Washing machine and impeller cleaning method thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides a washing machine and a method for cleaning an impeller thereof. The washing machine and the dryer include: a drum; a drying duct disposed outside the drum, with an air inlet and an air outlet connected to the drum respectively disposed at both ends of the drying duct, the air inlet being provided with an opening and closing device for controlling its opening and closing; an impeller disposed in the drying duct and located above the air inlet; and a condensate water pipe having one end connected to a water inlet valve and the other end connected to the drying duct between the impeller and the air inlet. The washing machine and the dryer of the present invention utilizes the existing condensate water pipe of the washing machine and the dryer to take in water, eliminating the need for an additional flushing pipe. The impeller is immersed in condensate water for cleaning, thereby facilitating the cleaning of hair debris remaining on the impeller, reducing hair debris remaining on the impeller, and improving drying efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular to a washing and drying machine and an impeller cleaning method thereof. Background Art

[0002] The interior of the existing washing and drying machine that holds clothes is connected to a drying channel in which a drying component is installed. During the drying process, air circulates between the interior of the drum and the drying channel. Hair debris on the clothes in the drum will be carried into the drying channel by the air flow. The impeller in the drying channel will retain hair debris, thereby reducing the drying efficiency. In addition, the hair debris remaining on the impeller will continue to be carried into the interior of the drum and remain on other clothes.

[0003] In the currently disclosed technical solution, the impeller is flushed through an external water channel, which requires additional piping. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention provides a washing and drying machine and an impeller cleaning method thereof, which can ensure the impeller cleaning effect and thereby improve the drying effect.

[0005] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a washing and drying machine is provided, comprising:

[0006] roller;

[0007] A drying channel is provided outside the drum, with an air inlet and an air outlet connected to the drum respectively provided at both ends of the drying channel, and an opening and closing device for controlling the opening and closing of the air inlet is provided in the air inlet;

[0008] an impeller, disposed in the drying channel and located above the air inlet;

[0009] A condensate pipe has one end connected to the water inlet valve and the other end connected to the drying channel between the impeller and the air inlet.

[0010] As an improvement of the present invention, a liquid level probe is provided in the drying channel at the position of the impeller.

[0011] Furthermore, the liquid level probe includes a first probe and a second probe that are arranged in parallel and spaced apart, and the water level monitored by the first probe is higher than the water level monitored by the second probe.

[0012] As an improvement of the present invention, the opening and closing device includes:

[0013] a bracket, sleeved in the air inlet, the bracket being provided with an inclined surface for separating the drying channel, the inclined surface being provided with an opening;

[0014] A flip cover is connected to the inclined surface in a flip-able manner, and the flip cover closes the opening under its own weight.

[0015] As an improvement of the present invention, it further includes a ventilation pipeline, one end of which is connected to the outside world, and the other end is connected to the drying channel between the impeller and the air inlet.

[0016] As an improvement of the present invention, the opening and closing device is a control valve.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for cleaning an impeller of a washing and drying machine is provided, which is applied to the above-mentioned washing and drying machine, and the impeller cleaning method comprises:

[0018] closing the opening and closing device, opening the water inlet valve, and introducing condensed water into the drying channel until the condensed water soaks the impeller, and then closing the water inlet valve;

[0019] The impeller is driven to rotate and immersed in water for cleaning. After a preset time, the impeller is stopped and the opening and closing device is opened to discharge condensed water.

[0020] As an improvement of the present invention, during the impeller cleaning process, the water level of the condensed water is monitored in real time. When the water level is lower than the preset value, the water inlet valve is opened to replenish water.

[0021] By applying the technical solution of the present invention, an opening and closing device is provided at the air inlet of the drying channel. When cleaning the impeller, the opening and closing device is closed, and condensed water is introduced into the drying channel by utilizing the original condensed water pipe of the washing and drying machine, and the impeller is immersed in the condensed water, thereby achieving the impeller being immersed in water for cleaning, thereby facilitating the cleaning of hair debris remaining on the impeller, reducing hair debris remaining on the impeller, and improving the drying efficiency.

[0022] It can be seen that the washing and drying machine of the present application utilizes the original condensation water pipe of the washing and drying machine for water intake, and there is no need to add an additional flushing pipe, which provides a new idea for impeller cleaning. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The drawings in the specification, which constitute a part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute improper limitations on the present invention.

[0024] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the overall structure of a washing and drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the split structure of the washing and drying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0026] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a drying channel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of a condensation channel of a drying channel according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 for Figure 3 AA section view in the figure;

[0029] Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of an opening and closing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a schematic structural diagram of a liquid level probe according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 8 This is a control logic diagram of the impeller cleaning method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] in,

[0033] 1-drum; 2-drying channel; 3-impeller, 4-condensate pipe; 5-water inlet valve; 6-opening and closing device; 7-liquid level probe; 8-ventilation pipe; 9-fan;

[0034] 11- bellows; 12- drain outlet; 21- air inlet; 22- air outlet; 23- condensation channel; 24- heating channel; 61- bracket; 62- flip cover; 71- first probe; 72- second probe; 73- insulation layer; 611- inclined surface; 612- opening. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with embodiments. It should be noted that the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other unless there is any conflict.

[0036] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the present application. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present application belongs.

[0037] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0038] like Figures 1 to 7As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a washing and drying machine, comprising a drum 1, a drying duct 2, an impeller 3, and a condensed water pipe 4. The drying duct 2 is disposed outside the drum 1. An air inlet 21 and an air outlet 22 communicating with the drum 1 are disposed at either end of the drying duct 2. The impeller 3 is disposed within the drying duct 2 and is located above the air inlet 21. One end of the condensed water pipe 4 is connected to an inlet valve 5, and the other end communicates with the drying duct 2 between the impeller 3 and the air inlet 21. An opening and closing device 6 is disposed within the air inlet 21 for controlling the opening and closing of the air inlet 21.

[0039] In this embodiment, the air inlet 21 of the drying duct 2 communicates with the lower rear end of the drum 1 via the bellows 11. The vertical section between the air inlet 21 and the impeller 3 defines the condensation duct 23, which is located at the rear end of the drum 1 from top to bottom and is therefore also referred to as the rear air duct. The condensate line 4 and the ventilation line 8 are both connected to the upper portion of the condensation duct 23. The water inlet end of the condensate line 4 is connected to the water inlet valve 5, while the air inlet end of the ventilation line 8 is connected to the outside world.

[0040] The air outlet 22 of the drying channel 2 is connected to the upper front end of the drum 1. The horizontal section between the air outlet 22 and the impeller 3 is defined as the heating channel 24, which is arranged at the top of the drum 1 from back to front. The heating element is arranged in the heating channel 24, and the fan 9 that drives the impeller 3 to rotate is arranged above the impeller 3.

[0041] During drying, the opening and closing device 6 is opened, and the fan 9 drives the impeller 3 to rotate, causing air flow, guiding the gas in the drying channel 2 to flow from the air inlet 21 to the air outlet 22, and then guiding the humid air in the drum 1 into the condensation channel 23 through the air inlet 21. The condensation water pipe 4 sprays condensation water into the condensation channel 23. The warm and humid air flow encounters the condensation water, and the gas releases heat to the condensation water. The water vapor in the air flow condenses into liquid and flows out of the drying channel 2 through the air inlet 21 under the action of gravity along with the condensation water, and is discharged to the outside of the washing and drying machine through the drain outlet 12 at the bottom of the drum 1. The air flow after removing the condensation water becomes dry air flow, passes through the impeller 3 and is guided to the heating channel 24. After being heated by the heating element, it becomes dry hot air flow, and is then discharged into the drum 1 through the air outlet 22 to heat and dry the clothes. The air flow becomes warm and humid air flow again and enters the condensation channel 23 through the air inlet 21 to start the next cycle.

[0042] When cleaning the impeller, the opening and closing device 6 is closed, the water inlet valve 5 is opened, and condensed water is injected into the condensation channel 23 through the condensed water pipe 4. Since the lower end of the condensation channel 23 is closed, the condensed water accumulates in the condensation channel 23 until the impeller 3 is immersed in the condensed water. The water inlet valve 5 is closed, the fan 9 is turned on, and the impeller 3 is driven to rotate so that the impeller 3 is immersed in water for cleaning. After the preset time, the fan 9 is turned off, and the opening and closing device 6 is opened to discharge the condensed water, which is discharged to the outside of the washing and drying machine through the drain outlet 12 at the bottom of the drum 1.

[0043] It can be seen that the washing and drying machine of the present application utilizes the original condensate water pipe of the washing and drying machine to soak the impeller in the condensate water for cleaning, without the need for additional flushing pipes, providing a new idea for impeller cleaning.

[0044] In order to more accurately control the water level of the condensed water in the condensation channel 23 when the impeller is cleaned and prevent the condensed water from entering the heating channel 24, a liquid level probe 7 is provided in the drying channel 2 at the position of the impeller 3 in this embodiment. Specifically, the liquid level probe 7 is provided at the top of the condensation channel 23 and is connected to the control system of the washing and drying machine. In this way, when the liquid level probe 7 detects the water level, the fan 9 is turned on and the impeller 3 is immersed in the water and rotates to achieve the cleaning effect. At the same time, during the cleaning process, when the liquid level probe 7 detects that the water level is too low, the water inlet valve 5 is opened to replenish water to ensure that the impeller 3 is always partially immersed in water.

[0045] Alternatively, as Figure 7 As shown, the liquid level probe 7 has a first probe 71 and a second probe 722 arranged in parallel and spaced apart. The first probe 71 and the second probe 722 are both metal rods. The first probe 71 is longer than the second probe 72, and an insulating layer 73 is provided on the first probe 71, so that the water level monitored by the first probe 71 is higher than the water level monitored by the second probe 72. When in use, the first probe 71 and the second probe 722 are in contact with water at the same time, the circuit is turned on, and feedback is given that the set water level has been reached.

[0046] In this embodiment, the opening and closing device 6 can be a control valve connected to the control system of the washer-dryer. The control valve is normally open when power is off and remains normally open during drying or washing. When the impeller is cleaned, the control valve is powered on and closed, the liquid level probe 7 is activated, and the water inlet valve 5 is opened. When the water level reaches the detection level, the water inlet valve 5 is closed, the fan 9 is turned on, and the impeller 3 is cleaned. After cleaning is completed, the fan 9 is turned off, the control valve is de-energized and opened, and water and debris are discharged from the air inlet 21, entering the space between the inner and outer drums, and finally discharged to the outside of the washer-dryer through the drain outlet 12.

[0047] As a convertible embodiment, Figure 6As shown, the opening and closing device 6 adopts a self-closing design, and the opening and closing device 6 can be controlled by controlling the opening and closing of the fan 9 without the need for an additional drive device for control. Specifically, the opening and closing device 6 is mainly composed of a bracket 61 and a flap 62, wherein the bracket 61 is a sleeve structure with one end closed, nested in the air inlet 21 of the drying channel 2, and the closed end of the bracket 61 is provided with a slope 611, and an opening 612 is opened on the slope 611. The flap 62 is a plate-like structure, which can be flipped and connected to the slope 611 and close the opening 612 under its own weight. By reasonably designing the angle of the slope 611 and the size of the flap 62, when drying, after the fan 9 is turned on and negative pressure is generated in the drying channel 2, the gas in the drum 1 can overcome the weight of the flap 62 and open the flap 62 upward, and after the fan 9 stops, the flap 62 closes the opening 612 under its own weight.

[0048] In addition, after the impeller is cleaned, the water in the condensation channel 23 needs to be drained. When a self-closing opening and closing device 6 is used, it can be discharged until the next time washing. Specifically, after the washing program is started, the main wash water inlet valve is opened, and water is fed into the drum 1. After the water level reaches the set level, the main wash water inlet valve is closed, and the motor is turned on to drive the drum 1 to rotate at the set speed. The water flow brought by the lifting ribs in the drum 1 hits the flap 62 of the opening and closing device 6, so that a gap is formed between the flap 62 and the bracket 61, so that the water and hair debris in the condensation channel 23 are discharged and enter between the inner drum and the outer drum, and finally discharged to the outside of the washing and drying machine through the drain outlet 12.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for cleaning the impeller of the washing and drying machine described above is also provided. Figure 8 As shown, the impeller cleaning method includes:

[0050] Before drying, determine whether the impeller is cleaned. If not, the liquid level probe 7 does not work, the fan 9 is started, the opening and closing device 6 is automatically opened, and the drying operation is carried out. During the drying process, the water inlet valve 5 is opened in time to allow condensed water to be introduced into the condensation channel 23 for cooling and dehumidification.

[0051] If so, the liquid level probe 7 works, opens the water inlet valve 3, and introduces condensed water into the condensation channel 23. When the liquid level probe 7 detects that the water level has reached the set position, it closes the water inlet valve 3, starts the fan 9, and drives the impeller 3 to rotate, so that the impeller 3 is immersed in water for cleaning. During the cleaning process, the liquid level probe 7 monitors the water level of the condensed water in real time. When the water level is lower than the preset value, the water inlet valve 3 is opened to replenish water. After the preset time, the fan 9 is turned off to complete the cleaning of the impeller 3.

[0052] Entering the washing program, the main wash water inlet valve is opened, and water is fed into the drum 1. After the water reaches the set water level, the main wash water inlet valve is closed, and the motor is turned on to drive the drum 1 to rotate at the set speed. The water flow brought by the lifting ribs in the drum 1 hits the flap 62 of the opening and closing device 6, so that a gap is formed between the flap 62 and the bracket 61, so that the water and hair debris in the condensation channel 23 are discharged, enter between the inner drum and the outer drum, and finally discharged to the outside of the washing and drying machine through the drain outlet 12.

[0053] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by the terms "center", "front, back, up, down, left, right", "lateral, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal" and "top, bottom" are usually based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise specified, these orientation words do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention; the orientation words "inside and outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0054] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication between two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood by those skilled in the art according to the specific circumstances.

[0055] In addition, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to limit components is only for the convenience of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0056] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing and drying machine, characterized in that: include: Roller (1); A drying channel (2) is provided outside the drum (1), and an air inlet (21) and an air outlet (22) are provided at both ends of the drying channel (2), respectively, and the air inlet (21) is provided with an opening and closing device (6) for controlling its opening and closing; An impeller (3) is arranged in the drying channel (2) and is located above the air inlet (21); A condensate pipe (4), one end of which is connected to a water inlet valve (5), and the other end of which is connected to the drying channel (2) between the impeller (3) and the air inlet (21); The opening and closing device (6) comprises: A bracket (61) is sleeved in the air inlet (21), the bracket (61) is provided with an inclined surface (611) for separating the drying channel (2), and an opening (612) is provided on the inclined surface (611); The flip cover (62) is connected to the inclined surface (611) in a flip-able manner, and the flip cover (62) closes the opening (612) under its own weight.

2. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A liquid level probe (7) is provided in the drying channel (2) at the position of the impeller (3).

3. The washing and drying machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The liquid level probe (7) comprises a first probe (71) and a second probe (72) which are arranged in parallel and spaced apart. The water level monitored by the first probe (71) is higher than the water level monitored by the second probe (72).

4. The washing and drying machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a ventilation pipeline (8), one end of which is connected to the outside world, and the other end of which is connected to the drying channel (2) between the impeller (3) and the air inlet (21).

5. The washing and drying machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The opening and closing device (6) is a control valve.

6. A method for cleaning an impeller of a washing and drying machine, applied to the washing and drying machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The impeller cleaning method comprises: Closing the opening and closing device (6), opening the water inlet valve (5), and introducing condensed water into the drying channel (2) until the condensed water soaks the impeller (3), and then closing the water inlet valve (5); The impeller (3) is driven to rotate, so that the impeller (3) is immersed in water for cleaning; after a preset time, the impeller (3) is stopped, and the opening and closing device (6) is opened to discharge condensed water.

7. The impeller cleaning method of a washing and drying machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: During the cleaning process of the impeller (3), the water level of the condensed water is monitored in real time, and when the water level is lower than a preset value, the water inlet valve (5) is opened to replenish water.

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