US20170306544A1 - Self-cleaning method for filter assembly of washing machine - Google Patents

Self-cleaning method for filter assembly of washing machine Download PDF

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Publication number
US20170306544A1
US20170306544A1 US15/507,696 US201515507696A US2017306544A1 US 20170306544 A1 US20170306544 A1 US 20170306544A1 US 201515507696 A US201515507696 A US 201515507696A US 2017306544 A1 US2017306544 A1 US 2017306544A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
cleaning
filter assembly
self
washing machine
liquid
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Abandoned
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US15/507,696
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English (en)
Inventor
Chunfeng Lao
Chunxu WANG
Jingjing Zhang
Shilong Hao
Yimin Li
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Qingdao Haier Smart Technology R&D Co Ltd
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Qingdao Haier Smart Technology R&D Co Ltd
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Assigned to QINGDAO HAIER SMART TECHNOLOGY R&D CO., LTD. reassignment QINGDAO HAIER SMART TECHNOLOGY R&D CO., LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HAO, Shilong, LAO, Chunfeng, LI, YIMIN, WANG, Chunxu, ZHANG, JINGJING
Publication of US20170306544A1 publication Critical patent/US20170306544A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • D06F33/02—
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F35/00—Washing machines, apparatus, or methods not otherwise provided for
    • D06F35/005—Methods for washing, rinsing or spin-drying
    • D06F35/008—Methods for washing, rinsing or spin-drying for disinfecting the tub or the drum
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
    • D06F39/081—Safety arrangements for preventing water damage
    • D06F39/082—Safety arrangements for preventing water damage detecting faulty draining operations, e.g. filter blockage, faulty pump
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/10—Filtering arrangements
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2101/00—User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2103/42—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers related to filters or pumps
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F2105/58—Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers 
    • D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control 
    • D06F33/43—Control of cleaning or disinfection of washing machine parts, e.g. of tubs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a washing machine, in particular to a self-cleaning method for a filter assembly of a washing machine.
  • the laundry process of the existing conventional washing machines usually comprises water intake, washing-spin-drying-drainage, repeated rinsing-spin-drying-drainage, etc., wherein the washing and each rinsing need to consume a lot of water.
  • the washed or rinsed water is drained to the outside of the washing machine through a drainage pipe.
  • the water consumption of the entire laundry process is relatively large, and the water resource is greatly wasted.
  • a filter assembly can be used to filter the water and/or rinsing water of the washing machine for recycling.
  • separated substances and some other impurities are gradually accumulated on the surface of a filter membrane, resulting in the blockage and pollution problems of the filter membrane, so that the filtering effect thereof will be greatly affected.
  • the filter assembly in the existing washing machines is not thoroughly cleaned, and the cleaning agent or the like is easily remained on the filter assembly. Therefore, how to thoroughly clean the filter assembly is a problem to be solved in the field of household washing machines.
  • An object of the present invention is to overcome at least one defect of the prior art washing machines and to provide a self-cleaning method for a filter assembly of a washing machine to thoroughly clean the filter assembly of the washing machine so as to prolong the service life of the filter assembly, particularly the ultrafiltration membrane assembly and ensure its normal flux.
  • the present invention provides a self-cleaning method for a filter assembly of a washing machine, comprising:
  • step A receiving a user operation instruction for starting a self-cleaning process
  • step B executing the self-cleaning process, so as to clean the filter assembly of the washing machine.
  • the step B further comprises: before the self-cleaning process is completed, only receiving a user operation instruction for turning off the washing machine, and prohibiting receipt of user operation instructions other than the user operation instruction for turning off the washing machine or ignoring the received user operation instructions other than the user operation instruction for turning off the washing machine.
  • the step B further comprises: before the self-cleaning process is completed, only receiving user operation instructions for turning off the washing machine, pausing the self-cleaning process and unpausing the self-cleaning process, and prohibiting receipt of user operation instructions other than the user operation instruction for turning off the washing machine or ignoring the received user operation instructions other than the user operation instruction for turning off the washing machine, pausing the self-cleaning process and unpausing the self-cleaning process.
  • the method further comprises step C: judging whether or not there is a need to clean the filter assembly according to a pre-set process, if yes, sending an alerting signal for cleaning the filter assembly to alert a user to put a cleaning agent into a dispenser box of the washing machine and start the self-cleaning process.
  • the pre-set process is configured to: determine that the filter assembly needs to be cleaned when the accumulated amount of output water of the filter assembly reaches a defined threshold, and to clear the accumulated amount of output water of the filter assembly when the cleaning of the filter assembly is completed.
  • the step B further comprises: during the execution of the self-cleaning process, memorizing each of the steps of the self-cleaning process that have been executed to continue execution of the remaining steps of the self-cleaning process in the case that the washing machine is powered off and then powered on again.
  • step D the method further comprises step D:
  • the clean-water washing process comprises: a recycled water rinsing stage for rinsing clothing in a washing tub of the washing machine with rinsing water, in the recycled water rinsing step of the recycled water rinsing stage, the rinsing water in the washing tub flowing into the filter assembly and flowing back into the washing tub after filtration in the filter assembly.
  • the self-cleaning process comprises: an alkaline liquid cleaning stage and an acid liquid cleaning stage executed successively, the alkaline liquid cleaning stage and the acid liquid cleaning stage each comprising a respective liquid injection and immersion step in which the cleaning liquid is discharged from the washing tub of the washing machine and is injected into the filter assembly from a water inlet of the filter assembly until a filter membrane of the filter assembly is completely or partially immersed in the cleaning liquid, the injection of the cleaning liquid is stopped, and the injected cleaning liquid is placed in the filter assembly to immerse the filter membrane of the filter assembly.
  • the alkaline liquid cleaning stage and the acid liquid cleaning stage after their respective liquid injection and immersion steps, further comprise an air cleaning step of injecting an airflow into the filter assembly, and cleaning the filter assembly with the air.
  • the alkaline liquid cleaning stage and the acid liquid cleaning stage after their respective air cleaning steps, further comprise: continuing repeating the liquid injection and immersion step and the air cleaning step until the respective predetermined number of repetitions is completed, wherein the cleaning liquid injected in the liquid injection and immersion step following the air cleaning step displaces the air-washed cleaning liquid in the filter assembly from the filter assembly to outside the washing machine.
  • the alkaline liquid cleaning stage and the acid liquid cleaning step further comprises, prior to their respective first liquid injection and immersion steps, a cleaning liquid preparation step of injecting water into the washing tub, the water flow carrying the cleaning agent which has been placed in the dispenser box of the washing machine into the washing tub, mixing the water and the cleaning agent into the cleaning liquid in the washing tub, and heating the cleaning liquid in the washing tub to the respective initially predetermined temperature;
  • the dispenser box comprises a first compartment and a second compartment in which an alkaline cleaning agent and an acid cleaning agent are respectively provided, and in the cleaning liquid preparation step of the alkaline liquid cleaning stage and the acid liquid cleaning stage, and the water flows through the first compartment and the second compartment, respectively, into the washing tub.
  • fiurther comprise a flushing step of pumping a predetermined amount of clear water from the washing tub of the washing machine into the filter assembly to flush same, and then discharging the water to the outside of the washing machine.
  • the self-cleaning process of the washing machine prohibits receipt of or ignores user operation instructions other than user operation instructions for turning off the washing machine, pausing the self-cleaning process and unpausing the self-cleaning process, so that the filter assembly of the washing machine is thoroughly cleaned, prolonging the service life of the filter assembly in the washing machine and ensuring that the filter assembly always has a high filtration flux.
  • the present invention has carried out a special cleaning of the filter assembly to further prolong the service life of the filter assembly in the washing machine of the present invention and to ensure that the filter assembly has a high filtration flux.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic flow chart of a self-cleaning method for a filter assembly of the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic flow chart of a self-cleaning method for a filter assembly of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic flow chart of a self-cleaning process for the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic flow chart of each cleaning stage in the self-cleaning process for the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic flow chart of an alkaline liquid cleaning stage in the self-cleaning process for the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart of an acid liquid cleaning stage in the self-cleaning process for the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the washing machine may comprise a washing tub 12 , a drainage pump 22 , and a filter assembly.
  • the filter assembly comprises a front filter 24 and an ultrafiltration membrane assembly 26 .
  • the washing tub 12 is usually composed of an outer tub and an inner tub which is rotatable within the outer tub.
  • An upper part of the washing tub 12 is provided with a fresh water inlet which is connected to a water supply port through a pipeline 11 , and when a valve 13 on the pipeline 11 is opened, fresh washing water or fresh rinsing water may enter the washing tub 12 .
  • a lower part of the washing tub 12 is provided with a drainage port, and the drainage port is in communication with the filter assembly via a drainage pump 22 through a pipeline.
  • a water output port of the ultrafiltration membrane assembly 26 is in communication with the washing tub 12 through a water intake pipeline 14 .
  • the water in the washing tub 12 is pumped out and conveyed into the filter assembly for filtration, and the filtered water passes through the water output port of the ultrafiltration membrane assembly 26 and the water intake pipeline 14 , and is returned to the washing tub 12 for reuse.
  • the water in the washing tub 12 may flow into the filter assembly, and then flows back into the washing tub 12 after filtration in the filter assembly; and in the clean-water washing process of the washing machine, when the clothing is washed or dewatered, the water in the washing tub is discharged directly from the washing machine.
  • the washing machine of the embodiment of the present invention may further comprise an air pump 32 , and an air outlet of the air pump 32 is in communication with an air inlet of the filter assembly through an airflow pipeline.
  • a check valve 34 is provided on the airflow pipeline.
  • a dense drainage port of the rough filter 24 and a sewage draining port of the ultrafiltration membrane assembly 26 may be respectively in communication with two inlets of a three-way valve 36 , and an outlet of the three-way valve 36 is in communication with an efflux pipeline 18 of the washing machine, such that the fluid having performed the air cleaning or water washing on the rough filter 24 and/or the ultrafiltration membrane assembly 26 is directly discharged from the washing machine.
  • the washing water of the washing machine may pass through the drainage pump 22 and the rough filter 24 , and the washing water which is not filtered by the rough filter flows out of the washing machine through the outlet of the three-way valve 36 and the efflux pipeline 18 of the washing machine.
  • the filter assembly of the embodiment of the present invention is capable of effectively reducing the clothing residues and lints, and can effectively remove particles, colloids, bacteria, micro-organisms and macromolecule organic matter from the rinsing water, in order to purify the washing water or the rinsing water for recycling, so as to achieve the purpose of water saving.
  • the filter assembly of the embodiment of the present invention is capable of effectively reducing the clothing residues and lints, and can effectively remove particles, colloids, bacteria, micro-organisms and macromolecule organic matter from the rinsing water, in order to purify the washing water or the rinsing water for recycling, so as to achieve the purpose of water saving.
  • separated substances and some other impurities are gradually accumulated on the surface of the filter assembly, resulting in the blockage and pollution problems of the filter assembly, so that the filtering effect thereof will be affected to some extent.
  • the self-cleaning method for the filter assembly of the washing machine of the embodiment of the present invention enables thorough cleaning of the filter assembly.
  • the self-cleaning method for a filter assembly of a washing machine may comprise:
  • Step A receiving a user operation instruction for starting a self-cleaning process.
  • Step B executing the self-cleaning process, so as to clean the filter assembly of the washing machine.
  • the step B further comprises: before the self-cleaning process is completed, only receiving a user operation instruction for turning off the washing machine, and prohibiting receipt of user operation instructions other than the user operation instruction for turning off the washing machine or ignoring the received user operation instructions other than the user operation instruction for turning off the washing machine.
  • the step B further comprises: before the self-cleaning process is completed, only receiving user operation instructions for turning off the washing machine, pausing the self-cleaning process and unpausing the self-cleaning process, and prohibiting receipt of user operation instructions other than the user operation instruction for turning off the washing machine or ignoring the received user operation instructions other than the user operation instruction for turning off the washing machine, pausing the self-cleaning process and unpausing the self-cleaning process.
  • the washing machine can prohibit receipt of user operation instructions other than user operation instructions for turning off the washing machine, pausing the self-cleaning process and unpausing the self-cleaning process during the execution of the self-cleaning process, for example, buttons for generating the user operation instructions other than the user operation instructions for turning off the washing machine, pausing the self-cleaning process and unpausing the self-cleaning process are set to be in an invalid state, or a user operation interface of the washing machine only displays information relating to the self-cleaning process.
  • the washing machine may also receive a user operation instruction during the execution of the self-cleaning process.
  • the user operation instruction it is determined whether the received user operation instruction is the user operation instruction for turning off the washing machine, pausing the self-cleaning process or unpausing the self-cleaning process, if yes, turning off the washing machine, pausing the cleaning of the filter assembly or continuing the cleaning of the filter assembly is executed; and if not, the received user operation instruction is ignored.
  • the self-cleaning process takes a relatively long time, in the case that the filter assembly is not very dirty, the user cleans the filter assembly, allowing the washing machine to be forcibly turned off to end this self-cleaning process.
  • the user is also allowed to forcibly turn off the washing machine to end this self-cleaning process in some burst situations, such as the washing tub leakage, the user finding that the cleaning agent is forgot to put after the self-cleaning process runs for a period of time.
  • the ongoing self-cleaning process is also allowed to be paused, for example, during the execution of self-cleaning process of the washing machine, the user is eager to go out, in order to ensure absolute safety, the user pauses the self-cleaning process of the washing machine, and when the user re-enters the home and unpauses the self-cleaning process to continue executing the remaining steps thereof.
  • the user is also allowed to pause the self-cleaning process in some burst situations, for example, when the water supply pipeline does not have water.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic flow chart of a self-cleaning method for a filter assembly of a washing machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the method further comprises step C: judging whether or not there is a need to clean the filter assembly according to a pre-set process, if yes, sending an alerting signal for cleaning the filter assembly to alert a user to put a cleaning agent into a dispenser box of the washing machine and start the self-cleaning process.
  • the alerting signal may be a visual and/or audible signal.
  • the pre-set process may be configured to: determine that the filter assembly needs to be cleaned when the accumulated amount of output water of the filter assembly reaches a defined threshold, and to clear the accumulated amount of output water of the filter assembly when the cleaning of the filter assembly is completed.
  • the pre-set process may be configured to: after the number of times of starting the washing machine has reached a predetermined threshold number of times of starting, and/or after the cumulative operation time of the filter assembly has reached a predetermined time threshold, and/or after the filtration performance index of the filter assembly is detected to drop to a predetermined performance index threshold, and/or after the number of times of clean-water washing that the washing machine has run has reached a predetermined threshold number of times of clean-water washing of the washing machine, it is determined that the filter assembly needs to be cleaned, wherein the number of times of starting the washing machine is counted from zero when the washing machine is running for the first time or after the filter assembly is cleaned, the cumulative operation time of the filter assembly is counted from zero when the washing machine is running for the first time or after the filter assembly is cleaned, and the number of times of clean-water washing that the washing machine has run is counted from zero when the washing machine is running for the first time or after the filter assembly is cleaned.
  • the filter assembly needs to be cleaned, wherein the number of times
  • the step B further comprises: during the execution of the self-cleaning process, memorizing each of the steps of the self-cleaning process that have been executed to continue execution of the remaining steps of the self-cleaning process in the case that the washing machine is powered off and then powered on again, so as to ensure thorough cleaning of the filter assembly.
  • the method further comprises step D: before the self-cleaning process is completed, and after the user operation instruction for turning off the washing machine is received and executed so that the washing machine is turned off, if user operation instruction for starting the washing machine, executing the starting of the washing machine; and after the washing machine is started, sending an alerting signal for cleaning the filter assembly, and prohibiting receipt of a user operation instruction for starting a clean-water washing process or ignoring the received user operation instruction for starting a clean-water washing process.
  • the clean-water washing process of the washing machine is locked to prevent the use of the filter assembly, and the clean-water washing process of the washing machine is unlocked after the cleaning of the filter assembly is completed again.
  • the user operation instruction for turning off the washing machine is received by means of receiving the pressing or touching of a power key on a panel of the washing machine, and generally, it can be understood that if the washing machine is forcibly turned off, the washing machine receives a user operation instruction for forcibly turning off the washing machine.
  • the clean-water washing process may comprise: a recycled water rinsing stage for rinsing clothing in a washing tub of the washing machine with rinsing water, in the recycled water rinsing step of the recycled water rinsing stage, the rinsing water in the washing tub flowing into the filter assembly and flowing back into the washing tub after filtration in the filter assembly.
  • the clean-water washing process may also comprise: a washing stage executed prior to the recycled water rinsing stage and a dewatering stage executed after the recycled water rinsing stage.
  • the washing stage may comprise: a washing water injection step of supplying water from the water intake pipe of the washing machine to provide the washing water for the washing stage; a washing step of washing the clothing in the washing tub with a detergent and the washing water; and a washing dewatering step of dewatering the clothing in the washing tub.
  • the recycled water rinsing stage may comprise: a rinsing water injection step of supplying water from the water intake pipe to provide the rinsing water for the recycled water rinsing stage; a recycled water rinsing step; and a rinsing dewatering step for dewatering the clothing in the washing tub.
  • the dewatering stage is used to spin-dry the clothing in the washing tub.
  • the rotation speed of the washing tub during the dewatering of the clothing in the washing dewatering step and in the rinsing dewatering step is lower than the rotation speed of the washing tub during the dewatering in the dewatering stage, and the time of the dewatering of the clothing in the washing dewatering step and in the rinsing dewatering step is shorter than the time of dewatering in the dewatering stage, because the dewatering of the clothing in the washing dewatering step and in the rinsing dewatering step is only as much as possible to remove the water in the laundry, whereas the dewatering of the clothing in the dewatering stage is to be as much as possible to remove the water in the clothing to facilitate drying.
  • the recycled water rinsing stage has no rinsing dewatering step.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic flow chart of a self-cleaning process for the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • the self-cleaning process may comprise an alkaline liquid cleaning stage S 10 and an acid liquid cleaning stage S 20 executed successively.
  • the filter assembly can be cleaned using an alkaline cleaning liquid.
  • the acid liquid cleaning stage S 20 the filter assembly can be cleaned using an acid cleaning liquid.
  • the alkaline liquid cleaning stage S 10 and the acid liquid cleaning stage S 20 each comprises a respective liquid injection and immersion step in which the cleaning liquid is discharged from the washing tub of the washing machine and is injected into the filter assembly from a water inlet of the filter assembly until a filter membrane of the filter assembly is completely or partially immersed in the cleaning liquid, the injection of the cleaning liquid is stopped, and the injected cleaning liquid is placed in the filter assembly to immerse the filter membrane of the filter assembly.
  • the time for immersion of the filter assembly with the cleaning liquid in the liquid injection and immersion step may be from 3 to 7 mins, for example, 5 mins.
  • the remaining cleaning liquid in the washing tub may be discharged to the outside of the washing machine through the filter assembly or bypass the filter assembly if there is no next step of cleaning the filter assembly after the liquid injection and immersion step.
  • the alkaline liquid cleaning stage S 10 and the acid liquid cleaning stage S 20 may further comprise an air cleaning step S 204 of injecting an airflow into the filter assembly, and washing the filter assembly with the air.
  • an air pump may be provided inside the washing machine to provide an airflow for air cleaning the filter assembly.
  • the time of air cleaning of the filter assembly with the airflow is from 1-3 mins, for example, 2 mins. The airflow with which the filter assembly is air cleaned can be discharged from the filter assembly to the outside of the washing machine.
  • the alkaline liquid cleaning stage S 10 and the acid liquid cleaning stage S 20 after their respective air cleaning steps S 204 , may further comprise: continuing repeating the liquid injection and immersion step and the air cleaning step until the respective predetermined number of repetitions is completed.
  • the cleaning liquid injected in the liquid injection and immersion step S 202 following the air cleaning step S 204 displaces the air-washed cleaning liquid in the filter assembly from the filter assembly to outside the washing machine.
  • the alkaline liquid cleaning stage S 10 may last longer than the acid liquid cleaning stage S 20 .
  • the alkaline-cleaning predetermined number of repetitions of the liquid injection and immersion steps and the air cleaning steps in the alkaline liquid cleaning stage S 10 is greater than the acid-cleaning predetermined number of repetitions of the liquid injection and immersion steps and the air cleaning steps in the acid liquid cleaning stage S 20 .
  • the alkaline-cleaning predetermined number of repetitions of the liquid injection and immersion steps and the air cleaning steps in the alkaline liquid cleaning stage S 10 is 5-15, preferably 10; and the acid-cleaning predetermined number of repetitions of the liquid injection and immersion steps and the air cleaning steps in the acid liquid cleaning stage S 20 is 2-10, preferably 5.
  • the alkaline liquid cleaning stage SI 0 and the acid liquid cleaning step S 20 further comprises, prior to their respective first liquid injection and immersion steps S 202 , a cleaning liquid preparation step of injecting water into the washing tub, the water flow carrying the cleaning agent which has been placed in the dispenser box of the washing machine into the washing tub, mixing the water and the cleaning agent into the cleaning liquid in the washing tub, and heating the cleaning liquid in the washing tub to the respective initially predetermined temperature.
  • the alkaline cleaning liquid may be heated in the washing tub to 50 to 60° C., for example 55° C.; and in the cleaning liquid preparation step of the acid liquid cleaning stage S 20 , the acid cleaning liquid may be heated in the washing tub to 35 to 45° C., for example 40° C.
  • the dispenser box may comprise a first compartment and a second compartment in which an alkaline cleaning agent and an acid cleaning agent are respectively provided, and in the cleaning liquid preparation step of the alkaline liquid cleaning stage S 10 and the acid liquid cleaning stage S 20 , and the water flows through the first compartment and the second compartment, respectively, into the washing tub.
  • the alkaline cleaning agent and the acid cleaning agent can be placed in the first compartment and the second compartment of the dispenser box of the washing machine respectively by the user, and then the first compartment of the dispenser box is filled with water through the water intake pipeline of the washing tub, the water flow carries the alkaline cleaning agent which has been put in the dispenser box into the washing tub, the water and the alkaline cleaning agent are mixed into the alkaline cleaning liquid in the washing tub, and the liquid injection and immersion step S 202 and the air cleaning step S 204 can be repeatedly executed after the alkaline cleaning liquid in the washing tub is heated to an initially predetermined alkaline liquid temperature by a heating device inside the washing machine.
  • the second compartment of the dispenser box is filled with water through the water intake pipeline of the washing tub, the water flow carries the acid cleaning agent which has been put in the dispenser box into the washing tub, the water and the acid cleaning agent are mixed into the acid cleaning liquid in the washing tub, and the liquid injection and immersion step S 202 and the air cleaning step S 204 can be repeatedly executed after the acid cleaning liquid in the washing tub is heated to an initially predetermined acid liquid temperature by a heating device inside the washing machine.
  • the injection amount of the alkaline cleaning liquid in each liquid injection and immersion step S 202 of the alkaline liquid cleaning stage S 10 is determined by means of liquid level control according to the amount of the alkaline cleaning liquid in the washing tub and the and the alkaline-cleaning predetermined number of repetitions of the liquid injection and immersion steps S 202 and the air cleaning steps S 204 in the alkaline liquid cleaning stage S 10 .
  • the cleaning liquid preparation step of the alkaline liquid cleaning stage S 10 there is a total of 10 L of alkaline cleaning liquid in the washing tub, and the alkaline-cleaning predetermined number of repetitions of the liquid injection and immersion steps S 202 and the air cleaning steps S 204 is 10, then by means of the liquid level control, one-tenth of the alkaline cleaning liquid is pumped from the washing tub to the filter assembly each time. Rather than pumping 1 L of the alkaline cleaning liquid by flow to the filter assembly.
  • the amount of cleaning liquid pumped by means of the liquid level control in the liquid injection and immersion step S 202 can ensure that there is enough cleaning liquid in each liquid injection and immersion step S 202 within the alkaline-cleaning predetermined number of repetitions, to avoid the phenomenon that there is no cleaning liquid in the washing tub before reaching the alkaline-cleaning predetermined number of repetitions due to the error of pumping by flow.
  • the injection amount of the acid cleaning liquid in each liquid injection and immersion step S 202 of the acid liquid cleaning stage S 20 is determined by means of liquid level control according to the amount of the acid cleaning liquid in the washing tub and the and the acid-cleaning predetermined number of repetitions of the liquid injection and immersion steps S 202 and the air cleaning steps S 204 in the acid liquid cleaning stage S 20 .
  • the cleaning liquid preparation step of the acid liquid cleaning stage S 20 there is a total of 5 L of acid cleaning liquid in the washing tub, and the acid-cleaning predetermined number of repetitions of the liquid injection and immersion steps S 202 and the air cleaning steps S 204 is 5, then one-fifth of the acid cleaning liquid is pumped from the washing tub to the filter assembly each time.
  • the cleaning liquid in the washing tub may be subjected to secondary heating in the alkaline liquid cleaning stage S 10 . That is, the alkaline liquid cleaning stage S 10 , before the number of repetitions of its liquid injection and immersion steps and air cleaning steps has reached the alkaline-cleaning predetermined number of repetitions, further comprises:
  • the repetition of the liquid injection and immersion steps and the air cleaning steps is continued until the alkaline-cleaning predetermined number of repetitions is completed.
  • the number of repetitions of the liquid injection and immersion steps and the air cleaning steps of the alkaline liquid cleaning stage S 10 is any number less than the aforementioned alkaline-cleaning predetermined number of repetitions, the cleaning liquid secondary heating step may be performed.
  • the cleaning liquid secondary heating step of the alkaline liquid cleaning stage S 10 is performed when the number of repetitions of the liquid injection and immersion steps and the air cleaning steps thereof is half the alkaline-cleaning predetermined number of repetitions. For example, if the alkaline-cleaning predetermined number of repetitions of the liquid injection and immersion steps S 202 and the air cleaning steps S 204 of the alkaline liquid cleaning stage S 10 is 10, when the liquid injection and immersion steps S 202 and the air cleaning steps S 204 thereof are repeated 5 times, the cleaning liquid secondary heating step is performed; and when the remaining washing liquid in the washing tub is heated to 50-60° C., the liquid injection and immersion steps S 202 and the air cleaning steps S 204 are continued to repeat 5 times, to complete the alkaline liquid cleaning Stage S 10 .
  • the heating may also be continued with the heating device in the washing tub throughout the alkaline liquid cleaning stage S 10 and/or the acid liquid cleaning stage S 20 to make the alkaline cleaning liquid or the acid cleaning liquid in the washing tub always maintain at the initially predetermined alkaline liquid temperature or the initially predetermined acid liquid temperature.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic flow chart of an alkaline liquid cleaning stage S 10 in the self-cleaning process for the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • a cleaning liquid preparation step S 302 may be executed: injecting a first predetermined amount of water into the washing tub, the water flow carrying the alkaline cleaning agent which has been placed in the first compartment of the dispenser box of the washing machine into the washing tub, mixing the water and the alkaline cleaning agent into the alkaline cleaning liquid in the washing tub, and heating the alkaline cleaning liquid in the washing tub to the respective initially predetermined alkaline liquid temperature.
  • a liquid injection and immersion step S 304 lies in that the alkaline cleaning liquid is pumped out of the washing tub of the washing machine and is injected into the filter assembly from the water inlet of the filter assembly until a filter membrane of the filter assembly is completely or partially immersed in the alkaline cleaning liquid, and then the injection of the alkaline cleaning liquid is stopped. The injected alkaline cleaning liquid is then placed in the filter assembly to immerse the filter membrane of the filter assembly.
  • An air cleaning step S 306 lies in injecting an airflow into the filter assembly, and cleaning the filter assembly with the air.
  • a first determining step S 308 lies in determining whether the number of repetitions of the liquid injection and immersion steps and the air cleaning steps has reached a pre-set first number of repetitions, where the first number of repetitions is less than the alkaline-cleaning predetermined number of repetitions of the alkaline liquid cleaning stage S 10 .
  • the cleaning liquid secondary heating step S 310 is executed; and if not, the liquid injection and immersion steps S 304 and the air cleaning steps S 306 are repeated until the number of times the liquid injection and immersion steps and the air cleaning steps are executed reaches the first number of repetitions.
  • the alkaline-cleaning predetermined number of repetitions may be 10, and the first number of repetitions may be 4-6, preferably 5.
  • the air cleaning step S 306 is performed after each execution of the liquid injection and immersion step S 304 , the number of times the air cleaning steps are executed is the same as the number of repetitions of the liquid injection and immersion steps and the air cleaning steps.
  • the first determining step S 308 it is possible to determine whether or not to reach the first number of repetitions based only on the number of times the air cleaning steps are executed.
  • the cleaning liquid secondary heating step S 310 lies in heating the remaining cleaning liquid in the washing tub to 50-60° C.
  • a liquid injection and immersion step S 312 lies in that the re-heated cleaning liquid is pumped out of the washing tub of the washing machine and is injected into the filter assembly from the water inlet of the filter assembly until the filter membrane of the filter assembly is completely or partially immersed in the cleaning liquid, and then the injection of the cleaning liquid is stopped. The injected cleaning liquid is then placed in the filter assembly to immerse the filter membrane of the filter assembly.
  • An air cleaning step S 314 lies in injecting an airflow into the filter assembly, and cleaning the filter assembly with the air.
  • a second determining step S 316 lies in determining whether the number of repetitions of the liquid injection and immersion steps and the air cleaning steps has reached the alkaline-cleaning predetermined number of repetitions of the alkaline liquid cleaning stage S 10 .
  • the liquid injection and immersion steps S 312 and the air cleaning steps S 314 are repeated until the number of times the liquid injection and immersion steps and the air cleaning steps are executed reaches the alkaline-cleaning predetermined number of repetitions.
  • the alkaline liquid cleaning stage after the alkaline-washing predetermined number of repetitions of the liquid injection and immersion steps and air cleaning steps are carried out, further comprises a flushing step S 318 of pumping a predetermined amount of clear water from the washing tub of the washing machine into the filter assembly to flush same, and then discharging the water to the outside of the washing machine.
  • a second predetermined amount of water can be re-injected into the washing tub and the water is pumped into the washing tub through the first compartment of the dispenser box of the washing machine, and the predetermined amount of clean water is pumped into the filter assembly from the washing tub of the washing machine and is the discharged to the outside of the washing machine after flushing the filter assembly.
  • the flushing of the filter assembly may be executed a predetermined number of times to achieve the purpose of discharging remaining alkaline liquid in the washing tub, the filter assembly and the flow path therebetween.
  • the alkaline liquid cleaning stage S 10 is ended, and proceeds to the acid liquid cleaning stage S 20 .
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart of an acid liquid cleaning stage S 20 in the self-cleaning process for the washing machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • a cleaning liquid preparation step S 402 may be executed: injecting a third predetermined amount of water into the washing tub, the water flow carrying the acid cleaning agent which has been placed in the dispenser box of the washing machine into the washing tub, mixing the water and the acid cleaning agent into the acid cleaning liquid in the washing tub, and heating the acid cleaning liquid in the washing tub to the respective initially predetermined acid liquid temperature.
  • a liquid injection and immersion step S 404 lies in that the acid cleaning liquid is pumped out of the washing tub of the washing machine and is injected into the filter assembly from the water inlet of the filter assembly until a filter membrane of the filter assembly is completely or partially immersed in the acid cleaning liquid, and then the injection of the acid cleaning liquid is stopped. The injected acid cleaning liquid is then placed in the filter assembly to immerse the filter membrane of the filter assembly.
  • An air cleaning step S 406 lies in injecting an airflow into the filter assembly, and cleaning the filter assembly with the air.
  • a determining step S 408 lies in determining whether the number of repetitions of the liquid injection and immersion steps S 402 and the air cleaning steps S 404 has reached the acid-cleaning predetermined number of repetitions of the acid liquid cleaning stage S 20 .
  • liquid injection and immersion steps S 402 and the air cleaning steps S 404 are repeated until the number of times the liquid injection and immersion steps and the air cleaning steps are executed reaches the acid-cleaning predetermined number of repetitions.
  • the acid liquid cleaning stage after the acid-washing predetermined number of repetitions of the liquid injection and immersion steps and air cleaning steps are carried out, further comprises a flushing step S 410 of pumping a predetermined amount of clear water from the washing tub of the washing machine into the filter assembly to flush same, and then discharging the water to the outside of the washing machine.
  • a fourth predetermined amount of water can be re-injected into the washing tub and the water is pumped into the washing tub through the first or second compartment of the dispenser box of the washing machine, and the predetermined amount of clean water is pumped into the filter assembly from the washing tub of the washing machine and is the discharged to the outside of the washing machine after flushing the filter assembly.
  • the flushing of the filter assembly may be executed a predetermined number of times to achieve the purpose of discharging remaining acid liquid in the washing tub, the filter assembly and the flow path therebetween.
  • the acid liquid cleaning stage S 20 is ended, and the cleaning of the filter assembly is completed.
US15/507,696 2014-09-22 2015-09-18 Self-cleaning method for filter assembly of washing machine Abandoned US20170306544A1 (en)

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CN201410486955.2A CN105506934B (zh) 2014-09-22 2014-09-22 洗衣机的过滤组件的自清洁方法
PCT/CN2015/090057 WO2016045556A1 (zh) 2014-09-22 2015-09-18 洗衣机的过滤组件的自清洁方法

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WO2020187638A1 (de) * 2019-03-15 2020-09-24 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Wäschepflegegerät mit einem filterelement
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FR3108921B1 (fr) * 2020-04-03 2022-03-04 Ifp Energies Now Systeme et procede regenerable de filtration de microfibres d'un liquide de vidange
CN111672192B (zh) * 2020-05-28 2021-11-02 佛山市百斯特电器科技有限公司 洗涤设备的清洁提醒方法及装置
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CN105506934B (zh) 2019-08-09
EP3187642B1 (en) 2019-09-04
CN105506934A (zh) 2016-04-20
JP2017527370A (ja) 2017-09-21

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