EP4692446A1

EP4692446A1 - External lint filtering apparatus, washing system and control method

Info

Publication number: EP4692446A1
Application number: EP24777757.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sheng Xu; Yanfen LV; Junming YIN
Original assignee: Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Current assignee: Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co Ltd; Haier Smart Home Co Ltd
Priority date: 2023-03-29
Filing date: 2024-03-15
Publication date: 2026-02-11
Also published as: AU2024247180A1; JP2026511615A; WO2024198967A1

Abstract

An external lint filtering device (20), a washing system, and a control method. The lint filtering device (20) comprises: a filter module (600) for receiving water to be filtered for filtering; the lint filtering device (20) has a water inlet (22) in communication with the filter module (600) for connecting to an external pipe; and a detection module for detecting whether the water inlet (22) is connected to the external pipe. The external lint filtering device (20) can be directly connected to a washing equipment (10) to achieve a filtering function while not occupying the internal space of the washing equipment (10). By providing the detection module, the problem of the lint filtering device (20) leaking at the water inlet (22) when the water inlet (22) is not connected to the external pipe, thereby failing to perform an effective filtering function, can be avoided.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention belongs to the technical field of washing equipment, and in particular relates to an external lint filtering device, a washing system and a control method.

BACKGROUND

During the washing process, laundry machines, such as washing machines, generate lint from the clothes and the washing machine itself due to friction between the clothes and each other. This lint can then mix into the wash water. If this lint is directly discharged with the washing machine's water, it can potentially clog the sewer over time. To address this issue, existing washing machines are equipped with filters to remove lint from the water flow before it is drained.
However, after filtration, impurities such as lint accumulate in the filter. In some existing washing machines, users must regularly remove the filter for cleaning and then reinstall it. For filters installed inside the washing machine, removing and reinstalling the filter is cumbersome. Furthermore, the filter takes up space inside the washing machine, affecting the overall size of the machine. If the user's existing washing machine doesn't have a filter, they're left with the option of purchasing a new one.
On the other hand, in recent years, the concept of microplastics has been raised in the environmental field and has gradually received increasing attention. Studies have found that a significant source of microplastics is wastewater discharged from household washing machines. This is due to the prevalence of synthetic fabrics, clothing fibers shed during the washing process are discharged with the washing machine's drain water and become microplastics that mix into the natural water environment. Microplastics enter the ecological cycle directly with the drainage water, eventually accumulating in the human body through the natural food chain, potentially affecting human health. For this reason, some regions have established standards for the content of microplastics in washing machine drain water. The filtration accuracy of existing washing machines may not meet the required microplastic filtration requirements, and users will also need to purchase a new washing machine to solve the problem of direct discharge of wash water.
Therefore, a filter device that can be directly applied to existing washing equipment is needed, so that users can filter the drainage water without having to replace the washing equipment at home. However, if users install an additional filter device on existing washing equipment and run the washing cycle without the installation, the filter function will not be effective.
In view of this, the present invention is proposed.

SUMMARY

The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology and provide an external lint filtering device, a washing system and a control method. The lint filtering device can be directly connected to the washing equipment to realize the filtering function. At the same time, it can also detect whether the pipeline between it and the washing equipment is connected to avoid water leakage or failure to perform effective filtering function.
In order to solve the above technical problems, the first object of the present invention is to provide an external lint filtering device and a washing system having the lint filtering device. Specifically, the following technical solutions are adopted:
An external lint filtering device, comprising:

a filter module, for filtering water to be filtered, wherein the lint filtering device is provided with a water inlet connected to the filter module and used to connect to an external pipe;
a detection module, for detecting whether the water inlet is connected to the external pipe.

Furthermore, the detection module is arranged at the water inlet, or in an area of the lint filtering device near the water inlet; when a distance between a water outlet end of the external pipe and the water inlet is less than a preset distance, the detection module is triggered.
Furthermore, the lint filtering device comprises a housing, the filter module is arranged inside the housing, and the water inlet is provided on the housing.
The detection module includes a detection element arranged on the housing, and a detected element is arranged at the water outlet end of the external pipe; the detected element is set near the detection element, triggering the detection element to generate a triggered signal.
Furthermore, the detection module determines whether the water inlet is connected to the external pipe by detecting water inlet information of the filter module.
Furthermore, the detection module comprises a flow meter, and the water inlet information is a water flow rate passing through the filter module detected by the flow meter;
if the flow meter detects that water flows through the filter module, it is determined that the water inlet is connected to the external pipe.
Furthermore, the detection module comprises a sensor, and the water inlet information is water level information in the filter module detected by the sensor;
if the sensor detects that there is water inside the filter module, it is determined that the water inlet is connected to the external pipe.
Furthermore, it also includes a communication module for transmitting detection result of the detection module.
Furthermore, the filter module is provided with a sewage outlet for discharging sewage carrying filtered impurities; the lint filtering device also includes a collection module, which is connected to the sewage outlet and is used to receive sewage discharged by the filter module.
A washing system includes a washing equipment and the external lint filtering device described above, wherein the lint filtering device is communicatively connected to the washing equipment; the washing equipment comprises a drainage pipe for discharging water outward, and an outlet end of the drainage pipe is connected to the water inlet of the lint filtering device.
Furthermore, the detection module comprises a magnetic sensitive element disposed at the water inlet of the lint filtering device or in an area near the water inlet, and a magnetic component is disposed at the outlet end of the drainage pipe. When the water inlet and the outlet end of the drainage pipe are connected, the magnetic component triggers the magnetic sensitive element to generate a trigger signal.
A second object of the present invention is to provide a control method and a washing system, which can realize the linkage control of the washing equipment and the external lint filtering device, thereby preventing the problem that the lint filtering device is incorrectly installed and the washing equipment cannot effectively filter the lint. Specifically, the following technical solutions are adopted:
A washing system, the washing system comprises a washing equipment and a lint filtering device externally disposed on the washing equipment; the washing equipment comprises a drainage pipe for discharging water outward, and when an outlet end of the drainage pipe is connected to a water inlet of the lint filtering device, the washing equipment is allowed to run a washing program.
Furthermore, it is determined whether the water inlet of the lint filtering device is connected to the outlet end of the drainage pipe; and the washing equipment controls whether to allow the washing program to run according to the determination result.
Furthermore, the washing equipment receives a start instruction of the washing program and determines whether the water inlet of the lint filtering device is connected to the outlet end of the drainage pipe.
If it is determined that the water inlet of the lint filtering device is connected to the outlet end of the drainage pipe, the washing equipment starts to run the washing program; and/or, if it is determined that the water inlet of the lint filtering device is not connected to the outlet end of the drainage pipe, the washing equipment prohibits the running of the washing program.
Furthermore, after receiving the start instruction of the washing program, the washing equipment sends a detection request to the lint filtering device.
The lint filtering device receives a detection request and feeds back a detection signal to the washing equipment.
The washing equipment determines whether the water inlet of the lint filtering device and the outlet end of the drainage pipe are connected based on the received detection signal.
Furthermore, during an operation of the washing program of the washing equipment, if it is determined that the water inlet of the lint filtering device and the outlet end of the drainage pipe are not connected, the operation of the washing program is suspended.
Furthermore, if the washing equipment determines that the water inlet of the lint filtering device is connected to the outlet end of the drainage pipe, the washing program is kept running.
Furthermore, during the operation of the washing program of the washing equipment, it is determined whether the water inlet of the lint filtering device is connected to the outlet end of the drainage pipe based on the detection signal sent by the lint filtering device.
Furthermore, a detection element is provided on the lint filtering device, and a detected element is provided at the water outlet of the drainage pipe; when a distance between the detected element and the detection element is less than a preset distance, the detection element is triggered.
The lint filtering device and/or the washing equipment obtains that the detection module is in a triggered state, and the washing equipment allows the washing program to be run.
Furthermore, the detection element comprises a magnetic sensitive element, the detected element comprises a magnetic component, and the magnetic sensitive element can be triggered by an approaching magnetic component.
The lint filtering device and/or the washing equipment obtains that the magnetic sensitive element is in a triggered state, and the washing equipment allows the washing program to be run.
A washing system includes washing equipment and a lint filtering device. The washing system applies the above-mentioned control method for the washing system.
The third object of the present invention is to provide a control method and a washing system, which can realize the linkage control of the washing equipment and the external lint filtering device, so as to obtain the connection status of the lint filtering device at a specific operation stage, and prevent the lint filtering device from being not connected, resulting in water leakage, inability to filter, and other problems. Specifically, the following technical solutions are adopted:
a washing system, the washing system comprising a washing equipment and a lint filtering device externally disposed on the washing equipment; the washing equipment comprising a drainage pipe for discharging water outwards, and the lint filtering device comprising a water inlet.
The control method includes:

the washing equipment running a washing program;
when a preset operation stage is reached, it is determined whether the water inlet of the lint filtering device is connected to an outlet end of the drainage pipe.

Furthermore, the preset operation stage includes a drainage stage of a washing program.
When reaching the drainage stage, if it is determined that the water inlet of the lint filtering device and the outlet end of the drainage pipe are not connected, the drainage is suspended; and/or, when reaching the drainage stage, if it is determined that the water inlet of the lint filtering device and the outlet end of the drainage pipe are connected, the drainage is continued.
Furthermore, when reaching the drainage stage, the washing equipment obtains a working status information of the lint filtering device, and determines whether the water inlet of the lint filtering device and the outlet end of the drainage pipe are connected based on the working status information.
Furthermore, the working status information of the lint filtering device includes a water inlet information of the lint filtering device; the washing equipment determines that a drainage water flow in the drainage pipe enters the lint filtering device based on the water inlet information, and then determines that the water inlet of the lint filtering device is connected to the outlet end of the drainage pipe.
Furthermore, the water inlet information includes a water flow information flowing through the lint filtering device; during the drainage stage, if the washing equipment obtains the water flow information and determines that water flows through the lint filtering device, it is determined that the water inlet of the lint filtering device is connected to the outlet end of the drainage pipe.
Furthermore, the water inlet information includes a water level height information inside the lint filtering device; during the drainage stage, if the washing equipment obtains the water level height information and determines that there is water inside the lint filtering device, it is determined that the water inlet of the lint filtering device is connected to the outlet end of the drainage pipe.
Furthermore, the washing equipment starts to drain when the washing program reaches the drainage stage.
If within a preset time period, the washing equipment obtains the water inlet information of the drainage water flowing into the lint filtering device, the washing equipment continues to drain the water outward.
Furthermore, if the washing equipment continues to fail to obtain water inlet information of the drainage water flowing into the lint filtering device after the draining last for a preset time, the draining is suspended.
Furthermore, when the washing equipment reaches the preset operation stage of the washing program, a detection request is sent to the lint filtering device.
The lint filtering device receives the detection request and sends the working status information to the washing equipment.
The washing equipment determines whether the water inlet of the lint filtering device and the outlet end of the drainage pipe are connected based on the received working status information.
A washing system includes washing equipment and a lint filtering device. The washing system applies the above-mentioned control method for the washing system.
After adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.
In the present invention, the lint filtering device can be externally connected to the washing equipment to achieve the filtering function without substantially changing the original structure of the washing equipment. By setting up a detection module, it is possible to detect whether the water inlet is connected to the external pipe, thereby avoiding the problem of water leakage when the water inlet is not connected. It also prevents the water to be filtered from not entering the lint filtering device, resulting in the lint filtering device being unable to perform an effective filtering function. In addition, the lint filtering device is externally connected to the drainage pipe of the washing equipment, and the drainage of the washing equipment is discharged after filtration, thereby avoiding the problem of lint and other filtered impurities in the drainage water flow clogging the sewer, and also preventing the microplastics carried in the drainage of the washing equipment from directly entering the ecological cycle with the drainage water flow and causing adverse effects.
In the present invention, the washing equipment can be linked with the lint filtering device, so as to control whether the washing program is allowed to run according to whether the lint filtering device is connected to the drainage pipe, thereby avoiding the problem of water leakage at the water inlet of the lint filtering device, and also preventing the problem that the drainage of the washing equipment does not enter the lint filtering device and the filtering function cannot be effectively realized. Specifically, the washing equipment can obtain the connection status of the lint filtering device and the drainage pipe before starting the washing program, and then start the washing program only when the water inlet of the lint filtering device is connected to the water outlet end of the drainage pipe, thereby ensuring that the lint filtering device can effectively realize the filtering function; the connection status of the lint filtering device and the drainage pipe can also be obtained during operation. Once an abnormal connection occurs, the washing program is suspended, thereby preventing the washing program from continuing to run and causing water leakage, inability to filter, and other problems.
In the present invention, the washing equipment can be linked with the lint filtering device to obtain the connection status of the lint filtering device and the drainage pipe in a specific operation stage, thereby ensuring that the water inlet of the lint filtering device is connected to the water outlet end of the drainage pipe, which is beneficial to preventing problems such as water leakage and inability to filter that may occur when the connection is not . Specifically, the lint filtering device is used to achieve a filtering effect on the drainage water flow of the washing equipment, and the washing equipment obtains the connection status of the lint filtering device and the drainage pipe during the drainage stage, and suspends drainage when it is judged that the connection is not , effectively preventing the drainage water flow from leaking from the water inlet of the lint filtering device and being unable to enter the lint filtering device for filtration when the connection is not . In addition, the washing equipment determines whether the drainage water flow enters the lint filtering device by obtaining the water flow or water level in the lint filtering device, and further determines whether the water inlet of the lint filtering device is connected to the water outlet end of the drainage pipe. Without the need for a complex detection structure, the connection status of the lint filtering device and the drainage pipe can be determined in a timely and accurate manner.
The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are part of the present invention and are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without inventive effort. In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a washing system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the water inlet and the drainage pipe in embodiments 1 to 3 of the present invention (connected );
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the water inlet and the drainage pipe in embodiments 1 to 3 of the present invention (not connected );
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a lint filtering device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a control method for a washing system in embodiment 2 of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a control method for a washing system in embodiment 3 of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a control method for a washing system in embodiments 5 and 6 of the present invention.

In the figure: 10, washing equipment; 20, lint filtering device; 21, housing; 22, water inlet; 23, water outlet; 24, discharge pipe; 100, water container; 231, filter control valve; 240, sewage pipe; 241, sewage control valve; 250, drainage pipe; 251, outlet end; 290, water inlet pipe; 400, drainage pump; 500, collection module; 510, housing; 570, lint collection assembly; 600, filter module; 610, filter chamber; 6101, water inlet; 6102, filtered water outlet; 6103, sewage outlet; 620, filter mechanism; 621, water outlet connector; 660, drive mechanism; 810, magnetic component; 820, reed switch; 821, first electrode; 822, second electrode; 823, signal output wire.
It should be noted that these drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the conceptual scope of the present invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the present invention for those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention but are not used to limit the scope of the present invention.
In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.
In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; and direct or indirect connections through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

Embodiment 1

As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 , this embodiment provides an external lint filtering device 20 and a washing system having the lint filtering device 20 .
Specifically, the lint filtering device 20 of this embodiment includes a filter module 600 having a water inlet 22 connected to the filter module 600. The water inlet 22 is configured to connect to an external pipe, through which water to be filtered is delivered to the lint filtering device 20, where it is received and filtered by the filter module 600. The lint filtering device 20 also includes a detection module that detects whether the water inlet 22 is connected to the external pipe.
In the above solution, the lint filtering device 20 can be connected to the pipeline that needs to filter the water flow, so that the water to be filtered passes through the lint filtering device 20 for filtration. By providing a detection module, it can be determined whether the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the external pipe, thereby avoiding the problem of water leakage at the water inlet 22 when the two are not connected, or the problem of water not entering the lint filtering device 20 and failing to perform the filtering function.
The washing system of this embodiment specifically includes the above-mentioned lint filtering device 20 and a washing equipment 10. It should be noted that the washing equipment 10 can be a household appliance capable of washing clothes, such as a washing machine, a washer-dryer or a care machine.
Specifically, the washing equipment 10 includes a drainage pipe 250 for discharging water to the outside, and the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 is connected to the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20. That is, when the lint filtering device 20 of this embodiment is applied to the above-mentioned washing system, the drainage pipe 250 of the washing equipment 10 is an external pipe connected to the water inlet 22.
In the above scheme, the lint filtering device 20 is placed outside the washing equipment 10 and is directly connected to the drainage pipe 250 of the washing equipment 10. Without occupying the internal space of the washing equipment 10 and basically without changing the structure of the washing equipment 10, the filtering function of the drainage water flow of the washing equipment 10 is realized.
Specifically, in this embodiment, the washing equipment 10 includes a water container 100 and a water inlet pipe 290 for supplying water to water container 100. A water inlet end of a drainage pipe 250 is connected to water container 100 and is provided with a drainage pump 400. When washing equipment 10 needs to drain, drainage pump 400 is activated to discharge the water in water container 100 along drainage pipe 250.
The lint filtering device 20 also has a water outlet 23 connected to the filter module 600. Water discharged along drainage pipe 250 enters lint filtering device 20 through water inlet 22, is transported along its internal flow path to the filter module 600 for filtration, and is ultimately discharged through water outlet 23. The water outlet 23 is connected to the drainage pipe 24, which can be directly connected to a floor drain in the user's home, draining the filtered water, free of lint and other impurities, directly into the floor drain.
In the above solution, the lint filtering device 20 is externally mounted on the washing equipment 10 and directly connected to the drainage pipe 250 of the washing equipment 10. This provides a filter for the drainage water from the washing equipment 10 without occupying the internal space of the washing equipment 10 and without substantially modifying the structure of the washing equipment 10. The drainage water from the washing equipment 10 is filtered by the lint filtering device 20 before being discharged into the floor drain, thus preventing lint carried in the drainage water and clogging the floor drain.
Furthermore, the lint filtering device 20 of this embodiment further includes a communication module, through which the detection result of the detection module can be directly sent.
Specifically, the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the washing equipment 10 via the communication module, and the detection result of the detection module can be directly sent to the washing equipment 10, so that the washing equipment 10 can know whether the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 of the washing equipment 10. In this way, the washing equipment 10 can be controlled to only allow the washing program to run when the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, thereby avoiding problems such as water leakage and inability to filter when the connection is not.
In a further embodiment of this embodiment, the detection module is disposed at the water inlet 22, or in an area near the water inlet 22 on the lint filtering device 20. When the distance between the external pipe, i.e., the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 in this embodiment, and the water inlet 22 is less than a predetermined distance, the detection module is triggered. At this point, it can be determined that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, and the drainage water in the drainage pipe 250 can enter through the water inlet 22 and flow through the filter module 600 for filtration.
Furthermore, the lint filtering device 20 of this embodiment includes a housing 21, a filter module 600 disposed within the housing 21, and a water inlet 22 disposed on the housing 21 and communicating with the filter module 600. The detection module includes a detection element disposed on the housing 21, and a detected element cooperating with the detection element is disposed at the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250. When the detected element approaches the detection element, the detection element is triggered to generate a trigger signal.
As a specific solution of this embodiment, the detection element is a magnetic sensitive element disposed on the housing 21 near the water inlet 22. A magnetic component 810 is disposed at the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250. When the water inlet 22 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, the outlet end 251 contacts the housing 21, causing the magnetic component 810 to approach the magnetic sensitive element and trigger it to generate a trigger signal.
It is understood that the magnetic sensitive element can also be directly installed at the water inlet, for example, on the inner wall of the water inlet. When the outlet end of the drainage pipe carries a magnetic component and is connected to the water inlet, the magnetic component can also approach the magnetic sensitive element and trigger it to generate a trigger signal.
Specifically, the magnetic sensitive element of this embodiment is a reed switch 820, which is connected to a signal output wire 823 for connecting to the communication module of the lint filtering device 20 to transmit the trigger signal. The first electrode 821 and the second electrode 822 inside the reed switch 820 are not in contact under normal conditions, that is, the reed switch 820 is in a non-triggered state.
When the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 is connected to the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20, the magnetic component 810 approaches the reed switch 820. The magnetic force generated thereby causes the first electrode 821 and the second electrode 822 to deform and contact each other. At this point, the reed switch 820 is in a triggered state, generating a trigger signal that is transmitted to the communication module via the signal output wire 823.
Once the connection between the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 and the water inlet 22 is disconnected, the magnetic component 810 moves away from the reed switch 820, causing the first electrode 821 and the second electrode 822 to return to a non-contact state. At this time, the lint filtering device 20 and the washing equipment 10 can receive a signal that the reed switch 820 is in the non-triggered state, thereby determining that there is an abnormal connection between the lint filtering device 20 and the drainage pipe 250.
As another specific solution of this embodiment, the drainage pipe is plugged into the water inlet of the lint filtering device, the detection element is a touch switch arranged on the water inlet, and the detected element is a trigger part arranged at the water outlet end of the drainage pipe.
In one detailed solution, the outlet of the drainage pipe is inserted into the water inlet for connection, the touch switch is disposed on the inner sidewall of the water inlet, and the trigger portion is a raised structure disposed on the outer sidewall of the outlet, or the distal end of the outlet. When the outlet of the drainage pipe is fully inserted into the water inlet, the touch switch is triggered to generate a trigger signal.
In another detailed embodiment, the outlet of the drainage pipe is sleeved onto the water inlet to achieve connection. The touch switch is disposed on the outer wall of the water inlet, and the trigger portion is a raised structure disposed on the inner wall of the outlet, or the distal end of the outlet. When the outlet end of the drainage pipe is sleeved onto the water inlet and installed, the touch switch is triggered to generate a trigger signal.
It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the lint filtering device 20 can autonomously determine the connection status between the water inlet 22 and the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 based on whether the detection module is triggered, and then send the information to the washing equipment 10. Alternatively, the lint filtering device 20 can directly send the information on whether the detection module is triggered to the washing equipment 10, and the washing equipment 10 can determine whether the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 and the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 are connected based on the received information. Alternatively, the lint filtering device 20 and the washing equipment 10 are respectively connected to a cloud server for communication, and the lint filtering device 20 sends the information on whether the detection module is triggered to the cloud server, and the cloud server determines whether the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 and the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 are connected, and then sends corresponding information or control instructions to the washing equipment 10.
In a further embodiment of this embodiment, the filter module 600 can filter out impurities larger than 50 µm, which may include microplastics. Specifically, the impurities may include plastic fibers larger than 50 µm in length and between 10 and 1000 µm in diameter. Preferably, the plastic fibers are between 400 and 600 µm in length, with the most common length being between 500 µm ± 50 µm. These plastic fibers preferably have a diameter between 10 and 50 µm, with the most common diameter being 17 µm ± 2 µm.
By controlling the filtration accuracy of the filter module 600 within the aforementioned range, microplastics in the wastewater from the washing equipment 10 can be removed as fully as possible, ensuring that the microplastic content in the water ultimately discharged from the outlet 23 meets the standard for direct discharge. In this way, the washing equipment 10 can directly discharge water without worrying about microplastics being discharged into the ecological cycle with the drainage water.
In this embodiment, the provided lint filtering device 20 can be externally connected to the drainage pipe 250 of the washing equipment 10, and realizes the drainage and filtering function without occupying the internal space of the washing equipment 10 and without changing the internal structure of the washing equipment 10, thereby solving the problem that the washing equipment 10 without a filtering function may clog the floor drain when it directly drains water, and easily causes microplastics to enter the ecological cycle. The lint filtering device 20 has a detection module, and using the detection module, the washing equipment 10 can obtain the connection status of the lint filtering device 20 and the drainage pipe 250. In this way, it provides the possibility for the washing equipment 10 to control its own operating status according to the obtained connection status. The washing equipment 10 can run the washing program only when the lint filtering device 20 is correctly installed, that is, when the water inlet 22 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, thereby ensuring that the lint filtering device 20 can achieve an effective filtering function.

Embodiment 2

This embodiment provides a control method for a washing system .
As shown in FIG. 1, the washing system described in this embodiment includes a washing equipment 10 and a lint filtering device 20 external to the washing equipment 10. The washing equipment 10 includes a drainage pipe 250 for discharging water. When the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 is connected to the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20, the washing equipment 10 can run a washing program. It should be noted that the washing equipment 10 can be a household appliance capable of performing clothing cleaning functions, such as a washing machine, a washer-dryer, or a care machine.
In this embodiment, the lint filtering device 20 is used to realize the drainage filtering function of the washing equipment 10. Only when the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 is connected to the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20, the washing equipment 10 is allowed to run the washing program, ensuring that the drainage water flow of the washing equipment 10 can enter the lint filtering device 20 for filtration.
Furthermore, in the washing system of this embodiment, the washing equipment 10 and the lint filtering device 20 are communicatively connected, and linkage control of the two can be achieved, so that the washing equipment 10 is allowed to run the washing program only when the lint filtering device 20 is effectively connected to the drainage pipe 250.
The effective connection means that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, and the drainage water flow in the drainage pipe 250 can all enter the lint filtering device 20 through the water inlet 22 without water leakage at the connection.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the control method of this embodiment is applied to the washing system provided in the above-mentioned embodiment 1. The control method includes:
Determining whether the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 being connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250.
The washing equipment 10 controls whether to allow the washing program to be run according to the determination result.
In the above embodiment, if the washing equipment 10 determines that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, the washing program is allowed to run. Otherwise, the washing program is not allowed to run. This avoids the washing equipment 10 running the washing program when the lint filtering device 20 and the drainage pipe 250 are not connected. When the washing equipment 10 drains water, it may cause water leakage or failure to filter the water.
As shown in FIG. 5, in a further solution of this embodiment, the control method specifically includes:
The washing equipment 10 receives a start instruction of a washing program and determines whether the water inlet of the lint filtering device is connected to the water outlet of the drainage pipe.
If it is determined that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, the washing equipment 10 starts to run the washing program.
If it is determined that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is not connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, the washing equipment 10 prohibits the running of the washing program.
Furthermore, after receiving the start instruction of the washing program, the washing machine sends a detection request to the lint filtering device 20. The lint filtering device 20 receives the detection request and feeds back a detection signal to the washing equipment 10. Based on the received detection signal, the washing equipment 10 determines whether the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250.
In the above embodiment, upon receiving a start instruction, the washing equipment 10 determines the connection status between the lint filtering device 20 and the drainage pipe 250. Upon confirming that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, the washing process is started, ensuring that the lint filtering device 20 can effectively filter the water during the washing process. If it is determined that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is not connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, the washing process is prohibited.
Preferably, when the washing equipment 10 determines that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 and the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 are not connected, an alarm signal is issued to remind the user to check the connection status of the lint filtering device 20 and the drainage pipe 250.
After the user reconnects the lint filtering device 20 and the drainage pipe 250, the washing equipment 10 can be operated again to issue a start instruction for the washing program. The washing equipment 10 then sends a detection request to the lint filtering device 20 and controls whether to start the washing program based on the detection signal fed back by the lint filtering device 20.
In this embodiment, a detection element is provided on the lint filtering device 20, and the detection element can detect whether its water inlet 22 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250.
Specifically, a detected element is provided at the water outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, and when the distance between the detected element and the detecting element is less than a preset distance, the detecting element is triggered.
If the lint filtering device 20 detects that the detection element is in the triggered state, it can directly send a signal to the washing equipment 10 that the water inlet 22 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, and the washing equipment 10 can start the washing process. Alternatively, the lint filtering device 20 directly sends a detection signal that the detection element is in the triggered state. After the washing equipment 10 receives the detection signal, that is, detects that the detection element is in the triggered state, it determines that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, and can start the washing process.
Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the detection element in this embodiment includes a magnetic sensitive element, and the detected element includes a magnetic component 810. The magnetic sensitive element can be triggered by the approaching magnetic component 810. If the lint filtering device 20 detects that the magnetic sensitive element is in a triggered state, or if the washing equipment 10 communicates with the lint filtering device 20 to detect that the magnetic sensitive element is in a triggered state, the washing process can be started.
Specifically, the magnetic sensitive element of this embodiment uses a reed switch 820, which is connected to a signal output wire 823 for transmitting information about whether the reed switch 820 is in a triggered state. Under normal conditions, the first electrode 821 and the second electrode 822 inside the reed switch 820 are not in contact, indicating that the reed switch 820 is in a non-triggered state.
The lint filtering device 20 includes a housing 21, a water inlet 22 formed on the housing 21, and a filter module 600 disposed within the housing 21. A reed switch 820 is mounted on the housing 21 near the water inlet 22. When the water inlet 22 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, the outlet end 251 contacts the housing 21, causing the magnetic component 810 to approach the reed switch 820. The magnetic force generated thereby causes the first electrode 821 and the second electrode 822 to deform, contacting and conducting, thereby triggering the reed switch 820.
Once the connection between the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 and the water inlet 22 is disconnected, the magnetic component 810 moves away from the reed switch 820, causing the first electrode 821 and the second electrode 822 to return to a non-contact state. At this time, the reed switch 820 is in a non-triggered state, and the washing equipment 10 can determine that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 and the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 are not connected.
In the specific solution of this embodiment, when the washing equipment 10 receives the start instruction, the lint filtering device 20 determines that the reed switch 820 is in the triggered state generating a trigger signal, and the washing equipment 10 determines that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, and then the washing process can be started. If the lint filtering device 20 determines that the reed switch 820 is in the non-triggered state, the washing equipment 10 determines that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is not connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, and the washing equipment 10 prohibits the washing process from running.
It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the detection signal fed back by the above-mentioned lint filtering device 20 can be either a trigger signal generated by the reed switch 820, or a signal determined by the lint filtering device 20 based on the on/off state of the reed switch 820 to determine whether the connection is.
In this embodiment, the washing equipment 10 and the lint filtering device 20 can be controlled in linkage. The washing program can only be started when the washing equipment 10 obtains that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, thereby ensuring that the lint filtering device 20 can realize effective filtering function during the operation of the washing program.

Embodiment 3

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the difference between this embodiment and the above-mentioned embodiment 2 is that: when the washing equipment 10 is running the washing program, it determines whether the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 and the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 are connected , and then controls whether the washing program is allowed to continue running.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, on one side of the washing equipment 10, during the running of the washing program, if it is determined that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 and the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 are not connected, the current washing program will be suspended.
If the washing equipment 10 determines that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, the current washing program keeps running.
Specifically, in this embodiment, the washing equipment 10 begins the washing process when the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250. Under normal circumstances, the reed switch 820 maintains a triggered state in which the first electrode 821 and the second electrode 822 are in contact and conductive during the washing process. However, once the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 is disconnected from the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20, the first electrode 821 and the second electrode 822 are no longer affected by the magnetic force and separate. At this point, the lint filtering device 20 detects that the reed switch 820 has changed to a non-triggered state and immediately sends a signal to the washing equipment 10. The signal can be a detection signal indicating that the reed switch 820 has changed to a non-triggered state, or a detection signal indicating that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 and the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 are not connected, as determined by the lint filtering device 20 based on the change in the state of the reed switch 820.
After receiving the above detection signal, the washing equipment 10 determines that the water inlet 22 of the current lint filtering device 20 is not connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, and can pause the washing program in time to avoid problems such as water leakage and inability to filter that may occur when continuing the washing program.
Preferably, when the washing equipment 10 determines that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is not connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, it issues an alarm signal to remind the user to check the connection status of the lint filtering device 20. When the user reconnects the lint filtering device 20 to the drainage pipe 250, the lint filtering device 20 detects that the reed switch 820 has returned to the triggered state and sends a corresponding detection signal to the washing equipment 10. After receiving the detection signal, the washing equipment 10 determines that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is currently connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 and automatically starts, resuming the paused washing process.
More preferably, since the lint filtering device 20 is used to filter the drain water of the washing equipment 10, when the washing equipment 10 determines that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is not connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 during operation, if the washing equipment 10 is in the draining stage, the washing process is immediately suspended, that is, the draining operation is suspended. If the washing equipment 10 is not in the draining stage, only an alarm signal is issued without suspending operation.
If the user quickly completes the reconnection of the lint filtering device 20 and the drainage pipe 250 after receiving the alarm signal from the washing equipment 10, the lint filtering device 20 sends a corresponding connection detection signal to the washing equipment 10, and the washing equipment 10 can complete the operation without pausing the washing program.
If, after the washing equipment 10 issues the alarm signal, it still does not receive the corresponding connection detection signal from the lint filtering device 20 before the washing program reaches the next drainage stage, the washing equipment 10 will pause before starting the drainage stage and wait for the user to reconnect the lint filtering device 20 to the drainage pipe 250. After the user completes the reconnection operation, the washing equipment 10 receives the corresponding connection detection signal from the lint filtering device 20 and can continue the washing program and start draining.
In this embodiment, in order for the lint filtering device 20 to remain effectively connected to the drainage pipe 250 during the washing program of the washing equipment 10, that is, the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 to remain connected to the water outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 during the washing program of the washing equipment 10, the following two schemes can be used for control.
As a specific solution of this embodiment, the lint filtering device 20 sends a detection signal to the washing equipment 10 in real time when the washing equipment 10 runs a washing program.
When the washing equipment 10 determines, based on the received detection signal, that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, the current washing program continues to run. If, based on the received detection signal, the washing equipment 10 determines, based on the received detection signal, that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is not connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, the washing program is suspended.
As another specific solution of this embodiment, when the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 remains connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, that is, when the reed switch 820 remains in the triggered state, the lint filtering device 20 does not send a detection signal to the washing equipment 10. Only when a connection abnormality occurs and the lint filtering device 20 detects that the reed switch 820 has changed to the non-triggered state, does the lint filtering device 20 send a detection signal corresponding to the disconnection to the washing equipment 10.
On the washing equipment 10 side, if the washing equipment 10 does not receive the detection signal corresponding to the disconnection, it determines that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 and the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 are still connected, thereby maintaining the current washing process. Once the washing machine receives the detection signal, it determines that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 and the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 are not connected, and controls the washing process to be suspended.
In this embodiment, the washing equipment 10 can obtain the connection status of the lint filtering device 20 and the drainage pipe 250 during operation. Once a connection abnormality occurs, such as the drainage pipe 250 and the lint filtering device 20 are loose, the washing program can be paused in time, effectively preventing problems such as water leakage and inability to filter that may occur when the washing program continues to run.
In this embodiment, the control method described above for use during the washing process can also be combined with the control method provided in embodiment 2. Specifically, upon receiving a start instruction, the washing equipment 10 controls whether to start the washing process based on the signal fed back by the lint filtering device 20. After the washing process begins, the washing equipment 10 controls whether to pause the washing process based on the signal sent back by the lint filtering device 20. This ensures that the lint filtering device 20 performs its effective filtering function both before and during the washing process.

Embodiment 4

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the difference between this embodiment and the above-mentioned embodiment 1 is that the detection module determines whether the water inlet 22 is connected to the external pipe, that is, the drainage pipe 250 of the washing equipment 10 by detecting the water inlet information of the filter module 600.
Specifically, when the washing equipment 10 is draining water, if water flows into the filter module 600, it means that the current drainage pipe 250 can effectively deliver the drainage water flow through the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20, and it can be determined that the water inlet 22 and the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 are now in a connected state. Conversely, if no water flows into the filter module 600, it means that the drainage water does not enter the lint filtering device 20 after being discharged along the drainage pipe 250. In other words, at this time, the water inlet 22 and the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 are most likely abnormally connected, or not connected.
It can be understood that, similar to the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the lint filtering device 20 can independently determine whether the water inlet 22 and the water outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 are connected based on the water inlet information detected by the detection module, or the detected water inlet information can be sent to the washing equipment 10 or the cloud server, and the washing equipment 10 or the cloud server determines whether the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 and the water outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 are connected based on the water inlet information.
In one specific embodiment of this invention, the water inlet information detected by the detection module is information about the water flow rate through the filter module 600. Specifically, the detection module includes a flow meter that can detect the water flow rate through the filter module 600. When the flow meter detects water flowing through the filter module 600, that is, when the detected water flow rate is non-zero, it is determined that the water inlet 22 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 of the washing equipment 10.
In detail, the flow meter may be disposed at the water inlet 22, or in a flow channel connecting the water inlet 22 and the filter module 600, so as to detect the water flow rate flowing through the filter module 600.
In another specific embodiment of this embodiment, the water inlet information detected by the detection module is the water level information within the filter module 600. Specifically, the detection module includes a sensor for detecting the water level information within the filter module 600. When the sensor detects the presence of water within the filter module 600, that is, when the detected water level is non-zero, the lint filtering device 20 determines that the water inlet 22 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 of the washing equipment 10.
Specifically, the filter module 600 includes a filter chamber 610 for receiving water to be filtered. The sensor is disposed within the filter chamber 610 to detect the water level within the filter chamber 610. Since the drainage water enters the filter module 600 and is filtered before being discharged, the flow rate of water entering the filter module 600 is generally greater than the flow rate of filtered water exiting the filter module 600. Therefore, when drainage from the washing equipment 10 enters the filter module 600, a certain amount of water accumulates within the filter module 600. By detecting whether water is present within the filter module 600, it is possible to accurately determine whether water has entered the filter module 600.
In the above solution, the sensor can be any sensor that can realize the water level detection function, such as a water level sensor, an infrared sensor, etc.
In this embodiment, the lint filtering device 20 uses a detection module to detect whether water has entered the filter module 600, and then determines the connection status between its water inlet 22 and the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250. The above-mentioned detection and judgment logic can only be implemented when the washing equipment 10 is draining water, and the lint filtering device 20 is just used to implement the drainage filtering function of the washing equipment 10, and has no effect on other operating stages of the washing equipment 10 except drainage. In this way, the washing equipment 10 only obtains the connection status of the lint filtering device 20 and the drainage pipe 250 during the drainage stage, avoiding the problem that when the washing equipment 10 is not draining water, the operation is suspended due to the abnormal connection between the lint filtering device 20 and the drainage pipe 250, thereby affecting the efficiency of the washing work.

Embodiment 5

This embodiment provides a control method for a washing system .
As shown in FIG. 1, the washing system described in this embodiment includes a washing equipment 10 and a lint filtering device 20 external to the washing equipment 10. The washing equipment 10 includes a drainage pipe 250 for discharging water outward, and the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 is connected to the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20. It should be noted that the washing equipment 10 can be a household appliance capable of performing a clothing cleaning function, such as a washing machine, a washer-dryer, or a care machine.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 , the lint filtering device 20 of this embodiment includes a filter module 600. The water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the filter module 600. The drainage water of the washing equipment 10 flows through the drainage pipe 250 and is sent to the lint filtering device 20. The filter module 600 receives the water to be filtered and filters it.
Furthermore, the washing equipment 10 and the lint filtering device 20 in this embodiment are communicatively connected, enabling coordinated control of the two, so that the washing equipment 10 can obtain the connection status of the lint filtering device 20 and the drainage pipe 250. In this way, the washing equipment 10 can control its operation based on the aforementioned connection status, ensuring that the lint filtering device 20 can perform its effective filtering function.
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the control method of this embodiment is applied to the washing system provided in the fourth embodiment above. The control method includes:
The washing equipment 10 runs a washing program.
When the preset operation stage is reached, it is determined whether the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250.
In the above solution, the washing equipment 10 determines whether the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 during a specific operation phase of the washing program, without the need for the lint filtering device 20 to maintain real-time communication with the washing equipment 10.
Furthermore, the washing equipment 10 of this embodiment can control whether to continue the current operation phase according to whether the lint filtering device 20 is effectively connected to the drainage pipe 250, to ensure that the lint filtering device 20 can effectively play a filtering role.
The effective connection means that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, and the drainage water flow in the drainage pipe 250 can all enter the lint filtering device 20 through the water inlet 22 without water leakage at the connection.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the preset operating phase includes a draining phase of a washing program. Referring to FIG. 7, in the control method of this embodiment, when the washing equipment 10 reaches the draining phase of a washing program, if it is determined that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is not connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, drainage is suspended. However, if the washing equipment 10 determines that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, drainage continues.
In this embodiment, the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the drainage pipe 250 of the washing equipment 10 to filter the drain water. During the draining phase of the washing process, the washing equipment 10 determines the connection status between the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 and the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250. If an abnormality is detected in the connection, drainage is suspended. This effectively prevents the drain water from leaking out of the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 and failing to enter the lint filtering device 20 for filtration when the water inlet 22 and the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 are not connected.
Furthermore, when the washing equipment 10 of this embodiment runs the washing program and reaches the drainage stage, it obtains the working status information of the lint filtering device 20, and based on the working status information, determines whether the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250.
Specifically, when the washing program reaches a preset operation stage, i.e., the drainage stage, the washing equipment 10 sends a detection request to the lint filtering device 20. Upon receiving the detection request, the lint filtering device 20 sends the current working status information to the washing equipment 10.
Through the above method, it is possible to determine whether the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 during a specific operation phase, that is, during the drainage stage of the washing equipment 10 in this embodiment.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the operating status information of the lint filtering device 20 includes water inlet information of the lint filtering device 20, which is also water inlet information of the filter module 600 detected by the detection module. The washing equipment 10 can directly receive the water inlet information and determine whether the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250.
Specifically, if the washing equipment 10 determines, based on the water inlet information, that the drain water in the drainage pipe 250 has entered the lint filtering device 20, it determines that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, and controls the machine to maintain a state of continued drainage. Conversely, if the washing equipment 10 finds, based on the water inlet information, that the drain water in the drainage pipe 250 has not entered the lint filtering device 20, it determines that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is not connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, and controls the machine to suspend drainage.
In this embodiment, when the washing equipment 10 reaches the draining stage during a washing cycle, it drains water and simultaneously obtains water inlet information from the filter module 600, as detected by the detection module. After obtaining this water inlet information, the washing equipment 10 further determines whether the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250, and then controls whether to suspend draining based on the determination result.
In a specific solution of this embodiment, the water inlet information is used to determine whether the drain water flows into the lint filtering device 20. The water inlet information includes water flow information flowing through the lint filtering device 20. During the draining phase of the washing process, if the washing equipment 10 obtains the water flow information and determines that water is flowing through the lint filtering device 20, it is determined that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250.
In detail, a flow meter is provided in the lint filtering device 20 for detecting the water flow through the lint filtering device 20. The flow meter can be provided at the water inlet 22, or in the flow channel connecting the water inlet 22 and the filter module 600.
When the washing equipment 10 reaches the draining stage during a washing cycle, it begins draining water while simultaneously acquiring the flow meter's detection results. As long as the flow meter detects water flow, i.e., the detected water flow rate is non-zero, it can be determined that the drain water is entering the lint filtering device 20, indicating that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250. At this point, the washing equipment 10 can continue draining water.
On the other hand, if the washing equipment 10 obtains the detection result of the flow meter and the detected water flow is zero, it means that the drainage water flow has not entered the lint filtering device 20, that is, it is determined that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is not connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250. In this case, the washing equipment 10 will suspend the drainage to avoid leakage, filtration failure and other problems caused by continued drainage.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, the washing equipment 10 begins draining water when the washing program reaches the draining stage. After draining water begins, if within a preset time period, the washing equipment 10 receives water inlet information indicating that the drain water has entered the lint filtering device 20, the washing equipment 10 continues draining water. However, if after the preset time period has passed since the beginning of the draining operation, the washing equipment 10 continues to fail to receive water inlet information indicating that the drain water has entered the lint filtering device 20, the draining operation is suspended.
Specifically, when the washing equipment 10 reaches the draining stage during a washing cycle, it begins draining water and simultaneously starts a timer. If, before the preset timer expires, the washing equipment 10 receives a non-zero flow rate signal from the flow meter, draining water continues. If, after the preset timer expires, the flow meter remains at zero, draining water is suspended.
In the above scheme, since the drainage pipe 250 has a certain length, there will be a certain time interval from the time the washing equipment 10 starts the drainage pump 400 to the time the drainage water flows into the lint filtering device 20 and passes through the flow meter. After the drainage starts and reaches the present time, if the flow meter still does not detect the flow of water, it means that there is an abnormality in the connection between the lint filtering device 20 and the drainage pipe 250, and the drainage needs to be suspended. By setting the present time, it is avoided that when the drainage water has not yet flowed to the location of the flow meter, the water flow detected by the flow meter is zero, causing the washing equipment 10 to misjudge that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 and the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 are not connected.
In a preferred embodiment of this embodiment, the washing equipment 10 pauses draining and issues an alarm to remind the user to check the connection between the lint filtering device 20 and the drainage pipe 250. After the user reconnects the lint filtering device 20 and the drainage pipe 250, they can issue a control command to continue the washing process. The washing equipment 10 will then resume draining water while using a flow meter to detect whether water is flowing, thereby re-determining whether the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 and the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250 are connected.
In this embodiment, when the washing equipment 10 reaches the draining stage of the washing process, it determines whether the lint filtering device 20 is effectively connected to the drainage pipe 250 by working in conjunction with the lint filtering device 20. This allows for timely suspension of drainage if a connection anomaly occurs, effectively preventing water leakage and ineffective filtration that could result from an inadequate connection. The connection between the lint filtering device 20 and the drainage pipe 250 is determined by detecting the water flow rate in the lint filtering device 20, enabling accurate determination without requiring a complex detection mechanism.

Embodiment 6

As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 4 and FIG. 7, the difference between this embodiment and the embodiment 5 is that the water inlet information includes water level information inside the lint filtering device 20.
Specifically, during the drainage stage of the washing process, if the washing equipment 10 obtains the water level information and determines that there is water inside the lint filtering device 20, it is determined that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250.
In this embodiment, the drainage water entering the lint filtering device 20 flows along its internal flow channel into the filter module 600, where it is filtered and then discharged. Because the water is filtered within the filter module 600, the flow rate of the water entering the filter module 600 is generally greater than the flow rate of the filtered water leaving the filter module 600. Therefore, when the drainage water from the washing equipment 10 enters the filter module 600, a certain amount of water will accumulate in the filter module 600.
The water level information inside the lint filtering device 20 is specifically the water level information inside the filter module 600. By detecting the water level inside the filter module 600 and determining whether there is water in the filter module 600, it is possible to accurately determine whether water flows into the lint filtering device 20.
Specifically, the filter module 600 in this embodiment includes a filter chamber 610 for receiving water to be filtered. A sensor for detecting the water level is disposed within the filter chamber 610, thereby enabling the acquisition of water level information within the filter module 600. It is understood that the sensor can be any sensor capable of detecting the water level, such as a water level sensor or an infrared sensor.
When the washing equipment 10 reaches the draining stage during a washing cycle, it begins draining water and simultaneously obtains the sensor's detection results. As long as the sensor detects water within the filter module 600, i.e., the detected water level is non-zero, it can be determined that the drain water has entered the lint filtering device 20, indicating that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250. At this point, the washing equipment 10 can continue draining water.
On the contrary, if the washing equipment 10 obtains the detection result of the sensor and the detected water level is zero, it means that the drainage water has not entered the lint filtering device 20, that is, it is determined that the water inlet 22 of the lint filtering device 20 is not connected to the outlet end 251 of the drainage pipe 250. In this case, the washing equipment 10 will suspend drainage to avoid leakage, filtration failure, and other problems caused by continued drainage.
Similar to the embodiment 5 above, in this embodiment, when the washing equipment 10 reaches the draining stage during the washing process, it begins draining water and simultaneously starts timing. After draining water begins, if the washing equipment 10 receives a signal from the sensor indicating that the water level is not zero within a preset time period, draining water continues. If the water level detected by the sensor remains zero after the preset time period has elapsed, draining water is suspended.
In this embodiment, the washing equipment 10 can also accurately determine the connection status between the lint filtering device 20 and the drainage pipe 250 by obtaining the water level in the filter module 600, and then control whether the drainage state can be maintained.

Embodiment 7

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, this embodiment is a further limitation of the above embodiment. The lint filtering device 20 also includes a collection module 500. The filter module 600 has a self-cleaning capability, which can autonomously clean the filtered impurities accumulated during the filtering process and discharge the cleaned filtered impurities with the water flow, and finally send them into the collection module 500 for collection.
Specifically, the filter module 600 has a sewage outlet 6103 for discharging sewage carrying filtered impurities. The collection module 500 is connected to the sewage outlet 6103 for receiving the sewage discharged by the filter module 600.
In this embodiment, the filter module 600 has a certain degree of self-cleaning capability, discharging filtered impurities accumulated during the filtration process into the collection module 500, preventing the accumulation of filtered impurities from affecting filtration efficiency. The lint filtering device 20 utilizes the collection module 500 to receive the wastewater discharged by the filter module 600, rather than directly discharging the wastewater. This prevents microplastics in the filtered impurities from entering the ecological cycle.
In the specific solution of this embodiment, in order to achieve self-cleaning of the filter module 600, the specific structure of the filter module 600 includes:

a filter chamber 610, which is provided with a water inlet 6101, a filtered water outlet 6102 and a sewage outlet 6103;
a filter mechanism 620, which is rotatably disposed inside the filter chamber 610 and has a water outlet connector 621 rotatably and sealingly connected to the filtered water outlet 6102; and
a drive mechanism 660, which is connected to the filter mechanism 620 and is used to drive the filter mechanism 620 to rotate in the filter chamber 610.

Among them, the water inlet 6101 on the filter chamber 610 is connected to the water inlet 22, and the water to be filtered entering from the water inlet 22 enters the filter chamber 610 through the water inlet 6101. The filter mechanism 620 divides the interior of the filter chamber 610 into an outer chamber and an inner chamber, wherein the water inlet 6101 is connected to the outer chamber, and the filtered water outlet 6102 is connected to the inner chamber. The water to be filtered enters the outer chamber through the water inlet 6101, passes through the filter mechanism 620 and enters the inner chamber for filtration. The filtered impurities carried in the water adhere to the outer wall of the filter mechanism 620, and the water with the filtered impurities removed can flow out from the filtered water outlet 6102 through the water outlet connector 621. The filtered water outlet 6102 is connected to the water outlet 23 on the housing 21, so that the filtered water is discharged through the water outlet 23.
In detail, the filter mechanism 620 includes a filter screen support and a filter screen covering the filter screen support. One end of the filter screen support extends into the filtered water outlet 6102 to form a water outlet connector 621.
When it is necessary to clean the filtered impurities in the filter module 600, the drive mechanism 660 drives the filter mechanism 620 to rotate, stirring the water flow within the filter chamber 610. The filtered impurities attached to the outer wall of the filter mechanism 620 are stripped away by the dual effects of centrifugal force and the agitated water flow, and then merged into the water within the filter chamber 610. The sewage mixed with the filtered impurities is discharged with the water flow through the sewage outlet 6103 on the filter chamber 610. The sewage outlet 6103 is connected to the sewage pipe 240, through which the sewage is transported to the collection module 500.
Furthermore, a swage control valve 241 is provided on the sewage pipe 240 to control the opening and closing of the sewage pipe 240. When the washing equipment 10 is discharging water to the lint filtering device 20 for filtration, the swage control valve 241 closes, shutting off the sewage pipe 240. This prevents the filter module 600 from discharging water out of the sewage outlet 6103, thereby ensuring that any water entering the filter chamber 610 through the water inlet 6101 is filtered by the filter mechanism 620 and then discharged through the filtered water outlet 6102.
Only when the filter module 600 needs to discharge sewage, the sewage control valve 241 is opened to connect the sewage pipe 240. At this time, the filter module 600 can discharge sewage from the sewage outlet 6103 to the collection module 500 and remove the filtered impurities accumulated in the filter chamber 610.
In a further solution of this embodiment, the collecting module 500 is detachably mounted in the housing 21 of the lint filtering device 20, and the user can clean it regularly, especially the filtered impurities accumulated after receiving the sewage.
Specifically, the collection module 500 includes a housing 510 and a lint collection assembly 570 mounted within the housing 510. The housing 510 defines a recovery chamber, and the lint collection assembly 570 is disposed within the chamber, forming a collection chamber for receiving wastewater. The outlet of the sewage pipe 240 is connected to the collection chamber. Sewage carrying filtered impurities enters the collection chamber, is filtered by the lint collection assembly 570, and flows to a recovery chamber outside the collection chamber, where the filtered impurities are collected.
In detail, the lint collection assembly 570 can be directly surrounded by a filter to form the collection chamber, or the filter can be covered on a bracket to form the collection chamber.
Through the above solution, the collection module 500 uses the lint collection assembly 570 to filter the received sewage, thereby separating the filtered impurities from the water. In this way, it is convenient for the user to directly process the collected filtered impurities, avoiding the situation where the filtered impurities are mixed in the water and cannot be effectively processed.
Furthermore, the housing 510 is push-pull mounted on the housing 21. The upper side of the housing 510 has an opening, and the lint collection assembly 570 is detachably mounted inside the housing 510. When it is necessary to clean the collection module 500, especially the lint collection assembly 570 therein, the user can remove the housing 510 from the housing 21 and remove the lint collection assembly 570 from the interior of the housing 510 through the opening on the upper side of the housing 510 for cleaning. In this case, there is no need to completely remove the collection module 500, which is more convenient.
Preferably, a drain port (not shown) is provided on the housing 510. After the wastewater filtered by the lint collection assembly 570 enters the recovery chamber, it can be promptly discharged through the drain port without accumulating in the recovery chamber. This prevents the collection module 500 from overflowing when the amount of wastewater discharged by the filter module 600 is excessive. Furthermore, since there is no water inside the housing 510, the user does not need to remove the housing 510 to pour out the water when manually cleaning the collection module 500, simplifying the manual cleaning operation of the collection module 500.
Further preferably, the drain port can be connected to the outside of the lint filtering device 20 via an additional pipeline, thereby discharging the filtered sewage free of impurities. Alternatively, the drain port can be connected to the flow path between the filtered water outlet 6102 and the water outlet 23 via a pipeline, so that the filtered sewage is discharged through the water outlet 23 together with the filtered water discharged from the filter module 600, and discharged into the floor drain along the discharge pipe 24.
In a preferred solution of this embodiment, a filter control valve 231 is further provided between the filtered water outlet 6102 and the water outlet 23, and the connection between the filtered water outlet 6102 and the water outlet 23 can be controlled by opening and closing the filter control valve 231.
When the filter module 600 is filtering the wastewater entering the washing equipment 10, the filter control valve 231 remains open, connecting the filtered water outlet 6102 to the water outlet 23. The filtered water can then be discharged from the filter chamber 610 through the filtered water outlet 6102 and then discharged from the lint filtering device 20 through the water outlet 23. When the filter module 600 is discharging the wastewater, the filter control valve 231 is controlled to close, cutting off the connection between the filtered water outlet 6102 and the water outlet 23. This prevents the water in the filter chamber 610 from being discharged through the filtered water outlet 6102, allowing the water in the filter chamber 610 to more fully carry the filtered impurities and be discharged into the collection module 500.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, in order to enable the filter module 600 to filter out microplastics, especially plastic fibers with a length greater than 50 µm and a diameter between 10 and 1000 µm, the filter mesh in the filter module 600 is selected to have a mesh size of 20 to 500. In order to ensure that the collection module 500 can collect the microplastics carried in the sewage as fully as possible and to prevent the microplastics filtered out by the filter module 600 from passing through the lint collection assembly 570 in the collection module 500, the pore size of the filter mesh in the lint collection assembly 570 is at least not larger than the pore size of the filter mesh in the filter module 600, that is, the mesh size of the filter mesh in the lint collection assembly 570 is not less than the mesh size of the filter mesh in the filter module 600, which is 20 to 500 mesh.
In this embodiment, a large number of tests were conducted on different types of clothing and different washing procedures in advance, and it was found that when the mesh size of the filter in the lint collection assembly 570 and the mesh size of the filter in the filter module 600 are set within the above range, the lint filtering device 20 is externally connected to the drainage pipe 250 of the washing equipment 10, and plastic fibers of the above size can be filtered out from the drainage of the washing equipment 10, and finally microplastic particles accounting for more than 80% of the total content in the water can be collected in the collection module 500, so that the microplastic content in the drainage water flow of the washing equipment 10 is greatly reduced, which can meet the direct discharge standard.
In this embodiment, the filter module 600 of the lint filtering device 20 has a self-cleaning function, which prevents the filter module 600 from becoming clogged and preventing the user from having to manually clean the filter module 600. By providing a collection module 500 to receive the cleaned wastewater discharged from the filter module 600, filtered impurities in the wastewater can be separated from the water, preventing the wastewater from carrying microplastics from the filtered impurities directly into the water, thereby ensuring that the microplastic content in the final discharged water meets the standard for direct discharge.
The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not constitute any form of limitation to the present invention. Although the present invention has been disclosed as above in terms of a preferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any technician familiar with this patent can make slight changes or modifications to equivalent embodiments using the above technical content without departing from the scope of the technical solution of the present invention. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention are still within the scope of the solution of the present invention.

Claims

An external lint filtering device, comprising:
a filter module, for filtering water to be filtered,

a water inlet, being in communication with the filter module and used to connect to an external pipe;

a detection module, for detecting whether the water inlet is connected to the external pipe.
The external lint filtering device according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection module is arranged at the water inlet, or in an area of the lint filtering device near the water inlet; when a distance between a water outlet end of the external pipe and the water inlet is less than a preset distance, the detection module is triggered.
The external lint filtering device according to claim 2, characterized in that the lint filtering device comprises a housing, the filter module is arranged inside the housing, and the water inlet is provided on the housing;
the detection module comprises a detection element arranged on the housing, and a detected element is arranged at the water outlet end of the external pipe; when the detected element is set near the detection element, the detection element is triggered to generate a triggered signal.
The external lint filtering device according to claim 1, characterized in that the detection module determines whether the water inlet is connected to the external pipe by detecting water inlet information of the filter module.
The external lint filtering device according to claim 4, characterized in that the detection module comprises a flow meter, and the water inlet information is a water flow rate passing through the filter module detected by the flow meter;
if it is detected that water flows through the filter module by the flow meter, it is determined that the water inlet is connected to the external pipe.
The external lint filtering device according to claim 4, characterized in that the detection module comprises a sensor, and the water inlet information is water level information in the filter module detected by the sensor;
if it is detected that there is water inside the filter module by the sensor, it is determined that the water inlet is connected to the external pipe.
The external lint filtering device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a communication module for transmitting detection result of the detection module.
The external lint filtering device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the filter module is provided with a sewage outlet for discharging sewage carrying filtered impurities; the lint filtering device also comprises a collection module, the connection module is connected to the sewage outlet and is used to receive sewage discharged by the filter module.
A washing system, comprising a washing equipment and the external lint filtering device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the lint filtering device is communicatively connected to the washing equipment; the washing equipment comprises a drainage pipe for discharging water outward, and an outlet end of the drainage pipe is connected to the water inlet of the lint filtering device.
The washing system according to claim 9, characterized in that the detection module comprises a magnetic sensitive element disposed at the water inlet of the lint filtering device or in an area near the water inlet, and a magnetic component is disposed at the outlet end of the drainage pipe; when the water inlet and the outlet end of the drainage pipe are connected, the magnetic component triggers the magnetic sensitive element to generate a trigger signal.
A control method of a washing system, characterized in that the washing system comprises a washing equipment and a lint filtering device externally disposed on the washing equipment; the washing equipment comprises a drainage pipe for discharging water outward, and when an outlet end of the drainage pipe is connected to a water inlet of the lint filtering device, the washing equipment is allowed to run a washing program.
The control method of the washing system according to claim 11, characterized in that it is judged whether the water inlet of the lint filtering device is connected to the outlet end of the drainage pipe; and the washing equipment controls whether to run the washing program according to a judgment result.
The control method of the washing system according to claim 12, characterized in that the washing equipment receives a start instruction of the washing program and determines whether the water inlet of the lint filtering device is connected to the outlet end of the drainage pipe;
if it is determined that the water inlet of the lint filtering device is connected to the outlet end of the drainage pipe, the washing equipment starts to run the washing program; and/or, if it is determined that the water inlet of the lint filtering device is not connected to the outlet end of the drainage pipe, the washing equipment prohibits running the washing program.
The control method of the washing system according to claim 13, characterized in that after receiving the start instruction of the washing program, the washing equipment sends a detection request to the lint filtering device;
the lint filtering device receives the detection request and feeds back a detection signal to the washing equipment;

the washing equipment determines whether the water inlet of the lint filtering device and the outlet end of the drainage pipe are connected based on the detection signal received.
The control method of the washing system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that during a running of the washing program of the washing equipment, if it is determined that the water inlet of the lint filtering device and the outlet end of the drainage pipe are not connected, the running of the washing program is suspended.
The control method of the washing system according to claim 15, characterized in that if the washing equipment determines that the water inlet of the lint filtering device is connected to the outlet end of the drainage pipe, the washing program is kept running.
The control method of the washing system according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that during the running of the washing program of the washing equipment, it is determined whether the water inlet of the lint filtering device is connected to the outlet end of the drainage pipe based on the detection signal sent by the lint filtering device.
The control method of the washing system according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that a detection element is provided on the lint filtering device, and a detected element is provided at the outlet end of the drainage pipe; when a distance between the detected element and the detection element is less than a preset distance, the detection element is triggered;
the lint filtering device and/or the washing equipment obtains that the detection module is in a triggered state, and the washing equipment runs the washing program.
The control method of the washing system according to claim 18, characterized in that the detection element comprises a magnetic sensitive element, the detected element comprises a magnetic component, and the magnetic sensitive element is triggered by the magnetic component approaching the magnetic sensitive element;
the lint filtering device and/or the washing equipment obtains that the magnetic sensitive element is in a triggered state, and the washing equipment runs the washing program.
A washing system, comprising the washing equipment and the lint filtering device, characterized in that the washing system applies the control method of the washing system according to any one of claims 11 to 19.
A control method of a washing system, characterized in that the washing system comprises a washing equipment and a lint filtering device externally disposed on the washing equipment; the washing equipment comprises a drainage pipe for discharging water outward, and the lint filtering device comprises a water inlet;
the control method comprises:
the washing equipment running a washing program;

when a preset operation stage is reached, it is determined whether the water inlet of the lint filtering device is connected to an outlet end of the drainage pipe.
The control method of the washing system according to claim 21, characterized in that the preset operation stage includes a drainage stage of the washing program;
when reaching the drainage stage, if it is determined that the water inlet of the lint filtering device and the outlet end of the drainage pipe are not connected, the drainage is suspended; and/or, when reaching the drainage stage, if it is determined that the water inlet of the lint filtering device and the outlet end of the drainage pipe are connected, the drainage is continued.
The control method of the washing system according to claim 22, characterized in that when reaching the drainage stage, the washing equipment obtains a working status information of the lint filtering device, and determines whether the water inlet of the lint filtering device and the outlet end of the drainage pipe are connected based on the working status information.
The control method of the washing system according to claim 23, characterized in that the working status information of the lint filtering device comprises a water inlet information of the lint filtering device; the washing equipment determines that a drainage water flow in the drainage pipe enters the lint filtering device based on the water inlet information, and then determines that the water inlet of the lint filtering device is connected to the outlet end of the drainage pipe.
The control method of the washing system according to claim 24, characterized in that the water inlet information comprises a water flow information flowing through the lint filtering device; during the drainage stage, if the washing equipment determines that water flows through the lint filtering device based on the water flow information obtained, it is determined that the water inlet of the lint filtering device is connected to the outlet end of the drainage pipe.
The control method of the washing system according to claim 24, characterized in that the water inlet information comprises a water level height information inside the lint filtering device; during the drainage stage, if the washing equipment determines that there is water inside the lint filtering device based on the water level height information obtained, it is determined that the water inlet of the lint filtering device is connected to the outlet end of the drainage pipe.
The control method of the washing system according to any one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the washing equipment starts to drain when the washing program reaches the drainage stage;
if within a preset time period, the washing equipment obtains the water inlet information of the drainage water flowing into the lint filtering device, the washing equipment continues to drain the water outward.
The control method of the washing system according to claim 27, characterized in that if the washing equipment continues to fail to obtain water inlet information of the drainage water flowing into the lint filtering device after the draining last for the preset time period, the draining is suspended.
The control method of the washing system according to any one of claims 21 to 28, characterized in that when the washing equipment reaches the preset operation stage of the washing program, a detection request is sent to the lint filtering device;
the lint filtering device receives the detection request and sends a working status information to the washing equipment;

the washing equipment determines whether the water inlet of the lint filtering device and the outlet end of the drainage pipe are connected based on the working status information received.
A washing system, comprising the washing equipment and the lint filtering device, characterized in that the washing system applies the control method of the washing system according to any one of claims 21 to 29.