse procedure, it is necessary to judge whether a remaining time
from reaching an end of the dehydration procedure of the second
washing drum is less than a shortest interval time, if yes, the
first washing machine stops executing the washing procedure or the
rinse procedure; if no, the first washing machine continues to
execute the washing procedure or the rinse procedure.
12. The method according to claim 3, wherein: when the first
washing drum continues to execute the washing procedure or the
rinse procedure, it is necessary to judge whether a remaining time
from reaching an end of the dehydration procedure of the second
washing drum is less than a shortest interval time, if yes, the
first washing machine stops executing the washing procedure or the
rinse procedure; if no, the first washing machine continues to
execute the washing procedure or the rinse procedure.
13. The method according to claim 4, wherein: when the first
washing drum continues to execute the washing procedure or the
rinse procedure, it is necessary to judge whether a remaining time
from reaching an end of the dehydration procedure of the second
washing drum is less than a shortest interval time, if yes, the
first washing machine stops executing the washing procedure or the
rinse procedure; if no, the first washing machine continues to
execute the washing procedure or the rinse procedure.
14. The method according to claim 2, wherein: when the first
washing drum continues to execute the washing procedure or the
rinse procedure, it is necessary to judge whether a remaining time
from reaching an end of the dehydration procedure of the second
washing drum is less than a shortest interval time, if yes, the
first washing machine continues to execute the washing procedure or
the rinse procedure; if no, the first washing machine stops
executing the washing procedure or the rinse procedure.
15. The method according to claim 2, wherein: when the first
washing drum executes the drainage procedure, the second washing
drum cannot execute the drainage procedure or the dehydration
procedure simultaneously, when the first washing drum executes the
dehydration procedure, the second washing drum cannot
simultaneously execute any one of procedures selected from the
drainage procedure, a heating procedure, the dehydration procedure
and a drying procedure.
16. The method according to claim 3, wherein: when the first
washing drum executes the drainage procedure, the second washing
drum cannot execute the drainage procedure or the dehydration
procedure simultaneously, when the first washing drum executes the
dehydration procedure, the second washing drum cannot
simultaneously execute any one of procedures selected from the
drainage procedure, a heating procedure, the dehydration procedure
and a drying procedure.
17. The method according to claim 4, wherein: when the first
washing drum executes the drainage procedure, the second washing
drum cannot execute the drainage procedure or the dehydration
procedure simultaneously, when the first washing drum executes the
dehydration procedure, the second washing drum cannot
simultaneously execute any one of procedures selected from the
drainage procedure, a heating procedure, the dehydration procedure
and a drying procedure.
18. The method according to claim 2, wherein: the first washing
drum directly executes the dehydration procedure after the drainage
procedure is completed.
19. The method according to claim 3, wherein: the first washing
drum directly executes the dehydration procedure after the drainage
procedure is completed.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine and a
control method of a washing machine in a field of washing, and the
washing machine comprises multiple washing drums which are capable
of washing clothing in different ways based on the amount and types
of clothing, and it also relates to the drainage-dehydration
control method of the multi-drum washing machine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A washing machine executes cleaning, rinsing and
spinning-dehydration operations to make use of the interaction
between detergents and water to remove stains attached to clothing.
A dryer as another representative clothing processing device is a
household appliance for drying wet clothing.
[0003] Recently, a household appliance with combined function of a
washing machine and a dryer has been widely used.
[0004] With the improvement of people's quality of life, people's
health awareness has gradually increased, especially in aspect of
family clothing washing, more and more people do laundry
separately.
[0005] If using the existing washing machine to do multiple
laundries, the washing time is hard to meet the users'
requirements. 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
the waste of energy, water and space.
[0006] Reasonable design of double washing drums is arranged upper
and lower, which is easy to save space. But it brings along the
control problem of the whole washing machine using power, overload
occurs particularly when heating, drying and dehydrating in high
speed are executed at the same time at the same time. It seriously
affecting the use of machine stability and life.
[0007] A Chinese patent application No CN200880124154.4, for
example, its control method emphasizes that two washing drums
execute a same procedure alternately or sequentially. However, due
to the different washing procedures of the double-drum washing
machine, washing time and rinsing time of the two washing drums are
different. If the washing procedure of one washing drum takes
longer time, it will lead to a situation that the other washing
drum is executing dehydration and drying procedures while the
washing drum is executing a washing procedure. Thus, it will also
result in the occurrence of a situation that two washing drums
execute large power procedures at the same time at the same
time.
[0008] Besides, during a working procedure of a washing machine
with multiple drums, if two washing drums executes the drainage
procedure at the same time, it will lead to the occurrence of a
situation that the outlet flow in the shared drainage pipe of the
two washing drums is too large, which even causing drainage is not
timely and water flows backward. In addition, a washing machine
with only one washing drum universally executes a corresponding
dehydration procedure after a completion of a washing procedure or
a rinsing procedure, so as to improve the washing cleanliness of
the clothing. However, in the existing technology, the description
of the control of the drainage-dehydration procedure of the
multi-drum washing machine is not comprehensive enough, especially
the engagement logic of the two procedures is not mentioned.
[0009] In the view of foregoing, the present disclosure is
proposed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a
drainage-dehydration control method of a multi-drum washing machine
so that the multi-drum washing machine can independently and stably
carry out the drainage procedure and dehydration procedure.
[0011] The specific technical scheme adopted by the present
disclosure to solve the technical problem is that:
[0012] A drainage-dehydration control method of a multi-drum
washing machine, the washing machine at least comprises a first
washing drum and a second washing drum. Before the first washing
drum executes a drainage procedure or a dehydration procedure,
judging whether the second washing drum is executing a drainage
procedure or a dehydration procedure. If yes, the first washing
drum continuing to execute the washing procedure or the rinse
procedure, or suspending drainage or dehydration until the
dehydration procedure of the second washing drum is completed. If
no, the first washing drum starts the drainage procedure and the
dehydration procedure.
[0013] Further, before the first washing drum executes the drainage
procedure or the dehydration procedure, while the second washing
drum is executing the drainage procedure or the dehydration
procedure, the first washing drum continues to execute the washing
procedure or the rinse procedure, or suspends the drainage
procedure or the dehydration procedure. And the first washing drum
restarts the drainage procedure and the dehydration procedure after
the dehydration procedure of the second washing drum is
completed.
[0014] Further, before the first washing drum executes a drainage
procedure or the dehydration procedure, while the second washing
drum is executing the drainage procedure, the first washing drum
continues to execute the washing procedure or the rinse procedure,
or suspends the drainage procedure or the dehydration procedure.
And the first washing drum restarts the drainage procedure and the
dehydration procedure after the drainage procedure and the
dehydration procedure of the second washing drum are completed.
[0015] Further, before the first washing drum executes the drainage
procedure or the dehydration procedure, while the second washing
drum is executing the dehydration procedure, the first washing drum
continues to execute the washing procedure or the rinse procedure,
or suspends the drainage procedure or the dehydration procedure.
And the first washing drum restarts the drainage procedure and the
dehydration procedure after the dehydration procedure of the second
washing drum is completed.
[0016] Further, when the first washing drum continues to execute
the washing procedure or the rinse procedure, it is necessary to
judge whether a remaining time from the completion of the
dehydration procedure of the second washing drum is less than a
shortest interval time. If yes, the first washing machine stops
executing the washing procedure or the rinse procedure. If no, the
first washing machine continues to execute the washing procedure or
the rinse procedure.
[0017] Further, when the first washing drum continues to execute
the washing procedure or the rinse procedure, it is necessary to
judge whether the remaining time from the completion of the
dehydration procedure of the second washing drum is less than the
shortest interval time. If yes, the first washing machine continues
to execute the washing procedure or the rinse procedure. If no, the
first washing machine stops executing the washing procedure or the
rinse procedure.
[0018] Preferably, the shortest interval time is not greater than
one quarter of a total time required for the dehydration
process.
[0019] Further, when the first washing drum is executing the
drainage procedure, the second washing drum cannot execute the
drainage procedure or the dehydration procedure simultaneously.
When the first washing drum is executing the dehydration procedure,
the second washing drum cannot simultaneously execute any one of
the procedures selected from the drainage procedure, the heating
procedure, the dehydration procedure and the drying procedure.
[0020] Further, before the first washing drum executes the drainage
procedure or the dehydration procedure, it is necessary to judge
whether the second washing drum is executing any one of procedures
selected from the drainage procedure, the heating procedure, the
dehydration procedure and the drying procedure. If yes, the first
washing drum suspends to execute the drainage procedure or the
dehydration procedure, and the second washing drum continues
executing the running procedure. If no, the first washing drum
starts the drainage procedure or the dehydration procedure.
[0021] Further, the first washing drum directly executes the
dehydration procedure after the drainage procedure is completed so
that drainage procedure and dehydration procedure of the same
washing drum are executed continuously, in order to reduce the
contact time between clothing and washing water.
[0022] Further, it is judged firstly whether the second washing
drum is working when the first washing drum executes the drainage
procedure or the dehydration procedure. If no, the first washing
drum executes the drainage procedure directly. If yes, it is judged
whether the second washing drum is executing the drainage procedure
or the dehydration procedure.
[0023] The benefits of the present disclosure are as follows:
[0024] 1. The first washing drum and the second washing drum of the
washing machine execute a drainage-dehydration procedure
sequentially to avoid a slow drainage or that water in the upper
washing drum flows backward into the lower washing drum when two
washing drums of the washing machine execute the drainage procedure
simultaneously, or to avoid the occurrence of executing dehydration
procedure, high power procedures at the same time;
[0025] 2. The first washing drum and the second washing drum of the
washing machine respectively execute the drainage procedure and the
dehydration procedures sequentially and continuously, in order to
avoid the dehydration procedure being executed after a certain
period of time from the completion of the drainage procedure,
resulting in clothing with washing water for a long time, affecting
the washing cleanliness of clothing.
[0026] 3. When the first washing drum of the washing machine waits
to execute a drainage-dehydration procedure, the first washing drum
continues the previous and corresponding washing procedure or the
rinsing procedure, in order to make reasonable use of the waiting
time and increase the washing time of clothing. Meanwhile, it
avoids clothing sinking in the washing drum, which will cause the
stain in the washing water attached to the clothing, affecting the
washing cleanliness of clothing;
[0027] 4. It is judged whether another washing drum is executing a
high power procedure before a washing drum executes the dehydration
procedure, in order to avoid two washing drums executing the high
power procedure at the same time and reducing the instantaneous
power of the washing machine and improve the suitable electricity
environment of double-drum washing machine;
[0028] Meanwhile, a heating control method of the present
disclosure is simple and reliable, and the effect is obvious and it
is suitable for promotion and use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The following is specific description of the present
disclosure with the drawings.
[0030] FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of a multi-drum washing
machine of the present disclosure;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a drainage-dehydration process of
the present disclosure;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a dehydration process of a
multi-drum washing machine of another embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of water supplying-replenishment
process of the present disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a water reusing process of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, a multi-drum washing machine which is
provided with at least a first washing drum 1 and a second washing
drum 2 capable of executing washing steps independently. The first
washing drum 1 and the second washing drum 2 can independently
execute a washing procedure, a rinse procedure, a dehydration
procedure to clothing, in order to achieve the purpose of washing
clothing. Preferably, the multi-drum washing machine is equipped
with a drying means to execute a drying procedure for drying
clothing in the first washing drum 1 and/or the second washing drum
2 after the dehydration procedure is completed.
[0036] In the present disclosure, the first washing drum 1 is
equipped with a first heater for heating washing water therein, and
the second washing drum 2 is equipped with a second heater inside
for heating the washing water therein. Thus, during executing a
washing procedure, each heater separately heats washing water in
the corresponding washing drum in order to control the temperature
of water during the washing process.
[0037] However, as the withstand current of the common household
cable is relatively small. It will generate a large load of
instantaneous current if the first washing drum and the second
washing drum work at the same time, which causes a user's household
electricity distribution box to trip, even leads to the occurrence
of cable burning. Therefore, it is necessary that the high power
procedures of two washing drums of the double-drum washing machine
are executed at different stages, in order to avoid the occurrence
of the situation of high instantaneous current. The high power
procedures comprise: the heating procedure, the dehydration
procedure and the drying procedure and so on.
[0038] In order to avoid generating high instantaneous current when
the washing machine heats, it is necessary that the second washing
drum cannot execute any one of procedures selected from the heating
procedure, the dehydration procedure and the drying procedure when
the first washing drum is executing the dehydration procedure.
Thus, to avoid the occurrence of the situation that two washing
drums of the washing machine execute high power procedures at the
same time.
[0039] Meanwhile, as the first washing drum and the second washing
drum of the washing machine share a same drainage pipe. If the
first washing drum and the second washing drum are draining
simultaneously, it will lead to the water flow in the drainage pipe
soared, resulting in the occurrence of the drainage of the washing
machine is not smooth, and even drainage overflow from the ground
leakage. Therefore, it is necessary to set drainage procedures of
the double-drum washing machine interleaved, in order to avoid the
occurrence of simultaneous drainage from happening.
Embodiment 1
[0040] A drainage-dehydration control method of a multi-drum
washing machine in the embodiment is introduced as follows:
[0041] Before the first washing drum executes a drainage procedure,
it is judged whether the second washing drum is executing a
drainage procedure or a dehydration procedure. If yes, the first
washing drum continues to execute a washing procedure or a rinse
procedure, or suspends executing drainage or dehydration procedure
until the dehydration procedure of the second washing drum is
completed. If no, the first washing drum starts the drainage
procedure and the dehydration procedure.
[0042] In the embodiment, before the first washing drum starts the
drainage procedure, the second washing drum is executing the
drainage procedure, so the first washing drum continues to execute
the washing-procedure or the rinse procedure, or suspends executing
the draining procedure or dehydration procedure. The first washing
drum restarts the drainage procedure and the dehydration procedure
when the drainage procedure and the dehydration procedure of the
second washing drum are completed.
[0043] In the embodiment, before the first washing drum starts the
drainage procedure, the second washing drum is executing the
dehydration procedure, so the first washing drum continues to
execute the washing procedure or the rinse procedure, or suspends
executing the drainage procedure or the dehydration procedure. The
first washing drum restarts the drainage procedure and the
dehydration procedure when the dehydration procedure of the second
washing drum is completed.
[0044] Moreover, in the embodiment, in the working process of the
washing machine, after the first washing drum stops working due to
a user's operation or power failure, and when the first washing
drum begins to continue the drainage procedure or the dehydration
procedure, it is necessary to judge whether the second washing drum
is executing the drainage procedure or dehydration procedure. If
yes, the first washing drum continues to execute the washing
procedure or the rinse procedure, or suspends executing drainage or
dehydration until the dehydration procedure of the second washing
drum is completed. If no, the first washing drum starts the
drainage procedure and the dehydration procedure.
[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, in the embodiment, the
drainage-dehydration control method of the multi-drum washing
machine in detail is as follows:
[0046] 1) the washing procedure or the rinse procedure of the first
washing drum is completed and before the first washing drum starts
the drainage procedure or the dehydration procedure;
[0047] 2) judging whether the second washing drum is working; if
yes, executing step 3); if no, executing step 7);
[0048] 3) judging whether the second washing drum is executing the
drainage procedure; if yes, executing step 5); if no, executing
step 4);
[0049] 4) judging whether the second washing drum is executing the
dehydration procedure; if yes, executing step 5); if no, executing
step 7);
[0050] 5) the first washing drum continuing executing the washing
procedure or the rinse procedure; and judging whether the
dehydration procedure of the second washing drum is completed; if
yes, executing step 6);
[0051] 6) judging whether the drainage procedure and the
dehydration procedure the second washing drum are completed; if
yes, executing step 7);
[0052] 7) the first washing drum starting the drainage procedure
and the dehydration procedure.
[0053] In the embodiment, special situations are as follows:
[0054] Special situation 1: when the first washing drum needs to
execute the drainage procedure or the dehydration procedure, and
the second washing drum is going to finish the dehydration
procedure. It is necessary to judge whether the remaining time from
the completion of the dehydration procedure of the second washing
drum is less than the shortest interval time.
[0055] Therefore, based on the steps from 1) to 7) described above
in the embodiment, steps added as follows:
[0056] Adding the following judgment before the step 5): it is
judged whether the remaining time from the completion of the
dehydration procedure of the second washing drum is less than the
shortest interval time. If yes, the first washing machine stops
executing the washing procedure or the rinse procedure. If no, the
first washing machine continues executing the washing procedure or
the rinse procedure.
[0057] Or, it is necessary to judge whether the remaining time from
the completion of the dehydration procedure of the second washing
drum is less than the shortest interval time for the first washing
drum to continue to execute the washing procedure or the rinse
procedure. If yes, the first washing machine continues executing
the washing procedure or the rinse procedure. If no, the first
washing machine stops executing the washing procedure or the rinse
procedure.
[0058] Preferably, the shortest interval time is not greater than
one quarter of the total time required for the dehydration
process.
[0059] Special situation 2: when the first washing drum needs to
execute the dehydration procedure and the second washing drum is
executing a heating procedure or a drying procedure. If the first
washing drum starts the dehydration procedure, it will lead to that
two washing drums executing high power procedures at the same time,
causing a high instantaneous power of the washing machine, which
causes damage to the washing machine. Therefore, based on the steps
from 1) to 7) described above in the embodiment, steps added as
follows:
[0060] Adding the following judgment before the step 7): it is
judged whether the second washing drum is executing any one of
procedures selected from the drainage procedure, the heating
procedure, the dehydration procedure and the drying procedure. If
yes, the first washing drum suspends executing the drainage
procedure, and the first washing drum restarts the drainage
procedure (during the waiting process, the first washing drum can
continue to execute the washing procedure or the rinse procedure)
after the running procedure of the second washing drum is
completed. If no, the first washing drum directly starts the
drainage procedure.
[0061] In the embodiment, when the first washing drum is executing
the drainage procedure, the second washing drum cannot
simultaneously execute the drainage procedure or the dehydration
procedure. When the first washing drum executes the dehydration
procedure, the second washing drum cannot simultaneously execute
any one of procedures selected from the drainage procedure, the
heating procedure, the dehydration procedure and the drying
procedure.
[0062] By using the control method described above, The first
washing drum and the second washing drum of the washing machine
execute a drainage-dehydration procedure sequentially, to avoid a
slow drainage or that water in the upper washing drum flows
backward into the lower washing drum when two washing drums of the
washing machine execute the drainage procedures simultaneously, or
to avoid the occurrence of executing dehydration procedures at the
same time, and executing great high power procedures at the same
time.
[0063] In the embodiment, the first washing drum directly starts
the dehydration procedure after the drainage procedure is
completed. The first washing drum and the second washing drum of
the washing machine respectively execute the drainage procedures
and the dehydration procedures sequentially and continuously, in
order to avoid the dehydration procedure being executed intervals
after a certain period of time from the completion of the drainage
procedures, resulting in clothing with washing water for a long
time, affecting the washing cleanliness of clothing.
Embodiment 2
[0064] As shown in FIG. 3, a drainage control method of a
multi-drum washing machine. When the first washing drum reaches the
drainage procedure, it is determined whether or not the second
washing drum is in a dehydration procedure. If the second washing
drum is in the dehydration procedure, the first washing drum waits
until the dehydration procedure 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.
[0065] If the second washing drum is not dehydrating at the moment,
it is judged whether to wait until the dehydration is completed,
and then to drain. It 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.
[0066] To determine whether or not to wait until the dehydration
procedure is completed, and then drain: a time for reaching the
dehydration procedure 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 range of the allowable waiting time, the
first washing drum waits until the dehydration procedure of the
second washing drum is completed, and then drains. Otherwise, the
water of the first washing drum is drained directly.
[0067] 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.
[0068] In order to reuse water in the first washing drum, when the
first washing drum reaches the drainage procedure, it is judged
that whether or not water in the first washing drum can be reused.
If no, water in the first washing drum is drained directly. If yes,
it is judged whether or not the second washing drum is supplying
water. If yes, water in the first washing drum is drained to the
second washing drum to be reused. If no, it is judged whether the
first washing drum waits until the second washing drum supplies
water.
[0069] 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 procedure of the second
washing drum and a time T.sub.11 for reaching a next drainage
procedure of the first washing drum. If T.sub.12<T.sub.11, the
first washing drum waits until a start of water supply procedure 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.
[0070] The judging process described above may cause long waiting
time, at this time an allowable waiting time is set as T.sub.1,
T.sub.1<T.sub.11. If T.sub.12<T.sub.1, meaning that it is
within the allowable time range of waiting, the first washing drum
waits the start of the water supply procedure 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.
[0071] When it is judged whether or not water in the first washing
drum can be reused, the turbidity value or the bubble concentration
value of water in the first washing drum is detected. If the
turbidity value or the bubble concentration value is smaller than a
set value, water in the first washing drum can be reused; if not,
water in the first washing drum cannot be reused and be drained out
directly.
[0072] When the first washing drum reaches a drainage procedure, it
is judged whether or not the process of which the second washing
drum is in progress or is about to operate is the water-supplying
for the last rinsing. If yes, water in the first washing drum is
drained out directly. If no, it is continued to judge whether or
not water in the first washing drum can be reused.
[0073] 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 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.
[0074] If the first washing drum is not dehydrating at the moment,
it is judged whether to wait until the dehydration is completed,
and to drain. It 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.
[0075] When the first washing drum reaches the drainage procedure,
it is judged whether or not the second washing drum is operating at
this time. If yes, it is judged whether or not the second washing
drum is executing or is about to execute the dehydration procedure;
if not, the first washing drum executes the drainage procedure
directly.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 3, the control method described in the
embodiment is:
[0077] 1) the first washing drum reaching the drainage
procedure;
[0078] 2) judging whether or not the second is operating, if yes,
executing step 3), if no, executing step 8);
[0079] 3) judging whether or not the second is draining, if no,
executing step 4), if yes, executing step 7);
[0080] 4) judging whether or not the second is dehydrating, if no,
executing step 5), if yes, executing step 6);
[0081] 5) determining a time T.sub.32 for reaching the dehydration
process of the second washing drum, a time T.sub.33 taken for the
second washing drum to dehydrate, 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),
[0082] 6) the first washing drum waiting until the dehydration of
the second washing drum is completed, executing step 8);
[0083] 7) the first washing drum waiting until the drainage of the
second washing drum is completed, executing step 8);
[0084] 8) the first washing drum draining.
Embodiment 3
[0085] In the present disclosure, the first washing drum 1 and the
second washing drum 2 are communicated with the same inlet pipe
through pipe path, and a control device for controlling the flow of
water is provided on the pipes. Thus, before the washing process is
performed, the washing water can be injected into first washing
drum and/or the second washing drum through the water inlet pipe
path.
[0086] However, since the inlet water flow rate of the household
inlet pipe is constant, when the first washing drum and the second
washing drum are supplied with water at the same time, it will
cause the occurrence of smaller inlet flow rate and the first
washing drum and the second washing drum not reaching the set water
level. It also will cause the problem that inlet water flow rate is
unstable and the water level of washing water in the first washing
drum and the second washing drum cannot be accurately
determined
[0087] In order to avoid the above-mentioned situation, the water
quantity or the water level in drums is monitored continuously or
regularly during the execution of the washing procedure of the
first washing drum and the second washing drum, to improve the
problems of insufficient quantity of the inlet water and reduced
water level due to water absorption by clothing and to replenish
washing water timely.
[0088] Meanwhile, when the first washing drum is executing a
water-supplying procedure, the second washing drum cannot
simultaneously execute either the water-supplying procedure or a
replenishment procedure. Likewise, when the second washing drum is
executing the water-supplying procedure, the first washing drum
cannot simultaneously execute either the water-supplying procedure
or the replenishment procedure. Thus, the occurrence of the
situation of two drums supplied with water at the same time is
avoided.
[0089] In the embodiment, a replenishment control method of a
multi-drum washing machine is introduced as follows:
[0090] when the first washing drum executes the water-supplying
procedure and the replenishment procedure, it is judged whether the
second washing drum is executing the water-supplying procedure or
the replenishment procedure. It avoids two washing drums
simultaneously executing the water-supplying procedure or the
replenishment procedure which causes insufficient quantity of the
inlet water of the washing drum.
[0091] As shown in FIG. 4, the water supplying-replenishment
control method of the multi-drum washing machine in the embodiment
is as follows:
[0092] 1) before the first washing drum executing the
water-supplying procedure;
[0093] 2) judging whether the second washing machine is executing
the water-supplying procedure;
[0094] if yes, executing step 4); if no, executing step 3); 3)
judging whether the second washing drum is executing the
replenishment procedure;
[0095] if yes, executing step 4); if no, executing step 5);
[0096] 4) the first washing drum stopping executing the
water-supplying procedure, and executing step 5) after the
water-supplying procedure or the replenishment procedure of the
second washing drum is completed;
[0097] 5) the first washing drum executing the water-supplying
procedure until the water-supplying procedure is completed;
[0098] 6) the first washing drum executing the washing
procedure;
[0099] 7) during the process of washing, if the washing water level
in the first washing drum is lower than the set water level,
executing step 8);
[0100] 8) the first washing drum executing the replenishment
procedure;
[0101] 9) judging whether the second washing drum is executing the
water-supplying procedure;
[0102] if yes, executing step 13); if no, executing step 10);
[0103] 10) judging whether the second washing drum is executing the
replenishment procedure; if yes, executing step 11); if no,
executing step 12);
[0104] 11) the first washing drum stopping executing the
replenishment procedure, and executing step 12) after the
replenishment procedure of the second washing drum is
completed;
[0105] 12) the first washing drum executing the replenishment
procedure till the washing water reaches the set water level, and
the replenishment procedure being completed;
[0106] 13) the second washing drum stopping executing the
water-supplying procedure and the first washing drum executing the
replenishment procedure, and the second washing drum restoring to
execute the water-supplying procedure after the washing water
reaches the set water level.
[0107] In the embodiment, the water level described above is the
set value corresponding to the washing procedure of the first
washing drum. When the first washing drum executes the
water-supplying procedure, the second washing drum cannot execute
the water-supplying procedure or the replenishment procedure at the
same time. A requirement for the water-supplying procedure of the
first washing drum is completed is that the washing water level
reaches the set water level.
[0108] In the embodiment, the replenishment control methods of the
first washing drum and the second washing drum mentioned above are
the same. Scilicet, by changing positions of the first washing drum
and the second washing drum in steps 1) to 13), the replenishment
control method of the second washing drum is obtained.
[0109] In the embodiment, in the above-mentioned control steps 1)
to 13), special situations are as follows:
[0110] Special Situation 1:
[0111] When the first washing drum is executing the water-supplying
procedure, if the second washing drum needs to execute the
replenishment procedure, then the first washing drum waits and the
second washing drum normally executes the replenishment procedure.
The first washing drum executes the water-supplying procedure after
the replenishment procedure of the second washing drum is
completed. Thus, it reduces the user's waiting time and improves
the degree of humanization of the whole machine by giving priority
to the washing drum which takes short time.
[0112] Special Situation 2:
[0113] When the first washing drum is executing the replenishment
procedure, if the second washing drum needs to execute the
replenishment procedure, the second washing drum preferentially
executes the replenishment procedure according to the sequence
principle. The first washing drum executes the replenishment
procedure after the replenishment procedure of the second washing
drum is completed. Thus, the water-supplying and replenishment of
the second washing drum and the first washing drum does not occur
alternately, and times of opening and closing of the inlet valve
are reduced, thereby facilitating the simplification of the control
program of the washing machine.
[0114] Also, the washing machine can only issue one water-supplying
command or water replenishment command at any time point, the
commend can only control one of the first washing drum and the
second washing drum to execute the water-supplying procedure or the
replenishment procedure. Thus, the control unit of the washing
machine can only issue the command of water-supplying or
replenishment to the first washing drum or the second washing drum
at the same time point. It prevents the occurrence of the situation
that the first washing drum and the second washing drum
simultaneously execute the water-supplying procedure or the
replenishment procedure.
[0115] And sensors for detecting the water level of the washing
water is respectively provided in the first washing drum and the
second washing drum. When the first washing drum or the second
washing drum starts executing the water-supplying procedure, the
water inlet valve remains open until the washing water detected by
the sensor reaches the set water level, then the inlet valve closes
and the water-supplying procedure is completed. When the water
level of the washing water of the first washing drum or the second
washing drum is lower than the set value, the first washing drum or
the second washing drum starts executing the replenishment
procedure. The water inlet valve remains open until the washing
water detected by the sensor reaches the set water level, and then
the inlet valve closes and the replenishment procedure is
completed.
[0116] In the embodiment, the requirement for judgment whether the
first washing drum or the second washing drum is executing the
water-supplying procedure or the replenishment procedure is whether
or not the water inlet valves corresponding to the first washing
drum and the second washing drum are open.
[0117] The method of judging whether or not the water inlet valve
is open is: judging that the water inlet valve is open if the
command received by the water inlet valve last time is an open
command. Judging that the water inlet valve is closed if the
command received by the water inlet valve last time was a close
command. The first washing drum or the second washing drum needs to
start the water-supplying procedure or the replenishment procedure
after the water level of washing water detected by the water level
sensor provided on the first washing drum or the second washing
drum is lower than the set water level. At this time, the relevant
steps from step 1) to step 13) in the present embodiment are
started to determine whether or not the first washing drum or the
second washing drum starts to execute the water-supplying procedure
or the replenishment procedure. When the first washing drum or the
second washing drum needs to start executing the water-supplying
procedure or the replenishment procedure, the control unit of the
washing machine sends an open signal to the corresponding water
inlet valve, and the water inlet valve is in open state. During the
water-supplying procedure or the replenishment procedure, the close
signal is sent to the corresponding water inlet valve after the
water level detected by the water level sensor in the corresponding
washing drum reaches the set water level, and the water inlet valve
is in closed state.
[0118] Or, the method of judging whether or not the water inlet
valve is open is: judging whether there is water flowing through
the corresponding water inlet valve. When there is water flowing
through the inlet valve, the water inlet valve is in open state.
When there is no water flowing through the inlet valve, the water
inlet valve is in close state. The first washing drum and the
second washing drum are respectively provided with a flow sensor on
the water inlet valve for detecting the flow rate of the water
flowing through the corresponding water inlet valve. When the flow
sensor detects the flow of washing water, it is determined the
corresponding water inlet valve is in open state; otherwise, it is
determined the corresponding water inlet valve is in close
state.
[0119] Or, the method of judging whether or not the water inlet
valve is open is: judging whether the open time of the water inlet
valve reaches the set time. If the open time of the water inlet
valve reaches the set time, the water inlet valve is in close
state. If the open time of the water inlet valve does not reach the
set time, the water inlet valve is in open state.
[0120] A timer is set on the washing machine, when the water inlet
valve receives an open signal, the timer starting to count and the
water inlet valve is open until the counted time reaches the set
time. When the counted time reaches the set time, the water inlet
valve is in close state.
[0121] In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the water
inlet valve of the first washing drum and the water inlet valve of
the second washing drum are provided with interlocking devices for
interlocking, so that the water inlet valve of the second washing
drum can not be opened when the water inlet valve of the first
washing drum is in the open state, and the water inlet valve of the
first washing drum can not be opened when the water inlet valve of
the second washing drum is in the open state. Thus, the occurrence
of the situation that the water inlet valves of the first washing
drum and the second washing drum are simultaneously opened is
avoided. Of course, the interlocking device also has a third state
in which the water inlet valves of the first washing drum and the
second washing drum are both in the closed state.
Embodiment 4
[0122] In the present embodiment, in order to save the water
consumption of the washing machine, the first washing drum and the
second washing drum of the multi-drum washing machine are
communicated with each other. So that the washing water discharged
from the first washing drum which satisfies the cleanliness degree
can be reused as water source of water-supplying or replenishment
into the second washing drum. Also, the washing water discharged
from the second washing drum which satisfies the cleanliness degree
can be reused as water source of water-supplying or replenishment
into the first washing drum.
[0123] Therefore, it is necessary to add the following judgment on
the basis of the above-described embodiment 3: it is necessary to
determine whether or not the second washing drum is executing or is
about to execute the drainage procedure before the step 2) of the
embodiment 3 is executed. If no, the first washing drum directly
executes the water-supplying procedure or the replenishment
procedure with clean water as water source. If yes, it is judged
whether or not the water in the second washing drum can be reused;
if yes, the first washing drum suspends executing the
water-supplying procedure or the replenishment procedure, and
washing water in the second washing drum flows into the first
washing drum as water source of water-supplying or replenishment
when the second washing drum starts draining.
[0124] In the present embodiment, the condition for judging whether
or not the second washing drum is about to execute the drainage
procedure is: whether the remaining time of the second washing drum
from reaching the execution of the next drainage procedure is
smaller than the set time. If yes, the first washing drum suspends
executing the water-supplying procedure or the replenishment
procedure, the washing water in the second washing drum flows into
the first washing drum to be reused when the second washing drum
starts draining. If no, the second washing drum is directly
supplied with clean water.
[0125] In the present embodiment, the condition for judging whether
the washing water in the second washing drum can be reused is:
detecting the turbidity value or the bubble concentration value of
water in the second washing drum. If the turbidity value or the
bubble concentration value is less than the set value, water in the
second washing drum can be reused; if not, water in the second
washing drum cannot be reused.
Embodiment 5
[0126] As shown in FIG. 5, the present embodiment uses a waiting
time of the water supply as a determination 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 procedure. 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.
[0127] The judgment that whether or not the inlet water can be
reused in the present embodiment, can be combined with the judgment
steps of the water-supplying-replenishment procedure described in
the embodiment 4, to determine whether the water drained out from
the washing drum can be reused as water source for water-supplying
or replenishment of another washing drum. It can achieve the
purpose of the reuse of washing water.
[0128] When the first washing drum and the second washing drum are
simultaneously in working state, the water reuse control method is
as follows:
[0129] A water reuse 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 and the second washing drum are both in the working
state at the same time, the water reuse control method is as
follows: when the first washing drum reaches the water-supplying
procedure, it is compared a time T.sub.22 for reaching a drainage
procedure of the second washing drum and a time T.sub.21 for
reaching a next water-supplying procedure 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 procedure of the second
washing drum.
[0130] 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 procedure of the second washing drum and the
time T.sub.21 for reaching the next water-supplying procedure 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 procedure of the second washing
drum and the time T.sub.21 for reaching the next water-supplying
procedure 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 procedure
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 reusing.
[0131] Specific:
[0132] step 1: when the first washing drum reaches the
water-supplying procedure, it is compared the time T.sub.22 for
reaching the drainage procedure of the second washing drum and the
time T.sub.21 for reaching the next water-supplying procedure 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 procedure of the second washing drum, execute step
2;
[0133] 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.
[0134] In step 1, if the second washing drum is draining water when
the first washing drum reaches the water-supplying procedure, the
time T.sub.22 for reaching the drainage procedure 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 performing the drainage procedure before
comparing the time T.sub.22 for reaching the drainage procedure of
the second washing drum and the time T.sub.21 for reaching the next
water-supplying procedure of the first washing drum. If the second
washing drum is not subjected to the drainage procedure, then it is
compared the time T.sub.22 for reaching the drainage procedure of
the second washing drum and the time T.sub.21 for reaching the next
water-supplying procedure of the first washing drum.
[0135] 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, it
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 is 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 to a large extent.
[0136] 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.
[0137] In step 1, when the first washing drum reaches the
water-supplying procedure, it is determined whether or not the
water-supplying procedure 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 procedure of the second washing drum and the
time T.sub.21 for reaching the next water-supplying procedure of
the first washing drum. Thus it is ensured that the water
supplied-in in the last rinse procedure is clean water, which
ensures that the effect of washing clothes after washing.
[0138] In step 2, before 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-supplying procedure
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.
[0139] 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 and there is
water in the second washing drum, the remaining water in the second
washing drum 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.
[0140] Before the water in the second washing drum is drained away
directly, it is determined whether or not the first washing drum is
performing the dehydration procedure. If yes, the second washing
drum waits until the dehydration procedure of the first washing
drum is completed, and then drains. If no, it is determined a time
T.sub.41 for reaching the dehydration procedure of the first
washing drum, a time T.sub.44 taken for the first washing drum to
dehydrate, 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 procedure of the first washing drum is completed,
and then drains. Otherwise, the water of the second 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 2, the water in the first
washing drum cannot be reused, if the second washing drum is in a
washing procedure when it drains and the first washing drum is in a
rinse procedure when it supplies water; or if the first, second
washing drums are both in the washing procedure 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 procedure when the second washing drum drains
and the first washing drum supplies water, and rinsing times of the
second washing drum is less than rinsing times of the first washing
drum.
[0142] When the second washing drum reaches the water-supplying
procedure, it is compared the time for reaching the drainage
procedure of the first washing drum and the time for reaching the
next water supply of the second washing drum, and it is determined
whether or not the second washing drum waits until the first
washing drum drains.
[0143] 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
outside can flow into the first washing drum through the inlet
valve. The control method is as follows:
[0144] 1) The first washing drum reaches the water-supplying
procedure,
[0145] 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),
[0146] 3) It is determined a time T.sub.21 for reaching a next
water-supplying procedure of the first washing drum, a time
T.sub.22 for reaching a drainage procedure 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),
[0147] 4) The first washing drum waits until the second washing
drum drains, execute step 5),
[0148] 5) The water in the second washing drum is drained into the
first washing drum,
[0149] 6) The first washing drum supplies clean water directly and
the water in the second washing drum is drained away directly.
[0150] The control method can also add a procedure of determining
whether or not the second washing drum is draining water before
comparing the time T.sub.22 for reaching the drainage procedure of
the second washing drum and the time T.sub.21 for reaching the next
water-supplying procedure of the first washing drum. The control
method is as follows:
[0151] 1) The first washing drum reaches the water-supplying
procedure,
[0152] 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),
[0153] 3) It is determined whether or not the second washing drum
is performing the drainage procedure, if no, execute step 4), if
yes, execute step 6),
[0154] 4) It is determined a time T.sub.21 for reaching a next
water-supplying procedure of the first washing drum, a time
T.sub.22 for reaching a drainage procedure 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),
[0155] 5) The first washing drum waits until the second washing
drum drains, executes step 6),
[0156] 6) The water in the second washing drum is drained into the
first washing drum,
[0157] 7) The first washing drum supplies clean water directly and
the water in the second washing drum is drained away directly.
[0158] 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:
[0159] 1) The first washing drum reaches the water-supplying
procedure,
[0160] 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),
[0161] 3) It is determined whether or not the second washing drum
is performing the drainage procedure, if no, execute step 4), if
yes, execute step 7),
[0162] 4) It is determined a time T.sub.21 for reaching a next
water-supplying procedure of the first washing drum, a time
T.sub.22 for reaching a drainage procedure of the second washing
drum, if T.sub.22<T.sub.21, execute step 5), if
T.sub.22>T.sub.21, execute step 8),
[0163] 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),
[0164] 6) The first washing drum waits until the second washing
drum drains, execute step 7),
[0165] 7) The water in the second washing drum is drained into the
first washing drum,
[0166] 8) The first washing drum supplies clean water directly and
the water in the second washing drum is drained away directly.
[0167] If the water in the second washing drum is too dirty or
water-supplying procedure 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:
[0168] 1) The first washing drum reaches the water-supplying
procedure,
[0169] 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),
[0170] 3) It is determined whether or not the second washing drum
is performing drainage procedure, if no, execute step 4), if yes,
execute step 7),
[0171] 4) It is determined a time T.sub.21 for reaching a next
water-supplying procedure of the first washing drum, a time
T.sub.22 for reaching a drainage procedure 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),
[0172] 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),
[0173] 6) The first washing drum waits until the second washing
drum supplies water, execute step 7),
[0174] 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 concentration
value is smaller than the set value, if yes, execute step 8), if
no, execute step 9),
[0175] 8) The water in the second washing drum is drained into the
first washing drum,
[0176] 9) The first washing drum supplies clean water directly and
the water in the second washing drum is drained away directly.
[0177] 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:
[0178] 1) The first washing drum reaches the water-supplying
procedure,
[0179] 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),
[0180] 3) It is determined whether or not the second washing drum
is performing drainage procedure, if no, execute step 4), if yes,
execute step 7),
[0181] 4) It is determined a time T.sub.21 for reaching a next
water-supplying procedure of the first washing drum, a time
T.sub.22 for reaching a drainage procedure 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),
[0182] 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), 6) The first washing drum waits until the second
washing drum drains water, execute step 7), 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 concentration value is smaller than the set
value, if yes, execute step 8), if no, execute step 12),
[0183] 8) It is determined whether or not the first washing drum is
performing the water-supplying procedure for washing, if yes,
execute step 9), if no, execute step 10),
[0184] 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),
[0185] 10) The water in the second washing drum is drained into the
first washing drum,
[0186] 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.
[0187] 12) The first washing drum supplies clean water directly and
the water in the second washing drum is drained away directly.
[0188] In the present embodiment, 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
an inlet valve, clean water from outside can flow into the second
washing drum through the inlet valve.
[0189] In the present embodiment, 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. However, the two washing drums cannot perform the steps
mentioned above at the same time, to avoid the occurrence of
causing an infinite loop of both washing drums waiting from
happening.
[0190] The foregoing is merely illustrative of the preferred
embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to be
limiting of the present invention. While the invention has been
disclosed by way of example with reference to the preferred
embodiments, it is not intended to be limiting of the invention.
Any person skilled in the art will, without departing from the
scope of the technical solution of the present invention, may make
use of the technical contents of the above-mentioned tips to make
some alterations or modifications to equivalent embodiments, but
without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the
present invention. Any and all modifications, equivalents, and
modifications of the foregoing embodiments are within the scope of
the present invention without departing from the spirit of the
technical solution of the present invention in accordance with the
technical details of the present invention.
* * * * *