Lint removal module and washing and drying machine

Abstract

The present invention discloses a lint removal module and a washing and drying machine. The lint removal module comprises a condensing air duct, the condensing air duct being provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, the bottom of the condensing air duct forming a water storage area, and the interior of the condensing air duct opposite the air inlet forming a windward surface; and a water inlet pipe disposed on the condensing air duct, the water output by the water inlet pipe being used to clean the windward surface. By cleaning the lint on the windward surface, the lint removal module reduces wind resistance in the event of blockage, thereby improving the drying efficiency of the washing and drying machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular relates to a lint removal module and a washing and drying machine. Background Art

[0002] Washing machines and dryers are common household appliances in people's daily lives. With the continuous development of technology, washing machines and dryers with drying functions are becoming more and more popular. In addition to washing clothes normally, washing machines with drying functions can also dry washed and spun clothes.

[0003] Chinese patent application No. 201811058551.8 discloses an air duct filter device and a washer-dryer equipped with a drying heat source. During the drying process, hot air generated by the drying heat source is blown into the washing tub of the washer-dryer via a fan to dry the clothes in the tub. The airflow from the tub enters a water storage pipe for condensation, while lint generated during the drying process is filtered out by a filter. However, a large amount of lint will adhere to the windward side of the water storage pipe opposite the air inlet, which can easily cause pipe blockage and increase wind resistance, thereby reducing drying efficiency.

[0004] In view of this, how to design a technology with high drying efficiency is the technical problem to be solved by the present invention. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a lint removal module and a washing and drying machine, which can reduce lint on the windward surface to reduce blockage, thereby reducing wind resistance and improving the drying efficiency of the washing and drying machine.

[0006] In order to achieve the above technical objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention provides a lint removal module, comprising:

[0008] A condensation air duct is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, the bottom of the condensation air duct forms a water storage area, and the portion of the condensation air duct opposite to the air inlet forms a windward surface;

[0009] A water inlet pipe is provided on the condensing air duct, and water outputted from the water inlet pipe is used for cleaning the windward surface.

[0010] Furthermore, a water diversion plate is provided inside the condensing air duct, and the water diversion plate is located above the windward surface, and a water outlet gap is formed between the water diversion plate and the windward surface; the water outlet of the water inlet pipe is located above the water diversion plate.

[0011] Furthermore, the water diversion plate is located above the air inlet, and a water trough is formed between the water diversion plate and the inner wall of the condensation air duct.

[0012] Furthermore, the water diversion plate is provided with a folded edge folded downward, and the water outlet gap is formed between the folded edge and the windward surface.

[0013] Furthermore, the water outlet of the water inlet pipe extends to the inside of the condensation air duct, and the water outlet of the water inlet pipe sprays water toward the windward surface.

[0014] Furthermore, the wire scrap removal module also includes:

[0015] a first wind shield, the first wind shield being disposed in the condensing air duct and extending downward from an upper portion of the condensing air duct;

[0016] a second wind shield, the second wind shield being arranged in the condensing air duct and extending from below to above the condensing air duct, the second wind shield being located in the water storage area;

[0017] Among them, along the air flow direction inside the condensing air duct, the first wind shield and the second wind shield are arranged in sequence on one side of the air inlet, and the surface of the first wind shield opposite to the air inlet forms the windward surface.

[0018] Furthermore, along the horizontal projection direction, the lower end portion of the first wind shield plate and the upper end portion of the second wind shield plate form a projection overlapping area.

[0019] Furthermore, the lower end portion of the first wind shield is bent toward the second wind shield, and / or the upper end portion of the second wind shield is bent toward the first wind shield.

[0020] Furthermore, an air guide portion is provided on the upper portion of the first wind shield, and the air guide portion is located above the second wind shield.

[0021] Furthermore, at least one water baffle is provided below the air outlet.

[0022] In another aspect, the present invention also provides a washing and drying machine, comprising a washing tub and a drying module, the drying module having an air blowing port and an air suction port, the air blowing port being connected to the washing tub, and further comprising the above-mentioned lint removal module; the air inlet of the lint removal module being connected to the washing tub, and the air outlet of the lint removal module being connected to the air suction port of the drying module.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are: water is supplied to the condensing air duct through the water inlet pipe, and the water output by the water inlet pipe can clean the windward surface in the condensing air duct. During actual use, lint adheres to the windward surface, and the water output by the water inlet pipe can effectively clean the lint adhered to the surface of the windward surface. In the process of removing lint, a certain amount of water needs to be injected into the condensing air duct to form a water seal in the water storage area to filter the lint, and each time water is injected, the windward surface can be cleaned to ensure that the windward surface will not adhere to too much lint and cause the condensing air duct to be blocked or generate greater wind resistance, thereby improving the drying efficiency of the washing and drying machine. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of an embodiment of a washing and drying machine of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Main view of the middle thread removal module;

[0027] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Middle AA section view;

[0028] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Middle BB section view;

[0029] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Rear view of the central lint removal module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts shall fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] It should be noted that in the description of the present invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or component described must have a specific orientation, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] like Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, this embodiment provides a washing and drying machine comprising a washing tub 100 and a drying module 200. After the laundry is washed in the washing tub 100, the drying module 200 can be activated to dry the laundry in the washing tub 100. The specific operation of the washing tub 100 for washing the laundry and the drying module 200 for drying the laundry can be referenced to the structural form of the relevant components in conventional washing and drying machines, and will not be limited or elaborated upon herein.

[0033] The conventional clothes drying module 200 comprises an electric heater 201 and a fan 202. The drying module 200 has an air outlet and an air intake. The air outlet is connected to the washing tub 100. The air inlet 11 of the lint removal module is connected to the washing tub 100, and the air outlet 12 of the lint removal module is connected to the air intake of the clothes drying module 200. During the drying process, the washer-dryer is also equipped with a lint removal module 300 to condense the high-temperature, high-humidity air in the washing tub 100 and filter out lint.

[0034] The lint removal module 300 includes a condensing air duct 1 and a water inlet pipe 10. The condensing air duct 1 is used to convey airflow during the clothes drying process, while the water inlet pipe 10 is used to inject water into the condensing air duct 1.

[0035] The condensing duct 1 is provided with an air inlet 11 and an air outlet 12. The bottom of the condensing duct 1 forms a water storage area 103, and the portion of the condensing duct 1 opposite the air inlet 11 forms a windward surface A. The air inlet 11 is provided at the bottom of the condensing duct 1, and the air outlet 12 is provided at the top. The airflow output from the washer-dryer enters the condensing duct 1 through the air inlet 11 and is output through the air outlet 12.

[0036] Furthermore, a water inlet pipe 10 is provided on the condensing duct 1. The water discharged from the water inlet pipe 10 is used to clean the windward surface A. During actual use, when the clothes drying module 200 is activated to dry the clothes in the washing tub 100, the airflow containing lint generated during the drying process enters the condensing duct 1. This airflow enters the condensing duct 1 through the air inlet 11 and impacts the windward surface A. After being condensed and lint-removed by the water in the water storage area 103, the airflow is finally discharged through the air outlet 12.

[0037] During the drying process, the airflow on the windward surface A is highly humid and contains lint. As the airflow impacts the windward surface A, a large amount of lint adheres to it. As the drying time increases, the accumulation of lint on the windward surface A gradually increases, leading to blockage of the condenser duct 1. Water is then injected into the condenser duct 1 through the water inlet pipe 10, allowing the water discharged from the water inlet pipe 10 to clean the lint from the windward surface A.

[0038] In some embodiments, in order to ensure that the water output by the water inlet pipe 10 can completely clean up the lint on the windward surface A, a water dividing plate 13 is provided inside the condensation duct 1. The water dividing plate 13 is located above the windward surface A, and a water outlet gap is formed between the water dividing plate 13 and the windward surface A; the water outlet of the water inlet pipe 10 is located above the water dividing plate 13.

[0039] When the water inlet pipe 10 is injecting water into the condensing air duct 1, the water discharged from the water inlet pipe 10 will fall onto the water diversion plate 13. The water diversion plate 13 is arranged transversely along the width of the windward surface A, so that the water can be distributed along the width of the windward surface A and overflow the water diversion plate 13 to flow onto the windward surface A. In this way, the windward surface A can be fully cleaned with water in the width direction, effectively cleaning away the lint adhering to the windward surface A.

[0040] In another embodiment, the water diverter plate 13 is located above the air inlet 11, and a water trough is formed between the water diverter plate 13 and the inner wall of the condensing air duct 1. Specifically, the water diverter plate 13 extends upward at an angle to form a water trough with the inner wall of the condensing air duct 1. The water trough can more conveniently guide the water output from the water inlet pipe 10 to be distributed along the width direction of the windward surface A.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, a downwardly folded edge 131 is provided on the water diversion plate 13, and the water outlet gap is formed between the folded edge 131 and the windward surface A. Specifically, the downwardly folded edge 131 is formed at the edge of the water diversion plate 13 near the windward surface A, and the folded edge 131 can guide water overflowing from the edge of the water diversion plate 13, so that the water flows more smoothly onto the windward surface A.

[0042] Similarly, in another embodiment, the water inlet pipe 10 can be used to clean the lint from the windward surface A using a water flow, or it can be used to spray water directly onto the windward surface A. That is, the water outlet of the water inlet pipe 10 extends into the interior of the condensing air duct 1, and the water outlet of the water inlet pipe 10 sprays water toward the windward surface A. Specifically, the water output from the water inlet pipe 10 is sprayed directly toward the windward surface A, and the impact of the water flow cleans the lint from the windward surface A.

[0043] In actual use, the water supply method of the water inlet pipe 10 can adopt the water supply module in the washing and drying machine to supply water, or a separate water inlet valve can be configured to connect to the water pipe in the home for independent water supply of the water inlet pipe 10, which is not limited here. In actual use, before drying clothes, the water inlet pipe 10 can be used to inject water into the condensation duct 1 through the water inlet pipe 10 to form a certain liquid level of water in the water storage area 103 to achieve condensation and lint removal. Generally, the water level in the water storage area 103 will not exceed the lower edge of the air inlet 11. At the same time, the control of the water level in the water storage area 103 can adopt the method of configuring an overflow port in conventional technology, which is not limited or elaborated here. In addition, after the clothes are dried, the water in the water storage area 103 can be discharged through the drain pipe 14 configured at the bottom of the condensation duct 1, and the drain pipe 14 can be configured with an electric control valve to automatically control the opening and closing of the drain pipe.

[0044] In some embodiments, in order to better remove the lint, the lint removal module 300 further includes a first windshield 2 and a second windshield 3 .

[0045] A first windshield 2 is disposed within the condensation duct 1 and extends downward from the upper portion of the condensation duct 1. A second windshield 3 is disposed within the condensation duct 1 and extends upward from the lower portion of the condensation duct 1. Along the direction of airflow within the condensation duct 1, the first windshield 2 and the second windshield 3 are sequentially arranged on either side of the air inlet 11, such that the lower end of the first windshield 2 is located in front of the upper end of the second windshield 3. An air inlet area 101 is formed between the first and second windshields 2 and 3 and the air inlet 11, and an air outlet area 102 is formed between the first and second windshields 2 and 3 and the air outlet 12. Furthermore, a water reservoir 103 is formed at the bottom of the condensation duct 1. The air inlet 11 is higher than the water reservoir 103, and the second windshield 3 is located within the water reservoir 103.

[0046] In actual use, before the washer-dryer begins drying clothes, it must first inject a certain amount of water into the condensing duct 1 through the water inlet pipe 10. This water in the condensing duct 1 condenses the hot and humid air and removes the lint from the hot and humid air. After water is injected into the water storage area 103, when the washer-dryer is not drying clothes, the water level in the condensing duct 1 must be high enough to submerge the lower end of the first windshield 2. This way, the first windshield 2 and the water in the condensing duct 1 can isolate the air inlet area 101 from the air outlet area 102.

[0047] After the clothes drying operation is initiated, the moist airflow from the washing tub 100 enters the lint removal module 300. The lint-laden airflow from the washing tub 100 passes through the air inlet 11 and enters the air inlet area 101 within the condensing air duct 1. Because the air inlet area 101 and the air outlet area 102 are separated by the first windshield 2 inserted in the water, the air pressure forces the water in the air inlet area 101 into the air outlet area 102. Ultimately, the airflow passes through the bottom of the first windshield 2 and enters between the first windshield 2 and the second windshield 3.

[0048] As the airflow passes over the surface of the first windshield 2, it fully contacts the water layer on the surface of the first windshield 2, effectively absorbing the lint. Simultaneously, the airflow impinges upon the surface of the second windshield 3, creating a large spray of water above the second windshield 3. The airflow between the first and second windshields 2, 3 is further cleansed by the spray, effectively removing lint from the airflow.

[0049] After the airflow from the washing tub 100 is condensed and lint-removed, it enters the air intake of the drying module 200 through the air outlet 12 of the lint removal module 300. It then flows into the drying module 200, forming a high-temperature, dry airflow. The airflow then flows into the washing tub 100 through the air outlet of the drying module 200, drying the clothes in the washing tub 100 and completing one air cycle. The airflow is controlled to circulate repeatedly between the washing tub 100, the lint removal module 300, and the drying module 200 until the clothes in the washing tub 100 are dry. In this way, the washing and drying machine simultaneously removes lint through the lint removal module 300 during the drying process.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the lower end of the first wind shield 2 and the upper end of the second wind shield 3 can form a projected overlap region along the horizontal projection direction. Specifically, the lower end of the first wind shield 2 is lower than the upper end of the second wind shield 3, so that the lower end of the first wind shield 2 and the upper end of the second wind shield 3 have a projected overlap region along the horizontal projection direction. After bypassing the bottom of the first wind shield 2, the airflow can be further guided by the second wind shield 3. This ensures that the airflow can flow between the first wind shield 2 and the second wind shield 3 and enter the air outlet area 102.

[0051] The air flow flows between the first wind shield 2 and the second wind shield 3. On the one hand, it can make the air flow fully contact with the water layer on the surface of the first wind shield 2 and the second wind shield 3 to remove the lint. On the other hand, it can also ensure that the air flow can fully contact with the water splashes generated by the second wind shield 3 during the rising process, so as to effectively improve the efficiency of lint removal.

[0052] In another embodiment, to further optimize the lint removal effect, the lower end of the first windshield 2 is preferably bent toward the second windshield 3. Specifically, after being guided by the lower end of the first windshield 2, the airflow flows toward the second windshield 3. This allows the airflow to be further guided through the second windshield 3 to remove lint. Furthermore, as the airflow flows upward along the second windshield 3, it can further impact the water layer above, forming a larger water splash.

[0053] Similarly, the upper end of the second windshield 3 is bent toward the first windshield 2. Specifically, the airflow directed through the second windshield 3 is directed through its upper end and then flows toward the first windshield 2. In this way, the airflow can be directed back to the first windshield 2 to fully utilize the water layer on the surface of the first windshield 2 to remove lint.

[0054] A more preferred solution is that the lower end of the first wind shield 2 and the upper end of the second wind shield 3 are both bent.

[0055] In some embodiments, an air guide portion 21 extending toward the air outlet area 102 may be provided on the upper portion of the first wind shield 2. The air guide portion 21 is located above the second wind shield 3 and further away from the air inlet area 101 relative to the second wind shield 3. Specifically, as the airflow passes over the lower end of the first wind shield 2 and continues to flow upward along the first wind shield 2, the airflow will be shielded and guided by the upper air guide portion 21 to extend the retention time of the airflow in the condensation duct 1, thereby achieving full contact between the airflow and the water for the lint removal operation, thereby effectively improving the efficiency of the lint removal. The air guide portion 21 is preferably designed to extend downwardly and obliquely, so that the airflow can be guided by the air guide portion 21 to flow toward the water surface at the bottom again, so that the airflow hits the water surface behind the second wind shield 3 again for lint removal.

[0056] Furthermore, the specific structures of the first and second windshields 2 and 3 can be designed in a variety of ways. For example, the first and second windshields 2 and 3, as well as the wind guide 21, can all be designed as arc-shaped structures. This allows the airflow between the lower end of the first windshield 2 and the upper end of the second windshield 3 to form a vortex, fully contacting the water and enhancing the lint removal effect. Furthermore, the wind guide 21 above the second windshield 3 can guide the airflow to form a vortex, further optimizing the lint removal effect.

[0057] To reduce the amount of mist escaping from the air outlet 12, at least one water baffle (not shown) is preferably installed within the condensing air duct 1, below the air outlet 12. Specifically, the water baffle is located below the air outlet 12. The water baffle blocks the rising airflow, thus blocking mist and entrained water droplets in the airflow. This reduces the amount of mist entering the clothes drying module 200, thereby improving clothes drying efficiency. If multiple water baffles are installed, they should be spaced apart vertically and staggered laterally.

[0058] In this embodiment, the specific structural form of the washing and drying machine is not limited here. As for the lint removal module, it can be built into the air duct of the washing and drying machine to maintain the overall aesthetics of the washing and drying machine.

[0059] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit the same. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, it is still possible for a person skilled in the art to modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or to replace some of the technical features therein with equivalents. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions claimed to be protected by the present invention.

Claims

1. A lint removal module, characterized in that: include: A condensation air duct is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet, the bottom of the condensation air duct forms a water storage area, and the portion of the interior of the condensation air duct opposite the air inlet forms a windward surface; the condensation air duct is configured so that the water level in the condensation air duct is high enough to submerge the lower end of the first wind shield; a water inlet pipe, the water inlet pipe being arranged on the condensing air duct, and the water output by the water inlet pipe being used for cleaning the windward surface; The wire scrap removal module also includes: a first wind shield, the first wind shield being disposed in the condensing air duct and extending downward from an upper portion of the condensing air duct; a second wind shield, the second wind shield being arranged in the condensing air duct and extending from below to above the condensing air duct, the second wind shield being located in the water storage area; Wherein, along the airflow direction inside the condensing air duct, the first wind shield and the second wind shield are sequentially arranged on one side of the air inlet, and the surface of the first wind shield opposite to the air inlet forms the windward surface; the upper portion of the first wind shield is further provided with an air guide portion, and the air guide portion is located above the second wind shield; The first wind shield, the second wind shield and the wind guide are all designed to be arc-shaped structures, and the lint removal module is configured so that the airflow flowing between the lower end of the first wind shield and the upper end of the second wind shield can form a vortex; the lower end of the first wind shield is bent toward the direction of the second wind shield, and the upper end of the second wind shield is bent toward the direction of the first wind shield.

2. The yarn scrap removal module according to claim 1, characterized in that: A water diversion plate is provided inside the condensing air duct, and the water diversion plate is located above the windward surface, with a water outlet gap formed between the water diversion plate and the windward surface; the water outlet of the water inlet pipe is located above the water diversion plate.

3. The lint removal module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The water dividing plate is located above the air inlet, and a water trough is formed between the water dividing plate and the inner wall of the condensing air duct.

4. The lint removal module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The water diversion plate is provided with a folded edge folded downward, and the water outlet gap is formed between the folded edge and the windward surface.

5. The yarn scrap removal module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The water outlet of the water inlet pipe extends to the inside of the condensing air duct, and the water outlet of the water inlet pipe sprays water toward the windward surface.

6. The lint removal module according to claim 1, characterized in that: Along the horizontal projection direction, the lower end portion of the first wind shield plate and the upper end portion of the second wind shield plate form a projection overlapping area.

7. A washing and drying machine, comprising a washing tub and a drying module, wherein the drying module has an air blowing port and an air suction port, wherein the air blowing port is connected to the washing tub, and wherein: It also includes a lint removal module as described in any one of claims 1 to 6; the air inlet of the lint removal module is connected to the washing tub, and the air outlet of the lint removal module is connected to the air intake of the drying module.

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