WATER DRAINING METHOD OF WASHING MACHINE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of laundry treating appliances, and in particular relates to a water draining method of washing machine.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A drum washing machine typically includes an outer container and a drum provided within. The drum washing machine further includes a door which mounted on the front panel of a cabinet defining a housing within which the first outer container and the drum reside. Good sealing performance between the door and the first outer container has to be ensured because the inside pressure is required to maintain at a comparatively high value during the entire operation. Normally, the drum washing machine has an upper draining system, which is called an upper-drain type washing machine, specifically indicating a first draining conduit provided including an upward section. A draining pump provided on the first draining conduit is used for enabling water within the draining conduit to flow through the upward section and then drain from the draining conduit.

[0003] Document EP 0 711 860 A1 discloses a water draining method according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

[0004] The user of drum washing machine is inclined to put in excessive treating chemistry manually due to lack of information about the appropriate dosing of detergent for different laundry loads, laundry items made of various textiles, or uneven dirty level. Even though the laundry items or laundry loads are unchanged, the correct dosage of detergent of different manufacturers is changeable. Too much detergent may result in excess bubbles and foam created and maintained in the first outer container, which is also an auxiliary effect of the good sealing performance between the door and the first outer container. Those bubbles may further intrigue an increase of pressure within the first outer container and finally result in overflow. Especially in the spin cycle, the drum rotates at a high speed, and the quantity of bubbles created may boost. Excessive detergent may further cause over residual and leaves lingering odor of detergent on laundered clothes.

[0005] Besides the excessive detergent put in, another reason for over residual of suds is that, in a normal operation of the prior art, the drum remains stationary in the cycle of draining, during which washing water is drained from the bottom of the first outer container but bubbles and foam left on the liquid surface, and that is to say, the liquid is drained out with very few suds. Most of the bubbles and foam still resides in the washer and only could be flushed out in sequential rinse cycle.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention provides a water draining method, with which much more suds formed could be drained from the washer during drain cycle so as to reinforce the rinse effect and prevent overflow.

[0007] The technical solution is illustrated as follows:

[0008] A water draining method of washing machine, wherein the washing machine is an upper-drain type and further including a first outer container configured to receive washing water, a first inner container provided within the first outer container, a motor configured to drive the first inner container rotating, a first draining system, which is communicated with the bottom of the first outer container, including a first draining conduit and a draining pump, comprising: initiating a drain cycle, during which keeping the draining pump working at an alternate operation mode until the liquid level within the first outer container decreasing to a preset draining level; and initiating a spin cycle, during which controlling the motor to drive the first inner container rotating and spinning while keeping the draining pump working at an alternate operation mode, whereby the spin cycle further comprises a low-speed spin, the low-speed spin comprising:

a. controlling the motor to drive the first inner container spinning at an increasing rotation speed while keeping the draining pump working at the alternate operation mode; wherein the highest rotation speed capable of reaching in the low-speed spin is set as a first rotation speed;

b. determining whether an over-suds condition occurs in the washer by detecting the liquid level within the first outer container; if the over-suds condition occurs, then entering into a step c followed; if the over-suds condition does not occur, entering into a de-foaming mode and then back to the step a sequentially; wherein the de-foaming mode comprises: reducing the rotation speed of the first inner container to the distributed rotation speed, and sequentially supplying fresh water into the washer in a period while keeping the draining pump working at the alternate operation mode;

c. detecting the rotation speed of the first inner container and determining whether it meets the first rotation speed or not;

if the rotation speed reaches the first rotation speed, the low-speed spin ends; if the rotation speed is lower than the first rotation speed, performing the de-foaming mode and back to step a sequentially.

[0009] Further, the alternate operation mode comprises: keeping the draining pump running 10 to 20 seconds and pausing 2 to 10 seconds alternately.

[0010] Preferably, the alternate operation mode comprises: keeping the draining pump running 12 to 18 seconds and pausing 4 to 6 seconds alternately.

[0011] During the drain cycle, the determination that whether the liquid level within the first outer container reaches the preset draining level is fulfilled by the following steps: detecting the liquid level within the first outer container, comparing the detected result with the preset draining level; if the liquid level detected is higher than the set value, the draining pump continues to work at the alternate operation mode; if the liquid level detected meets or decreasing to lower than the set value, the draining pump is being stopped.

[0012] Further, initiating a load balancing cycle before the spin cycle, during which controlling the motor to drive the first inner container spinning at a set distributed rotation speed and during which determining whether the load is evenly distributed based on rotation speed values detected.

[0013] The load balancing cycle further comprising: detecting real-time rotation speed values of the driveshaft of the motor at a plurality of points respectively; comparing those detected speed values with set values corresponding to each of them; and determining the fact that the laundry load is evenly distributed within the first inner container if all of the differences between the detected speed values and the set values belong to a preset range and terminating the load balancing cycle; or determining the fact that the laundry load is unevenly distributed within the first inner container if any one of the difference value is beyond the set range and resuming the load balancing cycle.

[0014] Further, the distributed rotation speed is 90 to 120 rpm.

[0015] Preferably, the distributed rotation speed is 90 to 100 rpm.

[0016] Further, according to the invention, the spin cycle further comprising a low-speed spin, the low-speed spin comprising:

a. controlling the motor to drive the first inner container spinning at an increasing rotation speed while keeping the draining pump working at the alternate operation mode; wherein the highest rotation speed capable of reaching in the low-speed spin is set as a first rotation speed;

b. determining whether an over-suds condition occurs in the washer by detecting the liquid level within the first outer container; if the over-suds condition occurs, then entering into a step c followed; if the over-suds condition does not occur, entering into a defoaming mode and then back to the step a sequentially; wherein the de-foaming mode comprises: reducing the rotation speed of the first inner container to the distributed rotation speed, and sequentially supplying fresh water into the washer in a period while keeping the draining pump working at the alternate operation mode;

c. detecting the rotation speed of the first inner container and determining whether it meets the first rotation speed or not; if the rotation speed reaches the first rotation speed, the low-speed spin ends; if the rotation speed is lower than the first rotation speed, performing the de-foaming mode and back to the step a sequentially.

[0017] Further, the first rotation speed is 350 to 450 rpm.

[0018] Further, the alternate operation mode in the low-speed spin comprises: keeping the draining pump running 10 to 20 seconds and pausing 2 to 10 seconds alternately.

[0019] Preferably, the alternate operation mode in the low-speed spin comprises: keeping the draining pump running 8 to 12 seconds and pausing 2 to 6 seconds alternately.

[0020] Further, the period of supplying water in the de-foaming mode is 30 to 60 seconds.

[0021] Further, the alternate operation mode in the de-foaming mode comprises: keeping the draining pump running 8 to 12 seconds and pausing 2 to 6 seconds alternately.

[0022] Further, the distributed rotation speed is 90 to100 rpm.

[0023] Further, in step b, the occurrence of the over-suds condition is determined by comparing the liquid level within the first outer container with a preset foaming liquid level; if the liquid level within the first outer container detected is higher than or meets the set foaming liquid level, the over-suds condition exists in the first outer container.

[0024] Further, the rotation speed of the inner container, which is driven by the motor, reduces to the predetermined distributed rotation speed as the low-speed spin ends.

[0025] The spin cycle further comprising a high-speed spin, the high-speed spin comprising:

A. controlling the motor to drive the first inner container spinning at an increasing rotation speed while keeping the draining pump working at the alternate operation mode; wherein the highest rotation speed capable of reaching in the high-spin is set as a second rotation speed;

B. determining whether an over-suds condition is occurred in the washer by detecting whether the rotation speed reaches the second rotation speed in a set period of time; if an over-suds condition does not occur, the high-speed spin ends and the motor is being stopped; if an over-suds condition occurs, entering a de-foaming mode and back to the step A sequentially; wherein the de-foaming mode comprising: reducing the rotation speed of the first inner container to the distributed rotation speed, and sequentially supplying fresh water into the washer in a period while keeping the draining pump working at the alternate operation mode.

[0026] Further, the second rotation speed is 500 to 1000 rpm.

[0027] The spin cycle further comprising a timing spin followed the high-speed spin, wherein the timing spin comprising: increasing the rotation speed of the first inner container which is driven by the motor to a third rotation speed and spinning while keeping the draining pump working at the alternate operation mode; stopping the motor and shutting down a first draining valve as the time expires.

[0028] Further, the third rotation speed is 1100 to 1200 rpm.

[0029] Further, the draining system includes a first draining valve and the first draining valve is being maintaining open as the draining method being executed.

[0030] The water draining method may be utilized in a dual-drum washing machine further including a second washing system, wherein the second washing system including a second outer container, a second draining conduit communicated with the second outer container, and a second draining valve provided on the second draining conduit. The first draining conduit further includes a bottom section, which is communicated with the first outer container and provided with a first draining valve and the draining pump, an upward section and a free section. The second draining conduit connected with the portion of the bottom section between the first draining valve and the first draining conduit. The water draining method further comprises the following steps: initiating an occupation detecting cycle preceding the drain cycle, during which sensing whether the first draining valve or the draining pump is working for another washing system; if either of them is being occupied, remaining the current status.

BENEFICIAL EFFECT

[0031] With the configuration of this alternation, on one hand, washing water within the first outer container flows into the first draining conduit and then is being pumped to drain out through the upward section of the first draining conduit as the draining pump working, and on the other hand, washing water within the upward section of the first draining conduit flows back by gravity as the draining pump stopping. Hence, washing water within the upward section of the first draining conduit alternately flows forwards and backwards. The alternate movement of washing water could easily bring more suds out of the washer so as to improve the rinse effect, also could prevent the overflow of bubbles.

[0032] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer with the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention referring to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] 

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a washing machine incorporating the water draining method of a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a washing machine incorporating the water draining method of a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a washing machine incorporating the water draining method of a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and completely with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the directions or position indicated by the terms "up", "down", "left", "right", "front" and "back" is merely for convenience in describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the indicated apparatus or portion must have a specific orientation and be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0036] A first embodiment of the invention can be utilized with a drum washing machine with an upper draining system as illustrated in FIG.1, and the sequence of steps of the water draining method is depicted in FIG.2. The drum washing machine includes a cabinet 1, a first outer container 2, a first inner container, a motor and a first draining system communicated with the bottom of the first outer container 2, wherein the draining system includes a first draining conduit 3 and a draining pump 4. The first inner container is provided within the first outer container 2 defining a chamber for receiving a laundry load for treatment. Washing water resides within the first outer container 2. The first draining conduit 3 includes a bottom section 31, an upward section 32 and a free section 33, wherein the bottom section 31 is communicated with the bottom of the first outer container 2, and the upward section 32 is fixedly arranged on the cabinet 1.The draining pump 4 is arranged on the bottom section 31 to pump washing water flowing through the upward section 32. The motor is fixed on the first outer container 2 to drive the first inner container rotating.

[0037] Illustrated in FIG.2 is a flow chart of the water draining method, which defines a operation includes a drain cycle and a spin cycle, wherein the drain cycle comprises: keeping the draining pump working at an alternate operation mode until the liquid level within the first outer container decreasing to a preset draining level; and the spin cycle comprises: controlling the motor to drive the first inner container rotating and spinning while keeping the draining pump working at an alternate operation mode; the alternate operation mode comprising: running and pausing the draining pump 4 alternately.

[0038] With the configuration of this alternation, on one hand, washing water within the first outer container 2 flows into the first draining conduit 3 and then is being pumped to drain out through the upward section 32 thereof as the draining pump working, and on the other hand, washing water within the upward section 32 of the first draining conduit 3 flows back by gravity as the draining pump stopping. In this way, washing water within the upward section of the first draining conduit 3 alternately flows forwards and backwards. The alternate movement of washing water could easily bring more suds out of the washer so as to improve the rinse effect, also could prevent the overflow of bubbles. Specifically, in the drain cycle, the first inner container remains stationary as the motor stopping, the liquid level in the first outer container 2 decreases with a constant speed as water draining; in the meanwhile, washing water within the upward section alternately flows back against the washing water left in the washer to make it be tumbled, so part of suds on the surface of the washing water left could be drawn into the first draining conduit 3 and then be drained out from the washer through the upward section as the draining pump working. The alternate movement of washing water could further ensure the normal operation of the draining pump 4 because air within the draining pump 4 could be pushed out under the force exerted by the washing water flowing back intermittently, so as to avoid the failure of the draining pump caused by the problem that air is introduced into the inner cavity of the draining pump as only little water being left in the washer. Moreover, due to the configuration of the upward section, bubbles and foam on the liquid surface could flows to the free section 33 in the first place and then be drained out, followed with the washing water, so if the draining pump 4 stops, the washing water within the upward section may flow back to the bottom section but suds is discharged from the washer separately; accordingly, washing water could flow back to drawn more suds again in this alternate way.

[0039] In this embodiment, the alternate operation of the draining pump 4 comprises: keeping running 10 to 20 seconds and then pausing 2 to 10 seconds, preferably the running time is set in a range from 12 to 18 seconds and the pause is set in a range from 4 to 6 seconds, more preferably, the running time is set as 15s and the pause is set as 5s.

[0040] During the drain cycle, the determination that whether the liquid level within the first outer container 2 reaches the preset draining level is fulfilled by the following steps: detecting the liquid level within the first outer container 2, comparing the detected result with the preset draining level; if the liquid level detected is higher than the set value, the draining pump continues to work at the alternate mode; if the liquid level detected meets or decreases to lower than the set value, the draining pump is being stopped and it marks the end of the drain cycle.

[0041] The preset draining level could be flexibly set according to various types of washing machine. Typically, the preset draining level could be established corresponding to the liquid level of the bottom of the first outer container 2, that is, if the liquid level detected decreasing to the point corresponding to the bottom of the first outer container 2, the drain cycle ends and the next cycle is followed.

[0042] In this embodiment, the drain cycle is followed by a load balancing cycle. The load balancing cycle includes: controlling the motor to drive the first inner container spinning at a set distributed rotation speed; detecting real-time operation speeds of the driveshaft of the motor at a plurality of points respectively, and then comparing those detected speed values with set values corresponding to each of them; if all of the differences between the detected speed values and the set values belong to a set range, it could be determined that the laundry load is evenly distributed within the first inner container and the balancing cycle ends; if any one of the difference value is beyond the set range, it could be determined that the laundry load is unevenly distributed within the first inner container and the balancing cycle continues.

[0043] In the present embodiment, the set distributed rotation speed is preferably in a range from 90 to 120 rpm (rotation/minute), that is to say, the rotation speed of the first inner container is set in a range from 90 to 120 rpm, more preferably 90 to 100 rpm, and more preferably at 95 rpm.

[0044] The distribution of laundry load could be adjusted by controlling the motor to drive the first inner container rotating at a set distributed rotation speed, so as to avoid the excessive tumble caused by uneven distribution in the spin cycle; further the distribution status could be determined by detecting the change of driveshaft speed.

[0045] In this embodiment, the spin cycle includes a low-speed spin and a high-speed spin, wherein the low-speed spin comprises:

a. Controlling the motor to drive the first inner container rotate with an increasing speed to spin while keeping the draining pump 4 working at the alternate operation mode; wherein the highest speed capable of reaching in the low-speed spin is set as a first rotation speed.
The range of the first rotation speed is preferably from 350 to 450 rpm, and a more preferable value is 400 rpm. That is to say, followed by the load balancing cycle, the speed of the motor is subject to an increase from the distributed rotation speed to the first rotation speed; in the low-speed spin, the alternate operation of the draining pump 4 is set to be keeping running 12 to 18 seconds and the pause is set in a range from 4 to 6 seconds, more preferably, the running time is set in a time of 15s and the pause is 5s.

b. determining whether an over-suds condition occurs in the washer by detecting the liquid level within the first outer container; if the over-suds condition occurs, then entering into a step c followed, if the over-suds condition does not occur, entering into a defoaming mode and back to the step a sequentially.

[0046] In the step b, the de-foaming mode comprises:
reducing the rotation speed of the first inner container to the distributed rotation speed, and sequentially supplying fresh water into the washer in a period while keeping the draining pump working at the alternate operation mode.

[0047] The occurrence of the over-suds condition could be determined by the liquid level detected because it is subject to a substantial increase with increment of bubbles and foam which is caused by the fact that, during the low-speed spin, much of the water with detergent solution could be removed from the saturated clothes as the first inner container is being driven by the motor to rotate at a comparatively high speed.

[0048] Specifically, the occurrence of the over-suds is determined by comparing the detected liquid level within the first outer container with a set foaming liquid level; if the liquid level within the first outer container is higher than or meets the set foaming liquid level, the over-suds exists in the first outer container; wherein the set foaming liquid level is preferable set as the liquid level corresponding to the bottom of the first inner container.

[0049] As the rotation speed of the first inner container reduces to the distributed rotation speed in the de-foaming mode, the increment of suds caused by rotation could be effectively contained to prevent the overflow of bubbles; it is also a protective measure because the development of high levels of suds could produce an excessive load on the motor and may damage it. Further, as the first inner container is operating at the distributed rotation speed, clothes within the first inner container could contact and be saturated with fresh water supplied and rinsed, and part of the suds on the clothes could be washed and drained out by a washing pump. This operation can effectively enable the level of suds to diminish and can advantageously reinforce the rinse effect without wasting fresh water merely contained few bubbles, and additionally, the quantity of suds capable of being created further could be reduced to avoid the occurrence of over-suds again.

[0050] The alternate operation mode of the draining pump is set as running 12 to 18 seconds and pausing 2 to 6 seconds during the de-foaming mode; preferably setting the running time as 10 seconds and the pausing time as 5 seconds respectively. The shortening of the periods in comparison with those in the step a could be advantageous of draining more suds created out of the washer to make the defoaming effect better. The period of water supply is set as 30 to 60 seconds.

[0051] c. Detecting the rotation speed of the first inner container and determining whether it meets the first rotation speed or not; if the real-time operation rotation speed reaches the first rotation speed, it is indicative of the end of the low-speed spin; if the rotation speed is lower than the first rotation speed, performing the de-foaming mode and back to the step a sequentially.

[0052] In the step c, the defoaming mode comprises: controlling the motor to drive the first inner container rotating at a reduced speed, namely the distributed rotation speed, and sequentially supplying fresh water into the washer in a period while keeping the draining pump working at the alternate operation mode.

[0053] After the de-foaming mode in the step b, a high suds level condition may still exist but could not be determined by the liquid level detected, under this condition, the first inner container is driven by the motor to rotate at a high speed in the step c, and therefore water within the clothes residing in the first inner container could be squeezed out with suds. Those suds may prevent the rotation of the first inner container, and the resistance may grow as the speed increases. In order to overcome the resistance, the motor is required to output much more power than in normal operation. As the power of the motor reaches its maximum capacity, the increment of the rotation speed could not be continued so that the real-time rotation speed may not reach the set rotation speed. The procedure for determining whether the maximum rotation speed reaches the first rotation speed is being incorporated is to address this problem. This procedure could further so as to prevent the over-suds and overflow of suds, and further avoid the damage to the motor caused by excessive load produced by the high levels of suds.

[0054] In this embodiment, the rotation speed of the first inner container is reduced to the distributed rotation speed during the low-speed spin, and then the high-speed spin is initiated; wherein the high-speed spin comprises the following steps:

[0055] A. Controlling the motor to drive the first inner container rotate with an increasing speed to spin while keeping the draining pump 4 working at the alternate operation mode; wherein the highest speed capable of reaching in the high-speed spin is set as a second rotation speed.

[0056] The range of the second rotation speed is preferably from 800 to 1200 rpm, and a more preferable value is 1000 rpm. In the high-speed spin, the alternate operation of the draining pump 4 is set to be keeping running 12 to 18 seconds and the pause is set in a range from 4 to 6 seconds, more preferably, the running time is set in a time of 15s and the pause is 5s.

[0057] A further increase of the rotation speed of the first inner container driven by the motor allows water in clothes to be squeezed out continually, and the alternate operation of the draining pump 4 could drain out more suds.

[0058] B. determining whether an over-suds condition is occurred in the washer by detecting whether the rotation speed reaches the second rotation in a set period of time; if an over-suds condition does not occur, the high-speed spin ends and the motor is being stopped; if an over-suds condition occurs, entering a de-foaming mode and back to the Step A sequentially.

[0059] In the step B, the de-foaming mode comprises:
reducing the rotation speed of the first inner container to the distributed rotation speed, and sequentially supplying fresh water into the washer in a period while keeping the draining pump working at the alternate operation mode.

[0060] In the step B, it is preferably to determine whether an over-suds condition is occurred in the washer by detecting whether the rotation speed increases to 1000 rpm from 400 rpm in a set time period , 3 to 8 seconds.

[0061] In this embodiment, the end of the high-speed spin mode indicates the end of the drain cycle.

[0062] In this embodiment, the over-suds could be accurately sensed relying on various detection methods applied in different stages and the overflow could be effectively prevented.

[0063] A second embodiment of the invention can be utilized with a drum washing machine with an upper draining system as illustrated in FIG. 3, and the sequence of steps of the water draining method is depicted in FIG. 4. The modifications made to the second embodiment are: on one hand, the high-speed spin is followed by a timing spin during the spin cycle, and on the other hand, the draining conduit is further provided with a draining valve. Other features of the first embodiment could also be utilized as those in the second embodiment.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 3, the washing machine includes a cabinet 1, a first outer container 2, a first inner container, a motor and a first draining system communicated with the bottom of the first outer container 2, wherein the first draining system includes a first draining conduit 3, a draining pump 4 and a first draining valve 5. The first inner container is provided within the first outer container 2 defining a chamber for receiving a laundry load for treatment. Washing water resides within the first outer container 2. The first draining conduit 3 includes a bottom section 31, an upward section 32 and a free section 33, wherein the bottom section 31 is communicated with the bottom of the first outer container 2, and the upward section 32 is fixedly arranged on the cabinet 1.The draining pump 4 and the first draining valve 5 is arranged on the bottom section 31 to pump washing water flowing through the upward section 32. The motor is fixed on the first outer container 2 to drive the first inner container rotating.

[0065] Illustrated in FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the water draining method, which defines an operation includes a drain cycle and a spin cycle, wherein the first draining valve 5 is open before the drain cycle in advance and closed as the draining method expires. The drain cycle comprises: running and pausing the draining pump 4 alternately until the liquid level within the first outer container 2 decreasing to a preset draining level, and the spin cycle comprises: controlling the motor to rotate and spin while keeping the draining pump 4 running and pausing alternately.

[0066] With the configuration of this alternation, on one hand, washing water within the first outer container 2 flows into the first draining conduit 3 and then is being pumped to drain out through the upward section 32 of the first draining conduit 3 as the draining pump working, and on the other hand, washing water within the upward section 32 of the first draining conduit 3 flows back by gravity as the draining pump stopping. In this way, washing water within the upward section of the first draining conduit 3 alternately flows forwards and backwards. The alternate movement of washing water could easily bring more suds out of the washer so as to improve the rinse effect, also could prevent the overflow of bubbles. Specifically, in the drain cycle, the first inner container remains stationary as the motor stopping, the liquid level in the first outer container 2 decreasing with a stable speed as the washing water draining; in the meanwhile, washing water within the upward section alternately flows back against the washing water left in the washer to make it be tumbled, so part of suds on the surface of the washing water left could be drawn into the first draining conduit 3 and then be drained out from the washer through the upward section as the draining pump working. The alternate movement of washing water could further ensure the normal operation of the draining pump 4 because air within the draining pump 4 could be pushed out under the force of the washing water flowing back intermittently, so as to avoid the failure of the draining pump caused by the problem that air is introduced into the inner cavity of the draining pump as only little water being left in the washer. Moreover, due to the configuration of the upward section, bubbles and foam on the liquid surface could flows to the free section 33 in the first place and then be drained out, followed with the washing water, so if the draining pump 4 stops, the washing water within the upward section may flow back to the bottom section but suds is discharged from the washer; accordingly, washing water could flow back to drawn more suds again in an alternate way.

[0067] In this embodiment, the alternate operation of the draining pump 4 is set to be keeping running 10 to 20 seconds and then pausing 2 to 10 seconds, preferably the running time is set in a range from 12 to 18 seconds and the pause is set in a range from 4 to 6 seconds, more preferably, the running time is set as 15s and the pause is set as 5s.

[0068] During the drain cycle, the determination that whether the liquid level within the first outer container 2 reaches the preset draining level is fulfilled by the following steps: detecting the liquid level within the first outer container 2, comparing the detected result with the preset draining level; if the liquid level detected is higher than the set value, the draining pump continues to work at the alternate mode; if the liquid level detected meets or decreasing to lower than the set value, the draining pump is being stopped and it marks the end of the drain cycle.

[0069] The preset draining level could be flexibly set according to various modes of washing machine. Typically, the preset draining level could be established as the liquid level of the bottom of the first outer container 2, that is, if the liquid level detected decreasing to the point corresponding to the bottom of the first outer container 2, the drain cycle ends and the next cycle is followed.

[0070] In this embodiment, the drain cycle is followed by a load balancing cycle. The load balancing cycle includes: controlling the motor to drive the first inner container spinning at a set distributed rotation speed; detecting real-time operation speeds of the driveshaft of the motor at a plurality of points respectively, and then comparing those detected speed values with set values corresponding to each of them; if all of the differences between the detected speed values and the set values belong to a set range, it could be determined that the laundry load is evenly distributed within the first inner container and the balancing cycle ends; if any one of the difference value is beyond the set range, it could be determined that the laundry load is unevenly distributed within the first inner container and the balancing cycle continues.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the set distributed rotation speed is preferably in a range from 90 to 120 rpm (rotation/minute), that is to say, the rotation speed of the first inner container is set in a range from 90 to 120 rpm, more preferably 93 to 100 rpm, and more preferably at 95 rpm.

[0072] The distribution of laundry load could be adjusted by controlling the motor to drive the first inner container rotating at a set distributed rotation speed, so as to avoid the excessive tumble caused by uneven distribution in the spin cycle; further the distribution status could be determined by detecting the change of driveshaft speed.

[0073] In this embodiment, the spin cycle includes a low-speed spin, a high-speed spin and a timing spin, wherein the low-speed spin comprises:

[0074] a. Controlling the motor to drive the first inner container rotate with an increasing speed to spin while keeping the draining pump 4 working at the alternate operation mode; wherein the highest speed capable of reaching in the low-speed spin is set as a first rotation speed.

[0075] The range of the first rotation speed is preferably from 350 to 450 rpm, and a more preferable value is 400 rpm. That is to say, followed by the load balancing cycle, the speed of the motor is subject to an increase from the distributed rotation speed to the first rotation speed; in the low-speed spin, the alternate operation of the draining pump 4 is set to be keeping running 12 to 18 seconds and the pause is set in a range from 4 to 6 seconds, more preferably, the running time is set in a time of 15s and the pause is 5s.

[0076] b. determining whether an over-suds condition occurs in the washer by detecting the liquid level within the first outer container; if the over-suds condition occurs, then entering into a step c followed, if the over-suds condition does not occur, entering into a de-foaming mode and back to the step a sequentially.

[0077] In the step b, the defoaming mode comprises: reducing the rotation speed of the first inner container to the distributed rotation speed, and sequentially supplying fresh water into the washer in a period while keeping the draining pump working at the alternate operation mode.

[0078] The occurrence of the over-suds condition could be determined by the liquid level detected because it is subject to a substantial increase with increment of bubbles and foam which is caused by the fact that, during the low-speed spin, much of the water with detergent solution could be removed from the saturated clothes as the first inner container is being driven by the motor to rotate at a comparatively high speed.

[0079] Specifically, the occurrence of the over-suds is determined by comparing the liquid level within the first outer container with a set foaming liquid level; if the liquid level within the first outer container is higher than or meets the set foaming liquid level, the over-suds exists in the first outer container; wherein the set foaming liquid level is preferable set as the liquid level corresponding to the bottom of the first inner container.

[0080] As the rotation speed of the first inner container reduces to the distributed rotation speed in the defoaming mode, the increment of suds caused by rotation could be effectively contained to prevent the overflow of bubbles; it is also a protective measure because the development of high levels of suds could produce an excessive load on the motor and may damage it. Further, as the first inner container is operating at the distributed rotation speed, clothes within the first inner container could contact and be saturated with fresh water supplied and rinsed, and part of the suds on the clothes could be washed and drained out by a washing pump. This operation can effectively enable the level of suds to diminish and can advantageously reinforce the rinse effect without wasting fresh water merely contained few bubbles, and additionally, the quantity of suds capable of being created further could be reduced to avoid the occurrence of over-suds again.

[0081] The alternate operation mode of the draining pump is set as running 12 to 18 seconds and pausing 2 to 6 seconds during the defoaming mode; preferably setting the running time as 10 seconds and the pausing time as 5 seconds respectively. The shortening of the periods in comparison with those in the step a could be advantageous of draining more suds created out of the washer to make the defoaming effect better. The period of water supply is set as 30 to 60 seconds.

[0082] c. Detecting the rotation speed of the first inner container and determining whether it meets the first rotation speed or not; if the rotation speed reaches the first rotation speed, it is indicative of the end of the low-speed spin; if the rotation speed is lower than the first rotation speed, performing the defoaming mode and back to the step a sequentially.

[0083] In the step c, the defoaming mode comprises: controlling the motor to drive the first inner container rotating at a reduced speed, namely the distributed rotation speed, and sequentially supplying fresh water into the washer by a period while keeping the draining pump working at the alternate operation mode.

[0084] After the de-foaming mode in the step b, a high suds level condition may still exist but could not be determined by the liquid level detected, under this condition, the first inner container is driven by the motor to rotate at a high speed in step c, and therefore water within the clothes residing in the first inner container could be squeezed out with suds. Those suds may prevent the rotation of the first inner container, and the resistance may grow as the speed increases. In order to overcome the resistance, the motor is required to output much more power than in normal operation. As the power of the motor reaches its maximum, the increment of the rotation speed could not be continued so that the real-time rotation speed may not reach the set rotation speed. The procedure for determining whether the maximum rotation speed reaches the first rotation speed is being incorporated is to address this problem. This procedure could further so as to prevent the over-suds and overflow of suds, and further avoid the damage to the motor caused by excessive load produced by the high levels of suds.

[0085] In this embodiment, the rotation speed of the first inner container is reduced to the distributed rotation speed during the low-speed spin, and then the high-speed spin is initiated; wherein the high-speed spin comprises the following steps:

[0086] A. Controlling the motor to drive the first inner container rotate with an increasing speed to spin while keeping the draining pump 4 working at the alternate operation mode; wherein the highest speed capable of reaching in the high-speed spin is set as a second rotation speed.

[0087] The range of the second rotation speed is preferably from 800 to 1200 rpm, and a more preferable value is 1000 rpm. In the high-speed spin, the alternate operation of the draining pump 4 is set to be keeping running 12 to 18 seconds and the pause is set in a range from 4 to 6 seconds, more preferably, the running time is set in a time of 15s and the pause is 5s.

[0088] A further increase of the rotation speed of the first inner container driven by the motor allows water in clothes to be squeezed out continually, and the alternate operation of the draining pump 4 could drain out more suds.

[0089] B. determining whether an over-suds condition is occurred in the washer by detecting whether the rotation speed reaches the second rotation in a set period of time; if an over-suds condition does not occur, the high-speed spin ends and the motor is being stopped; if an over-suds condition occurs, entering a de-foaming mode and back to the Step A sequentially.

[0090] In the step B, the de-foaming mode comprises:
reducing the rotation speed of the first inner container to the distributed rotation speed, and sequentially supplying fresh water into the washer in a period while keeping the draining pump working at the alternate operation mode.

[0091] In the step B, it is preferably to determine whether an over-suds condition is occurred in the washer by detecting whether the rotation speed increases to 1000 rpm from 400 rpm in a set time period , 3 to 8 seconds.

[0092] In this embodiment, the high-speed spin is followed by a timing spin, wherein the timing spin comprises: running the motor and increasing the rotation speed to a third rotation speed for spinning while keeping the alternation operation of the draining pump 4 until the time expires, then stopping the motor and shutting down the draining pump 4 and the first draining valve 5. The water draining method ends.

[0093] The range of the third rotation speed is preferably from 1100 to 1200 rpm, namely the rotation speed of the first inner container is 1100 to 1200 rpm, and a more preferable value is 1200 rpm; the alternation operation of the draining pump 4 is set to be keeping running 12 to 18 seconds and the pause is set in a range from 4 to 6 seconds, more preferably, the running time is set in a time of 15s and the pause is 5s.

[0094] With these configurations of the timing spin and alternate operation of the draining pump, the spin effect is reinforced.

[0095] A third embodiment of the invention can be utilized with a washing machine with a dual-drum washing machine as illustrated in FIG. 5, wherein a first draining conduit and a draining pump is provided for both of the first inner containers. The sequence of steps of the water draining method is depicted in FIG. 6. The modification made in the third embodiment mainly is the washing machine is a dual-drum washing machine, and other features of the second embodiment could be utilized as those in the third embodiment.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 5, the washing machine is a dual-drum washing machine including a first washing system and a second washing system, wherein the first washing system includes a cabinet 1, a first outer container 2, a first inner container, a motor and a first draining system communicated with the bottom of the first outer container 2, wherein the first draining system includes a first draining conduit 3, a draining pump 4 and a first draining valve 5; the first inner container is provided within the first outer container 2 defining a chamber for receiving a laundry load for treatment, and washing water resides within the first outer container 2; the first draining conduit 3 includes a bottom section 31, an upward section 32 and a free section 33, wherein the bottom section 31 is communicated with the bottom of the first outer container 2, and the upward section 32 is fixedly arranged on the cabinet 1; the draining pump 4 is arranged in the bottom section 31 to pump washing water flowing through the upward section 32; and the motor is fixed on the first outer container 2 to drive the first inner container rotating. The second washing system includes a second outer container 6 and a second draining conduit 7 communicated with the second outer container 6, a second draining valve 8 is arranged on the second draining conduit which is connected to the portion of the bottom section 31 between the first draining valve 5 and the draining pump 4; with this configuration, the upward section 32 and the free section 33 of the first draining conduit 3 and the draining pump 4 could service for both of the first washing system and the second washing system. But it is also easy to understand that the first washing system and the second washing system could not drain washing water in the meanwhile.

[0097] It is exemplary to regard the first washing system as a main washing system in the dual-drum washer utilized. The sequence of steps of the water draining method is depicted in FIG. 6, which defines an operation includes an occupation detecting cycle, a drain cycle and a spin cycle.

[0098] The occupation detecting cycle comprises: sensing whether the draining pump 4 is working for draining washing water of the second washing system or not; if the draining pump 4 is occupied, remaining the current status; if the draining pump 4 is not occupied, the first draining valve 5 is being opened in advance before the drain cycle.

[0099] the drain cycle comprises: running and pausing the draining pump 4 alternately until the liquid level within the first outer container 2 decreasing to a preset draining level, and the spin cycle comprises: controlling the motor to rotate and spin while running and pausing the draining pump 4 alternately.

[0100] With the configuration of this alternation, on one hand, washing water within the first outer container 2 flows into the first draining conduit 3 and then is being pumped to drain out through the upward section 32 of the first draining conduit 3 as the draining pump working, and on the other hand, washing water within the upward section 32 of the first draining conduit 3 flows back by gravity as the draining pump stopping. Hence, washing water within the upward section of the first draining conduit 3 alternately flows forwards and backwards. The alternate movement of washing water could easily bring more suds out of the washer so as to improve the rinse effect, also could prevent the overflow of bubbles. Specifically, in the drain cycle, the first inner container remains stationary as the motor stopping, the liquid level in the first outer container 2 decreasing with a stable speed as the washing water draining; in the meanwhile, washing water within the upward section alternately flows back against the washing water left in the washer to make it be tumbled, so part of suds on the surface of the washing water left could be drawn into the first draining conduit 3 and then be drained out from the washer through the upward section as the draining pump working. The alternate movement of washing water could further ensure the normal operation of the draining pump 4 because air within the draining pump 4 could be pushed out under the force of the washing water flowing back intermittently, so as to avoid the failure of the draining pump caused by the problem that air is introduced into the inner cavity of the draining pump as only little water being left in the washer. Moreover, due to the configuration of the upward section, bubbles and foam on the liquid surface could flows to the free section 33 in the first place and then be drained out, followed with the washing water, so if the draining pump 4 stops, the washing water within the upward section may flow back to the bottom section but suds is discharged from the washer; accordingly, washing water could flow back to drawn more suds again in an alternate way.

[0101] In this embodiment, the alternate operation of the draining pump 4 is set to be keeping running 10 to 20 seconds and then pausing 2 to 10 seconds, preferably the running time is set in a range from 12 to 18 seconds and the pause is set in a range from 4 to 6 seconds, more preferably, the running time is set as 15s and the pause is set as 5s.

[0102] During the drain cycle, the determination that whether the liquid level within the first outer container 2 reaches the preset draining level is fulfilled by the following steps: detecting the liquid level within the first outer container 2, comparing the detected result with the preset draining level; if the liquid level detected is higher than the set value, the draining pump continues to work at the alternate mode; if the liquid level detected meets or decreasing to lower than the set value, the draining pump is being stopped and it marks the end of the drain cycle.

[0103] The preset draining level could be flexibly set according to various modes of washing machine. Typically, the preset draining level could be established as the liquid level of the bottom of the first outer container 2, that is, if the liquid level detected decreasing to the point corresponding to the bottom of the first outer container 2, the drain cycle ends and the next cycle is followed.

[0104] In this embodiment, the drain cycle is followed by a load balancing cycle. The load balancing cycle includes: controlling the motor to drive the first inner container spinning at a set distributed rotation speed; detecting real-time operation speeds of the driveshaft of the motor at a plurality of points respectively, and then comparing those detected speed values with set values corresponding to each of them; if all of the differences between the detected speed values and the set values belong to a set range, it could be determined that the laundry load is evenly distributed within the first inner container and the balancing cycle ends; if any one of the difference value is beyond the set range, it could be determined that the laundry load is unevenly distributed within the first inner container and the balancing cycle continues.

[0105] In the present embodiment, the set distributed rotation speed is preferably in a range from 90 to 100 rpm (rotation/minute), that is to say, the rotation speed of the first inner container is set in a range from 90 to 100 rpm, more preferably 93 to 95 rpm, and more preferably at 95 rpm.

[0106] The distribution of laundry load could be adjusted by controlling the motor to drive the first inner container rotating at a set distributed rotation speed, so as to avoid the excessive tumble caused by uneven distribution in the spin cycle; further the distribution status could be determined by detecting the change of driveshaft speed.

[0107] In this embodiment, the spin cycle includes a low-speed spin, a high-speed spin and a timing spin, wherein the low-speed spin comprises:

a. Controlling the motor to drive the first inner container rotate with an increasing speed to spin while keeping the draining pump 4 working at the alternate operation mode; wherein the highest rotation speed capable of reaching in the low-speed spin is set as a first rotation speed.
The range of the first rotation speed is preferably set from 350 to 450 rpm, and a more preferable value is 400 rpm. That is to say, followed by the load balancing cycle, the speed of the motor is subject to an increase from the distributed rotation speed to the first rotation speed; in the low-speed spin, the alternate operation of the draining pump 4 is set to be keeping running 12 to 18 seconds and the pause is set in a range from 4 to 6 seconds, more preferably, the running time is set in a time of 15s and the pause is 5s.

b. determining whether an over-suds condition occurs in the washer by detecting the liquid level within the first outer container; if the over-suds condition occurs, then entering into a step c followed, if the over-suds condition does not occur, entering into a de-foaming mode and back to the step a sequentially.

[0108] In the step b, the de-foaming mode comprises:
reducing the rotation speed of the first inner container to the distributed rotation speed, and sequentially supplying fresh water into the washer in a period while keeping the draining pump working at the alternate operation mode.

[0109] The occurrence of the over-suds condition could be determined by the liquid level detected because it is subject to a substantial increase with increment of bubbles and foam which is caused by the fact that, during the low-speed spin, much of the water with detergent solution could be removed from the saturated clothes as the first inner container is being driven by the motor to rotate at a comparatively high speed.

[0110] Specifically, the occurrence of the over-suds is determined by comparing the liquid level within the first outer container with a preset foaming liquid level; if the liquid level detected within the first outer container is higher than or meets the set foaming liquid level, the over-suds exists in the first outer container; wherein the set foaming liquid level is preferable set as the liquid level corresponding to the bottom of the first inner container.

[0111] As the rotation speed of the first inner container reduces to the distributed rotation speed in the de-foaming mode, the increment of suds caused by rotation could be effectively contained to prevent the overflow of bubbles; it is also a protective measure because the development of high levels of suds could produce an excessive load on the motor and may damage it. Further, as the first inner container is operating at the distributed rotation speed, clothes within the first inner container could contact and be saturated with fresh water supplied and rinsed, and part of the suds on the clothes could be washed and drained out by a washing pump. This operation can effectively enable the level of suds to diminish and can advantageously reinforce the rinse effect without wasting fresh water merely contained few bubbles, and additionally, the quantity of suds capable of being created further could be reduced to avoid the occurrence of over-suds again.

[0112] The alternate operation mode of the draining pump is set as running 12 to 18 seconds and pausing 2 to 6 seconds during the de-foaming mode; preferably setting the running time as 10 seconds and the pausing time as 5 seconds respectively. The shortening of the periods in comparison with those in the step a could be advantageous of draining more suds created out of the washer to make the de-foaming effect better. The period of water supply is set as 30 to 60 seconds.

[0113] c. Detecting the rotation speed of the first inner container and determining whether it meets the first rotation speed or not; if the rotation speed reaches the first rotation speed, it is indicative of the end of the low-speed spin; if the rotation speed is lower than the first rotation speed, performing the de-foaming mode and back to the step a sequentially.

[0114] In the step c, the de-foaming mode comprises:
controlling the motor to drive the first inner container rotating at a reduced speed, namely the distributed rotation speed, and sequentially supplying fresh water into the washer by a period while keeping the draining pump working at the alternate operation mode.

[0115] After the de-foaming mode in the step b, a high suds level condition may still exist but could not be determined by the liquid level detected, under this condition, the first inner container is driven by the motor to rotate at a high speed in step c, and therefore water within the clothes residing in the first inner container could be squeezed out with suds. Those suds may prevent the rotation of the first inner container, and the resistance may grow as the speed increases. In order to overcome the resistance, the motor is required to output much more power than in normal operation. As the power of the motor reaches its maximum, the increment of the rotation speed could not be continued so that the real-time rotation speed may not reach the set rotation speed. The procedure for determining whether the maximum rotation speed reaches the first rotation speed is being incorporated is to address this problem. This procedure could further so as to prevent the over-suds and overflow of suds, and further avoid the damage to the motor caused by excessive load produced by the high levels of suds.

[0116] In this embodiment, the rotation speed of the first inner container is reduced to the distributed rotation speed during the low-speed spin, and then the high-speed spin is initiated; wherein the high-speed spin comprises the following steps:

A. Controlling the motor to drive the first inner container rotate with an increasing speed to spin while keeping the draining pump 4 working at the alternate operation mode; wherein the highest speed capable of reaching in the high-speed spin is set as a second rotation speed.

[0117] The range of the second rotation speed is preferably from 800 to 1200 rpm, and a more preferable value is 1000 rpm. In the high-speed spin, the alternate operation of the draining pump 4 is set to be keeping running 12 to 18 seconds and the pause is set in a range from 4 to 6 seconds, more preferably, the running time is set in a time of 15s and the pause is 5s.

[0118] A further increase of the rotation speed of the first inner container driven by the motor allows water in clothes to be squeezed out continually, and the alternate operation of the draining pump 4 could drain out more suds.

[0119] B. determining whether an over-suds condition is occurred in the washer by detecting whether the rotation speed reaches the second rotation speed in a set period of time; if an over-suds condition does not occur, the high-speed spin ends and the motor is being stopped; if an over-suds condition occurs, entering a deforming mode and back to the Step A sequentially.

[0120] In the step B, the de-foaming mode comprises:
reducing the rotation speed of the first inner container to the distributed rotation speed, and sequentially supplying fresh water into the washer in a period while keeping the draining pump working at the alternate operation mode.

[0121] In the step B, it is preferably to determine whether an over-suds condition is occurred in the washer by detecting whether the rotation speed increases to 1000 rpm from 400 rpm in a set time period , 3 to 8 seconds.

[0122] In this embodiment, the high-speed spin is followed by a timing spin, wherein the timing spin comprises: running the motor and increasing the rotation speed to a third rotation speed for spinning while keeping the alternation operation of the draining pump 4 until the time expires, then stopping the motor and shutting down the draining pump 4 and the first draining valve 5. The water draining method ends.

[0123] The range of the third rotation speed is preferably from 1100 to 1200 rpm, namely the rotation speed of the first inner container is 1100 to 1200 rpm, and a more preferable value is 1200 rpm; the alternation operation of the draining pump 4 is set to be keeping running 12 to 18 seconds and the pause is set in a range from 4 to 6 seconds, more preferably, the running time is set in a time of 15s and the pause is 5s.

[0124] With these configurations of the timing spin and alternate operation of the draining pump, the spin effect is reinforced.

Claims

1. A water draining method of washing machine, wherein the washing machine is an upper-drain type further including a first outer container (2) configured to receive washing water, a first inner container provided within the first outer container, a motor configured to drive the first inner container rotating, a first draining system, which is communicated with the bottom of the first outer container, including a first draining conduit (3) and a draining pump (4), comprising:

initiating a drain cycle, during which keeping the draining pump (4) working at an alternate operation mode until the liquid level within the first outer container (2) decreasing to a preset draining level, wherein the alternate operation mode comprising running and pausing the draining pump (4) alternately; and

initiating a spin cycle, during which controlling the motor to drive the first inner container rotating and spinning while keeping the draining pump (4) working at an alternate operation mode,

characterized in that the spin cycle further comprising a low-speed spin, the low-speed spin comprising:

a. controlling the motor to drive the first inner container spinning at an increasing rotation speed while keeping the draining pump (4) working at the alternate operation mode; wherein the highest rotation speed capable of reaching in the low-speed spin is set as a first rotation speed;

b. determining whether an over-suds condition occurs in the washer by detecting the liquid level within the first outer container (2) ; if the over-suds condition occurs, then entering into a step c followed; if the over-suds condition does not occur, entering into a de-foaming mode and then back to the step a sequentially; wherein the de-foaming mode comprises: reducing the rotation speed of the first inner container to the distributed rotation speed, and sequentially supplying fresh water into the washer in a period while keeping the draining pump (4) working at the alternate operation mode,

c. detecting the rotation speed of the first inner container and determining whether it meets the first rotation speed or not; if the rotation speed reaches the first rotation speed, the low-speed spin ends; if the rotation speed is lower than the first rotation speed, performing the de-foaming mode and back to step a sequentially.

2. The water draining method according to claim 1, wherein the alternate operation mode comprising keeping the draining pump (4) running 10 to 20 seconds and pausing 2 to 10 seconds alternately.

3. The water draining method according to claim 1, further comprising:
initiating a load balancing cycle before the spin cycle, during which controlling the motor to drive the first inner container spinning at a set distributed rotation speed and during which determining whether the load is evenly distributed based on rotation speed values detected.

4. The water draining method according to claim 3, wherein the load balancing cycle further comprising:

detecting real-time rotation speed values of the drive shaft of the motor at a plurality of points respectively;

comparing those detected speed values with set values corresponding to each of them; and

determining the fact that the laundry load is evenly distributed within the first inner container if all of the differences between the detected speed values and the set values belong to a preset range and terminating the load balancing cycle; or determining the fact that the laundry load is unevenly distributed within the first inner container if any one of the difference value is beyond the set range and resuming the load balancing cycle.

5. The water draining method according to any one of claim 1 to claim 4, wherein the alternate operation mode in the low-speed spin is keeping the draining pump (4) running 8 to 12 seconds and pausing 2 to 6 seconds alternately.

6. The water draining method according to any one of claim 1 to claim 4, wherein the occurrence of the over-suds condition is determined by comparing the liquid level within the first outer container (2) with a preset foaming liquid level; if the liquid level within the first outer container (2) detected is higher than or meets the set foaming liquid level, the over-suds condition exists in the first outer container (2).

7. The water draining method of claim 4, wherein the spin cycle further comprising a high-speed spin, the high-speed spin comprising:

A. controlling the motor to drive the first inner container spinning at an increasing rotation speed while keeping the draining pump (4) working at the alternate operation mode; wherein the highest rotation speed capable of reaching in the high-spin is set as a second rotation speed;

B. determining whether an over-suds condition is occurred in the washer by detecting whether the rotation speed reaches the second rotation speed in a set period of time; if an over-suds condition does not occur, the high-speed spin ends and the motor is being stopped; if an over-suds condition occurs, entering a de-foaming mode and back to the step A sequentially; wherein the de-foaming mode comprising: reducing the rotation speed of the first inner container to the distributed rotation speed, and sequentially supplying fresh water into the washer in a period while keeping the draining pump (4) working at the alternate operation mode.

8. The water draining method of claim 7, further comprising a timing spin followed the high-speed spin, wherein the timing spin comprising: increasing the rotation speed of the first inner container which is driven by the motor to a third rotation speed and spinning while keeping the draining pump (4) working at the alternate operation mode; stopping the motor and shutting down a first draining valve (5) as the time expires.

9. The water draining method of any one of claims 1 to 8, which is utilized in a dual-drum washing machine further including a second washing system, wherein the second washing system including a second outer container (6), a second draining conduit (7) communicated with the second outer container (6), a second draining valve (8) provided on the second draining conduit (7); the first draining conduit (3) further including a bottom section (31), which is communicated with the first outer container (2) and provided with a first draining valve (5) and the draining pump (4), an upward section (32) and a free section (33), and the second draining conduit (7) connected with the portion of the bottom section (31) between the first draining valve (5) and the first draining conduit (3);
further comprising:
initiating an occupation detecting cycle preceding the drain cycle, during which sensing whether the draining pump (4) is working for another washing system; if it is being occupied, remaining the current status.

10. The water draining method according to claim 1, wherein the first rotation speed is in a range from 350 to 450 rpm, preferably 400 rpm.

11. The water draining method according to claim 1, wherein the distributed rotation speed is in a range from 90 to 120 rpm, preferably in a range from 90 to 100 rpm, more preferably at 95 rpm.

12. The water draining method according to claim 7, wherein the second rotation speed is in a range from 500 to 1000 rpm, or in a range from 800 to 1200rpm, preferably at 1000 rpm.

13. The water draining method according to claim 8, wherein the third rotation speed is 1100 to 1200 rpm, preferably at 1200 rpm.

Ansprüche

1. Wasserablaufverfahren einer Waschmaschine, wobei die Waschmaschine von einem Typ mit oberem Ablauf ist, die ferner einen ersten Außenbehälter (2) beinhaltet, der dazu konfiguriert ist, Waschwasser aufzunehmen, einen ersten Innenbehälter, der in dem ersten Außenbehälter bereitgestellt ist, einen Motor, der dazu konfiguriert ist, den ersten Innenbehälter in Drehung anzutreiben, ein erstes Ablaufsystem, das mit dem Boden des ersten Außenbehälters in Kommunikation steht, das eine erste Ablaufleitung (3) und eine Ablaufpumpe (4) beinhaltet, das Folgendes umfasst:

Einleiten eines Ablaufzyklus, während dem die Ablaufpumpe (4) in einem abwechselnden Betriebsmodus in Betrieb gehalten wird, bis der Flüssigkeitspegel innerhalb des ersten Ablaufbehälters (2) auf einen voreingestellten Ablaufpegel abnimmt, wobei der abwechselnde Betriebsmodus das abwechselnde Laufenlassen und Anhalten der Ablaufpumpe (4) umfasst; und

Einleiten eines Schleuderzyklus, während dem der Motor gesteuert wird, um das Drehen des ersten Innenbehälters und das Schleudern anzutreiben, während die Ablaufpumpe (4) in einem abwechselnden Betriebsmodus in Betrieb gehalten wird,

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Schleuderzyklus ferner ein Schleudern mit niedriger Drehzahl umfasst, wobei das Schleudern mit niedriger Drehzahl Folgendes umfasst:

a. Steuern des Motors, um den ersten Innenbehälter zum Schleudern mit einer zunehmenden Drehzahl anzutreiben, während die Ablaufpumpe (4) in dem abwechselnden Betriebsmodus gehalten wird; wobei die höchste Drehzahl, die beim Schleudern mit niedriger Drehzahl erreicht werden kann, als eine erste Drehzahl eingestellt wird;

b. Bestimmen, ob ein Überschäumungszustand in der Waschmaschine auftritt, indem der Flüssigkeitspegel in dem ersten Außenbehälter (2) erfasst wird; falls der Überschäumungszustand auftritt, Eintreten in einen darauffolgenden Schritt c; falls der Überschäumungszustand nicht auftritt, Eintreten in einen Entschäumungsmodus und dann zurück zu dem sequenziellen Schritt; wobei der Entschäumungsmodus Folgendes umfasst: Reduzieren der Drehzahl des ersten Innenbehälters auf die verteilte Drehzahl und sequenziell Zuführen von frischem Wasser in die Waschmaschine in einem Zeitraum, während die Ablaufpumpe (4) in dem abwechselnden Betriebsmodus in Betrieb gehalten wird,

c. Erfassen der Drehzahl des ersten Innenbehälters und Bestimmen, ob sie der ersten Drehzahl entspricht oder nicht; falls die Drehzahl die erste Drehzahl erreicht, das Schleudern mit niedriger Drehzahl endet; falls die Drehzahl niedriger ist als die erste Drehzahl, Durchführen des Entschäumungsmodus und zurück zu einem sequenziellen Schritt.

2. Wasserablaufverfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei der abwechselnde Betriebsmodus das Laufenlassen der Ablaufpumpe (4) für 10 bis 20 Sekunden und das Anhalten für 2 bis 10 Sekunden abwechselnd umfasst.

3. Wasserablaufverfahren nach Anspruch 1, das weiter Folgendes umfasst:
Einleiten eines Lastabgleichszyklus vor dem Schleuderzyklus, während dem der Motor gesteuert wird, um die Drehung des ersten Innenbehälters mit einer eingestellten verteilten Drehzahl anzutreiben, und während dem basierend auf erfassten Drehzahlwerten bestimmt wird, ob die Last gleichmäßig verteilt ist.

4. Wasserablaufverfahren nach Anspruch 3, wobei der Lastabgleichzyklus ferner Folgendes umfasst:

Erfassen von Echtzeitdrehzahlwerten der Antriebswelle des Motors jeweils an einer Vielzahl von Stellen;

Vergleichen derjenigen erfassten Drehzahlwerte mit eingestellten Werten, die jedem von ihnen entsprechen; und

Bestimmen der Tatsache, dass die Wäschelast in dem ersten Innenbehälter gleichmäßig verteilt ist, falls alle Differenzen zwischen den erfassten Drehzahlwerten und den eingestellten Werten in einen voreingestellten Bereich fallen, und Beenden des Lastabgleichzyklus; oder Bestimmen der Tatsache, dass die Wäschelast in dem ersten Innenbehälter ungleichmäßig verteilt ist, falls einer der Differenzwerte den eingestellten Bereich überschreitet, und Wiederaufnehmen des Lastabgleichzyklus.

5. Wasserablaufverfahren nach einem von Anspruch 1 bis Anspruch 4, wobei der abwechselnde Betriebsmodus in dem Schleudern mit langsamer Drehzahl die Ablaufpumpe (4) abwechselnd 8 bis 12 Sekunden laufen lässt und 2 bis 6 Sekunden anhält.

6. Wasserablaufverfahren nach einem von Anspruch 1 bis Anspruch 4, wobei das Auftreten des Überschäumungszustands durch Vergleichen des Flüssigkeitspegels innerhalb des ersten Außenbehälters (2) mit einem voreingestellten Schaumflüssigkeitspegel bestimmt wird; falls der Flüssigkeitspegel, der in dem ersten Außenbehälter (2) erfasst wird, höher ist als der Schaumflüssigkeitspegel oder ihm entspricht, der Überschäumungszustand in den ersten Außenbehälter (2) vorliegt.

7. Wasserablaufverfahren nach Anspruch 4, wobei der Schleuderzyklus ferner ein Schleudern mit hoher Drehzahl umfasst, wobei das Schleudern mit hoher Drehzahl Folgendes umfasst:

A. Steuern des Motors, um den ersten Innenbehälter zum Schleudern mit einer zunehmenden Drehzahl anzutreiben, während die Ablaufpumpe (4) in dem abwechselnden Betriebsmodus arbeitet; wobei die höchste Drehzahl, die beim Schleudern mit hoher Drehzahl erreichbar ist, als eine zweite Drehzahl eingestellt ist;

B. Bestimmen, ob ein Überschäumungszustand in der Waschmaschine aufgetreten ist, durch Erfassen, ob die Drehzahl die zweite Drehzahl in einem eingestellten Zeitraum erreicht; falls ein Überschäumungszustand nicht auftritt, Beenden des Schleuderns mit hoher Drehzahl und Anhalten des Motors; falls ein Überschäumungszustand auftritt, Eintreten in einen Entschäumungsmodus und sequenziell zurück zu Schritt A, wobei der Entschäumungsmodus Folgendes umfasst: Reduzieren der Drehzahl des ersten Innenbehälters auf die verteilte Drehzahl, und sequenziell Zuführen von frischem Wasser in die Waschmaschine in einem Zeitraum, während die Ablaufpumpe (4) in dem abwechselnden Betriebsmodus in Betrieb gehalten wird.

8. Wasserablaufverfahren nach Anspruch 7, das ferner ein Zeitsteuerschleudern im Anschluss an das Schleudern mit hoher Drehzahl umfasst, wobei das Zeitsteuerschleudern Folgendes umfasst: Erhöhen der Drehzahl des ersten Innenbehälters, der von dem Motor angetrieben wird, auf eine dritte Drehzahl und Schleudern, während die Ablaufpumpe (4) in dem abwechselnden Betriebsmodus in Betrieb gehalten wird; Stoppen des Motors und Abschalten eines ersten Ablaufventils (5), wenn die Zeit abläuft.

9. Wasserablaufverfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, das in einer Doppeltrommel-Waschmaschine eingesetzt wird, das ferner ein zweites Waschsystem beinhaltet, wobei das zweite Waschsystem einen zweiten Außenbehälter (6), eine zweite Ablaufleitung (7), die mit dem zweiten Außenbehälter (6) in Kommunikation steht, ein zweites Ablaufventil (8), das an der zweiten Ablaufleitung (7) bereitgestellt ist, beinhaltet; wobei die erste Ablaufleitung (3) ferner einen Bodenteilabschnitt (31) beinhaltet, der mit dem ersten Außenbehälter (2) in Kommunikation steht, und mit einem ersten Ablaufventil (5) und der Ablaufpumpe (4), einem Aufwärtsteilabschnitt (32) und einem freien Teilabschnitt (33) versehen ist, und die zweite Ablaufleitung (7) mit dem Abschnitt des Bodenteilabschnitts (31) zwischen dem ersten Ablaufventil (5) und der ersten Ablaufleitung (3) verbunden ist;
das ferner Folgendes umfasst:
Einleiten eines Besetzt-Erfassungszyklus, der dem Ablaufzyklus vorangeht, während dem abgetastet wird, ob die Ablaufpumpe (4) für ein anderes Waschsystem arbeitet; falls sie besetzt ist, Verbleiben in dem aktuellen Zustand.

10. Wasserablaufverfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die erste Drehzahl in einem Bereich von 350 bis 450 U/Min. liegt, bevorzugt 400 U/Min. beträgt.

11. Wasserablaufverfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die verteilte Drehzahl in einem Bereich von 90 bis 120 U/Min., bevorzugt in einem Bereich von 90 bis 100 U/Min. liegt, bevorzugter 95 U/Min. beträgt.

12. Wasserablaufverfahren nach Anspruch 7, wobei die zweite Drehzahl in einem Bereich von 500 bis 1000 U/Min., oder in einem Bereich von 800 bis 1200 U/Min. liegt, bevorzugt 1000 U/Min. beträgt.

13. Wasserablaufverfahren nach Anspruch 8, wobei die dritte Drehzahl 1100 bis 1200 U/Min. liegt, bevorzugt 1200 U/Min. beträgt.

Revendications

1. Procédé pour vidanger l'eau d'une machine à laver, dans lequel la machine à laver est du type à vidange par le haut et comprend en outre un premier conteneur extérieur (2) configuré pour recevoir de l'eau de lavage, un premier conteneur intérieur situé dans le premier conteneur extérieur, un moteur configuré pour entraîner en rotation le premier conteneur intérieur, un premier système de vidange, qui se trouve en communication avec le fond du premier conteneur extérieur, comportant un premier conduit de vidange (3) et une pompe de vidange (4), comprenant :

le lancement d'un cycle de vidange, au cours duquel on maintient la pompe de vidange (4) en fonctionnement selon un mode de fonctionnement alterné jusqu'à ce que le niveau de liquide à l'intérieur du premier conteneur extérieur (2) diminue jusqu'à un niveau de vidange prédéfini, le mode de fonctionnement alterné consistant à faire fonctionner la pompe de vidange (4) et à la mettre en pause de manière alternée ; et

le lancement d'un cycle d'essorage, au cours duquel on commande le moteur pour entraîner le premier conteneur intérieur qui tourne et essore tout en maintenant la pompe de vidange (4) en fonctionnement selon un mode de fonctionnement alterné,

caractérisé par le fait que le cycle d'essorage comprend en outre un essorage à basse vitesse, l'essorage à basse vitesse comprenant :

a. commander le moteur pour entraîner le premier conteneur intérieur qui tourne et essore à une vitesse de rotation croissante tout en maintenant la pompe de vidange (4) en fonctionnement selon le mode de fonctionnement alterné ; la vitesse de rotation la plus élevée pouvant être atteinte lors de l'essorage à basse vitesse étant fixée à une première vitesse de rotation ;

b. déterminer si une condition de moussage excessif se produit dans la machine à laver en détectant le niveau de liquide dans le premier conteneur extérieur (2) ; si la condition de moussage excessif se produit, on passe à une étape c suivante ; si la condition de moussage excessif ne se produit pas, on passe à un mode de dé-moussage puis on revient à l'étape a de façon séquentielle ; le mode de dé-moussage comprenant : réduire la vitesse de rotation du premier conteneur intérieur jusqu'à la vitesse de rotation distribuée, et introduire séquentiellement de l'eau fraîche dans la machine à laver pendant une période tout en maintenant la pompe de vidange (4) en fonctionnement selon le mode de fonctionnement alterné,

c. détecter la vitesse de rotation du premier conteneur intérieur et déterminer si elle atteint ou non la première vitesse de rotation ; si la vitesse de rotation atteint la première vitesse de rotation, l'essorage à basse vitesse se termine ; si la vitesse de rotation est inférieure à la première vitesse de rotation, on exécute le mode de dé-moussage et on revient à l'étape a de manière séquentielle.

2. Procédé pour vidanger l'eau selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le mode de fonctionnement alterné comprend l'étape de faire fonctionner la pompe de vidange (4) pendant 10 à 20 secondes et de la mettre en pause de 2 à 10 secondes en alternance.

3. Procédé pour vidanger l'eau selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre
lancer un cycle d'équilibrage de la charge avant le cycle d'essorage, au cours duquel on commande le moteur pour entraîner en rotation le premier conteneur intérieur à une vitesse de rotation distribuée définie et au cours duquel on détermine si la charge est uniformément répartie en se basant sur les valeurs de vitesse de rotation détectées.

4. Procédé pour vidanger l'eau selon la revendication 3, dans lequel le cycle d'équilibrage de la charge comprend en outre :

détecter les valeurs de vitesse de rotation en temps réel de l'arbre d'entraînement du moteur en plusieurs points respectivement ;

comparer ces valeurs de vitesse détectées aux valeurs de consigne correspondant à chacun d'entre eux ; et

déterminer le fait que la charge de linge est uniformément répartie dans le premier conteneur intérieur si toutes les différences entre les valeurs de vitesse détectées et les valeurs de consigne appartiennent à une plage prédéfinie et mettre fin au cycle d'équilibrage de la charge ; ou déterminer le fait que la charge de linge est inégalement répartie dans le premier conteneur intérieur si l'une des valeurs de différence est supérieure à la plage prédéfinie et recommencer le cycle d'équilibrage de la charge.

5. Procédé pour vidanger l'eau selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel le mode de fonctionnement alterné dans l'essorage à basse vitesse consiste à maintenir la pompe de vidange (4) en marche pendant 8 à 12 secondes et à la mettre en pause de 2 à 6 secondes en alternance.

6. Procédé pour vidanger l'eau selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans lequel l'occurrence de la condition de moussage excessif est déterminée en comparant le niveau de liquide dans le premier conteneur extérieur (2) avec un niveau de liquide moussant prédéfini ; si le niveau de liquide détecté dans le premier conteneur extérieur (2) est supérieur ou égal au niveau de liquide moussant prédéfini, la condition de moussage excessif existe dans le premier conteneur extérieur (2).

7. Procédé pour vidanger l'eau selon la revendication 4, dans lequel le cycle d'essorage comprend en outre un essorage à grande vitesse, l'essorage à grande vitesse comprenant :

A. commander le moteur pour entraîner en rotation le premier conteneur intérieur qui essore à une vitesse de rotation croissante tout en maintenant la pompe de vidange (4) en fonctionnement selon le mode de fonctionnement alterné ; la vitesse de rotation la plus élevée pouvant être atteinte lors de l'essorage à grande vitesse étant fixée à une deuxième vitesse de rotation ;

B. déterminer si une condition de moussage excessif se produit dans la machine à laver en détectant si la vitesse de rotation atteint la deuxième vitesse de rotation dans une période de temps définie ; si une condition de moussage excessif ne se produit pas, on termine l'essorage à grande vitesse et on arrête le moteur ; si une condition de moussage excessif se produit, on entre dans un mode de dé-moussage et on revient à l'étape A séquentiellement ; dans lequel le mode de dé-moussage comprend : réduire la vitesse de rotation du premier conteneur intérieur jusqu'à la vitesse de rotation distribuée, et introduire séquentiellement de l'eau fraîche dans la machine à laver pendant une période tout en maintenant la pompe de vidange (4) en fonctionnement selon le mode de fonctionnement alterné.

8. Procédé pour vidanger l'eau selon la revendication 7, comprenant en outre un essorage chronométré après l'essorage à grande vitesse, l'essorage chronométré comprenant : augmenter la vitesse de rotation du premier conteneur intérieur qui est entraîné par le moteur jusqu'à une troisième vitesse de rotation et essorer tout en maintenant la pompe de vidange (4) en fonctionnement selon le mode de fonctionnement alterné ; arrêter le moteur et fermer une première vanne de vidange (5) à l'expiration du temps.

9. Procédé pour vidanger l'eau selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 8, qui est utilisé dans une machine à laver à double tambour comprenant en outre un deuxième système de lavage, dans lequel le deuxième système de lavage comprend un deuxième conteneur extérieur (6), un deuxième conduit de vidange (7) communiquant avec le deuxième conteneur extérieur (6), une deuxième vanne de vidange (8) prévue dans le deuxième conduit de vidange (7) ; le premier conduit de vidange (3) comprenant en outre un tronçon inférieur (31) qui communique avec le premier conteneur extérieur (2) et est pourvu d'une première vanne de vidange (5) et de la pompe de vidange (4), un tronçon ascendant (32) et un tronçon libre (33), et le second conduit de vidange (7) étant relié à la partie du tronçon inférieur (31) située entre la première vanne de vidange (5) et le premier conduit de vidange (3) ;
comprenant en outre
initier un cycle de détection d'occupation précédant le cycle de vidange, au cours duquel on détecte si la pompe de vidange (4) est en cours de fonctionnement pour un autre système de lavage ; si elle est occupée, on conserve l'état actuel.

10. Procédé pour vidanger l'eau selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la première vitesse de rotation est comprise dans la plage de 350 à 450 tours/minute, de préférence à 400 tours/minute

11. Procédé pour vidanger l'eau selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la vitesse de rotation distribuée est comprise dans une plage de 90 à 120 tours/minute, de préférence dans une plage de 90 à 100 tours/minute, plus préférentiellement à 95 tours/minute.

12. Procédé pour vidanger l'eau selon la revendication 7, dans lequel la deuxième vitesse de rotation est comprise dans une plage de 500 à 1000 tours/minute, ou dans une plage de 800 à 1200 tours/minute, de préférence à 1000 tours/minute.

13. Procédé pour vidanger l'eau selon la revendication 8, dans lequel la troisième vitesse de rotation est de 1100 à 1200 tours/minute, de préférence à 1200 tours/minute.

Drawing