A washing machine and a control method thereof

By incorporating selectively operable branch lines and filter components within the washing machine, the problem of lint clogging the air ducts is solved, achieving efficient drying and energy savings.

CN117385584BActive Publication Date: 2026-06-16TCL HOME APPLIANCES (HEFEI) CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
TCL HOME APPLIANCES (HEFEI) CO LTD
Filing Date
2023-11-14
Publication Date
2026-06-16

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing washing machines, lint can easily clog the components in the air duct during the drying process, leading to a decrease in drying efficiency.

Method used

A washing machine has been designed, which includes a first branch and a second branch that can be selectively opened. The filter component filters lint to prevent clogging. When the clothes are made of materials that easily shed lint, they are heated through the first branch and then filtered. When the clothes are made of materials that do not easily shed lint, they are heated directly without filtering, which saves energy and time.

🎯Benefits of technology

It effectively prevents lint from clogging the air duct, improves drying efficiency, saves energy, and keeps clothes looking neat and tidy.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN117385584B_ABST
    Figure CN117385584B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The application provides a washing machine and a control method thereof. The washing machine comprises a cylinder body, an air inlet and an air outlet; a fan is arranged outside the cylinder body and communicates with the air inlet and the air outlet, and the fan is used for guiding the airflow flow between the air outlet and the air inlet; a heating assembly is arranged outside the cylinder body and communicates with the air inlet, and is used for heating the airflow entering the cylinder body through the air inlet; the heating assembly is provided with a first branch and a second branch between the heating assembly and the air outlet; a filter assembly is arranged in the first branch, and the filter assembly is used for filtering impurities in the airflow; and the first branch and the second branch selectively communicate with the heating assembly. The washing machine provided by the application can realize the selective opening of the filtering function through the first branch or the second branch, and the user can select the corresponding drying mode according to the needs.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of clothing handling equipment, and particularly relates to a washing machine and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of science and technology, modern washing machines not only have washing functions but also drying functions to prevent clothes from not being able to dry due to weather conditions.

[0003] During the clothes drying process, lint is usually generated under the action of high temperature and circulating air. This lint floats in the air duct with the circulating air and may attach to a certain position in the air duct, thereby clogging the corresponding components such as condenser and compressor, which reduces the efficiency of clothes drying. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a washing machine and its control method to solve the problem that lint generated during the drying process of existing washing machines easily clogs the corresponding components in the air duct, thereby reducing the drying efficiency of clothes.

[0005] This application provides a washing machine, including:

[0006] The cylindrical body is equipped with an air inlet and an air outlet;

[0007] A fan is installed outside the cylinder and is connected to the air inlet and the air outlet. The fan is used to guide the airflow between the air outlet and the air inlet.

[0008] A heating component is disposed outside the cylinder and connected to the air inlet, used to heat the airflow entering the cylinder through the air inlet. A first branch and a second branch are provided between the heating component and the air outlet.

[0009] A filter assembly is disposed in the first branch, and the filter assembly is used to filter impurities in the airflow;

[0010] Either the first branch or the second branch is connected to the heating component.

[0011] Optionally, the fan is disposed between the heating component and the air outlet;

[0012] The first branch also includes a first connecting pipe and a second connecting pipe, the first connecting pipe connecting the fan and the filter assembly, and the second connecting pipe connecting the filter assembly and the heating assembly;

[0013] The second branch includes a first connecting pipe and a third connecting pipe. The first connecting pipe also connects the fan to the third connecting pipe, and the other end of the third connecting pipe connects to the heating component.

[0014] When the third connecting pipe is closed and the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe are connected, the first branch is connected to the heating component. When the second connecting pipe is closed and the third connecting pipe and the first connecting pipe are connected, the second branch is connected to the heating component.

[0015] Optionally, the first connecting pipe includes:

[0016] The first pipe body is connected to the fan;

[0017] The second tube has one end connected to the filter assembly and the other end connected to the first tube.

[0018] The third connecting pipe is connected to the first pipe body.

[0019] Optionally, the washing machine further includes:

[0020] The first electrically controlled valve is installed on the second pipe body and can be opened and closed.

[0021] The second electrically controlled valve is installed on the second connecting pipe and can be opened and closed.

[0022] The third electrically controlled valve is installed on the third connecting pipe and can be opened and closed.

[0023] Optionally, the washing machine further includes a main board and a detection component. The detection component is disposed in the drum and connected to the main board. The detection component is used to detect the type of clothing in the drum and send the detection result to the main board. The main board controls the opening and closing of the first electrically controlled valve, the second electrically controlled valve and the third electrically controlled valve according to the detection result.

[0024] Optionally, the washing machine further includes a condenser assembly connected between the air outlet and the fan, the condenser assembly being used to dry the airflow at the air outlet.

[0025] Optionally, the filter assembly has multiple filter screens spaced apart along the direction of gas flow, each filter screen having multiple air vents, and the air vents of two adjacent filter screens are at least partially staggered along the direction of gas flow.

[0026] This application embodiment also provides a control method for a washing machine, applicable to the washing machine as described above, the control method comprising:

[0027] In the drying mode, the type of clothing inside the drum is obtained;

[0028] When the clothing inside the tube is of the first type, the second branch is closed and the first branch is opened;

[0029] When the clothing inside the tube is of the second type, the first branch is closed and the second branch is opened;

[0030] Turn on the fan and the heating element to dry the clothes inside the drum.

[0031] Optionally, the first branch further includes a first connecting pipe and a second connecting pipe, the first connecting pipe connecting the fan and the filter assembly, and the second connecting pipe connecting the filter assembly and the heating assembly; the second branch includes a first connecting pipe and a third connecting pipe, the first connecting pipe further connecting the fan and the third connecting pipe, and the other end of the third connecting pipe connecting the heating assembly; the first connecting pipe includes a first pipe body and a second pipe body, the first pipe body connecting the fan, one end of the second pipe body connecting the filter assembly and the other end connecting the first pipe body, the third connecting pipe connecting the first pipe body, a first electrically controlled valve configurably disposed on the second pipe body, a second electrically controlled valve configurably disposed on the second connecting pipe, and a third electrically controlled valve configurably disposed on the third connecting pipe;

[0032] When the clothing inside the tub is of the first type, the third electrically controlled valve is closed and the first electrically controlled valve and the second electrically controlled valve are opened;

[0033] When the clothing inside the tub is of the second type, close the first and second electrically controlled valves and open the third electrically controlled valve.

[0034] Optionally, after turning on the fan and the heating component, the control method further includes: monitoring the humidity value inside the cylinder; and turning off the heating component when the humidity value is less than a first set value.

[0035] The washing machine provided in this application embodiment has a heating component that can be connected to the air outlet via a first branch or a second branch, wherein a filter component is provided on the first branch.

[0036] When the drum contains type 1 clothing, such as wool or other lint-prone fabrics, the heating element is connected to the air outlet through the first branch. The airflow generated by the fan is filtered by the filter element to remove lint and other impurities, preventing lint from clogging the fan or heating element and reducing drying efficiency. It also prevents lint from adhering to the surface of the clothing, affecting the appearance and cleanliness of the garments.

[0037] When the clothes inside the drum are of type two, such as synthetic fibers, high-grade silks, or pure linen that are not prone to lint or shedding, the heating element is connected to the air outlet through the second branch. This means that the fan and heating element can be turned on directly for drying, eliminating the need to turn on the filter element, thus reducing energy consumption and shortening drying time. By setting up the first and second branches, which can be turned on and off, the filtration function can be selectively activated. Users can choose the appropriate drying mode according to their needs, saving energy and time. Attached Figure Description

[0038] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0039] To gain a more complete understanding of this application and its beneficial effects, the following description will be provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a connection diagram of a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a first structural schematic diagram of a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0043] Figure 4 This is a first flowchart of a washing machine control method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0044] Figure 5 This is a second flowchart of a washing machine control method provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0045] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0046] 1. Cylinder body; 2. Fan; 3. Heating assembly; 4. Filter assembly; 5. First connecting pipe; 51. First pipe body; 52. Second pipe body; 6. Second connecting pipe; 7. Third connecting pipe; 8. Condensation assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0048] This application provides a washing machine and its control method to solve the problem that lint generated during the drying process of existing washing machines easily clogs the corresponding components in the air duct, thereby reducing the drying efficiency of clothes. The following description is in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0049] For the washing machine provided in this application's embodiments, please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 1 This is a connection diagram of a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a first structural schematic diagram of a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 3 This is a second structural schematic diagram of a washing machine provided in an embodiment of this application. The washing machine includes a drum 1, a fan 2, a heating assembly 3, and a filter assembly 4. The drum 1 has an air inlet and an air outlet. The fan 2 is disposed outside the drum 1 and communicates with the air inlet and the air outlet. The fan 2 is used to guide the airflow between the air outlet and the air inlet. The heating assembly 3 is disposed outside the drum 1 and communicates with the air inlet. It is used to heat the airflow entering the drum 1 through the air inlet. A first branch and a second branch are provided between the heating assembly 3 and the air outlet. The filter assembly 4 is disposed in the first branch and is used to filter impurities in the airflow. The first branch and the second branch are selectively communicated with the heating assembly 3.

[0050] The washing machine provided in this application embodiment has a heating component 3 connected to the air outlet via a first branch or a second branch, wherein a filter component 4 is provided on the first branch. When the drum 1 contains first-type clothing, such as clothing containing wool or other materials that easily shed lint, the heating component 3 is connected to the air outlet via the first branch, that is, the airflow generated by the fan 2 is filtered by the filter component 4, filtering out lint and other impurities, preventing lint in the air from clogging the fan 2 or heating component 3, thus reducing drying efficiency, and also preventing lint in the air from adhering to the surface of the clothing, affecting the appearance and cleanliness of the clothing. When the clothing contained in the drum 1 is second-type, such as clothing made of synthetic fibers, high-grade silk, pure linen, etc., which are not prone to lint or shedding, the heating component 3 is connected to the air outlet via the second branch, that is, the fan 2 and heating component 3 can be turned on directly for drying, without needing to turn on the filter component 4 to increase energy consumption and shorten drying time. By setting up an openable and closable first and second branch, the selective activation of the filtration function is realized, and the user can select the appropriate drying mode as needed, saving energy and time. The heating component 3 may include a resistance wire, which heats up when energized to heat the surrounding air. Alternatively, the heating component 3 may be other devices, which will not be further described here.

[0051] Optionally, the fan 2 is disposed between the heating component 3 and the air outlet; the first branch further includes a first connecting pipe 5 and a second connecting pipe 6, the first connecting pipe 5 connecting the fan 2 and the filter component 4, and the second connecting pipe 6 connecting the filter component 4 and the heating component 3; the second branch includes a first connecting pipe 5 and a third connecting pipe 7, the first connecting pipe 5 also connecting the fan 2 and the third connecting pipe 7, and the other end of the third connecting pipe 7 connecting the heating component 3; when the third connecting pipe 7 is closed and the first connecting pipe 5 and the second connecting pipe 6 are connected, the first branch is connected to the heating component 3; when the second connecting pipe 6 is closed and the third connecting pipe 7 and the first connecting pipe 5 are connected, the second branch is connected to the heating component 3. Of course, as an alternative implementation, the first branch and the second branch can also be connected to the fan 2 through a separate pipe, without sharing the first connecting pipe 5; this connection scheme will not be further described here.

[0052] By setting up a first connecting pipe 5 shared by the first and second branches, both the first and second branches are connected, saving material costs and reducing the overall space occupancy and size of the device, thus improving space utilization in home decoration. Furthermore, the fan 2 only requires one air outlet, resulting in a simple and time-saving design.

[0053] Optionally, the first connecting pipe 5 includes: a first pipe body 51, connected to the fan 2; a second pipe body 52, one end connected to the filter assembly 4, and the other end connected to the first pipe body 51; and a third connecting pipe connected to the first pipe body 51. Further, the first pipe body 51 has a first opening, the second pipe body 52 has a second opening, and the third connecting pipe 7 has a third opening at the end away from the heating assembly 3. The first opening, the second opening, and the third opening are interconnected. The shapes of the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening are not further limited here. As a specific embodiment, the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening can be elliptical openings with matching port cross-sections. The first branch includes the first pipe body 51, the second pipe body 52, and the second connecting pipe 6, and the second branch includes the first pipe body 51 and the third connecting pipe 7.

[0054] The two sections of the first connecting pipe 5 are interconnected with the third connecting pipe 7 to form a three-way pipe structure. Only one three-way connecting pipe is needed to connect the first branch and the second branch simultaneously. The structure is simple and does not require splicing. The assembly process is simple. As an alternative implementation, the first pipe 51, the second pipe 52 and the third connecting pipe 7 can also be connected by a three-way connector, or directly bonded or welded through the first opening, the second opening and the third opening. The specific connection method can be further limited according to the material of the pipe body. Here, the material of the first pipe 51, the second pipe 52 and the third connecting pipe 7 is not further limited. For example, it can be plastic or metal.

[0055] Optionally, the washing machine further includes: a first electrically controlled valve, which is closable on the second pipe body 52; a second electrically controlled valve, which is closable on the second connecting pipe 6; and a third electrically controlled valve, which is closable on the third connecting pipe 7. The main board is communicatively connected to the first electrically controlled valve, the second electrically controlled valve, and the third electrically controlled valve, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the first electrically controlled valve, the second electrically controlled valve, and the third electrically controlled valve through the main board.

[0056] Optionally, the first electrically controlled valve is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the second pipe body 52. ​​The shape of the first electrically controlled valve matches the shape of the pipe body 52. ​​When the first electrically controlled valve rotates to fit against the inner wall of the second pipe body 52, it opens the second pipe body 52, allowing gas to flow through. When the first electrically controlled valve rotates to block the pipe body 52, it closes the second pipe body 52. ​​The second pipe body 52 can be a circular pipe, and correspondingly, the first electrically controlled valve is a circular disc. The first electrically controlled valve can be electrically connected to the main board of the washing machine via a wire. The main board controls the rotation of the first electrically controlled valve to open or close the second pipe body 52.

[0057] Optionally, a second electrically controlled valve is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the second connecting pipe 6. The shape of the second electrically controlled valve matches the shape of the second connecting pipe 6. When the second electrically controlled valve rotates to fit against the inner wall of the second connecting pipe 6, it opens the second connecting pipe 6, allowing gas to flow through. When the second electrically controlled valve rotates to block the second connecting pipe 6, it closes the second connecting pipe 6. The second connecting pipe 6 can be a circular pipe, and correspondingly, the second electrically controlled valve is a circular disc. The second electrically controlled valve can be electrically connected to the main board of the washing machine via a wire. The main board controls the rotation of the second electrically controlled valve to open or close the second connecting pipe 6.

[0058] Optionally, a third electrically controlled valve is rotatably connected to the inner wall of the third connecting pipe 7. The shape of the third electrically controlled valve matches the shape of the third connecting pipe 7. When the third electrically controlled valve rotates to fit against the inner wall of the third connecting pipe 7, it opens the third connecting pipe 7, allowing gas to flow through. When the third electrically controlled valve rotates to block the pipe, it closes the third connecting pipe 7. The third connecting pipe 7 can be a circular pipe, and correspondingly, the third electrically controlled valve is a circular disc. The third electrically controlled valve can be electrically connected to the main board of the washing machine via a wire. The main board controls the rotation of the third electrically controlled valve to open or close the third connecting pipe 7.

[0059] Optionally, the first electrically controlled valve may be located at one end of the second pipe body 52 near the second opening, or at one end of the second pipe body 52 near the filter assembly 4, or at one end of the filter assembly 4 near the second pipe body 52.

[0060] Optionally, the second electrically controlled valve may be located at one end of the second connecting pipe 6 near the heating component 3, or at one end of the second connecting pipe 6 near the filter component 4, or at one end of the heating component 3 near the second connecting pipe 6.

[0061] Optionally, the third electrically controlled valve may be located at one end of the third connecting pipe 7 near the heating component 3, or at one end of the third connecting pipe 7 near the third opening, or at one end of the heating component 3 near the third connecting pipe 7.

[0062] Optionally, the washing machine further includes a main board and a detection component. The detection component is disposed inside the drum 1 and is communicatively connected to the main board. The detection component is used to detect the type of clothing inside the drum 1 and send the detection result to the main board. The main board controls the opening and closing of the first electrically controlled valve, the second electrically controlled valve and the third electrically controlled valve according to the detection result.

[0063] Optionally, the detection component includes a fabric sensor, which is disposed on the inner wall of the cylinder 1 and is communicatively connected to the main board. The fabric sensor detects the type of clothing inside the cylinder 1 and then uploads the detection result to the main board. The main board controls the opening and closing of the first branch and the second branch according to the detection result.

[0064] Optionally, a condenser assembly 8 is also included, connected between the air outlet and the fan 2. The condenser assembly 8 is used to dry the airflow at the air outlet. Specifically, the condenser assembly 8 includes a condenser, which is a prior art and will not be described further here.

[0065] Optionally, the filter assembly 4 has multiple filter screens spaced apart along the gas flow direction. Each filter screen has multiple air vents, and the air vents of adjacent filter screens are at least partially staggered along the gas flow direction. The filter screens can be one, five, ten, etc., and the staggered arrangement of adjacent filter screens allows more filter fibers to flow through in the gas flow direction. This allows impurities such as lint in the air to be adsorbed or attached to the filter fibers. The staggered arrangement of adjacent filter screens increases the filtration area, further enhancing the filtration effect of the filter assembly 4.

[0066] Optionally, the filter screen is formed by interlacing several filter filaments, and the shape and size of the multiple air pores of the filter screen are not further limited here.

[0067] Optionally, the filter assembly 4 further includes a body and a cover, with a plurality of filter screens disposed in the body and the cover detachably covering the body. When the filter screens need to be cleaned, the cover can be removed and the filter screens can be taken out.

[0068] This application also provides a control method for a washing machine, applicable to the washing machine described above. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a first flowchart of a washing machine control method provided in an embodiment of this application. The control method includes:

[0069] Step S1: In the drying mode, obtain the type of clothing inside the drum 1;

[0070] Step S2: When the clothing inside the tube 1 is of the first type, close the second branch and open the first branch;

[0071] Step S3: When the clothing inside the tube 1 is of the second type, close the first branch and open the second branch;

[0072] Step S4: Turn on the fan 2 and the heating component 3 to dry the clothes inside the drum 1. The order of steps S2 and S4 is not further restricted; for example, step S2 can be performed first, followed by step S4.

[0073] This means that by determining the type of clothing inside the drum 1, a corresponding branch is selected to form a drying air duct. This satisfies the user's drying needs without adding extra drying steps, saving time and energy. The method for determining the type of clothing is not further limited here. For example, a detection component can be installed inside the drum 1 to detect the type of clothing, enabling automatic detection by the washing machine without manual intervention. Alternatively, the user can manually select to open the first or second branch. That is, when the drying mode is activated, the user selects the option command for the first or second branch on the control panel. After receiving the corresponding command, the mainboard opens the first or second branch and begins the drying operation.

[0074] Optionally, the first branch includes a first connecting pipe 5 and a second connecting pipe 6. The first connecting pipe 5 connects the fan 2 and the filter assembly 4, and the second connecting pipe 6 connects the filter assembly 4 and the heating assembly 3. The second branch includes a first connecting pipe 5 and a third connecting pipe 7. The first connecting pipe 5 also connects the fan 2 and the third connecting pipe 7. The other end of the third connecting pipe 7 connects to the heating assembly 3. The first connecting pipe 5 includes a first pipe body 51 and a second pipe body 52. ​​The first pipe body 51 connects to the fan 2. One end of the second pipe body 52 connects to the filter assembly 4, and the other end connects to the first pipe body 51. The third connecting pipe 7 connects to the first pipe body 51. A first electrically controlled valve is closable on the second pipe body 52. ​​A second electrically controlled valve is closable on the second connecting pipe 6. A third electrically controlled valve is closable on the third connecting pipe 7.

[0075] When performing step S3, step S21 is also included: when the clothes in the tub 1 are of the first type, the third electrically controlled valve is closed and the first electrically controlled valve and the second electrically controlled valve are opened;

[0076] When performing step S4, S31: When the clothes in the tub 1 are of the second type, close the first and second electrically controlled valves and open the third electrically controlled valve.

[0077] The first type of clothing can be clothing made of materials that easily shed lint, such as wool, while the second type of clothing can be clothing made of materials that do not easily attract or shed lint, such as chemical fibers, high-grade silks, pure linen, etc.

[0078] Optionally, please refer to Figure 5 , Figure 5 The second process of the washing machine control method provided in this application embodiment, after turning on the fan 2 and the heating component 3, the control method further includes step S5: monitoring the humidity value inside the drum 1, and turning off the heating component 3 when the humidity value is less than a first set value.

[0079] Optionally, the control method further includes step S6: within a first time period after the heating component 3 is turned off, when the humidity value is greater than a second set value, the heating component 3 is turned on again.

[0080] The humidity inside the drum 1 is controlled by switching the heating component 3 on and off, so as to avoid the drum 1 being too dry and causing damage to the clothing material or too wet and affecting the drying efficiency. The first setting value and the second setting value are not further limited here.

[0081] Optionally, after step S6, the control method further includes step S71: turning off the fan 2 after the heating component 3 has been turned off for a first period of time. As an alternative implementation, step S7 can also be: turning off the fan 2 when the humidity value is less than a third set value, where the third set value is less than a first set value. The first period of time and the third set value are not further limited here.

[0082] Optionally, a humidity sensor can be installed inside the drum 1 to detect the humidity inside the drum 1, and the humidity sensor is communicatively connected to the main board of the washing machine.

[0083] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0084] In the description of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features.

[0085] The washing machine and its control method provided in the embodiments of this application have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this application. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this application. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this application. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

Claims

1. A control method for a washing machine, characterized in that, The washing machine includes: The cylindrical body is equipped with an air inlet and an air outlet; A fan is installed outside the cylinder and is connected to the air inlet and the air outlet. The fan is used to guide the airflow between the air outlet and the air inlet. A heating component is disposed outside the cylinder and connected to the air inlet, used to heat the airflow entering the cylinder through the air inlet. A first branch and a second branch are provided between the heating component and the air outlet. A filter assembly is disposed in the first branch, and the filter assembly is used to filter impurities in the airflow; Among them, one of the first branch and the second branch is connected to the heating component; The control method includes: In the drying mode, the type of clothing inside the drum is obtained; When the clothing inside the tube is of the first type, the second branch is closed and the first branch is opened; When the clothing inside the tube is of the second type, the first branch is closed and the second branch is opened; Turn on the fan and the heating element to dry the clothes inside the drum.

2. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fan is disposed between the heating component and the air outlet; The first branch also includes a first connecting pipe and a second connecting pipe, the first connecting pipe connecting the fan and the filter assembly, and the second connecting pipe connecting the filter assembly and the heating assembly; The second branch includes a first connecting pipe and a third connecting pipe. The first connecting pipe also connects the fan to the third connecting pipe, and the other end of the third connecting pipe connects to the heating component. When the third connecting pipe is closed and the first connecting pipe and the second connecting pipe are connected, the first branch is connected to the heating component. When the second connecting pipe is closed and the third connecting pipe and the first connecting pipe are connected, the second branch is connected to the heating component.

3. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first connecting pipe includes: The first pipe body is connected to the fan; The second tube has one end connected to the filter assembly and the other end connected to the first tube. The third connecting pipe is connected to the first pipe body.

4. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The washing machine also includes: a first electrically controlled valve, which is openable and closable on the second pipe body; The second electrically controlled valve is installed on the second connecting pipe and can be opened and closed. The third electrically controlled valve is installed on the third connecting pipe and can be opened and closed.

5. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The washing machine also includes a main board and a detection component. The detection component is disposed in the drum and connected to the main board. The detection component is used to detect the type of clothing in the drum and send the detection result to the main board. The main board controls the opening and closing of the first electrically controlled valve, the second electrically controlled valve and the third electrically controlled valve according to the detection result.

6. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washing machine also includes a condenser assembly connected between the air outlet and the fan, the condenser assembly being used to dry the airflow at the air outlet.

7. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter assembly has multiple filter screens spaced apart along the direction of gas flow. Each filter screen has multiple air vents. Along the direction of gas flow, the air vents of two adjacent filter screens are at least partially staggered.

8. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first branch also includes a first connecting pipe and a second connecting pipe. The first connecting pipe connects the fan and the filter assembly, and the second connecting pipe connects the filter assembly and the heating assembly. The second branch includes a first connecting pipe and a third connecting pipe. The first connecting pipe also connects the fan and the third connecting pipe. The other end of the third connecting pipe connects to the heating assembly. The first connecting pipe includes a first pipe body and a second pipe body. The first pipe body connects to the fan. One end of the second pipe body connects to the filter assembly, and the other end connects to the first pipe body. The third connecting pipe connects to the first pipe body. A first electrically controlled valve is closable on the second pipe body. A second electrically controlled valve is closable on the second connecting pipe. A third electrically controlled valve is closable on the third connecting pipe. When the clothing inside the tub is of the first type, the third electrically controlled valve is closed and the first electrically controlled valve and the second electrically controlled valve are opened; When the clothing inside the tub is of the second type, close the first and second electrically controlled valves and open the third electrically controlled valve.

9. The control method for a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the fan and the heating assembly are turned on, the control method further includes: Monitor the humidity level inside the cylinder; The heating component is turned off when the humidity value is less than a first set value.