WO2022012648A1 - 用于检测洗衣机设备的提升的排放口的***和方法 - Google Patents

用于检测洗衣机设备的提升的排放口的***和方法 Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022012648A1
WO2022012648A1 PCT/CN2021/106659 CN2021106659W WO2022012648A1 WO 2022012648 A1 WO2022012648 A1 WO 2022012648A1 CN 2021106659 W CN2021106659 W CN 2021106659W WO 2022012648 A1 WO2022012648 A1 WO 2022012648A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
volume
washing machine
sump
drain
machine apparatus
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2021/106659
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
谢克尔霍夫瑞恩·詹姆斯
伦纳德瑞恩·埃利斯
Original Assignee
青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司
海尔美国电器解决方案有限公司
海尔智家股份有限公司
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Application filed by 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司, 海尔美国电器解决方案有限公司, 海尔智家股份有限公司 filed Critical 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司
Priority to CN202180060221.6A priority Critical patent/CN116234952A/zh
Publication of WO2022012648A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022012648A1/zh

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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
    • D06F39/087—Water level measuring or regulating devices
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control 
    • D06F33/32—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
    • D06F33/42—Control of operational steps, e.g. optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of draining
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
    • D06F39/083—Liquid discharge or recirculation arrangements
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/02—Characteristics of laundry or load
    • D06F2103/04—Quantity, e.g. weight or variation of weight
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/14—Supply, recirculation or draining of washing liquid
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/18—Washing liquid level
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/02—Water supply
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/08—Draining of washing liquids
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F23/00—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry 
    • D06F23/02—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry  and rotating or oscillating about a horizontal axis

Definitions

  • the present subject matter relates generally to washing machine apparatuses, or, more particularly, to methods for detecting raised external drains and compensating for such raised external drains during operation of the washing machine apparatus.
  • Washing machine appliances typically include a tub for holding water or a wash fluid (eg, water and detergent, bleach, and/or other wash additives).
  • a basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a wash compartment for receiving items for washing.
  • wash fluid is directed into the tub and onto the items in the wash compartment of the basket.
  • the basket or agitating element may be rotated at different speeds to agitate the items in the wash chamber, wring out wash fluid from the items in the wash chamber, and the like.
  • the drain assembly is operable to drain water from the sump.
  • Conventional drain pump assemblies include a drain hose that provides fluid communication between the sump and the external drain.
  • a drain pump is fluidly coupled to the drain hose for draining wash fluid from the sump during the drain cycle.
  • the discharge pump cannot discharge all the wash fluid to the external discharge, eg due to loss of pump priming.
  • residual wash fluid remains in the drain hose and tends to flow back into the sump. Failure to compensate for this additional amount of wash fluid may cause the wash tub to overfill or provide a sub-optimal amount of wash fluid for a particular cycle.
  • a washing machine apparatus with an improved water level detection system. More specifically, a water level detection system with a method for detecting a raised external drain or standpipe would be particularly beneficial.
  • a washing machine apparatus including a sump for collecting washing fluid, a supply valve for supplying washing fluid into the sump, including fluidly coupling the sump to the sump for passing through an external A drain assembly of a drain hose of an external drain that drains the wash fluid, and a water level detection system including a pressure sensor fluidly coupled to the sump.
  • a controller is operably coupled to the supply valve, the drain assembly and the water level detection system, the controller is configured to: measure the sump pressure using the water level detection system; operate the supply valve to provide the first volume of wash fluid into the sump such that operating the drain assembly to drain wash liquid from the sump; operating the supply valve to provide a second volume of wash fluid into the sump such that the sump pressure reaches the target pressure; and based at least in part on the first The difference between the first volume and the second volume determines that the external vent is lifted.
  • the washing machine apparatus includes a sump for collecting washing fluid, a supply valve for supplying washing fluid into the sump, a drain assembly including a drain hose for draining the washing fluid through an external drain, and a measuring sump Pressure water level detection system.
  • the method includes measuring sump pressure using a water level detection system, operating a supply valve to provide a first volume of wash fluid into the sump such that the sump pressure reaches a target pressure, operating a drain assembly to drain the wash fluid from the sump, operating A valve is supplied to provide a second volume of wash fluid into the sump such that the sump pressure reaches a target pressure, and the external drain is determined to be raised based at least in part on a difference between the first volume and the second volume.
  • FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an exemplary washing machine apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • FIG. 2 provides a side cross-sectional view of the exemplary washing machine apparatus of FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 provides a rear perspective view of a drain assembly and water level detection system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • FIG. 4 provides a side perspective view of the exemplary drain assembly and water level detection system of FIG. 3 .
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a method for controlling a washing machine apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (ie, "A or B” means “A or B or both”).
  • approximation language is used to modify any quantitative representation that can allow for variation without resulting in a change in the basic function with which it is associated. Thus, a value modified by one or more terms such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” etc., is not limited to the precise value indicated. In at least some cases, the approximation language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. For example, approximate language can be referred to within 10%.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary horizontal axis washing machine apparatus 100 and FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the washing machine apparatus 100 .
  • the washing machine apparatus 100 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a lateral direction T, each of which are perpendicular to each other, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined.
  • the washing machine apparatus 100 includes a cabinet 102 extending in a vertical direction V between a top 104 and a bottom 106, in a lateral direction between a left side 108 and a right side 110, and in a lateral direction T Extends between front portion 112 and rear portion 114 .
  • the washing basket 120 is rotatably mounted within the cabinet 102 such that it can rotate about the axis A of rotation.
  • a motor 122 such as a flat motor, is in mechanical communication with the wash basket 120 to selectively rotate the wash basket 120 (eg, during an agitation or rinse cycle of the washing machine apparatus 100).
  • the wash basket 120 is received within the wash tub 124 and defines a wash chamber 126 configured to receive items for washing. Wash tub 124 holds wash and rinse fluid for agitation in wash basket 120 within wash tub 124 .
  • wash fluid may refer to water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable wash additive or combination thereof. Indeed, for ease of discussion, these terms are used interchangeably herein without limiting the subject matter to any particular "wash fluid.”
  • Wash basket 120 may define one or more agitator features that extend into wash compartment 126 to assist in agitating and cleaning items disposed in wash compartment 126 during operation of washing machine apparatus 100 .
  • a plurality of ribs 128 extend from the basket 120 into the wash compartment 126 . In this manner, for example, the ribs 128 may lift items disposed in the wash basket 120 during rotation of the wash basket 120 .
  • the cabinet 102 also includes a front panel 130 that defines an opening 132 that allows a user to access the wash basket 120 of the wash tub 124 .
  • the washing machine apparatus 100 includes a door 134 positioned above the opening 132 and rotatably mounted to the front panel 130 . In this manner, door 134 allows selective access to opening 132 by being movable between an open position (not shown) that facilitates access to wash tub 124 and a closed position (FIG. 1) that prohibits access to wash tub 124.
  • a window 136 in the door 134 allows viewing of the wash basket 120 when the door 134 is in the closed position, such as during operation of the washing machine apparatus 100 .
  • the door 134 also includes a handle (not shown) that a user may pull when opening and closing the door 134, for example.
  • door 134 is shown mounted to front panel 130, it should be understood that door 134 may be mounted to the other side of cabinet 102 or any other suitable support according to alternative embodiments.
  • wash basket 120 also defines a plurality of perforations 140 to facilitate fluid communication between wash tub 124 and the interior of basket 120.
  • the sump 142 is defined by the washing tub 124 at the bottom of the washing tub 124 in the vertical direction V. As shown in FIG. Accordingly, the sump 142 is configured to receive and generally collect wash fluid during operation of the washing machine apparatus 100 . For example, during operation of the washing machine apparatus 100, wash fluid may be forced from the basket 120 through the plurality of perforations 140 to the sump 142 by gravity.
  • Drain assembly 144 is located below wash tub 124 and is in fluid communication with sump 142 for periodically draining dirty wash fluid from washing machine apparatus 100 .
  • the drain assembly 144 may generally include a drain pump 146 in fluid communication with an external drain 148 and with a sump 142 through a drain hose 150 .
  • the external drain 148 may be located within the distal end of the standpipe 152 , which may be mounted within the wall of the structure in which the washing machine apparatus 100 is mounted, for example.
  • Such a standpipe 152 may be located above the overflow surface of the washing machine apparatus 100, eg, to prevent overflow during a drain cycle.
  • drain pump 146 causes wash fluid to flow from sump 142 through drain hose 150 to external drain 148 where it drains through standpipe 152 . More specifically, the drain pump 146 includes a motor (not shown) that is energized during the drain cycle so that the drain pump 146 draws wash fluid from the sump 142 and causes it to flow through the drain hose 150 to the external drain 148.
  • Outlet pipe 154 is configured to direct fluid flow into wash tub 124 .
  • outlet pipe 154 may be in fluid communication with water supply source 155 ( FIG. 2 ) to direct fluid (eg, fresh water or wash fluid) into wash tub 124 .
  • Outlet pipe 154 may also be in fluid communication with sump 142 .
  • the pump assembly 144 may direct the wash fluid disposed in the sump 142 to the outlet pipe 154 to circulate the wash fluid in the wash tub 124 .
  • the detergent drawer 156 is slidably mounted within the front panel 130 .
  • Detergent drawer 156 receives wash additives (eg, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable liquid or powder) and directs fluid additives to wash tub 124 during operation of washing machine apparatus 100 .
  • wash additives eg, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable liquid or powder
  • detergent drawer 156 may also be fluidly coupled to outlet tube 154 to facilitate complete and precise dispensing of detergent additives.
  • water supply valve 158 may provide water flow from a water supply source, such as municipal water supply 155 , into detergent dispenser 156 and wash tub 124 .
  • the water supply valve 158 is generally operable to supply water into the detergent dispenser 156 to generate wash fluid, such as for a wash cycle, or a clean water flow, such as for a rinse cycle.
  • wash fluid such as for a wash cycle
  • clean water flow such as for a rinse cycle.
  • the water supply valve 158 may be located at any other suitable location within the enclosure 102 .
  • the water supply valve 158 is described herein as regulating the flow of "wash fluid,” it should be understood that this term includes water, detergent, other additives, or some mixture thereof.
  • a control panel 160 including a plurality of input selectors 162 is coupled to the front panel 130 .
  • Control panel 160 and input selector 162 together form a user interface input for the operator to select machine cycles and features.
  • the display 164 indicates to the machine user a selected feature, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest.
  • controller or processing device 166 (FIG. 1) operably coupled to the control panel 160 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features.
  • controller 166 operates various components of washing machine apparatus 100 to perform selected machine cycles and features.
  • the controller 166 may include memory and a microprocessor, such as a general-purpose or special-purpose microprocessor, operable to execute programmed instructions or micro-control code associated with the cleaning cycle.
  • Memory may represent random access memory, such as DRAM, or read only memory, such as ROM or FLASH.
  • the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory.
  • the memory may be a separate component from the processor, or may be included on board the processor.
  • the controller 166 may be constructed without the use of a microprocessor, eg, using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuits (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, etc. ), to perform the control function rather than relying on software.
  • the control panel 160 and other components of the washing machine apparatus 100 may communicate with the controller 166 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus.
  • washing machine apparatus 100 During operation of the washing machine apparatus 100, laundry items are loaded into the wash basket 120 through the opening 132, and a wash operation is initiated by the operator manipulating the input selector 162.
  • the wash tub 124 is filled with water, detergent, and/or other fluid additives, for example, through the water outlet 154 and/or the detergent drawer 156 .
  • the washing machine apparatus 100 may control one or more valves, such as the water supply valve 158, to fill the wash basket 120 to a level suitable for the amount of items to be washed and/or rinsed.
  • the contents of wash basket 120 may be agitated (eg, by ribs 128 ) for washing the laundry items in wash basket 120 .
  • the wash tub 124 may be drained.
  • the laundry items may then be rinsed by adding fluid to the wash tub 124 again, depending on the specifics of the wash cycle selected by the user.
  • the ribs 128 can again provide agitation within the wash basket 120 .
  • One or more spin cycles can also be used.
  • a spin cycle may be applied after a wash cycle and/or after a rinse cycle in order to wring out the wash fluid from the items being washed.
  • the basket 120 is spinning at a relatively high speed, and the drain assembly 144 can drain the wash fluid from the sump 142 .
  • a user may remove items from wash basket 120 , such as by opening door 134 and entering wash basket 120 through opening 132 .
  • horizontal axis washing machine apparatus 100 Although described in the context of a particular embodiment of a horizontal axis washing machine apparatus 100 using the teachings disclosed herein, it will be understood that the horizontal axis washing machine apparatus 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be used with the subject matter, such as vertical axis washing machine appliances.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 a water level detection system 170 that may be used within the washing machine apparatus 100 will be described in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 provide a rear perspective view and a side perspective view, respectively, of a water level detection system 170 operably coupled to a drain pump assembly (eg, drain assembly 144 ).
  • a drain pump assembly eg, drain assembly 144
  • the water level detection system 170 described herein is merely one exemplary configuration used to explain aspects of the present subject matter, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.
  • drain pump 146 is a positive displacement pump configured to force wash fluid collected in sump 142 and sump hose 172 through pump drain 176, through drain hose 150, and to the outside Drain port 148 .
  • drain assembly 144 and sump drain configuration shown here are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
  • the drain pump 146 may have a different configuration or location, may include one or more filter mechanisms, and the like.
  • the water level detection system 170 may generally include an air chamber 180 extending at least partially upward along the vertical direction V from the sump hose 172 (or other suitable portion of the sump 142 ).
  • Pressure hose 182 is fluidly coupled to top end 184 of air chamber 180 and extends to pressure sensor 186 .
  • pressure sensor 186 may be any sensor suitable for determining the water level within sump 142 based on pressure readings.
  • the pressure sensor 186 may be a piezoelectric pressure sensor, and thus may include an elastically deformable plate and a piezoelectric resistor mounted on the elastically deformable plate.
  • the pressure sensor 186 is positioned proximate the top 104 of the enclosure 102 , such as proximate or mounted to the control panel 160 .
  • the pressure hose 182 extends upward in the vertical direction V from the air chamber 180 (ie, near the bottom 106 of the cabinet 102 ) to the pressure sensor 186 .
  • the water level detection system 170 and pressure sensor 186 generally operate by measuring the air pressure within the air chamber 180 and using the measured air chamber pressure to estimate the water level in the sump 142 . For example, when the water level within the sump 142 falls below the chamber inlet 188, the pressure within the air chamber 180 normalizes to ambient or atmospheric pressure, thus reading zero pressure. However, when water is present in the sump 142 and the water rises above the chamber inlet 188, the measured air pressure becomes positive and may increase proportionally with the water level.
  • the sump 142 is described herein as containing water, it should be understood that aspects of the present subject matter may be used to detect the level of any other suitable wash fluid.
  • the drain assembly 144 drains the wash fluid collected in the sump 142 (generally identified herein by reference numeral 190) through the drain hose 150 and out to the outside for drain Port 148 enters standpipe 152 .
  • the pump can no longer force wash fluid 190 through drain hose 150 and the drain cycle ends.
  • wash fluid 190 remains within drain hose 150 .
  • a column of wash fluid 190 may remain within drain hose 150 between pump drain 176 and external drain 148 .
  • this residual wash fluid may flow back into the sump 142 when the drain pump 146 is turned off.
  • a taller riser 152 with an inlet relative to the pump discharge 176 may cause more wash fluid 190 to flow back into the sump 142, for example, relative to a shorter or lower riser or external discharge.
  • standpipe 152 and external vent 148 are described as “raised” (in which case controller 166 makes appropriate compensation) or "standard” or “unraised” (in which case In this case, the controller 166 can operate normally).
  • controller 166 makes appropriate compensation
  • standard or “unraised”
  • the controller 166 can operate normally.
  • binary decisions are described herein for simplicity, it should be understood that the controller 166 and the methods described herein can be used to form more complex and accurate residual wash fluid detection methods, and incrementally in response Performance and operation changed.
  • the exemplary quantity thresholds, time thresholds, and method steps described herein are intended only to explain aspects of the subject matter, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
  • an exemplary method 200 of operating a washing machine apparatus will be described. Although the following discussion refers to the example method 200 of operating the washing machine apparatus 100, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the example method 200 is applicable to the operation of various other washing machine apparatuses, such as vertical axis washing machine apparatuses. In an exemplary embodiment, the various method steps disclosed herein may be performed by controller 166 or a separate dedicated controller.
  • the method 200 includes at step 210 measuring a sump pressure in a washing machine apparatus using a water level detection system.
  • the water level detection system 170 may be used to monitor the volume, weight and/or height of the wash fluid 190 within the sump 142 .
  • the water level detection system 170 may be used to monitor the tank pressure periodically or continuously at any suitable frequency and for any suitable duration.
  • These sump pressures may be used directly as a representation of the amount of wash fluid within the sump 142, or may be converted using any suitable mathematical transformation to represent volume, liquid height, and the like.
  • these sump pressure measurements may thereafter be used to facilitate improved operation of the washing machine apparatus 100, such as by facilitating more accurate fill levels, improved control algorithms, and the like.
  • the sump pressure may be related to the volume or level of water or wash fluid within the sump 142, eg, as described above.
  • the terms volume, level, height, weight, and the like may be used interchangeably to refer to the amount of wash fluid within the sump 142 .
  • other surrogates, surrogates, or parameters may indicate these volumes, such as a target weight of water, a target fill level or height, or generated at pressure sensor 186 by the wash fluid in wash tub 124 . water pressure.
  • the controller 166 may be programmed with an algorithm or transfer function for correlating these parameters, as is known in the art.
  • Step 220 includes operating the supply valve to provide a first volume of wash fluid into the sump such that the sump pressure reaches the target pressure.
  • the controller 166 may operate the supply valve to provide the flow of wash fluid into the sump of the washing machine apparatus until the target pressure or volume is reached.
  • the water supply valve 158 may be opened to direct water from the water supply source 155 to the wash tub 124 .
  • water may be provided into or through the detergent drawer 156 where it may mix with the detergent to form a wash fluid that flows into the sump 142 . It should be understood that the terms water, wash fluid, etc. are used interchangeably herein.
  • the term "first volume” generally refers to a determination by the controller 166 that there is no wash fluid in the sump 142, minimal wash fluid in the sump 142, no laundry in the wash basket 120, or when the drain hose 150 The amount of water or wash fluid that has been dispensed into the sump 142 without filling the remaining wash fluid.
  • the controller 166 may be configured to determine that the wash basket 120 is empty prior to providing the first volume of wash fluid into the sump, or to determine that there is no wash in the sump 142 or drain hose 150 fluid.
  • the first volume may be the estimated volume of water dispensed during the first fill cycle of a new appliance or when the washing machine appliance 100 is reinstalled.
  • a first volume is measured or determined so that the dispensed first volume can be used as a means for installing the drain hose 150 in the vertical
  • a criterion for determining how much wash fluid is left in the drain hose is then determined in tube 152.
  • the term "target pressure" may be any suitable pressure detected by the water level detection system 170 that may be used to facilitate an improved filling process.
  • the target pressure may be arbitrarily selected to provide a known level of wash fluid within the sump 142 .
  • the target pressure may be the first non-zero pressure measurement detected by the water level detection system 170 .
  • controller 166 can know that the water level has breached a known volume within the sump (eg, corresponding to the height of chamber inlet 188).
  • a known volume within the sump eg, corresponding to the height of chamber inlet 188.
  • other target pressures may be used.
  • the supply valve 158 may be opened for some arbitrary amount of time, and the "target pressure" may be set to the pressure after the target valve opening time has been reached and the supply valve 158 has been closed.
  • fill volume, water level and flow rate through water supply valve 158, and other wash fluid parameters may be approximated based on factors such as water supply pressure, valve model or configuration, empirical data, theoretical data, flow models, or any other suitable factors.
  • the water supply valve 158 may be a constant flow valve that provides a relatively constant wash fluid flow rate when the water supply 155 is maintained at a suitably high pressure (such as in the case of a municipal water supply).
  • controller 166 can calculate the amount or volume of fluid dispensed and determine that water supply valve 158 should be opened to supply a target volume of wash fluid target time.
  • Step 230 includes operating the drain assembly to drain wash fluid from the sump.
  • drain pump 146 and drain assembly 144 may be selectively operated to force wash fluid 190 from sump 142 , through drain hose 150 , through external drain 148 , and into standpipe 152 .
  • the drain cycle stops when drain pump 146 is no longer able to drain wash fluid 190 through external drain 148, eg, when drain pump 146 has drained the wash fluid to be pumped and begins to draw in air.
  • residual wash fluid contained within the discharge hose 150 eg, between the pump discharge port 176 and the external discharge port 148, returns to the reservoir in slot 142.
  • Steps 240 to 260 are designed to compensate for this residual wash fluid.
  • Step 240 includes operating the supply valve to provide a second volume of wash fluid into the sump such that the sump pressure reaches the target pressure.
  • the higher volume of residual wash water from the first fill cycle will result in a lower second volume and a larger difference between the first and second volumes.
  • step 250 includes determining that the external vent of the vent assembly is lifted based at least in part on the difference between the first volume and the second volume.
  • the controller 166 may take corrective action to improve wash performance or conserve water.
  • determining that the external vent is raised based at least in part on a difference between the first volume and the second volume may include comparing valve opening times for dispensing the first volume and the second volume.
  • the controller 166 may monitor or measure the first time that the supply valve 158 is open to provide the first volume such that the sump pressure reaches the target pressure. Then, during the second fill cycle, the controller 166 may measure a second time at which the supply valve 158 is open to provide the second volume such that the sump pressure reaches the target pressure. By comparing the first time and the second time, the controller 166 can be programmed to determine whether or to what extent the external vent 148 is lifted, and take appropriate corrective action.
  • the external vent may be considered "lifted".
  • the predetermined time threshold may be between about 0.5 seconds and 1 minute, between about 1 second and 45 seconds, between about 5 seconds and 30 seconds, or between about 10 seconds and 20 seconds. Other suitable time thresholds are possible and within the scope of this topic.
  • determining that the external vent is elevated based at least in part on the difference from the first volume and the second volume may include directly comparing the volumes or their corresponding pressures. For example, if it is determined that the difference between the first volume and the second volume exceeds a predetermined volume threshold, the external vent may be considered "lifted".
  • the predetermined volume threshold may be between about 0.1/1 gallon, between about 0.2 and 0.7 gallon, between about 0.3 and 0.5 gallon, or any other suitable volume threshold.
  • the difference between the first volume and the second volume corresponds, at least in part, to the amount of residual wash fluid flowing back into the sump 142 .
  • the predetermined volume threshold may be set accordingly based on the particular application, machine size, and the like.
  • Step 260 includes adjusting at least one operating parameter of the washing machine apparatus in response to determining that the external drain is raised.
  • an "operating parameter" of the washing machine apparatus 100 is any cycle setting, operating time, component setting, spin speed, component configuration, or other operating characteristic that may affect the performance of the washing machine apparatus 100 .
  • reference to operating parameter adjustment or "adjusting at least one operating parameter” means a control action that improves system performance based at least in part on the height of the external vent or other system parameter.
  • adjusting operating parameters may include reducing the fill volume of subsequent fill cycles to compensate for residual wash fluid that fails to drain from drain hose 150 .
  • adjusting the operating parameters may include manipulating at least one of a laundry type detection algorithm, a load size detection algorithm, or a spin cycle or speed of the washing machine apparatus 100 .
  • Other operating parameter adjustments are possible and within the scope of this topic.
  • FIG. 5 depicts steps performed in a particular order.
  • the steps of any method discussed herein may be adjusted, rearranged, expanded, omitted, or modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure .
  • the washing machine apparatus 100 is used as an example to explain aspects of the method 200, it should be understood that the methods may be applied to the operation of any suitable washing machine apparatus.

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Abstract

一种洗衣机设备，其包括用于收集洗涤流体的贮槽、用于供应洗涤流体的供应阀、用于从贮槽排放洗涤流体的排放组件、以及用于测量贮槽压力/填充水平的水位检测***。控制器被配置成执行初始填充循环并确定达到目标压力所需的第一洗涤流体体积。然后，排放组件使贮槽排放，并重复该过程以确定达到目标压力所需的第二体积洗涤流体。第一体积和第二体积之间的差异至少部分地是由于排放组件不能通过排放软管排出的洗涤流体导致的。如果第一体积和第二体积之间的差超过预定阈值，则控制器可以确定外部排放口被提升并相应地进行补偿。

Description

用于检测洗衣机设备的提升的排放口的***和方法 技术领域
本主题总体上涉及洗衣机设备，或者更具体地，涉及用于检测提升的外部排放口并在洗衣机设备的运行期间补偿这种提升的外部排放口的方法。
背景技术
洗衣机设备通常包括用于容纳水或洗涤流体(例如水和洗涤剂、漂白剂和/或其他洗涤添加剂)的桶。篮可旋转地安装在桶内，并限定用于接收用于洗涤的物品的洗涤室。在这种洗衣机设备的正常操作过程中，洗涤流体被导入桶中，并流到篮的洗涤室内的物品上。篮或搅动元件可以以不同的速度旋转，以搅动洗涤室内的物品，从洗涤室内的物品中拧出洗涤流体等等。在旋转或排放循环期间，排放组件可操作以从贮槽中排放水。
传统的排放泵组件包括排放软管，该排放软管在贮槽和外部排放口之间提供流体连通。排放泵流体联接到排放软管，用于在排放循环期间从贮槽中排出洗涤流体。然而，值得注意的是，在排放软管特别长或竖管或外部排放口升高的情况下，排放泵不能将所有洗涤流体排放到外部排放口，例如由于泵灌注的损失。结果，残留的洗涤流体留在排放软管内，并倾向于流回贮槽。未能补偿这种额外量的洗涤流体可能导致洗涤桶过满或为特定循环提供次佳量的洗涤流体。
因此，需要一种具有改进的水位检测***的洗衣机设备。更具体地，具有用于检测升高的外部排放口或竖管的方法的水位检测***将是特别有益的。
发明内容
本发明的优点将部分地在以下描述中进行阐述，或者可以从描述中变得明 显，或者可以通过本发明的实践来了解。
在本公开的一个方面，提供了一种洗衣机设备，其包括用于收集洗涤流体的贮槽、用于将洗涤流体提供到贮槽中的供应阀、包括将贮槽流体联接到用于通过外部排放口排放洗涤流体的外部排放口的排放软管的排放组件、以及包括流体联接到贮槽的压力传感器的水位检测***。控制器可操作地联接到供应阀、排放组件和水位检测***，控制器被配置成：使用水位检测***测量贮槽压力；操作供应阀以将第一体积的洗涤流体提供到贮槽中，使得贮槽压力达到目标压力；操作排放组件以从贮槽中排出洗涤液体；操作供应阀以将第二体积的洗涤流体提供到贮槽中，使得贮槽压力达到目标压力；以及至少部分地基于第一体积和第二体积之间的差异来确定外部排放口被提升。
在本公开的另一方面，提供了一种用于操作洗衣机设备的方法。洗衣机设备包括用于收集洗涤流体的贮槽、用于将洗涤流体提供到贮槽中的供应阀、包括用于通过外部排放口排出洗涤流体的排放软管的排放组件、以及用于测量贮槽压力的水位检测***。该方法包括使用水位检测***测量贮槽压力，操作供应阀以将第一体积的洗涤流体提供到贮槽中，使得贮槽压力达到目标压力，操作排放组件以从贮槽中排放洗涤流体，操作供应阀以将第二体积的洗涤流体提供到贮槽中，使得贮槽压力达到目标压力，以及至少部分地基于第一体积和第二体积之间的差异来确定外部排放口被提升。
参考以下描述和所附权利要求，将更好地理解本发明的这些和其它特征、方面和优点。包含在本说明书中并构成本说明书的一部分的附图示出了本发明的实施例，并与说明书一起用于说明本发明的原理。
附图说明
在参考附图的说明书中阐述了本发明的对于本领域普通技术人员来说完整且可实施的公开内容，包括其最佳模式。
图1提供了根据本主题的示例性实施例的示例性洗衣机设备的透视图。
图2提供了图1的示例性洗衣机设备的侧视剖面图。
图3提供了根据本主题的示例性实施例的排放组件和水位检测***的后透视图。
图4提供了图3的示例性排放组件和水位检测***的侧面透视图。
图5示出了根据本公开的一个实施例的用于控制洗衣机设备的方法。
在本说明书和附图中重复使用的附图标记意在表示本发明的相同或类似的特征或元件。
具体实施方式
现在将详细参考本发明的实施例，其一个或更多个示例在附图中示出。提供每个示例是为了解释本发明，而不是限制本发明。实际上，对于本领域技术人员来说将明显的是，在不脱离本发明的范围或精神的情况下，可以在本发明中进行各种修改和变化。例如，作为一个实施例的一部分示出或描述的特征可以与另一实施例一起使用，以产生又一个实施例。因此，本发明意在覆盖落入所附权利要求及其等同物的范围内的这些修改和变化。
如本文所使用的，术语“包括(includes)”和“包含(including)”意在以类似于术语“包括(comprising)”的方式为包含性的。类似地，术语“或”通常意在是包含性的(即，“A或B”意指“A或B或两者”)。如在整个说明书和权利要求书中所使用的，近似语言用于修饰任何数量表示，其可以允许变化而不会导致与其相关的基本功能的变化。因此，由比如“大约”、“近似”和“基本上”等的一个或更多个术语修饰的值不限于所指的精确值。在至少一些情况下，近似语言可以对应于用于测量该值的仪器的精度。例如，近似语言可以指在10％的范围内。
现在参考附图，图1是示例性水平轴洗衣机设备100的透视图并且图2是洗衣机设备100的侧部剖视图。如附图示出的，洗衣机设备100通常限定了竖直方向V、侧向方向L以及横向方向T，其中的每个都相互垂直，使得总体上 限定了正交坐标系。洗衣机设备100包括机壳102，机壳102沿着竖直方向V在顶部104和底部106之间延伸，沿着侧向方向在左侧108和右侧110之间延伸，并且沿着横向方向T在前部112和后部114之间延伸。
参照图2，洗涤篮120可旋转地安装在机壳102内，使得其可绕旋转轴线A旋转。马达122(比如扁平型马达)与洗涤篮120机械连通，以选择性地旋转洗涤篮120(例如，在洗衣机设备100的搅动或漂洗循环期间)。洗涤篮120容纳在洗涤桶124内，并限定了洗涤室126，所述洗涤室被构造成用于容纳用于洗涤的物品。洗涤桶124保持用于在洗涤桶124内的洗涤篮120中的搅动的洗涤流体和漂洗流体。如本文所使用的，“洗涤流体”可以指水、洗涤剂、织物柔软剂、漂白剂或任何其它合适的洗涤添加剂或其组合。实际上，为了便于讨论，这些术语在本文中都可以互换使用，而不将本主题限于任何特定的“洗涤流体”。
洗涤篮120可以限定一个或更多个搅动器特征，其延伸到洗涤室126中，以在洗衣机设备100的操作期间帮助搅动和清洁设置在洗涤室126中的物品。例如，如图2所示，多个肋128从篮120延伸到洗涤室126中。以这种方式，例如，肋128可以在洗涤篮120的旋转期间提升设置在洗涤篮120中的物品。
总体上参照图1和图2，机壳102还包括前面板130，其限定了开口132，该开口132允许使用者接近洗涤桶124的洗涤篮120。更具体地，洗衣机设备100包括门134，其位于开口132上方，并且可旋转地安装到前面板130。以这种方式，门134允许通过在便于接近洗涤桶124的打开位置(未示出)和禁止进入洗涤桶124的关闭位置(图1)之间可移动来选择性地接近开口132。
当门134处于关闭位置时，例如在洗衣机设备100的操作期间，门134中的窗口136允许观察洗涤篮120。门134还包括把手(未示出)，例如用户可以在打开和关闭门134时拉动所述把手。此外，尽管门134被示出为安装到前面板130，但是应该理解，根据替代实施例，门134可以安装到机壳102的另一侧或任何其它合适的支撑件。
再次参考图2，洗涤篮120还限定了多个穿孔140，以便于洗涤桶124和篮 120的内部之间的流体连通。贮槽142由洗涤桶124沿竖直方向V在洗涤桶124的底部限定。因此，贮槽142被配置用于在洗衣机设备100的操作期间接收并通常收集洗涤流体。例如，在洗衣机设备100的操作期间，洗涤流体可以通过重力被推动从篮120穿过多个穿孔140到贮槽142。
排放组件144位于洗涤桶124下方，并与贮槽142流体连通，用于周期性地从洗衣机设备100排出脏的洗涤流体。排放组件144总体上可包括排放泵146，该排放泵通过排放软管150与外部排放口(external drain)148流体连通以及与贮槽142流体连通。如图2中最佳地示出的，外部排放口148可位于竖管152的远端内，例如，其可安装在安装洗衣机设备100的结构的壁内。这种竖管152可以位于洗衣机设备100的溢流面上方，例如以防止排放循环期间的溢流。在排放循环期间，排放泵146促使洗涤流体从贮槽142通过排放软管150流到外部排放口148，在所述外部排放口处，洗涤流体通过竖管152排出。更具体地，排放泵146包括马达(未示出)，所述马达在排放循环期间被通电，使得排放泵146从贮槽142抽取洗涤流体，并促使其通过排放软管150流到外部排放口148。
出水管154被构造成将流体流引导到洗涤桶124中。例如，出水管154可以与供水源155(图2)流体连通，以便将流体(例如，清水或洗涤流体)引导入洗涤桶124。出水管154也可以与贮槽142流体连通。例如，泵组件144可以将设置在贮槽142中的洗涤流体引导到出水管154，以便使洗涤流体在洗涤桶124中循环。
如图2所示，洗涤剂抽屉156可滑动地安装在前面板130内。洗涤剂抽屉156接收洗涤添加剂(例如，洗涤剂、织物柔软剂、漂白剂或任何其他合适的液体或粉末)，并在洗衣机设备100的操作期间将流体添加剂引导至洗涤桶124。根据示出的实施例，洗涤剂抽屉156也可以流体联接到出水管154，以便于完全且精确地分配洗涤添加剂。
此外，供水阀158可以将来自供水源(比如市政供水155)的水流提供到洗涤剂分配器156和洗涤桶124中。以这种方式，供水阀158通常可操作成将水 供应到洗涤剂分配器156中，以产生例如用于洗涤循环的洗涤流体，或者例如用于漂洗循环的清水流。应当理解，供水阀158可以位于机壳102内的任何其他合适的位置处。此外，尽管供水阀158在本文中被描述为调节“洗涤流体”的流量，但是应当理解，该术语包括水、洗涤剂、其他添加剂或它们的某种混合物。
包括多个输入选择器162的控制面板160联接到前面板130。控制面板160和输入选择器162共同形成用于操作员选择机器循环和特征的用户界面输入。例如，在一个实施例中，显示器164向机器用户指示所选择的特征、倒数定时器和/或其它感兴趣的项目。
洗衣机设备100的操作由控制器或处理装置166(图1)控制，其可操作地联接到控制面板160，用于用户操纵以选择洗衣机周期和特征。响应于用户对控制面板160的操纵，控制器166操作洗衣机设备100的各个部件以执行所选择的机器循环和特征。
控制器166可以包括存储器和微处理器，比如可操作以执行与清洁循环相关的编程指令或微控制代码的通用或专用微处理器。存储器可以表示随机存取存储器，比如DRAM，或只读存储器，比如ROM或FLASH。在一个实施例中，处理器执行存储在存储器中的编程指令。存储器可以是与处理器分开的部件，或者可以被包括搭载在处理器内。替代地，可以在不使用微处理器的情况下构建控制器166，例如，使用离散的模拟和/或数字逻辑电路的组合(比如开关、放大器、积分器、比较器、触发器、与门等)，来执行控制功能，而不是依赖于软件。洗衣机设备100的控制面板160和其它部件可以经由一个或更多个信号线或共享通信总线与控制器166通信。
在洗衣机设备100的操作期间，衣物物品通过开口132装载到洗涤篮120中，并且通过操作者操纵输入选择器162来启动洗涤操作。洗涤桶124例如通过出水管154和/或洗涤剂抽屉156填充有水、洗涤剂和/或其他流体添加剂。洗衣机设备100可以控制一个或更多个阀(例如供水阀158)，以将洗涤篮120填 充到适合被洗涤和/或漂洗的物品的量的水平。通过举例的方式，对于洗涤模式，一旦洗涤篮120适当地填充有流体，则洗涤篮120的容纳物可以被搅动(例如通过肋128)，以用于洗涤洗涤篮120中的衣物物品。
在洗涤循环的搅动阶段完成之后，洗涤桶124可以进行排放。然后可以通过再次向洗涤桶124添加流体来漂洗衣物物品，这取决于由用户选择的清洗循环的具体内容。肋128可以再次在洗涤篮120内提供搅动。也可以使用一个或更多个旋转循环。特别地，可以在洗涤循环之后和/或在漂洗循环之后应用旋转循环，以便将洗涤流体从被洗涤的物品拧出。在最后的旋转循环中，篮120以相对高的速度旋转，并且排放组件144可以将洗涤流体从贮槽142排放。在放置在洗涤篮120中的物品被清洁、洗涤和/或漂洗后，使用者可以从洗涤篮120中取出物品，例如通过打开门134并通过开口132进入洗涤篮120。
尽管使用本文公开的教导在水平轴线洗衣机设备100的特定实施例的背景中进行描述，但是将理解的是，水平轴线的洗衣机设备100仅以示例的方式提供。具有不同构造、不同外观和/或不同特征的其他洗衣机设备也可以用于本主题，例如竖直轴线洗衣机设备。
现在参考图3和图4，将根据示例性实施例描述可在洗衣机设备100内使用的水位检测***170。具体来说，图3和图4分别提供了可操作地联接到排放泵组件(例如，排放组件144)的水位检测***170的后透视图和侧透视图。然而，本文所述的水位检测***170仅是用于解释本主题的各方面的一种示例性配置，并不意在以任何方式限制本发明的范围。
如图所示，贮槽142在洗涤桶124的最低点处限定了排放盆部，用于在重力作用下收集洗涤流体。贮槽软管172在贮槽142和排放泵146的入口174之间延伸。根据图示的实施例，排放泵146是正排量泵，其构造成用于迫使收集在贮槽142和贮槽软管172中的洗涤流体通过泵排放口176、通过排放软管150并到达外部排放口148。然而，应该理解的是，这里示出的排放组件144和贮槽排放构造仅是示例性的，并不意在限制本主题的范围。例如，排放泵146可以 具有不同的构造或位置，可以包括一个或更多个过滤机构等。
水位检测***170通常可包括空气腔室180，其从贮槽软管172(或贮槽142的其它合适部分)至少部分地沿着竖直方向V向上延伸。压力软管182流体联接到空气腔室180的顶端部184并延伸到压力传感器186。通常，压力传感器186可以是适于基于压力读数确定贮槽142内的水位的任何传感器。例如，压力传感器186可以是压电压力传感器，因此可以包括可弹性变形的板和安装在可弹性变形的板上的压电电阻器。根据示例性实施例，压力传感器186靠近机壳102的顶部104定位，例如靠近或安装到控制面板160。因此，压力软管182从空气腔室180(即靠近机壳102的底部106)沿着竖直方向V向上延伸到压力传感器186。
水位检测***170和压力传感器186通常通过测量空气腔室180内的空气压力并使用测量的空气腔室压力来估计贮槽142中的水位来操作。例如，当贮槽142内的水位下降到腔室入口188以下时，空气腔室180内的压力正常化到环境压力或大气压力，因此读数为零压力。然而，当贮槽142中存在水并且水上升到腔室入口188上方时，测得的空气压力变为正并且可以随着水位成比例地增加。尽管贮槽142在本文中被描述为容纳水，但是应当理解，本主题的各方面可以用于检测任何其他合适的洗涤流体的液位。
如上面简要解释的，在洗衣机设备100的排放循环期间，排放组件144将收集在贮槽142内的洗涤流体(在此总体上由附图标记190标识)通过排放软管150排出并离开外部排放口148进入竖管152。值得注意的是，当洗涤流体190从贮槽142排空，使得排放泵146不再有洗涤流体要泵送时，泵不再能迫使洗涤流体190通过排放软管150并且排放循环结束。然而，洗涤流体190保留在排放软管150内。具体地，例如，洗涤流体190的柱可能保留在泵排放口176和外部排放口148之间的排放软管150内。因此，当排放泵146关闭时，这种残留的洗涤流体可以回流到贮槽142中。值得注意的是，入口相对于泵排放口176较高的竖管152可导致更多的洗涤流体190回流到贮槽142中，例如相对于 较短或较低的竖管或外部排放口。为了精确地填充贮槽142并适当地调节各种控制算法，可能希望知道竖管152或外部排放口148是否被认为“被提升”。本主题的各方面涉及确定竖管152或外部排放口148是否提升使得控制器166可以补偿在排放循环后回流到贮槽142中的过量洗涤流体190的***和方法，。
如本文所述，竖管152和外部排放口148被描述为“被提升”(在这种情况下，控制器166进行适当的补偿)或“标准的”或“未提升的”(在这种情况下控制器166可以正常运行)。尽管为了简单起见，在此描述了这种二元决策，但是应当理解，控制器166和在此描述的方法可以用于形成更复杂和更精确的残留洗涤流体检测方法，并且作为响应进行递增的性能和操作改变。本文描述的示例性量阈值、时间阈值和方法步骤仅意在解释本主题的各方面，而不意在限制本公开的范围。
既然已经呈现了根据示例性实施例的洗衣机设备100的构造和控制器166的配置，将描述操作洗衣机设备的示例性方法200。尽管下面的讨论涉及操作洗衣机设备100的示例性方法200，但是本领域技术人员将理解，示例性方法200可应用于各种其他洗衣机设备的操作，比如竖直轴线洗衣机设备。在示例性实施例中，这里公开的各种方法步骤可以由控制器166或单独的专用控制器来执行。
现在参照图5，方法200包括在步骤210处使用水位检测***测量洗衣机设备中的贮槽压力。在这方面，继续上面的示例，水位检测***170可以用于监控贮槽142内的洗涤流体190的体积、重量和/或高度。具体而言，在填充循环期间，水位检测***170可用于以任何合适的频率和任何合适的持续时间周期性地或连续地监控贮槽压力。这些贮槽压力可以直接用作贮槽142内洗涤流体的量的表示，或者可以使用任何合适的数学变换来转换以表示体积、液体高度等。如下文进一步详细解释的，这些贮槽压力测量值此后可用于有助于洗衣机设备100的改进操作，例如通过有助于更精确的填充量、改进控制算法等。
应当理解，贮槽压力可与贮槽142内的水或洗涤流体的体积或水平相关， 例如如上所述。此外，应该理解的是，如这里所使用的，术语体积、水平、高度、重量和类似术语可以互换使用，以指代贮槽142内的洗涤流体的量。例如，在本主题的范围内，其他代替物、替代物或参数可以指示这些体积，比如水的目标重量、目标填充水平或高度，或者由洗涤桶124中的洗涤流体在压力传感器186处产生的水压。应当理解的是，如本领域中已知的，控制器166可以用算法或传递函数来编程，用于关联这些参数。
步骤220包括操作供应阀以将第一体积的洗涤流体提供到贮槽中，使得贮槽压力达到目标压力。因此，控制器166可操作供应阀以将洗涤流体流提供到洗衣机设备的贮槽中，直到达到目标压力或体积。在这方面，继续上面的示例，供水阀158可以打开，以将来自供水源155的水直接导入洗涤桶124。根据示例性实施例，水可被提供到洗涤剂抽屉156中或通过洗涤剂抽屉，在其中，水可与洗涤剂混合以形成流入贮槽142的洗涤流体。应当理解，术语水、洗涤流体等在这里可以互换使用。
如这里所使用的，术语“第一体积”通常是指控制器166确定在贮槽142中没有洗涤流体、贮槽142中有最少的洗涤流体、洗涤篮120中没有衣物或者当排放软管150没有填充剩余的洗涤流体时，已经被分配到贮槽142中的水或洗涤流体的量。因此，根据示例性实施例，控制器166可被配置成确定在将第一体积的洗涤流体提供到贮槽中之前洗涤篮120是空的，或者确定贮槽142或排放软管150内没有洗涤流体。例如，第一体积可以是估计的在新设备的第一次填充循环期间或在重新安装洗衣机设备100时所分配的水的体积。在这方面，如下文将更详细解释的，在将洗涤流体分配到贮槽142中之前，测量或确定第一体积，使得所分配的第一体积可以用作用于在排放软管150安装在竖管152中之后确定排放软管中有多少剩余洗涤流体的标准。
此外，如本文所使用的，术语“目标压力”可以是由水位检测***170检测的可以用于促进改进的填充过程的任何合适的压力。例如，目标压力可以任意选择，以在贮槽142内提供已知的洗涤流体液位。例如，如上所述，当贮槽 142内的洗涤流体190的液位低于腔室入口188时，空气腔室180内的压力正常化为环境压力或大气压力，因此读数为零压力。然而，当洗涤流体190上升到腔室入口188之上时，测量的空气压力变为正，并且可以随着水位成比例地增加。因此，根据示例性实施例，目标压力可以是由水位检测***170检测的第一非零压力测量值。因此，一旦由压力传感器186检测到的测量压力从零变化，控制器166就可以知道水位已经突破了贮槽内的已知体积(例如对应于腔室入口188的高度)。根据其他实施例，可以使用其他目标压力。例如，供应阀158可以被打开一些任意的时间量，并且“目标压力”可以被设定为已经达到目标阀打开时间并且供应阀158已经关闭之后的压力。
根据示例性实施例，通过供水阀158的填充体积、水位和流速以及其他洗涤流体参数可以基于比如供水压力、阀模型或配置、经验数据、理论数据、流量模型或任何其他合适的因素来近似。例如，供水阀158可以是定流量阀，当供水155保持在适当的高压时(比如在市政供水源的情况下)，其提供相对恒定的洗涤流体流速。因此，通过知道供水阀158何时打开和关闭以及来自供水阀158的洗涤流体的流速，控制器166可以计算分配的流体的量或体积，并确定供水阀158应该打开以供应目标体积的洗涤流体的目标时间。
步骤230包括操作排放组件以从贮槽排放洗涤流体。在这方面，继续上面的示例，排放泵146和排放组件144可以被选择性地操作，以促使洗涤流体190从贮槽142，通过排放软管150，通过外部排放口148，并进入竖管152。通常，当排放泵146不再能够通过外部排放口148排放洗涤流体190时，例如，当排放泵146排完要泵送的洗涤流体并开始抽吸入空气时，排放循环停止。值得注意的是，在排放循环结束并且排放泵146关闭之后，包含在排放软管150内的残留洗涤流体，例如，在泵排放口176和外部排放口148之间的残留洗涤流体，回流到贮槽142中。值得注意的是，对于具有较高的外部排放口148或竖管152的安装，更多的残留洗涤流体回流到贮槽142中，并且可能影响后续的填充循环。步骤240至260被设计成补偿这种残留的洗涤流体。
步骤240包括操作供应阀以将第二体积的洗涤流体提供到贮槽中，使得贮槽压力达到目标压力。值得注意的是，来自第一次填充循环的较高体积的残留洗涤水将导致较低的第二体积以及第一体积和第二体积之间的较大差异。因此，步骤250包括至少部分地基于第一体积和第二体积之间的差异来确定排放组件的外部排放口被提升。值得注意的是，如下文更详细描述的，如果外部排放口被认为是被提升的或非标准的，控制器166可以采取校正措施来改善洗涤性能或节约用水。
根据示例性实施例，至少部分地基于第一体积和第二体积之间的差异来确定外部排放口被提升可以包括比较用于分配第一体积和第二体积的阀打开时间。在这方面，在第一填充循环期间，控制器166可以监测或测量供应阀158打开以提供第一体积使得贮槽压力达到目标压力的第一时间。随后，在第二填充循环期间，控制器166可以测量供应阀158打开以提供第二体积使得贮槽压力达到目标压力的第二时间。通过比较第一时间和第二时间，控制器166可被编程以确定外部排放口148是否提升或提升到什么程度，并采取适当的校正措施。
例如，如果第一时间和第二时间之间的差值超过预定的时间阈值，则可以认为外部排放口“被提升”。例如，预定时间阈值可以在大约0.5秒和1分钟之间，在大约1秒和45秒之间，在大约5秒和30秒之间，或者在大约10秒和20秒之间。其他合适的时间阈值是可能的，并且在本主题的范围内。
根据另一示例性实施例，至少部分地基于与第一体积和第二体积的差异来确定外部排放口被提升可以包括直接比较体积或它们相应的压力。例如，如果确定第一体积和第二体积之间的差值超过预定的体积阈值，则可以认为外部排放口“被提升”。根据示例性实施例，该预定体积阈值可以在约0.1/1加仑之间、在约0.2和0.7加仑之间、在约0.3和0.5加仑之间，或者任何其他合适的体积阈值。值得注意的是，根据示例性实施例，第一体积和第二体积之间的差异至少部分地对应于回流到贮槽142中的残留洗涤流体的量。可以基于特定的应用、 机器尺寸等来相应地设置预定的体积阈值。
步骤260包括响应于确定外部排放口被提升，调整洗衣机设备的至少一个操作参数。如这里所使用的，洗衣机设备100的“操作参数”是任何循环设置、操作时间、部件设置、旋转速度、零件配置或其他可能影响洗衣机设备100的性能的操作特性。因此，提及操作参数调整或“调整至少一个操作参数”意指至少部分地基于外部排放口的高度或其他***参数来改善***性能的控制动作。
例如，调整操作参数可以包括减少后续填充循环的填充体积，以补偿未能从排放软管150排出的残留洗涤流体。此外，调整操作参数可以包括操纵衣物类型检测算法、负载大小检测算法或洗衣机设备100的旋转循环或速度中的至少一个。其他操作参数调整是可能的并且在本主题的范围内。
为了说明和讨论的目的，图5描绘了以特定顺序执行的步骤。使用本文提供的公开内容，本领域的普通技术人员将理解，在不脱离本公开内容的范围的情况下，本文讨论的任何方法的步骤可以以不同方式进行调整、重新安排、扩展、省略或修改。此外，尽管使用洗衣机设备100作为示例来解释方法200的各方面，但是应当理解，这些方法可以应用于任何合适的洗衣机设备的操作。
本书面描述使用示例来公开本发明(包括最佳模式)，并且还使得本领域任何技术人员能够实践本发明，包括制造和使用任何装置或***以及执行任何结合的方法。本发明的专利范围由权利要求限定，并且可以包括本领域技术人员想到的其它示例。如果这样的其它示例包括不与权利要求的字面语言不同的结构元件或者如果它们包括与权利要求的字面语言无实质差异的等同结构元件，则这些其它示例图在权利要求的范围内。

Claims (20)

  1. 一种洗衣机设备，包括：
    贮槽，所述贮槽用于收集洗涤流体；
    供应阀，所述供应阀用于将洗涤流体提供到贮槽中；
    排放组件，所述排放组件包括排放软管，所述排放软管将贮槽流体地联接到外部排放口，用于通过所述外部排放口排放洗涤流体；
    水位检测***，所述水位检测***包括流体地联接到贮槽的压力传感器；以及
    控制器，所述控制器操作性地联接到供应阀、排放组件和水位检测***，所述控制器被配置成：
    使用水位检测***测量贮槽压力；
    操作供应阀以将第一体积的洗涤流体提供到贮槽中，使得贮槽压力达到目标压力；
    操作排放组件以从贮槽排出洗涤流体；
    操作供应阀以将第二体积的洗涤流体提供到贮槽中，使得贮槽压力达到目标压力；以及
    至少部分地基于第一体积和第二体积之间的差异确定所述外部排放口被提升。
  2. 根据权利要求1所述的洗衣机设备，其中，操作供应阀以将第一体积的洗涤流体提供到贮槽中是在安装过程中或当洗衣机设备中没有洗涤流体时执行的。
  3. 根据权利要求1所述的洗衣机设备，其中，所述控制器还被配置成：
    在向贮槽中提供第一体积的洗涤流体之前，确定洗涤篮是空的。
  4. 根据权利要求1所述的洗衣机设备，其中，所述目标压力是由水位检测***检测的第一非零压力测量值。
  5. 根据权利要求1所述的洗衣机设备，其中，操作供应阀以提供第一体积的洗涤流体包括：
    打开供应阀预定的填充时间，目标压力由水位检测***在预定的填充时间结束时测量。
  6. 根据权利要求1所述的洗衣机设备，其中，至少部分地基于第一体积和第二体积之间的差异确定所述外部排放口被提升包括：
    测量供应阀打开以提供第一体积以达到目标压力的第一时间；
    测量供应阀打开以提供第二体积以达到目标压力的第二时间；以及
    确定第一时间和第二时间之间的差值超过预定的时间阈值。
  7. 根据权利要求6所述的洗衣机设备，其中，所述预定的时间阈值在5秒和30秒之间。
  8. 根据权利要求1所述的洗衣机设备，其中，至少部分地基于第一体积和第二体积之间的差异确定所述外部排放口被提升包括：
    确定第一体积和第二体积之间的差异超过预定的体积阈值。
  9. 根据权利要求8所述的洗衣机设备，其中，所述预定的体积阈值是0.3加仑。
  10. 根据权利要求1所述的洗衣机设备，其中，所述控制器还被配置成：
    响应于确定外部排放口被提升，调节所述洗衣机设备的至少一个操作参数。
  11. 根据权利要求10所述的洗衣机设备，其中，调节所述洗衣机设备的至少一个操作参数包括：
    减少后续填充循环的填充量，以补偿未能从排放软管排出的残留洗涤流体。
  12. 根据权利要求10所述的洗衣机设备，其中，调节所述洗衣机设备的至少一个操作参数包括：
    操纵衣物类型检测算法、负载大小检测算法或洗衣机设备的旋转循环中的至少一个。
  13. 根据权利要求1所述的洗衣机设备，其中，所述控制器还被配置成通过以下步骤来确定第一体积和第二体积：
    获取流入贮槽的洗涤流体流的流速；和
    通过将流速乘以供应阀打开的时间的量来确定第一体积和第二体积。
  14. 一种用于操作洗衣机设备的方法，所述洗衣机设备包括用于收集洗涤流体的贮槽、用于将洗涤流体提供到贮槽中的供应阀、包括用于通过外部排放口排放洗涤流体的排放软管的排放组件、以及用于测量贮槽压力的水位检测***，该方法包括：
    使用水位检测***测量贮槽压力；
    操作供应阀以将第一体积的洗涤流体提供到贮槽中，使得贮槽压力达到目标压力；
    操作排放组件以从贮槽排出洗涤流体；
    操作供应阀以将第二体积的洗涤流体提供到贮槽中，使得贮槽压力达到目标压力；以及
    至少部分地基于第一体积和第二体积之间的差异确定所述外部排放口被提升。
  15. 根据权利要求14所述的方法，其中，操作供应阀以将第一体积的洗涤流体提供到贮槽中是在安装过程中或者当洗衣机设备中没有洗涤流体时执行的。
  16. 根据权利要求14所述的方法，其中，至少部分地基于第一体积和第二体积之间的差异确定所述外部排放口被升高包括：
    测量供应阀打开以提供第一体积以达到目标压力的第一时间；
    测量供应阀打开以提供第二体积以达到目标压力的第二时间；和
    确定第一时间和第二时间之间的差值超过预定的时间阈值。
  17. 根据权利要求14所述的方法，其中，至少部分地基于第一体积和第二体积之间的差异确定所述外部排放口被升高包括：
    确定第一体积和第二体积之间的差值超过预定的体积阈值。
  18. 根据权利要求14所述的方法，进一步包括：
    响应于确定外部排放口被提升，调节洗衣机设备的至少一个操作参数。
  19. 根据权利要求18所述的方法，其中，调节洗衣机设备的至少一个操作参数包括：
    减少后续填充循环的填充量，以补偿未能从排放软管排出的残留洗涤流体。
  20. 根据权利要求18所述的方法，其中，调节洗衣机设备的至少一个操作参数包括：
    操纵衣物类型检测算法、负载大小检测算法或洗衣机设备的旋转循环中的至少一个。
PCT/CN2021/106659 2020-07-17 2021-07-16 用于检测洗衣机设备的提升的排放口的***和方法 WO2022012648A1 (zh)

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