Air duct assembly, washing machine and control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of air duct assemblies, washing machine and control method thereof.Wind channel assembly includes: wind channel body, and the wind channel is formed in the wind channel body;Cleaning mechanism, the cleaning mechanism is arranged in the wind channel;Detection mechanism, the detection mechanism can detect the degree of contamination of the inner wall of the wind channel, and the detection mechanism is electrically connected with the cleaning mechanism.The wind channel assembly of the application, washing machine and control method thereof, obtain the degree of contamination of the inner wall of the wind channel using detection mechanism, and after the degree of contamination exceeds preset cleaning value, control cleaning mechanism to work to clean the wind channel, realize the automatic cleaning of the wind channel, so as to ensure the operation of wind channel assembly reliable and drying effect.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of washing equipment, more particularly, it relates to an air duct assembly, a washing machine and a control method thereof. BACKGROUND

[0002] A washing and drying integrated washing machine can directly dry clothes after washing and spinning, and saves the step of airing clothes, so it is favored by most families. The working process of the washing and drying integrated machine is as follows. After the clothes are spun, the program starts the drying system. The drying fan works to suck the air outside the washing machine drum into the drying air inlet duct. The drying air outlet duct is provided with an electric heating or heat pump heating device to heat the air sent by the drying fan, and then blow it into the washing machine drum through the drying air outlet to dry the clothes with hot air. The air after heating and drying the clothes is sucked into the drying air inlet by the drying fan, so as to continuously work to dry the clothes.

[0003] However, the washing machine in the prior art needs to be cleaned by the user regularly, which is cumbersome. If the user forgets to clean it, it will bring about the problems of longer drying time, incomplete drying and the like, causing inconvenience. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application discloses an air duct assembly, a washing machine and a control method thereof, which solves the problem of user inconvenience caused by the fact that the air duct in the prior art cannot be automatically cleaned.

[0005] The present application discloses an air duct assembly, comprising:

[0006] An air duct body is formed in the air duct body;

[0007] A cleaning mechanism is arranged in the air duct;

[0008] A detection mechanism can detect the dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct, and the detection mechanism is electrically connected with the cleaning mechanism.

[0009] The cleaning mechanism comprises a spraying structure, and the jet direction of the spraying structure is directed towards the inner wall of the air duct.

[0010] The detection mechanism comprises a reflectivity detection unit, which is arranged in the air duct, and the reflectivity detection unit can obtain the reflectivity of the inner wall of the air duct to determine the dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct.

[0011] The air duct body comprises a condensation section, a fan section and a heating section connected in sequence, and the cleaning mechanism is arranged in at least one of the condensation section, the fan section and the heating section.

[0012] The first cleaning mechanism can clean the inner wall of the condensing section, the second cleaning mechanism can clean the inner wall of the fan section, the third cleaning mechanism can clean the heating section, and the first cleaning mechanism, the second cleaning mechanism and the third cleaning mechanism are electrically connected with the detection mechanism.

[0013] The detection mechanism comprises a first detection mechanism, a second detection mechanism and a third detection mechanism, the first detection mechanism is arranged in the condensing section, and the first detection mechanism is electrically connected with the first cleaning mechanism, the second detection mechanism is arranged in the fan section, and the second detection mechanism is electrically connected with the second cleaning mechanism, and the third detection mechanism is arranged in the heating section, and the third detection mechanism is electrically connected with the third cleaning mechanism.

[0014] The fan section is provided with a fan, and / or the heating section is provided with a heating mechanism.

[0015] The air duct body is arranged on an outer drum, and both ends of the air duct are in communication with the outer drum.

[0016] The outer drum is provided with a drainage structure.

[0017] Another aspect of the present application provides a washing machine comprising the air duct assembly.

[0018] Another aspect of the present application provides a control method of the washing machine, comprising:

[0019] Obtaining the dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct;

[0020] If the dirtiness is higher than the preset cleaning value, the cleaning mechanism is controlled to work.

[0021] The detection mechanism comprises a reflectivity detection unit arranged in the air duct, and the reflectivity detection unit can obtain the reflectivity of the inner wall of the air duct to determine the dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct, and in the step of obtaining the dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct, further comprising:

[0022] Obtaining the reflectivity of the inner wall of the air duct;

[0023] If the reflectivity is lower than the preset reflectivity value, it is determined that the dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct is higher than the preset cleaning value.

[0024] The air duct body comprises a condensing section, a fan section and a heating section connected in sequence, and in the step of obtaining the reflectivity of the inner wall of the air duct, further comprising:

[0025] acquire the dirtiness of the condensing section, the dirtiness of the fan section or the dirtiness of the heating section respectively;

[0026] If any one of the dirtiness of the condensing section, the dirtiness of the fan section or the dirtiness of the heating section is higher than a preset cleaning value, the cleaning mechanism is controlled to work.

[0027] The first cleaning mechanism is arranged in the condensing section and can clean the inner wall of the condensing section, the second cleaning mechanism is arranged in the fan section and can clean the inner wall of the fan section, the third cleaning mechanism is arranged in the heating section and can clean the heating section, and the first cleaning mechanism, the second cleaning mechanism and the third cleaning mechanism are electrically connected with the detection mechanism, and if any one of the dirtiness of the condensing section, the dirtiness of the fan section or the dirtiness of the heating section is higher than a preset cleaning value, the cleaning mechanism is controlled to work, and the method further comprises:

[0028] If the dirtiness of the condensing section is higher than a preset cleaning value, the first cleaning mechanism is controlled to work.

[0029] If the dirtiness of the fan section is higher than a preset cleaning value, the second cleaning mechanism is controlled to work.

[0030] If the dirtiness of the heating section is higher than a preset cleaning value, the third cleaning mechanism is controlled to work.

[0031] The washing machine has a drying mode, and before the dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct is acquired, the method further comprises:

[0032] Acquiring the working mode of the washing machine;

[0033] When the washing machine runs in the drying mode, the dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct is acquired.

[0034] If the dirtiness is higher than a preset cleaning value, the cleaning mechanism is controlled to work first, and after the cleaning mechanism completes cleaning, the washing machine is controlled to switch to the drying mode.

[0035] The preset cleaning value comprises a first preset value and a second preset value, and the second preset value is greater than the first preset value, and if the dirtiness is higher than a preset cleaning value, the cleaning mechanism is controlled to work, and the method further comprises:

[0036] If the dirtiness is higher than the first preset value and lower than the second preset value, the cleaning mechanism is controlled to work continuously for a first preset time;

[0037] If the dirtiness is higher than the second preset value, the cleaning mechanism is controlled to work continuously for a second preset time;

[0038] The second preset time is greater than the first preset time.

[0039] The washing machine has a washing mode, and before obtaining the dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct, further comprising:

[0040] Obtaining the working mode of the washing machine;

[0041] When the washing machine runs in the washing mode, obtaining the dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct;

[0042] If the dirtiness is higher than the preset cleaning value, comparing the cleaning time of the cleaning mechanism and the working time of the washing mode;

[0043] If the cleaning time of the cleaning mechanism is greater than the working time of the washing mode, controlling the washing machine to run in the washing mode;

[0044] If the cleaning time of the cleaning mechanism is less than or equal to the working time of the washing mode, controlling the washing machine to run in the washing mode, and controlling the cleaning mechanism to work.

[0045] The air duct assembly, the washing machine and the control method thereof of the present application obtain the dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct by the detection mechanism, and after the dirtiness exceeds the preset cleaning value, control the cleaning mechanism to work to clean the air duct, realize the automatic cleaning of the air duct, and thus ensure the reliable operation of the air duct assembly and the drying effect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0046] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of the air duct assembly of the embodiment of the present application;

[0047] Figure 2 is a use state diagram of the air duct assembly of the embodiment of the present application;

[0048] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the control method of the washing machine of the embodiment of the present application;

[0049] Figure 4 is another flowchart of the control method of the washing machine of the embodiment of the present application;

[0050] Legend: 1, air duct body; 11, air duct; 2, cleaning mechanism; 3, detection mechanism; 12, condensation section; 13, fan section; 14, heating section; 4, fan; 5, heating mechanism; 6, outer drum. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] The present application will be further described below in conjunction with the embodiments, but is not limited to the contents of the description.

[0052] For example, Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the present application discloses a kind of air duct assembly, comprising: air duct body 1, air duct 11 is formed in the air duct body 1;Cleaning mechanism 2, the cleaning mechanism 2 is arranged in the air duct 11;Detection mechanism 3, the detection mechanism 3 can detect the dirt degree of the inner wall of the air duct 11, and the detection mechanism 3 is electrically connected with the cleaning mechanism 2.Utilize detection mechanism 3 to obtain the dirt degree of the inner wall of the air duct 11, and after dirt degree exceeds preset cleaning value, control cleaning mechanism 2 to work to clean the air duct 11, realize the automatic cleaning of the air duct 11, to ensure that the operation of air duct assembly is reliable and drying effect.In Figure 1 And Figure 2 In it, double arrow is the direction of gas flow, single arrow is the direction of dirt discharge after cleaning mechanism 2 is cleaned.

[0053] The cleaning mechanism 2 includes spray structure, and the jet direction of the spray structure is towards the inner wall of the air duct 11.Water is sprayed to the inner wall of the air duct 11 by spray structure, and dirty is removed by the impact force of water, and finally discharged through the air duct 11, so that dirty is taken out of the air duct 11.

[0054] The inner wall of the air duct 11 is smooth surface, when thread or the residue of detergent and other dirt adhere to the surface of the inner wall of the air duct 11, their reflectivity will change, the more serious the dirt degree, the more reflectivity drops, therefore, the detection mechanism 3 includes reflectivity detection unit, the reflectivity detection unit is arranged in the air duct 11, and the reflectivity detection unit can obtain the reflectivity of the inner wall of the air duct 11 to judge the dirt degree of the inner wall of the air duct 11.

[0055] As an embodiment, the air duct body 1 includes condensation section 12, fan section 13 and heating section 14 connected in sequence, at least one of the condensation section 12, the fan section 13 and the heating section 14 is provided with the cleaning mechanism 2.Cleaning mechanism 2 can be arranged in any section, and water sprayed by cleaning mechanism 2 can flow through condensation section 12, fan section 13 or heating section 14, so as to realize the cleaning of the entire air duct 11.

[0056] To ensure effective cleaning of the air duct 11 while reducing energy consumption of the cleaning mechanism 2, a first cleaning mechanism is installed in the condensation section 12 to clean the inner wall of the condensation section 12. A second cleaning mechanism is installed in the fan section 13 to clean the inner wall of the fan section 13. A third cleaning mechanism is installed in the heating section 14 to clean the heating section 14. All three cleaning mechanisms are electrically connected to the detection mechanism 3. The detection mechanism 3 can detect the degree of dirt in the condensation section 12, fan section 13, and heating section 14 respectively, and control the first, second, and third cleaning mechanisms to operate according to the degree of dirt in each section, thereby cleaning the condensation section 12, fan section 13, and heating section 14 respectively.

[0057] The detection mechanism 3 includes a first detection mechanism, a second detection mechanism, and a third detection mechanism. The first detection mechanism is located within the condensation section 12 and is electrically connected to the first cleaning mechanism. The second detection mechanism is located within the fan section 13 and is electrically connected to the second cleaning mechanism. The third detection mechanism is located within the heating section 14 and is electrically connected to the third cleaning mechanism. By respectively setting the first, second, and third detection mechanisms, the condensation section 12, fan section 13, and heating section 14 can be accurately detected, thereby achieving precise cleaning of the air duct 11 and effectively saving energy and resources.

[0058] A fan 4 is installed inside the fan section 13. The fan 4 drives the airflow to flow in the air duct 11. When the air duct assembly is used for drying, the gas can flow through the air duct 11 under the action of the fan 4, thereby performing the corresponding treatment.

[0059] A heating mechanism 5 is provided inside the heating section 14. The heating mechanism 5 heats the gas in the air duct 11, thereby achieving a drying effect.

[0060] The air duct body 1 is mounted on the outer drum 6, and both ends of the air duct 11 are connected to the outer drum 6. When the air duct assembly is used for drying, gas can enter the air duct 11 through the outer drum 6, be processed in the air duct 11, and then be discharged into the outer drum 6. When the air duct 11 is cleaned, the water sprayed by the spray structure can flow into the outer drum 6 and eventually be discharged from the washing machine.

[0061] The outer roller 6 is provided with a drainage structure. The drainage structure can discharge water inside the outer roller 6 and water that is drained into the outer roller 6 by the air duct 11. Preferably, the drainage structure includes a water pump.

[0062] Another aspect of the present application provides a washing machine comprising the air duct assembly described above.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 Another aspect of the present application provides a control method of the washing machine described above, comprising:

[0064] obtaining the dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct 11;

[0065] if the dirtiness is higher than the preset cleaning value, controlling the cleaning mechanism 2 to work.

[0066] The detection mechanism 3 comprises a reflectivity detection unit, which is arranged in the air duct 11, and the reflectivity detection unit can obtain the reflectivity of the inner wall of the air duct 11 to determine the dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct 11, and in the process of obtaining the dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct 11, further comprising:

[0067] obtaining the reflectivity of the inner wall of the air duct 11;

[0068] if the reflectivity is lower than the preset reflectivity value, it is determined that the dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct 11 is higher than the preset cleaning value.

[0069] The air duct body 1 comprises a condensation section 12, a fan section 13 and a heating section 14 connected in sequence, and in the process of obtaining the reflectivity of the inner wall of the air duct 11, further comprising:

[0070] respectively obtaining the dirtiness of the condensation section 12, the dirtiness of the fan section 13 or the dirtiness of the heating section 14;

[0071] if any one of the dirtiness of the condensation section 12, the dirtiness of the fan section 13 or the dirtiness of the heating section 14 is higher than the preset cleaning value, the cleaning mechanism 2 is controlled to work.

[0072] The first cleaning mechanism is arranged in the condensation section 12, which can clean the inner wall of the condensation section 12, the second cleaning mechanism is arranged in the fan section 13, which can clean the inner wall of the fan section 13, the third cleaning mechanism is arranged in the heating section 14, which can clean the heating section 14, and the first cleaning mechanism, the second cleaning mechanism and the third cleaning mechanism are all electrically connected with the detection mechanism 3, and in the process of if any one of the dirtiness of the condensation section 12, the dirtiness of the fan section 13 or the dirtiness of the heating section 14 is higher than the preset cleaning value, the cleaning mechanism 2 is controlled to work, further comprising:

[0073] if the dirtiness of the condensation section 12 is higher than the preset cleaning value, the first cleaning mechanism is controlled to work;

[0074] If the dirtiness of the fan section 13 is higher than a preset cleaning value, the second cleaning mechanism is controlled to work;

[0075] If the dirtiness of the heating section 14 is higher than a preset cleaning value, the third cleaning mechanism is controlled to work.

[0076] The washing machine has a drying mode, and before obtaining the dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct 11, further comprising:

[0077] Obtaining the working mode of the washing machine;

[0078] When the washing machine runs in the drying mode, obtaining the dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct 11;

[0079] If the dirtiness is higher than the preset cleaning value, the cleaning mechanism 2 is first controlled to work, and after the cleaning mechanism 2 completes cleaning, the washing machine is controlled to switch to the drying mode.

[0080] The preset cleaning value includes a first preset value and a second preset value, and the second preset value is greater than the first preset value. In the step of controlling the cleaning mechanism 2 to work if the dirtiness is higher than the preset cleaning value, further comprising:

[0081] If the dirtiness is higher than the first preset value and lower than the second preset value, indicating that the dirtiness in the air duct 11 at this time is at a medium level, the cleaning mechanism 2 is controlled to work for a first preset time;

[0082] If the dirtiness is higher than the second preset value, indicating that the dirtiness in the air duct 11 at this time is higher, the cleaning mechanism 2 is controlled to work for a second preset time, increasing the cleaning effect;

[0083] If the dirtiness is lower than the first preset value, indicating that the inner wall of the air duct 11 at this time is relatively clean and does not need to be cleaned.

[0084] The second preset time is greater than the first preset time.

[0085] The washing machine has a washing mode, and before obtaining the dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct 11, further comprising:

[0086] Obtaining the working mode of the washing machine;

[0087] When the washing machine runs in the washing mode, obtaining the dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct 11;

[0088] If the dirtiness is higher than a preset cleaning value, comparing the cleaning time of the cleaning mechanism 2 with the working time of the washing mode;

[0089] If the cleaning time of the cleaning mechanism 2 is greater than the working time of the washing mode, the washing machine is controlled to run in the washing mode; at this time, if the cleaning mechanism 2 is run, the cleaning of the air duct 11 cannot be completed at the end of washing, affecting the user experience.

[0090] If the cleaning time of the cleaning mechanism 2 is less than or equal to the working time of the washing mode, the washing machine is controlled to run the washing mode, and the cleaning mechanism 2 is controlled to work, so as to reduce the power-on time of the washing machine, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the washing machine.

[0091] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present application are only examples for clearly illustrating the present application, and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present application. Based on the above description, other different forms of changes or variations can be made by those skilled in the art. Here, all the embodiments cannot be enumerated. Any obvious changes or variations derived from the technical solutions of the present application are still within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A duct assembly, characterized in that, include: The air duct body (1) has an air duct (11) formed inside it. A cleaning mechanism (2) is provided inside the air duct (11); The detection mechanism (3) is capable of detecting the degree of dirt on the inner wall of the air duct (11), and the detection mechanism (3) is electrically connected to the cleaning mechanism (2). The air duct body (1) includes a condensing section (12), a fan section (13) and a heating section (14) connected in sequence, and the cleaning mechanism (2) is provided in at least one of the condensing section (12), the fan section (13) and the heating section (14). The condensing section (12) is provided with a first cleaning mechanism, which can clean the inner wall of the condensing section (12). The fan section (13) is provided with a second cleaning mechanism, which can clean the inner wall of the fan section (13). The heating section (14) is provided with a third cleaning mechanism, which can clean the heating section (14). The first cleaning mechanism, the second cleaning mechanism and the third cleaning mechanism are all electrically connected to the detection mechanism (3). The testing mechanism (3) includes a first testing mechanism, a second testing mechanism and a third testing mechanism. The first testing mechanism is located in the condensation section (12) and is electrically connected to the first cleaning mechanism. The second testing mechanism is located in the fan section (13) and is electrically connected to the second cleaning mechanism. The third testing mechanism is located in the heating section (14) and is electrically connected to the third cleaning mechanism. When the washing machine is running the washing mode, the dirt level of the inner wall of the air duct (11) is obtained; if the dirt level is higher than the preset cleaning value, the cleaning time of the cleaning mechanism (2) and the working time of the washing mode are compared; if the cleaning time of the cleaning mechanism (2) is greater than the working time of the washing mode, the washing machine is controlled to run the washing mode; if the cleaning time of the cleaning mechanism (2) is less than or equal to the working time of the washing mode, the washing machine is controlled to run the washing mode while the cleaning mechanism (2) is controlled to work.

2. The air duct assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning mechanism (2) includes a spray structure, the jet direction of which is toward the inner wall of the air duct (11).

3. The air duct assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection mechanism (3) includes a reflectance detection unit, which is disposed in the air duct (11) and can obtain the reflectance of the inner wall of the air duct (11) to determine the degree of dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct (11).

4. The air duct assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, A fan (4) is provided in the fan section (13); and / or a heating mechanism (5) is provided in the heating section (14).

5. The air duct assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air duct body (1) is mounted on the outer roller (6), and both ends of the air duct (11) are connected to the outer roller (6).

6. The air duct assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer roller (6) is provided with a drainage structure.

7. A washing machine, characterized in that, The air duct assembly includes any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A control method for a washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, include: Obtain the degree of dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct (11); If the level of dirt is higher than the preset cleaning value, the cleaning mechanism (2) is controlled to work.

9. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The detection mechanism (3) includes a reflectance detection unit, which is disposed inside the air duct (11). The reflectance detection unit can obtain the reflectance of the inner wall of the air duct (11) to determine the degree of dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct (11). In obtaining the degree of dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct (11), the following is also included: Obtain the reflectivity of the inner wall of the air duct (11); If the reflectivity is lower than the preset reflectivity value, then the dirtiness of the inner wall of the air duct (11) is determined to be higher than the preset cleaning value.

10. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The air duct body (1) includes a condensation section (12), a fan section (13), and a heating section (14) connected in sequence. In obtaining the reflectivity of the inner wall of the air duct (11), the following is also included: The dirtiness of the condensation section (12), the dirtiness of the fan section (13), or the dirtiness of the heating section (14) are obtained respectively. If any one of the dirt levels of the condensation section (12), the fan section (13), or the heating section (14) is higher than the preset cleaning value, the cleaning mechanism (2) is controlled to work.

11. The control method according to claim 10, characterized in that, A first cleaning mechanism is provided in the condensing section (12), which can clean the inner wall of the condensing section (12). A second cleaning mechanism is provided in the fan section (13), which can clean the inner wall of the fan section (13). A third cleaning mechanism is provided in the heating section (14), which can clean the heating section (14). The first, second, and third cleaning mechanisms are all electrically connected to the detection mechanism (3). If any one of the dirtiness of the condensing section (12), the fan section (13), or the heating section (14) is higher than a preset cleaning value, the cleaning mechanism (2) is controlled to operate. The operation of the cleaning mechanism (2) also includes: If the dirt level of the condensation section (12) is higher than the preset cleaning value, the first cleaning mechanism is controlled to work. If the dirt level of the fan section (13) is higher than the preset cleaning value, the second cleaning mechanism is controlled to work. If the degree of dirt in the heating section (14) is higher than the preset cleaning value, the third cleaning mechanism is controlled to work.

12. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The washing machine has a drying mode, and before obtaining the degree of dirt on the inner wall of the air duct (11), it further includes: Obtain the operating mode of the washing machine; When the washing machine is running the drying mode, the dirt level of the inner wall of the air duct (11) is obtained; If the level of dirt is higher than the preset cleaning value, the cleaning mechanism (2) will be controlled to work first, and the washing machine will be controlled to switch to the drying mode after the cleaning mechanism (2) has completed cleaning.

13. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The preset cleaning value includes a first preset value and a second preset value, where the second preset value is greater than the first preset value. If the degree of dirt is higher than the preset cleaning value, the operation of the cleaning mechanism (2) also includes: If the level of dirt is higher than the first preset value but lower than the second preset value, the cleaning mechanism (2) is controlled to work continuously for the first preset time. If the level of dirt is higher than the second preset value, the cleaning mechanism (2) will continue to work for the second preset time. The second preset time is greater than the first preset time.

14. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The washing machine has a washing mode and, before obtaining the degree of dirt on the inner wall of the air duct (11), further includes: Obtain the operating mode of the washing machine; When the washing machine is running the washing mode, the dirt level of the inner wall of the air duct (11) is obtained; If the level of dirt is higher than the preset cleaning value, the cleaning time of the cleaning mechanism (2) and the working time of the washing mode are compared. If the cleaning time of the cleaning mechanism (2) is greater than the working time of the washing mode, then control the washing machine to run the washing mode; If the cleaning time of the cleaning mechanism (2) is less than or equal to the working time of the washing mode, the washing machine is controlled to run the washing mode, and the cleaning mechanism (2) is controlled to work at the same time.

Images