CN117845567A - Clothes treatment equipment and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of clothes treatment equipment, and discloses clothes treatment equipment and a control method thereof, wherein the clothes treatment equipment comprises: a washing tub; the stirring device is rotatably arranged in the washing barrel, a first washing space is formed between the stirring device and the inner wall of the washing barrel, a second washing space is formed by the hollow inside of the stirring device, and a communication port communicated with the second washing space is formed on the stirring device; the blocking mechanism is arranged on the stirring device and is provided with a blocking state for blocking and communicating the first washing space and the second washing space of the password, and an opening state for opening the communication port to conduct the first washing space and the second washing space. According to the invention, the inside of the washing barrel is provided with two mutually isolated washing spaces, loads in the two washing spaces can be simultaneously washed by rotating the stirring device, so that the classified washing of clothes can be realized, and cross contamination among different types of clothes is avoided.

Description

Clothes treatment equipment and control method thereof

Technical Field

The invention belongs to the technical field of clothes treatment equipment, and particularly relates to clothes treatment equipment and a control method thereof.

Background

Along with the development of society, the life rhythm of people is accelerated, the time for doing housework is gradually reduced, and further, the use demands of users on clothes treatment equipment such as washing machines and the like are not only limited to washing large clothes or clothes difficult to wash by hands, but also the washing demands on small clothes are gradually increased.

Most of the prior art washing machines have only a single tub, and for different types of laundry, the washing machines need to be placed in the same tub for washing. For example, fig. 1 shows a prior art washing machine comprising an outer tub 2 and an inner tub 1 coaxially arranged, wherein a rotatable stirring paddle 3 is arranged in the inner tub 1. When a user uses the washing machine, the objects to be washed are uniformly placed in the inner tub 1, and the washing water is stirred by the rotation of the stirring paddles 3 or the opposite rotation of the stirring paddles 3 and the inner tub 1, so that the washing of the clothes is realized.

However, when a user has a need for washing both large and small laundry, if the large and small laundry are selected to be simultaneously put into the washing tub for washing, cross-contamination may be caused between different laundry, especially when washing adult laundry and child laundry simultaneously, or washing coat and underwear simultaneously, not being hygienic enough.

However, washing large clothes and small clothes in batches is time-consuming and labor-consuming, and because the washing machine is preset with the lowest washing water level, when the small clothes are washed independently, the situation that the washing water consumption is too large relative to the total amount of the clothes exists even if the lowest washing water level is adopted, so that the water resource is wasted when the existing washing machine is used for washing the small clothes independently, and the problem of high power consumption exists.

For most user families, purchasing a small washing machine alone for washing small clothes is equivalent to increasing a cost, and meanwhile, the washing machine occupies extra space in the home, so that the user experience is poor.

In view of this, the present invention has been made.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention aims to solve the technical problems of overcoming the defects of the prior art, and provides a clothes treatment device and a control method thereof, which can realize the partition simultaneous cleaning of different types of clothes and simultaneously avoid the cross contamination among the different types of clothes.

In order to solve the technical problems, the invention adopts the basic conception of the technical scheme that:

a laundry treatment apparatus comprising:

a washing tub;

the stirring device is rotatably arranged in the washing barrel, a first washing space is formed between the stirring device and the inner wall of the washing barrel, a second washing space is formed by the hollow inside of the stirring device, and a communication port communicated with the second washing space is formed on the stirring device;

The blocking mechanism is arranged on the stirring device and is provided with a blocking state for blocking and communicating the first washing space and the second washing space of the password, and an opening state for opening the communication port to conduct the first washing space and the second washing space.

Further, the blocking mechanism is in a blocking state, and the stirring device can rotate relative to the washing barrel.

Further, the stirring device also comprises a telescopic jacking mechanism, wherein the jacking mechanism is arranged below the stirring device; the pushing mechanism stretches out to act on the plugging mechanism, so that the plugging mechanism is in an opening state of opening the communication port, the pushing mechanism is retracted to be separated from the plugging mechanism, and the plugging mechanism is reset to a plugging state to plug the communication port.

Further, the second washing space has an upper side opening; the laundry treating apparatus further includes a main water inlet device for feeding water into the first washing space, and a spray water inlet device for feeding water into the second washing space through the opening by spraying water flow.

Further, the opening is arranged in the central area of the top surface of the stirring device; the water injection and inlet device comprises a nozzle for injecting water flow, the nozzle is arranged above the barrel opening of the washing barrel and close to the peripheral area of the barrel opening, the water flow is injected towards the axis of the washing barrel, and the injected water flow falls into the opening of the top surface of the stirring device along a parabola under the action of gravity.

Further, the top of the stirring device is provided with an opening communicated with the second washing space, and the height of the opening is lower than that of a barrel opening of the washing barrel;

preferably, an openable cover is mounted at the opening.

Further, a pulsator which can rotate relative to the stirring device is arranged in the second washing space.

Further, the axis of the washing barrel, the rotation axis of the stirring device and the rotation axis of the impeller are coincident.

Further, the water content when the second washing space reaches the highest water level is smaller than the water content when the first washing space reaches the lowest water level.

In the control method of the clothes treatment equipment, in the washing process, the blocking mechanism keeps a blocking state of blocking the communication port, and the first washing space and the second washing space are mutually isolated to contain water for washing.

Further, in the washing process, the stirring device is controlled to rotate, and the load in the first washing space and the load in the second washing space are washed simultaneously.

Further, a pulsator which can rotate relative to the stirring device is arranged in the second washing space;

in the washing process, the impeller is controlled to keep static, so that the stirring device and the impeller form relative rotation; or, in the washing process, the pulsator is controlled to rotate, and relative rotation is generated between the stirring device and the pulsator.

Further, after washing is finished, the blocking mechanism keeps a blocking state, and the washing barrel is controlled to drain outwards;

after the water in the first washing space is completely discharged, the blocking mechanism is controlled to be switched to an open state to open the communication port, and the water in the second washing space is discharged into the first washing space through the communication port and then is discharged out of the washing barrel.

Further, before water starts to enter, the blocking mechanism keeps a blocking state; the laundry treating apparatus supplies water to the first washing space and the second washing space, respectively.

Further, in the dehydration process, the stirring device is controlled to rotate to dehydrate the load in the second washing space, and the washing barrel is controlled to rotate to dehydrate the load in the first washing space.

By adopting the technical scheme, compared with the prior art, the invention has the following beneficial effects.

According to the invention, the stirring device with the hollow structure is arranged in the washing barrel, so that the interior of the washing barrel is divided into two mutually isolated washing spaces, and different types of clothes can be separated and washed simultaneously in the washing process. Meanwhile, the first washing space and the second washing space are isolated when the clothes are in a blocking state by matching with the setting of the blocking mechanism, so that cross contamination among different types of clothes is prevented.

According to the invention, when the blocking mechanism blocks the communication port, the stirring device can rotate relative to the washing barrel, in the process of washing clothes, the stirring device can simultaneously clean the load in the first washing space and the load in the second washing space, the washing water in the two washing spaces cannot flow mutually, and the aim of simultaneously washing different types of clothes in an isolated manner is fulfilled.

In the present invention, the laundry treating apparatus is provided with a main water inlet device and a spray water inlet device so as to feed water into two washing spaces respectively in one-to-one correspondence. When draining, the water in the first washing space is drained out of the washing barrel, and then the blocking mechanism is controlled to open the communication port, so that the washing water in the second washing space is drained out. In the whole clothes washing process, the washing water in the two washing spaces is not contacted, so that cross contamination among clothes is avoided to the greatest extent.

The following describes the embodiments of the present invention in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the invention. It is evident that the drawings in the following description are only examples, from which other drawings can be obtained by a person skilled in the art without the inventive effort. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a related art washing machine;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a clothing processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic structural view of a garment treatment apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing the construction of a clothing processing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 5 is a flowchart of a control method of the clothes treating apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure: 1. an inner barrel; 2. an outer tub; 3. stirring paddles; 100. a washing tub; 200. a water tub; 300. a stirring device; 301. stirring ribs; 302. an opening; 400. a pulsator; 510. a plugging mechanism; 600. a nozzle; 700. a transmission system; 800. a drain pipe; A. a first washing space; B. and a second washing space.

It should be noted that these drawings and the written description are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive concept in any way, but to illustrate the inventive concept to those skilled in the art by referring to the specific embodiments.

Detailed Description

For the purpose of making the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more apparent, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention, and the following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the positional or positional relationship indicated by the terms such as "upper", "lower", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc. are based on the positional or positional relationship shown in the drawings, are merely for convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the apparatus or element in question must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless explicitly specified and limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" are to be construed broadly, and may be either fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrally connected, for example; can be mechanically or electrically connected; can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium. The specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention will be understood in specific cases by those of ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in fig. 2 to 4, the laundry treating apparatus of the present invention includes:

a washing tub 100;

the stirring device 300 is rotatably arranged in the washing barrel 100, a first washing space A is formed between the stirring device 300 and the inner wall of the washing barrel 100, a second washing space B is formed in the stirring device 300 in a hollow mode, and a communication port communicated with the second washing space B is formed in the stirring device 300;

The blocking mechanism 510 is disposed on the stirring device 300, and has a blocking state for blocking the first washing space a and the second washing space B, which are communicated with each other, and an open state for opening the communication port to conduct the first washing space a and the second washing space B.

In the above-described aspect, the stirring device 300 has a hollow structure inside, and is installed in the washing tub 100, and the first washing space a and the second washing space B may be formed at both inner and outer sides of the stirring device 300, respectively. The blocking mechanism 510 is configured to block the communication port of the stirring device 300, so that the first washing space a and the second washing space B can be isolated from each other to hold water. The user can put different types of clothes into different washing spaces to be washed simultaneously, and because the first washing space A and the second washing space B are not communicated, cross contamination among different types of clothes in the washing process is effectively prevented.

As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the blocking mechanism 510 is in a blocked state, and the stirring device 300 can rotate relative to the washing tub 100.

In the above-described aspect, the blocking mechanism 510 is disposed on the stirring device 300, and does not affect the rotation of the stirring device 300 relative to the washing tub 100 when it is in the blocking state. In this way, when the first washing space a and the second washing space B are filled with water separately from each other, the stirring device 300 may be controlled to rotate in the washing tub 100, thereby simultaneously stirring the washing water at both inner and outer sides and simultaneously washing the loads in the first washing space a and the second washing space B.

Example 1

As shown in fig. 2, the laundry treating apparatus according to the present embodiment includes at least a washing tub 100 and a stirring device 300. Wherein the stirring device 300 is rotatably disposed inside the washing tub 100, and the inside thereof is hollow to form a second washing space B, and a first washing space a is formed between the outside of the stirring device 300 and the inner wall of the washing tub 100.

The stirring device 300 is provided with a communication port communicated with the second washing space B, and is also provided with a plugging mechanism 510. The plugging mechanism 510 has two different operating states, a plugged state and an open state. In the blocking state, the blocking mechanism 510 blocks the communication port, so that the first washing space a and the second washing space B are isolated from each other; in the open state, the blocking mechanism 510 opens the communication port, so that the first washing space a and the second washing space B can be conducted.

In this embodiment, during the washing process of the laundry treatment apparatus, the blocking mechanism 510 maintains a blocking state of blocking the communication port, so that the first washing space a and the second washing space B are isolated from each other to hold water for washing. After the washing is completed, the blocking mechanism 510 is controlled to switch to the on state, so that the washing water in the second washing space B can be discharged from the communication port.

In the above-described aspect, the stirring device 300 having a hollow structure inside is installed in the washing tub 100, and the stirring device 300 has a certain height along the axial direction of the washing tub 100, so that the inner space of the washing tub 100 is partitioned into the first washing space a and the second washing space B. Meanwhile, the stirring device 300 is provided with a communication port, so that the water draining function of the second washing space B can be realized. The blocking mechanism 510 is disposed on the stirring device 300, and can control blocking and opening of the communication port, and the blocking mechanism 510 isolates the first washing space a from the second washing space B when blocking the communication port, so that the two can be mutually isolated for containing water.

When washing laundry using the laundry treating apparatus of the present embodiment, a user may input different types of laundry into the first washing space a and the second washing space B, respectively, for example, large laundry is placed in the first washing space a and small laundry is placed in the second washing space B. The clothes treating apparatus can wash the loads in the first washing space A and the second washing space B simultaneously, and the clothes of different types are not contacted in the washing process, and meanwhile, the first washing space A and the second washing space B are not communicated with each other, so that cross contamination among different clothes can be prevented.

In a further aspect of this embodiment, the stirring device 300 can rotate relative to the washing tub 100 when the blocking mechanism 510 is in the blocking state. The laundry treating apparatus controls the stirring device 300 to rotate during washing, thereby simultaneously washing the load in the first washing space a and the load in the second washing space B.

In a preferred embodiment of the present embodiment, the stirring device 300 rotates in a forward and reverse direction alternately during the washing process, and simultaneously forms water flow stirring in the first washing space a and the second washing space B, thereby washing the load in the two washing spaces.

Specifically, the stirring bar 301 is provided on the outer surface of the stirring device 300, and plays a role in stirring the washing water in the first washing space a as the stirring device 300 rotates. Inside the second washing space B, the washing water flows in the same direction with the rotation of the stirring device 300, but is influenced by inertia, and the flow of the washing water lags behind the rotation of the stirring device 300, so that the agitation of the water flow can be also formed in the second washing space B.

Preferably, the inner wall of the second washing space B is provided with a protruding structure, which can stir the washing water in the second washing space B along with the rotation of the stirring device 300, so as to enhance the water flow intensity in the second washing space B, further improve the washing force and improve the washing effect.

More preferably, the inner wall of the second washing space B has a profiling structure by which a concavo-convex undulating structure in the circumferential direction is formed on the inner wall of the second washing space B. The effective stirring of the washing water in the second washing space B can be realized through the profiling structure, and meanwhile, the concave-convex fluctuation formed by the profiling structure is relatively gentle, so that the friction force of the inner wall of the second washing space B to the load in the stirring device 300 in the rotating process can be reduced. In particular, in this embodiment, the second washing space B is mainly used for washing small clothes, the wear resistance of the second washing space B is poor, and the profiling structure is arranged on the inner wall of the second washing space B to agitate the washing water, so that the washed load can be protected from being worn.

In the above-described scheme, the rotation of the stirring device 300 can simultaneously form water flow stirring in the first washing space a and the second washing space B, thereby achieving the purpose of simultaneously washing the loads in the two washing spaces. In the rotation process of the stirring device 300, the blocking mechanism 510 blocks the communication port, the washing water between the first washing space a and the second washing space B does not circulate, and the user can wash different types of laundry at the same time without worrying about cross contamination between the laundry.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the blocking mechanism 510 is in the opened state, the stirring device 300 is stationary with respect to the tub 100.

To switch the blocking mechanism 510 between different working states, in a specific aspect of this embodiment, the laundry treating apparatus further includes a retractable opening mechanism (not shown in the figure). The plugging mechanism 510 is installed at the bottom of the stirring device 300, and the pushing mechanism is arranged below the stirring device 300, and extends out to act on the plugging mechanism 510, so that the plugging mechanism 510 can be in an open state for opening the communication port. When the jack-up mechanism is retracted and separated from the blocking mechanism 510, the blocking mechanism 510 is reset to the blocking state to re-block the communication port.

In this embodiment, the initial state of the pushing-open mechanism is a retracted state separated from the plugging mechanism 510, and correspondingly, the initial state of the plugging mechanism 510 is a plugged state, that is, the communication port on the stirring device 300 is kept plugged in a normal state.

As a detailed version of this embodiment, the plugging mechanism 510 includes at least a valve plug and an elastic member. The valve plug is mounted at the communication port of the stirring device 300 in a vertically reciprocating manner, and the elastic member applies an elastic force to the valve plug so as to maintain the valve plug in sealing contact with the communication port. The jacking mechanism stretches out upwards to be in contact with the valve plug, and pushes the valve plug to move upwards to be separated from the communication port, so that the communication port is opened to realize drainage. The pushing mechanism is retracted downwards, and the valve plug is reset to a position in sealing contact with the communication port under the action of the elastic force of the elastic piece, so that the communication port is plugged again.

In a further aspect of this embodiment, the laundry treating apparatus includes a main water intake device and a spray water intake device. The main water inlet device is used for feeding water into the first washing space A, and the jet water inlet device is used for feeding water into the second washing space B. When a user washes laundry using two washing spaces simultaneously, the laundry treating apparatus may separately feed water into the two washing spaces without requiring a water feed flow from one of the washing spaces into the other washing space to achieve water feed.

In this way, the user can put the clothes to be washed into two different washing spaces in advance, and start the clothes treatment device to start water inflow, without worrying about cross contamination between the clothes. After the water inlet operation is finished, the clothes treatment equipment can continue to execute the subsequent program, the user does not need to participate in the process, and the user experience is better.

Specifically, the main water inlet device (not shown) may be directly fed into the washing tub 100, similar to the water inlet device in the conventional washing machine. The injection water inlet device and the main water inlet device are communicated with an external water source through the same water inlet pipeline, and injection water can be generated to flow to the second washing space B inside the stirring device 300 for water inlet.

In this embodiment, the second washing space B has an upper opening 302, and the injection water generated by the injection water inlet device flows through the opening 302 to enter the second washing space B, so as to achieve the purpose of water inlet into the second washing space B.

Further, the rotation axis of the stirring device 300 coincides with the axis of the washing tub 100, and the opening 302 is provided in a central region of the top surface of the stirring device 300. The spray water inlet device includes a nozzle 600 for spraying water flow, the nozzle 600 being disposed above the tub mouth of the washing tub 100 near the outer peripheral region of the tub mouth, and spraying water flow toward the axis of the washing tub 100 to thereby feed water into the second washing space B.

Specifically, the laundry treating apparatus further includes a tub 200 coaxially provided outside the tub 100 with the tub 100, a nozzle 600 is mounted on a tub opening of the tub 200, extends above the tub opening of the tub 100 in a radial direction of the tub 200, and a water outlet of the nozzle 600 is located on an end surface of the extended tip. The water flow is sprayed in a horizontal or nearly horizontal direction by the nozzle 600, and by controlling the speed or pressure of the sprayed water flow to be in a proper range, the sprayed water flow can fall into the second washing space B through the opening 302 to achieve water inflow.

In this embodiment, the opening 302 is also used for placing laundry in the second washing space B by a user and taking out the laundry after washing from the second washing space B, which is convenient to operate.

In a further aspect of this embodiment, the top of the stirring device 300 is lower than the height of the tub 100 at the bung, and the opening 302 communicating with the second washing space B is also lower than the bung of the tub 100. This arrangement prevents the stirring device 300 from occupying a space above the tub 100 on the one hand, and prevents the problem that the splashed water flows fall outside the tub 200 when the water flow in the second washing space B is splashed outwardly from the opening 302 during washing or dehydrating on the other hand.

In a preferred version of this embodiment, the height of the stirring device 300 is higher than the highest water level of the tub 100. In this way, when the highest water level is used for laundry washing, the stirring device 300 may still separate the first washing space a and the second washing space B inside the washing tub 100, thereby achieving the purpose that the user can sort laundry and simultaneously wash.

In a further aspect of this embodiment, a pulsator 400 rotatable relative to the stirring device 300 is disposed in the second washing space B. In the washing process, the pulsator 400 is controlled to be kept stationary or to rotate in an asynchronous manner with the stirring device 300 (for example, the pulsator 400 is controlled to rotate in a direction opposite to the stirring device 300), so that relative rotation movement is generated between the stirring device 300 and the pulsator 400, the stirring force of water flow can be enhanced, and the washing effect of the load in the second washing space B is enhanced.

In the embodiment of the present embodiment, the pulsator 400 is disposed at a certain height in the second washing space B, and small laundry or the like placed in the second washing space B is washed in a space above the pulsator 400. And along with the relative rotation generated between the stirring device 300 and the pulsator 400, the washing water in the second washing space B can circulate at the upper and lower sides of the pulsator 400, further enhancing the washing effect on the laundry.

Meanwhile, in the dehydration process, most of the water separated from the load is thrown out from the upper opening 302 in the second washing space B, but when the rotation speed of the stirring device 300 is low in the initial stage of dehydration or when the dehydration is close to the end, water flows downwards to the lower part of the pulsator 400, but the load is blocked by the pulsator 400 and cannot enter the space below the pulsator 400, so that the water separated from the load can be separated from the load as soon as possible, the load cannot contact with the separated water after the dehydration is ended, the problem that the load reabsorbs the separated water is solved, and the dehydration rate of the load is ensured.

In this embodiment, the axis of the washing tub 100, the rotation axis of the stirring device 300, and the rotation axis of the pulsator 400 are coincident. A driving system 700 is provided under the tub 200, and is connected to the tub 100, the stirring device 300, and the pulsator 400, respectively. The transmission system 700 is connected to a driving motor (not shown) which can independently rotate the washing tub 100, the stirring device 300, and the pulsator 400 through the transmission system 700, respectively. For example, the stirring device 300 is driven to rotate independently during washing, or the stirring device 300 and the pulsator 400 are driven to rotate separately, or the washing tub 100 and the stirring device 300 are driven to rotate at high speed during dehydration, respectively.

In a further aspect of this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the second washing space B inside the stirring device 300 in the horizontal direction is significantly smaller than the cross-sectional area of the washing tub 100. Through the proportion design of the two cross-sectional areas, the water containing quantity when the second washing space B reaches the highest water level is smaller than the water containing quantity when the first washing space A reaches the lowest water level.

Because the blocking mechanism 510 provided on the stirring device 300 keeps the communication port blocked in normal state, the second washing space B can independently hold water, and the first washing space a can not hold water, so that a user can only place small clothes in the second washing space B, and the clothes treatment device of the embodiment can be used for washing the small clothes independently. When small pieces of laundry are washed individually, the laundry is entirely placed in the second washing space B, and the washing apparatus only supplies water to the second washing space B, but does not supply water to the first washing space a. Since the water content of the second washing space B reaches the highest water level is still lower than that of the first washing space a reaches the lowest water level, the washing water consumption is greatly reduced compared with the manner of directly washing small laundry in the washing tub 100.

In this embodiment, the diameter of the outer side of the stirring device 300 is gradually reduced from bottom to top, and the distance between the outer circumference of the stirring device 300 and the inner side wall of the washing tub 100 is small at the bottom of the stirring device 300. With the above-described structure of the stirring device 300, the stirring ribs 301 of the surface thereof extend in the radial direction toward the axis of the washing tub 100 from a position near the inner side wall of the washing tub 100 in the bottom region of the washing tub 100, and are bent upward gradually to be extended in the axial direction of the washing tub 100.

During the washing, the stirring device 300 is rotated in a forward and reverse direction alternately, and the washing water is simultaneously stirred by the stirring bar 301 in the peripheral region of the bottom of the washing tub 100 and the region near the axis of the middle of the washing tub 100 in the first washing space a. Because the directions of the stirring forces applied to the washing water in different areas are not completely the same, the washing machine can drive the load in the first washing space A to rotate along the circumferential direction in the washing barrel 100 along with the water flow, and can drive the load to turn up and down, thereby preventing the mutual winding between the loads and further enhancing the washing effect.

Further, a drain pipe 800 is connected to the bottom of the tub 200 for draining water to the outside of the laundry treating apparatus. The washing tub 100 of the present embodiment may provide a dehydration hole in a tub wall in communication with the tub 200 so that water is held by the tub 200 during washing, and the washing tub 100 holds a load to be washed for washing. When water drainage is required, the laundry treating apparatus controls the tub 200 to be connected to the outside through the drain pipe 800, i.e., the washing water in the washing tub 100 (including the washing water in the first washing space a and the washing water discharged into the first washing space a from the second washing space B) is discharged out of the laundry treating apparatus.

The washing tub 100 may also have a structure in which a dehydration hole is not provided at least in a region below the highest water level so that the washing tub 100 independently holds water during washing, and no water exists between the tub 200 and the washing tub 100. At this time, the tub 200 is mainly used to receive the drain water of the washing tub 100 and to be directed outward. A drain control device is provided at the bottom or under the tub 100, and when drainage is required, the drain control device conducts the tub 100 with the tub 200, and the washing water in the tub 100 (including the washing water in the first washing space a and the washing water drained into the first washing space a from the second washing space B) can be drained into the tub 200, and further drained out through the drain pipe 800.

In this embodiment, a push-open mechanism for controlling an operation state of the blocking mechanism 510 is installed on the tub 200, and when the push-open mechanism is extended, the blocking mechanism 510 is acted upon through the tub bottom of the tub 100. Since the blocking mechanism 510 is eccentrically disposed at the bottom of the stirring device 300, and thus the knock-out mechanism is also eccentrically disposed with respect to the tub 100, when the knock-out mechanism controls the blocking mechanism 510 to open the communication port, the relative position between the tub 100 and the tub 200 is also fixed, i.e., the tub 100 remains stationary with respect to the tub 200. Only when the knock-out mechanism is retracted, the blocking mechanism 510 is in a blocking state to block the communication port, the washing tub 100 can be rotated.

The clothes treating apparatus of the embodiment has the hollow stirring device 300, and the first washing space a and the second washing space B which are isolated from each other can be formed in the washing tub 100, and the washing water in the first washing space a and the washing water in the second washing space B can be simultaneously stirred by the forward and reverse alternate rotation of the stirring device 300, so that the washed loads in the two washing spaces are driven to turn over along with the water flow, and the washing of the loads is realized. The pulsator 400 is additionally arranged in the second washing space B, so that the washing force of the load in the washing space B can be further enhanced, and the washing effect is improved. The clothes treatment equipment of this embodiment has satisfied the demand that the user washs different grade type clothing through a clothes treatment equipment simultaneously, and does not circulate each other between the washing water in the different washing spaces, has effectively prevented cross contamination between the different grade type clothing.

Example two

As shown in fig. 3, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that: the height of the stirring device 300 is lower than the height of the tub 100.

Specifically, the height of the stirring device 300 in this example is less than half of the height of the washing tub 100, and the pulsator 400 is disposed at the bottom of the second washing space B.

In this embodiment, the amount of water contained in the second washing space B is smaller than in the first embodiment because there is no space below the pulsator 400 for containing only washing water but not the load to be washed. Especially, when the user washes small laundry with the separate stirring device 300, less washing water is required, and water is more saved.

The laundry treating apparatus of the present embodiment can also achieve the purpose of washing different types of laundry simultaneously in the zones. Specifically, when the required washing water level in the first washing space a is lower than the height of the opening 302, the washing water in the first washing space a and the second washing space B are not communicated with each other through the opening 302, and thus the first washing space a and the second washing space B wash the load therein independently, there is no communication of the washing water, and a problem of cross contamination of laundry may be caused.

And when the load amount of the washing which the user needs to place in the first washing space a is large, the washing water level required in the first washing space a is correspondingly higher. Since the overall height of the stirring device 300 is short, the top opening 302 thereof is lower than the highest water level of the tub 100, and it may occur that the required washing water level in the first washing space a is higher than the opening 302.

At this time, in order to ensure that the laundry treating apparatus can still achieve the washing of laundry in the first washing space a and the second washing space B simultaneously and separately from each other, the laundry treating apparatus of the present embodiment preferably further comprises a cover that is openable and closable provided at the opening 302. The cover body can be buckled at the opening 302 to realize the sealing of the opening 302. On the one hand, the first washing space A and the second washing space B are separated, so that the mutual communication of washing water in the two washing spaces is prevented, and on the other hand, the load in the second washing space B, such as small clothes, is prevented from drifting out of the opening 302 into the first washing space A, and the washing effect is prevented from being influenced.

As a specific aspect of this embodiment, the cover is detachably mounted on the stirring device 300, and a user may use the stirring device 300 to wash the laundry alone, or may choose not to mount the cover when the washing water level in the first washing space a is lower than the height of the opening 302, so that the opening 302 is kept open during the washing process. In this way, after the laundry treating apparatus completes the water inflow operation from the opening 302 to the second washing space B through the nozzle 600, the subsequent washing process can be directly operated without the user's operation, which is advantageous in improving washing efficiency.

Only in the case where the washing course requires that the washing water level in the first washing space a is higher than the height of the opening 302, after the laundry treating apparatus completes the operation of water inflow to the second washing space B, the user needs to manually install the cover to close the opening 302. The laundry treating apparatus then continues to feed water into the first washing unit a to the set washing water level and completely bypasses the pulsator 300, and then a subsequent washing process may be operated.

As another specific embodiment of this embodiment, the cover is installed at the opening 302 of the stirring device 300, and can open or close the opening 302. Each time the laundry treating apparatus is operated, after completing the water supply operation to the second washing space B, the user is required to manually close the cover, thereby closing the opening 302.

In the above-mentioned scheme, even if the first washing space a does not contain water or the water level in the first washing space a is lower than the height of the opening 302, the opening 302 of the second washing space B is closed by the cover, so that the second washing space B always forms a closed space when washing laundry. Therefore, when the first washing space A and the second washing space B are used for simultaneously containing water for washing, the hidden danger of cross contamination of clothes caused by the fact that washing water in one washing space enters the other washing space due to splashing of the washing water can be avoided. At the same time, especially during the dehydration, the problem that the load in the second washing space B is thrown out of the opening 302 can be prevented.

In this embodiment, the agitation device 300 provided in the laundry treating apparatus is shorter, thereby saving more water when the small load is washed using the second washing space B alone. Meanwhile, the laundry treating apparatus is provided with a cover body for closing the opening 302, particularly, when the first washing space a and the second washing space B simultaneously perform load washing, the load in the second washing space B can be prevented from drifting out of the opening 302, and simultaneously, the load can be prevented from being thrown out of the opening 302 during the dehydration process, thereby ensuring the effect of washing different types of laundry in the washing tub 100.

Example III

As shown in fig. 4, this embodiment is further defined in the first embodiment, and the opening area of the opening 302 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the middle area of the second washing space B in the height direction. By increasing the open area of the opening 302, it is more convenient for a user to take and put laundry through the opening 302.

Meanwhile, the second washing space B in this embodiment increases in cross-sectional area only in the area near the opening 302, while the cross-sectional area of the middle area remains at a small level. Because a certain interval is kept between the highest water level in the second washing space B and the opening 302, the cross-sectional area is increased in the area close to the opening 302, and obvious change of the maximum water holding amount in the second washing space B is not caused, so that the water saving effect of independently cleaning small clothes in the second washing space B is not influenced.

Preferably, in the present embodiment, the inner sidewall of the second washing space B extends downward in the vertical direction below the pulsator 400, so that the excessive water storage amount of the second washing space B below the pulsator 400 is avoided.

In a further aspect of this embodiment, the distance between the inner sidewall of the second washing space B and the rotation axis of the stirring device 300 is gradually increased from the middle region of the second washing space B toward the top opening 302, so that a structure is formed in which the opening area of the opening 302 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the middle region of the second washing space B.

Specifically, the second washing space B in this embodiment has a circular cross section, and the inner diameter of the second washing space B gradually increases from the middle region toward the top. While the inner diameter of the second washing space B remains substantially unchanged under the pulsator 400.

In this embodiment, the laundry treating apparatus dehydrates the load in the second washing space B where the washing is completed by controlling the stirring device 300 to rotate at a high speed. Since the knock-out mechanism on the tub 200 cannot act on the blocking mechanism 510 rotated with the stirring apparatus 300 to open the communication port during rotation of the stirring apparatus 300, water removed from the load cannot be discharged from the bottom of the stirring apparatus 300 during dehydration.

Before the start of the dehydration, the load in the second washing space B is located above the pulsator 400, near the middle region of the second washing space B. During the dewatering, the water removed from the load tends to flow toward the region having the larger inner diameter of the second washing space B under the influence of centrifugal force, and thus most of the water removed from the load flows upward along the inner sidewall of the second washing space B and is thrown out through the opening 302. Even if a part of water enters the space below the pulsator 400 downwards, the residual water in the second washing space B is not caused due to the small water quantity, so that the operation of controlling the blocking mechanism 510 to open the communication port to discharge the residual water again after the dehydration is finished can be omitted.

In this embodiment, by increasing the inner diameter of the second washing space B near the area of the opening 302, on the one hand, the increase of the water containing volume of the second washing space B can be avoided under the condition of increasing the opening area of the opening 302, thereby ensuring the water saving effect of the second washing space B when the user is convenient to take and put clothes. On the other hand, the water discharged from the load can be promoted to flow upwards in the dehydration process, and then is thrown out from the opening 302, so that the dehydration rate of the load is improved, meanwhile, the residual water quantity in the second washing space B after the dehydration is finished is reduced, and the additional water discharge operation after the dehydration is finished is omitted.

Example IV

As shown in fig. 2 to 4, the present embodiment provides a control method of the laundry treating apparatus as described in the first to third embodiments above, for simultaneously performing washing of laundry in the first washing space a and the second washing space B.

In this embodiment, before the laundry treatment apparatus starts to start water intake, the blocking mechanism 510 is in an initial state, that is, a blocking state in which the communication port is blocked is maintained. The blocking mechanism 510 is controlled to be maintained in a current blocking state, and the laundry treating apparatus respectively supplies water to the first washing space a and the second washing space B.

Specifically, in the water inflow process, the jack-up mechanism for controlling the switching of the operation state of the blocking mechanism 510 is always kept in the retracted state. The laundry treating apparatus may simultaneously or sequentially turn on the main water inlet device and the spray water inlet device, water is introduced into the first washing space a to a set water level through the main water inlet device, and water is sprayed outward through the spray nozzle 600 of the spray water inlet device, and water is introduced into the second washing space B to the set water level through the opening 302.

Because the blocking mechanism 510 always keeps the communication port blocked before and during the water inlet, the washing water entering the first washing space A and the washing water entering the second washing space B do not circulate, and different types of clothes are respectively soaked in the washing water in the first washing space A and the washing water in the second washing space B, so that the problem of cross contamination does not exist. After the water inflow is completed, the laundry treating apparatus starts washing the load.

In this embodiment, during the washing process, the blocking mechanism 510 keeps on the blocking state, so that the communication port keeps blocked, and the first washing space a and the second washing space B are isolated from each other to hold water. Meanwhile, the stirring device 300 is controlled to rotate in the washing tub 100, and simultaneously washes the load in the first washing space a and the load in the second washing space B.

Specifically, in the washing process, the stirring device 300 rotates in a positive-negative alternating manner, so that the load can be driven to continuously turn over in water, and a good washing effect is achieved.

As a first specific scheme of the present embodiment, the pulsator 400 is controlled to be stationary during the washing process, and the stirring device 300 is independently rotated, so that a relative rotation can be formed between the stirring device 300 and the pulsator 400, thereby enhancing the stirring force of the washing water in the second washing space B and enhancing the washing effect.

As a second specific scheme of this embodiment, the pulsator 400 is controlled to rotate during the washing process, but the rotation speed, direction, etc. of the pulsator 400 are different from those of the stirring device 300, and the relative rotation can be generated between the stirring device 300 and the pulsator 400, so as to achieve the purposes of enhancing the stirring force of the washing water and enhancing the washing effect.

In detail, the pulsator 400 may be controlled to always rotate in the opposite direction to the stirring device 300, and the rotation speeds of the pulsator 400 and the stirring device 300 may be the same or different, so that the pulsator 400 may be rotated in the opposite direction.

Alternatively, the pulsator 400 may be controlled to perform the same forward and reverse rotation operation as the stirring device 300, but the rotation operation of the pulsator 400 is delayed from the stirring device 300 by not N/2 rotation cycles. Wherein N is a positive integer, and each positive and negative rotation of the stirring device 300 is recorded as one rotation period.

As a third specific scheme of the embodiment, in the washing process, the pulsator 400 is in a state of freely rotating along with water flow, and the water flow in the second washing space B can be driven to flow by the forward and reverse alternate rotation of the stirring device 300, so that the pulsator 400 can freely rotate under the action of the water flow and can be contacted with the load in the second washing space B. The pulsator 400 may rub the load or further drive the load to move in water, thereby enhancing the washing effect. Meanwhile, since the pulsator 400 is in a free state, the force applied to the load is relatively small, and particularly, when small laundry is washed in the second washing space B, abrasion of the laundry can be prevented.

In a preferred embodiment of the present embodiment, the laundry treating apparatus presets a plurality of different washing courses, and the different washing courses correspond to different actions of the pulsator 400 during the washing process. The laundry treating apparatus controls the operation of the pulsator 400 according to a currently running washing program, i.e., controls the pulsator 400 to remain stationary during a washing process according to the washing program, or actively controls the pulsator 400 to rotate, or keeps the pulsator 400 in a free state to rotate with water current.

In this embodiment, after the washing is completed, the laundry treating apparatus performs drainage, specifically including:

The blocking mechanism 510 maintains a blocking state and controls the tub 100 to drain water outwards;

after the water in the first washing space A is completely discharged, the blocking mechanism 510 is controlled to be switched to an open state to open the communication port, the water in the second washing space B is discharged into the first washing space A through the communication port, and then the water is discharged out of the washing tub 100;

the second washing space B is drained completely, and the blocking mechanism 510 resumes the blocking state to re-block the communication port.

In the laundry treating apparatus of the present embodiment, the second washing space B is drained through the first washing space a, that is, the communication port is directly communicated with the first washing space a. Because the second washing space B is mainly used for washing small clothes, such as child clothes or underwear with high sanitary requirements, the water in the first washing space a is drained when the water is drained in the embodiment, and then the communication port is opened to drain the second washing space B.

That is, the communication port is always kept to be plugged under the condition that water is stored in the first washing space A, and the communication port is opened after the first washing space A finishes draining, so that the washing water in the first washing space A cannot enter the second washing space B in the whole washing process, and is contacted with the load in the second washing space B, and the cleanness and sanitation of the washed load in the second washing space B are ensured.

In detail, the laundry treating apparatus performs the following operations during the draining:

the tub 200 is controlled to be conducted with the outside through the drain pipe 800, or for the tub 100 to independently hold water, the tub 100 is controlled to be conducted with the tub 200, and the washing water in the first washing space a is discharged to the outside through the drain pipe 800 connected to the tub 200;

the first washing space A is completely drained, and the stirring device 300 is controlled to rotate and position, so that the plugging mechanism 510 rotates to the position above the jacking mechanism;

the ejection mechanism is controlled to extend to act on the blocking mechanism 510, so that the blocking mechanism 510 opens a communication port, water in the second washing space B is discharged into the first washing space A in the washing tub 100, then enters the water containing tub 200, and is discharged outwards through the drain pipe 800;

and the second washing space B is drained completely, the jacking mechanism is controlled to retract downwards and separate from the blocking mechanism 510, and the blocking mechanism 510 is automatically reset to re-block the communication port of the stirring device 300.

In this embodiment, after the laundry treating apparatus finishes draining, the above water inlet process, washing process, and draining process may be repeated one to more times, thereby rinsing the loads in the first and second washing spaces a and B several times. In the rinsing process, the rinsing water in the first washing space A and the second washing space B does not circulate, so that cross contamination among clothes is avoided. After the end of the draining process of the last rinsing, the laundry treating apparatus dehydrates the load.

Alternatively, for washing procedures that do not require rinsing, such as washing the load with fresh water during the washing process, the load may be directly dehydrated after the draining after the washing process is completed.

In the dehydrating process of the present embodiment, the laundry treating apparatus controls the stirring device 300 to rotate to dehydrate the load in the second washing space B, and simultaneously controls the washing tub 100 to rotate to dehydrate the load in the first washing space a.

In detail, since the stirring device 300 is disposed inside the washing tub 100, the pulsator 400 is disposed inside the second washing space B, and the laundry treating apparatus controls the washing tub 100, the stirring device 300, and the pulsator 400 to rotate synchronously during the dehydration process, thereby simultaneously dehydrating the loads in the first washing space a and the second washing space B.

The following describes an operation of a user using the clothes treating apparatus of the present embodiment, taking an example in which the user simultaneously washes a large piece of clothes and a small piece of clothes.

The user puts a large piece of laundry in the first washing space a outside the pulsator 300 in the washing tub 100, puts a small piece of laundry in the second washing space B inside the pulsator 300 through the opening 302, simultaneously inputs detergents into the first washing space a and the second washing space B, respectively, and then starts a set washing program to start washing of the laundry. It will be appreciated that when the laundry treating apparatus has an automatic putting function, the detergent may be automatically added during the water inflow process, so that the operation of manual addition by the user may be omitted.

After the washing program is started, the laundry treating apparatus starts to feed water. When the opening 302 of the stirring device 300 needs to be closed by the cover, the laundry treatment apparatus pauses the water inlet process when the second washing space B is filled with water to the set water level, and sends a prompt message to the user to prompt the user to close the cover. After the user engages the cover with the opening 302, a continuous water inlet command may be triggered, and the laundry treating apparatus continues to feed water into the first washing space a to a set water level, and then starts the washing process. For the clothes treatment equipment without the cover body, the water inlet process can be continuously finished, and washing can be started after water inlet is finished.

The laundry treating apparatus automatically operates the washing course until the dehydration is completed, and the washing course is ended. At this time, the user can take out the large laundry, which has been dehydrated, from the washing tub 100 and open the cover, or take out the small laundry, which has been dehydrated, in the second washing space B directly through the opening 302.

In this embodiment, the user may place different types of clothes in the first washing space a and the second washing space B, and the clothes treating apparatus may wash the clothes in the first washing space a and the second washing space B by rotating the stirring device 300, so as to meet the requirement of the user for washing different types of clothes at the same time. Meanwhile, in the washing process and the draining process, the washing water in the first washing space A and the washing water in the second washing space B are mutually isolated, and particularly, the water in the first washing space A cannot enter the second washing space B in the whole washing procedure operation process, so that cross contamination among clothes is effectively prevented.

The foregoing description is only illustrative of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, and is not to be construed as limiting the invention, but is to be construed as limiting the invention to any and all simple modifications, equivalent variations and adaptations of the embodiments described above, which are within the scope of the invention, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims (15)

1. A laundry treatment apparatus, comprising:

a washing tub;

the stirring device is rotatably arranged in the washing barrel, a first washing space is formed between the stirring device and the inner wall of the washing barrel, a second washing space is formed by the hollow inside of the stirring device, and a communication port communicated with the second washing space is formed on the stirring device;

the blocking mechanism is arranged on the stirring device and is provided with a blocking state for blocking and communicating the first washing space and the second washing space of the password, and an opening state for opening the communication port to conduct the first washing space and the second washing space.

2. A laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the blocking mechanism is in a blocked state and the stirring device is rotatable relative to the washing tub.

3. The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a telescopically movable ejection mechanism disposed below the stirring device; the pushing mechanism stretches out to act on the plugging mechanism, so that the plugging mechanism is in an opening state of opening the communication port, the pushing mechanism is retracted to be separated from the plugging mechanism, and the plugging mechanism is reset to a plugging state to plug the communication port.

4. The laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second washing space has an upper side opening; the laundry treating apparatus further includes a main water inlet device for feeding water into the first washing space, and a spray water inlet device for feeding water into the second washing space through the opening by spraying water flow.

5. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the opening is provided in a central area of the top surface of the stirring device; the water injection and inlet device comprises a nozzle for injecting water flow, the nozzle is arranged above the barrel opening of the washing barrel and close to the peripheral area of the barrel opening, the water flow is injected towards the axis of the washing barrel, and the injected water flow falls into the opening of the top surface of the stirring device along a parabola under the action of gravity.

6. The laundry treating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the top of the stirring device is provided with an opening communicating with the second washing space, the opening being located at a lower level than the tub opening of the washing tub.

7. Laundry treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that a pulsator is arranged in the second washing space, which pulsator is rotatable relative to the stirring device.

8. Laundry treatment apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the axis of the washing tub, the axis of rotation of the stirring device and the axis of rotation of the pulsator coincide.

9. Laundry treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that the water content in the second washing space, when reaching the highest water level, is smaller than the water content in the first washing space, when reaching the lowest water level.

10. A control method of a laundry treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein in the washing process, the blocking mechanism maintains a blocking state of blocking the communication port, and the first washing space and the second washing space are washed with water held in isolation from each other.

11. The control method of a laundry treating apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the stirring device is controlled to rotate during the washing, and the load in the first washing space and the load in the second washing space are washed simultaneously.

12. The control method of laundry treating apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a pulsator rotatable with respect to the stirring device is provided in the second washing space;

in the washing process, the impeller is controlled to keep static, so that the stirring device and the impeller form relative rotation; or, in the washing process, the pulsator is controlled to rotate, and relative rotation is generated between the stirring device and the pulsator.

13. A control method of a laundry treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the washing is ended, the blocking mechanism is kept in a blocking state, and the washing tub is controlled to drain outwardly;

after the water in the first washing space is completely discharged, the blocking mechanism is controlled to be switched to an open state to open the communication port, and the water in the second washing space is discharged into the first washing space through the communication port and then is discharged out of the washing barrel.

14. A control method of a laundry treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the blocking mechanism is kept in a blocked state before water inflow is started; the laundry treating apparatus supplies water to the first washing space and the second washing space, respectively.

15. A control method of a laundry treating apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein during the dehydration, the stirring device is controlled to rotate to dehydrate the load in the second washing space, and the washing tub is controlled to rotate to dehydrate the load in the first washing space.