Clothes processing equipment and processing method

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of clothing processing, and more specifically, to a clothing processing device and method, wherein the system includes a drying duct, the drying duct including a second condensing duct, a first condensing duct, and a fan duct; the second condensing duct including a second vent provided with a second filter; the first condensing duct including a first vent provided with a first filter; a water level detection chamber provided in the first condensing duct, the water level detection chamber provided with a first liquid level detector. When the first liquid level detector detects a water level value, it indicates that the condensation efficiency is too high, and at this time, it can be determined that the second filter or the first filter is clogged. The clogged condition can be detected promptly through the first liquid level detector, thereby ensuring drying efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of clothing processing, and more specifically, to a clothing processing device and a processing method. Background Art

[0002] Most washing and drying machines on the market use electric heating to automatically dry clothes. The most common type is the drum type, and they come in two types: direct exhaust and condensing exhaust. Condensing washer-dryers typically dry the air by passing cold water through the condensing duct, exchanging heat with the hot, humid air. This condenses the moisture into droplets and drains them outside the machine. During use, the air duct can become clogged with lint, which can easily clog the vent filters. Since clogs are difficult to detect, drying efficiency is reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present application provides a clothing processing device and a processing method to at least solve the technical problem that it is difficult to detect the reduction in drying efficiency due to the blockage of the air outlet.

[0004] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the present application, there is provided a clothes processing device, the clothes processing device comprising an inner drum and an outer drum, and a drying air duct formed between the inner drum and the outer drum, the drying air duct comprising a second condensation air duct, a first condensation air duct and a fan air duct;

[0005] The first condensation air duct is formed between the bottom wall of the outer tube and the bottom wall of the inner tube, and the first condensation air duct is provided with a first vent; the first vent connects the first condensation air duct with the second condensation air duct;

[0006] The second condensation air duct is formed on a side of the bottom wall of the outer cylinder away from the inner cylinder, and the second condensation air duct includes a second vent and an air outlet;

[0007] The second vent and the first vent are arranged at different heights along the bottom wall of the outer tube, wherein the second vent is arranged at the lower part of the bottom wall of the outer tube, and the first vent is arranged at the upper part of the bottom wall of the outer tube;

[0008] One end of the air outlet is connected to the second condensing air duct, and the other end is connected to the inlet of the fan air duct; the dry air flow in the first condensing air duct is discharged from the first vent and enters the upper part of the second condensing air duct, and then enters the fan air duct through the air outlet; the dry air flow in the outer cylinder is discharged from the second vent and enters the lower part of the second condensing air duct, and then enters the fan air duct through the air outlet;

[0009] A water level detection cavity is formed in the first condensing air duct. The water level detection cavity is arranged at a position lower than the horizontal plane where the central axis of the outer cylinder is located. A first liquid level detector is arranged in the water level detection cavity to determine whether the first filter is blocked.

[0010] Optionally, a flow area of ​​the second vent is larger than a flow area of ​​the first vent.

[0011] Optionally, a water storage chamber is provided at the lower end of the outer cylinder, and the water storage chamber is communicated with both the second condensation air duct and the first condensation air duct for storing condensed water.

[0012] Optionally, the water level detection cavity is arranged on the inner side wall of the bottom wall of the outer cylinder, and the second air vent is located below the water level detection cavity; the first air vent is located at a higher level than the horizontal plane where the center axis of the outer cylinder is located; the inner bottom surface of the water level detection cavity is located at a height lower than the horizontal plane where the center axis of the outer cylinder is located.

[0013] Optionally, the clothes processing device further includes a controller, and the controller determines whether the first filter is clogged according to the condensed water level detected by the first liquid level detector.

[0014] Optionally, a water storage chamber is provided in the lower space of the outer cylinder, and the water storage chamber is connected to both the second condensation air duct and the first condensation air duct for storing condensed water; a water flow hole is provided on the bottom surface of the water level detection chamber, so that the condensed water in the water level detection chamber can flow out along the water flow hole and flow into the water storage chamber.

[0015] Optionally, the laundry processing device further comprises a water pump, wherein a water inlet of the water pump is connected to the water storage chamber, and a first water outlet of the water pump is connected to a first water pipe;

[0016] One end of the first water pipe away from the water pump extends to the first filter screen.

[0017] Optionally, the second air vent is provided with a second filter; the first water outlet end of the water pump is connected to a multi-way connector, the water inlet end of the multi-way connector is connected to the first water outlet end of the water pump, the water outlet end of the multi-way connector is connected to the first water pipe, and the water outlet end of the multi-way connector is also connected to a second water pipe; the second water pipe extends to the second filter at one end away from the multi-way connector.

[0018] Optionally, the second water outlet of the water pump is connected to a third water pipe, the third water pipe is connected to a water diversion valve, and the water outlets of the water diversion valve are respectively connected to a fourth water pipe and a fifth water pipe;

[0019] An end of the fourth water pipe away from the water diversion valve extends to the door seal and the glass bowl of the laundry processing device;

[0020] One end of the fifth water pipe away from the water diversion valve extends to the inner bottom wall of the outer cylinder.

[0021] Optionally, the water storage chamber is provided with a second liquid level detector, and the clothing processing device further includes a controller, which determines whether the first filter is blocked based on the condensed water level detected by the first liquid level detector; and determines whether the water in the water storage chamber can meet the cleaning needs of the first filter and / or the cleaning of the door seal, the glass bowl and / or the inner bottom wall of the outer drum based on the condensed water level detected by the second liquid level detector.

[0022] According to a second aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a method for treating air outlet blockage in a drying air duct is provided, comprising:

[0023] Obtaining a water level value collected by the first liquid level detector during the drying process;

[0024] When the water level value exceeds a preset water level threshold, it is determined whether the first filter screen is clogged.

[0025] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0026] Obtaining a water level value collected by the first liquid level detector during the drying process;

[0027] When the water level value exceeds a preset water level threshold, it is determined that the first filter screen is clogged.

[0028] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0029] According to the water level of the condensed water detected by the second liquid level detector in the water storage chamber, the water pump is controlled to supply water to the first water pipe and / or the second water pipe and / or the third water pipe to selectively clean the first filter screen, the second filter screen, the inner bottom wall of the outer cylinder, and the glass bowl.

[0030] In an embodiment of the present application, when the clothing processing device is in the condensation stage, condensed water enters the second condensation duct and the first condensation duct, and the drying airflow dries the condensed water after contacting it. The water droplets condensed by the drying airflow are retained in the lower half of the outer cylinder together with the condensed water. If the second filter or the first filter becomes clogged, the condensation efficiency of the second condensation duct or the first condensation duct doubles due to the increased air volume, which doubles the amount of condensed water droplets. The increased amount of retained water causes the water level to rise, causing condensed water to enter the water level detection chamber, increasing the detection value of the first liquid level detector, and thus determining that a filter is clogged. This facilitates timely detection of filter clogs, thereby facilitating timely cleaning of the filter and ensuring drying efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 This is a rear view of a clothing processing device in one embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Figure 2 It is a side view of a clothing processing device in one embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Figure 3 It is a front view of a clothing processing device in one embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a top view of a clothing processing device in one embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 5 It is a structural schematic diagram of the second vent and the first vent in one embodiment of the present application.

[0036] Explanation of the numbers: 1. Outer cylinder; 2. Inner cylinder; 3. Second condensation air duct; 31. Second air vent; 4. First condensation air duct; 41. First air vent; 5. Fan duct; 6. Water level detection chamber; 61. Water inlet; 62. Water level detection chamber; 7. First liquid level detector; 8. Water storage chamber; 9. Water pump; 10. Multi-way connector; 11. First water pipe; 12. Second water pipe; 13. Third water pipe; 14. Water diversion valve; 15. Fourth water pipe; 16. Fifth water pipe; 17. Door seal; 18. Glass bowl; 19. Guide strip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts should fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0038] The basic idea behind the existing patented method for detecting lint on a washer-dryer filter is to place various types of sensors in the air duct or to detect the temperature of the air inlet of the air duct and determine whether lint is blocking it by the change in temperature difference. However, the air duct is originally small and an electric heater is placed in the air duct, so many electrical components cannot be used normally in ultra-high temperatures. If there is too much lint remaining in the air duct, the fan will be blocked and the electric heater will be wrapped in layers of lint, which will greatly reduce the drying effect. The air duct is located inside the machine body, and it is difficult for non-professionals to disassemble, clean, and restore the electric heater. The condensation effect of single condensation is relatively poor, resulting in a longer drying time and a high water consumption in the drying cycle, which wastes resources. In addition, the condensed water after the traditional condensing washing and drying machine runs the post-drying program will remain at the bottom of the rear air duct, which will breed a large number of bacteria over a long period of time.

[0039] This application aims at forming double condensation air ducts on the inner and outer walls of the rear cylinder and opening double exhaust ports along the height direction of the rear cylinder. The air below and above the bottom of the cylinder is discharged simultaneously for convective heat exchange. A condensation water level detection chamber and a liquid level detection mechanism are added to the inner side of the bottom of the outer cylinder to cooperate with logical judgment to automatically detect whether the filter is blocked.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] Specifically, such as Figure 1-5 The embodiment shown in the present application discloses a clothing processing device, such as a washer-dryer.

[0042] The clothes processing device of this embodiment includes a box body, and the outer drum 1 and the inner drum 2 are both installed inside the box body. Figure 2-2 As shown, the front end of the box is provided with an opening for putting in clothes, and the opening is provided with a door seal 17, and a glass bowl 18 is rotatably connected to the door seal 17. When the user uses the clothing processing device, he will rotate the glass bowl 18 to separate the glass bowl 18 from the door seal 17, and then put the clothes into the inner drum 2 from the opening. The side where the glass bowl 18 is provided is the front end of the box, and the side opposite to the front end is the rear end. Taking this direction as a reference, the opening of the inner drum 2 faces the front end of the box, and the surface of the inner drum 2 opposite to the opening is the bottom wall of the inner drum 2, and the bottom wall of the inner drum 2 is vertically arranged in the clothing processing device. The bottom wall of the outer drum 1 is parallel to the bottom wall of the inner drum 2. For the sake of convenience of description, the two surfaces of the bottom wall of the outer drum 1, the surface close to the inner drum 2 is called the inner bottom wall, that is, the bottom wall of the outer drum 1 on the inner side; the surface away from the inner drum 2 is called the outer bottom wall, that is, the bottom wall of the outer drum 1 on the outer side. For ease of understanding, Figure 1 The perspective in the middle shows the outer bottom wall of the outer tube 1. Figure 3 The inner bottom wall of the outer tube 1 is seen from the perspective in the figure. The inner bottom wall is located between the outer tube 1 and the inner tube 2. Figure 2 For example, Figure 2 The upper side is the upper part of the bottom wall of the outer tube 1, Figure 2 The lower side is the lower part of the bottom wall of the outer tube 1.

[0043] Furthermore, the laundry processing device includes a second condensation duct 3, a first condensation duct 4, and a fan duct 5. Both the second condensation duct 3 and the first condensation duct 4 are used to circulate condensed water, condensing the dry airflow to reduce its humidity. A heating device is installed in the fan duct 5 or in the laundry processing device to heat the dry airflow. The heated dry airflow first enters the inner drum 2, where it comes into contact with the clothes, drying them and carrying moisture from the clothes into the outer drum 1. It should be noted that since the first condensation duct 4 is formed between the outer drum 1 and the inner drum 2, the connection point between the inner drum 2 and the outer drum 1 can be considered the air inlet of the first condensation duct 4. Due to the structural differences between different laundry processing devices, some inner drum 2 has multiple through-holes, through which the dry airflow in the inner drum 2 can pass into the outer drum 1, thereby entering the first condensation duct 4. Other laundry processing devices do not have through-holes in the inner drum 2, but the inner drum 2 and the outer drum 1 are connected, allowing the dry airflow in the inner drum 2 to enter the outer drum 1 through the connection point. That is, this embodiment does not limit the shape and position of the air inlet of the first condensation duct 4, nor does it limit the number of air inlets of the first condensation duct 4. Specifically, in one embodiment, the first condensation duct 4 refers to the space between the bottom wall of the inner tube 2 and the bottom wall of the outer tube 1. The condensed water flows downward along the inner side wall of the bottom wall of the outer tube 1 and contacts the drying air flow in the first condensation duct 4 to achieve condensation.

[0044] In another embodiment of the present application, a plurality of guide strips 19 are provided on the inner bottom wall of the outer cylinder 1. There are several guide strips 19, and the extension directions of the guide strips 19 are inconsistent. When the condensed water in the first condensation duct 4 flows along the inner bottom wall of the outer cylinder 1, it is guided by the guide strips 19 and spreads all over the inner bottom wall of the outer cylinder 1. This expands the contact area between the condensed water and the drying airflow in the first condensation duct 4, thereby improving the condensation efficiency and further improving the drying efficiency.

[0045] like Figure 1-3 As shown, after the drying airflow enters the outer drum 1, a portion of the drying airflow flows upward along the first condensing air duct 4 and is finally discharged from the first vent 41; the other portion of the drying airflow enters the second vent 31 and enters the second condensing air duct 3 through the second vent 31. Figure 5 As shown, the dry airflow in the second condensing duct 3 flows upward along the duct wall of the second condensing duct 3, reaches the air outlet, and then enters the fan duct 5 through the air outlet. At the same time, the dry airflow discharged from the first vent 41 enters the upper part of the first condensing duct 4, passes through the air outlet, and enters the fan duct 5. After being heated, the dry airflow in the fan duct 5 re-enters the inner drum 2 to dry the clothes, thus completing the circulation.

[0046] During the process of drying clothes, the hair on the clothes or in the inner drum 2 flows with the drying air flow, so a first filter is usually set at the first air vent 41, and a second filter is set at the second air vent 31. Of course, the first filter set at the first air vent is the most likely to be clogged. It should be noted that filters can also be set at other air ports in the clothing processing equipment, and this embodiment does not make specific restrictions on this. However, the detection method provided in this application is relatively more suitable for detecting the blockage of the first filter (because the second filter located at the bottom is relatively less likely to be clogged due to the continuous flushing of reflux condensed water).

[0047] As described above, when the clothing processing device is in the condensation phase, condensed water enters the second condensation duct 3 and the first condensation duct 4. The drying airflow dries the condensed water upon contact, and the condensed water droplets from the drying airflow remain in the lower half of the outer drum 1 along with the condensed water. If the first filter becomes clogged, the increased air volume in the second condensation duct 3 doubles the condensation efficiency, doubling the amount of condensed water droplets. This increased amount of retained water, in turn, causes the water level to rise, increasing the amount of condensed water entering the water level detection chamber 6 and increasing the detection value of the first liquid level detector 7, thereby confirming that a filter is clogged. This monitoring method facilitates timely detection of filter clogs, facilitating timely cleaning of the filters and ensuring drying efficiency. Specifically, the water level detection chamber is located on the inner sidewall of the bottom wall of the outer drum. The inner bottom surface of the water level detection chamber 62 is located below the horizontal plane of the central axis of the outer drum 1 but above the second vent 31. The first vent 41 is located above the horizontal plane of the central axis of the outer drum 1. As for the specific fixing method, the water level detection chamber 6 can be connected to the inner bottom wall of the outer cylinder 1, or can be integrally formed by the inner bottom wall of the outer cylinder. This embodiment does not make any specific limitation to this. Figure 2 Taking the perspective of the outer tube 1 as an example, the central axis of the outer tube 1 is a horizontal line passing through the midpoint of the height of the outer tube 1, and the horizontal plane where the central axis is located refers to a plane passing through the central axis and forming a horizontal plane. Figure 3 The horizontal plane where the central axis is located is a horizontal line passing through the center of the outer cylinder 1. In another embodiment of the present application, a water flow hole is opened on the bottom surface of the water level detection cavity so that the condensed water in the water level detection cavity 6 can flow out along the water flow hole.

[0048] To improve drying efficiency, the second vent 31 has a larger flow area than the first vent 41. Specifically, if it is a circular hole, the diameter of the second vent 31 is larger than that of the first vent 41, and the highest point of the second vent 31 is lower than the lowest point of the water level detection chamber 6. Due to the lower height of the second vent 31, during operation of the laundry processing device, wash water or condensed water can flush through the second vent 31 as the inner drum 2 rotates, thereby flushing the second filter and preventing lint from clinging to the second filter.

[0049] Since the clothes processing device of this embodiment has a drying function, it includes a drying system, which includes an inner drum 2 and an outer drum 1 and a drying air duct formed between the inner drum 2 and the outer drum 1. The specific drying air duct includes a second condensation air duct 3, a first condensation air duct 4 and a fan air duct 5; the first condensation air duct 4 is formed between the bottom wall of the outer drum 1 and the bottom wall of the inner drum 2, and the first condensation air duct 4 is provided with a first air vent 41; the first vent 41 connects the first condensation air duct 4 with the second condensation air duct 3, and a first filter is provided at the first vent.

[0050] The second condensation air duct 3 is formed on the side of the bottom wall of the outer cylinder 1 away from the inner cylinder 2, and the second condensation air duct 3 includes a second air vent 31 and an air outlet; the second air vent 31 and the first air vent 41 are arranged at different heights along the bottom wall of the outer cylinder 1, wherein the second air vent 31 is arranged at the lower part of the bottom wall of the outer cylinder 1, and the first air vent 41 is arranged at the upper part of the bottom wall of the outer cylinder 1; one end of the air outlet is connected with the second condensation air duct 3, and the other end is connected with the fan duct inlet; the drying airflow in the first condensation air duct 4 is discharged from the first vent 41 and enters the upper part of the second condensation air duct, and then enters the fan duct through the air outlet; the drying airflow in the outer cylinder is discharged from the second vent 31 and enters the lower part of the second condensation air duct, and then enters the fan duct through the air outlet; a water level detection cavity 62 is formed in the first condensation air duct, and the water level detection cavity 62 The measuring chamber is arranged at a position lower than the horizontal plane where the central axis of the outer cylinder 1 is located, and a first liquid level detector 7 is arranged in the water level detection chamber 62, which is used to determine whether the first filter is blocked; a water level detection chamber 62 is provided at the lower part of the first condensation air duct 4, and the water level detection chamber 62 is connected to the first condensation air duct 4, and a first liquid level detector 7 is arranged in the water level detection chamber 62. The height of the water level detection chamber 62 is lower than the horizontal plane below the central axis of the outer cylinder 1 and above the second vent. Preferably, the condensation water level detection chamber is located on the side wall of the rear air duct, below the center line of the outer cylinder, and a water flow hole is opened at the bottom of the condensation water level detection chamber, and the hole is opened close to the inner wall of the bottom of the cylinder, so that water can flow out along the inner wall of the bottom of the cylinder without storing dirty water and wetting clothes. At the same time, it also avoids the horizontal size of the water level detection chamber being too large, which affects the trend of condensation water during use. In order to make full use of the remaining space at the bottom of the outer cylinder, a water storage chamber 8 is added so that a large amount of condensed water generated by the heat exchange between the hot and humid drying airflow of the second condensing air duct and the cooling water during the drying process can flow back to the condensed water storage chamber through the second vent 31, so that the condensed water storage chamber can cooperate with the liquid level sensor in the cavity to monitor the condensed water level in real time. Preferably, the water storage chamber 8 is arranged in the lower space of the outer cylinder 1, and the water storage chamber 8 is connected to both the second condensing air duct 3 and the first condensing air duct 4 for storing condensed water; further preferably, a water flow hole is provided on the bottom surface of the water level detection chamber 6 so that the condensed water in the water level detection chamber 6 can flow out along the water flow hole and flow into the water storage chamber. In one embodiment, the shape, volume and specific structure of the water storage chamber 8 are not limited in this embodiment. What is important is that the water storage chamber 8 collects the condensed water, which is convenient for the reuse of the condensed water and saves water resources.

[0051] To facilitate understanding of why and how the first filter can be detected to be clogged, the following is an explanation in conjunction with Example 1:

[0052] First, because the first vent 41 is connected to the upper portion of the second condensation air duct of the outer drum, it can easily become clogged with lint if the flushing process is not actively activated. The second vent 31 is relatively low in height. During operation of the laundry processing device, the second vent 31 is easily flushed by wash water or condensed water, making it less likely to become clogged. Furthermore, condensed water flowing down the bottom of the drum can also flush the inner wall of the outer drum bottom.

[0053] Furthermore, because the flow area of ​​the second vent 31 is larger than that of the first vent 41, the second condensation duct has a greater condensation capacity than the first condensation duct. Furthermore, because the second vent 31 is positioned below the first vent 41, the amount of dry air entering the second condensation duct 3 is greater than that entering the first condensation duct 4. Therefore, if the first filter at the first vent becomes clogged, a large amount of hot and humid dry air will flow into the second condensation zone, resulting in a significant increase in condensate, and consequently, a significant increase in the amount of condensate flowing back into the outer drum.

[0054] During the drying process, as the inner drum rotates, a large amount of condensed water at the bottom of the outer drum is thrown into the water level detection chamber 62. Therefore, the water level in the water level detection chamber 62 will become higher. This is because the water level in the water level detection chamber 62 can reflect the blockage of the first filter and the heat exchange condition of the second condensation duct, that is, it can detect the blockage of the first vent 41. Moreover, the more serious the blockage of the filter of the first vent of the first condensation duct during the drying process, the more the hot and humid air flow in the first condensation duct will flow to the second condensation duct under pressure, causing the second condensation duct to produce more condensed water than during normal drying operation. This condensed water is then returned to the outer drum and continuously thrown into the water level detection chamber 62 as the inner drum rotates. The more condensed water is thrown, the more condensed water is produced in the outer drum and the more serious the blockage of the first filter is.

[0055] Furthermore, the different liquid levels in the water level detection chamber 62 (due to the varying weight of laundry each time a user dries, the drying time and the amount of condensed water required vary) determine whether the current condensed water storage capacity meets the requirements for spraying the glass bowl. If not, the existing glass bowl spray pipe can be used to re-spray the glass bowl with fresh water, ensuring the user's laundry health while maximizing water conservation. Existing patents for integrated washing and drying dander detection methods rely on placing various types of sensors within the air duct or detecting the temperature at the duct inlet to determine whether dander is clogged by observing changes in temperature differences. However, air ducts are inherently narrow and contain electric heaters, making many electrical components unable to operate normally in extremely high temperatures. This patent determines whether the duct filter is clogged based on changes in the condensed water level within the drum. In addition to adding a cleaning device, the structure also incorporates a condensed water level detection chamber on the inside of the outer drum bottom (an alternative embodiment involves adding a detection chamber on the duct sidewall), which automatically detects whether the filter is clogged. A small hole is provided below the detection chamber. After the determination is complete, the condensed water falls by gravity into the condensed water storage tank at the bottom of the drum for subsequent filter cleaning.

[0056] Example 2

[0057] In order to maximize the use of condensed wastewater, this application also designs a cleaning mechanism, which uses condensed water to rinse the filter lint, spray the glass bowl after running the wash and dry program, and clean the inner wall of the outer drum. This can not only fully drain the condensed water to prevent the growth of residual bacteria, but also complete the self-cleaning of the machine. It can also automatically detect whether the lint filter is clogged. If it is clogged, it can sound a warning to the user, and automatically clean the filter the next time the washing program is run.

[0058] The specific cleaning mechanism includes a water pump, a double water inlet valve, a three-way joint system, etc. Specifically, the water inlet end of the water pump 9 is connected to the water storage chamber 8, and the first water outlet end of the water pump 9 is connected to the first water pipe 11; the first water pipe 11 extends from one end of the water pump 9 to the first filter screen so that the filter screen can be cleaned. Furthermore, the water pump 9 can extract the condensed water in the water storage chamber 8 and supply it to the first water pipe 11. The first water pipe 11 extends from one end of the water pump 9 to the first filter screen, so that the condensed water in the first water pipe 11 can flush the first filter screen, thereby cleaning the first filter screen and preventing or solving the problem of clogging of the first filter screen. It can be seen that by setting up structures such as the water storage chamber 8, the water pump 9 and the first water pipe 11, after the water level detection chamber 6 detects that the first filter screen is clogged, the first filter screen can be automatically cleaned, solving the problem of clogging of the first filter screen and ensuring the drying efficiency of the clothing processing equipment.

[0059] In another embodiment of the present application, in combination with the case where the second air vent 31 is provided with a second filter screen, the first water outlet end of the water pump 9 can also be connected to a multi-way connector 10, the water inlet end of the multi-way connector 10 is connected to the first water outlet end of the water pump 9, the water outlet end of the multi-way connector 10 is connected to the first water pipe 11, and the water outlet end of the multi-way connector 10 is also connected to a second water pipe 12; the second water pipe 12 extends from one end away from the multi-way connector 10 to the second filter screen so as to be able to flush the second filter screen.

[0060] In one embodiment, the diameter of the second water pipe 12 is larger than that of the first water pipe 11. In another embodiment, the diameter of the outlet end of the multi-way connector 10 connected to the first water pipe 11 is smaller than the diameter of the outlet end of the multi-way connector 10 connected to the second water pipe 12. In one embodiment, the multi-way connector 10 is a three-way valve having one water inlet and two water outlets. The end of the first water pipe 11 remote from the outlet end of the multi-way connector 10 can also be connected to a spray device to rinse the second filter.

[0061] In another embodiment of the present application, the door seal 17, the glass bowl 18, and the inner bottom wall of the outer tub 1 can also be rinsed with condensed water. To this end, the second water outlet of the pump 9 is connected to the third water pipe 13, the third water pipe 13 is connected to the water diverter valve 14, and the water outlet of the water diverter valve 14 is connected to the fourth water pipe 15 and the fifth water pipe 16 respectively. The end of the fourth water pipe 15 away from the water diverter valve 14 extends to the door seal 17 and the glass bowl 18 of the clothing processing device. The fourth water pipe 15 and the fifth water pipe 16 can both be connected to the spray device to rinse the door seal 17 and the glass bowl 18; the end of the fifth water pipe 16 away from the water diverter valve 14 extends to the inner bottom wall of the outer tub 1 to rinse the inner bottom wall of the outer tub 1, thereby rationally utilizing the condensed water in the water storage chamber 8, improving utilization rate, and saving resources.

[0062] Preferably, the water storage chamber may also be provided with a second liquid level detector. The controller can determine whether the first filter is clogged based on the condensed water level detected by the first liquid level detector. It can also determine whether the water in the water storage chamber is sufficient to clean the first filter and / or the door seal 17, glass bowl 18, and / or the inner bottom wall of the outer drum 1 based on the condensed water level detected by the second liquid level detector. Thus, after each wash-dry mode operation, the glass bowl and outer drum wall are automatically rinsed with condensed water, preventing bacterial growth while reducing the need for additional water resources to clean the interior of the washing machine and prolonging the time it takes for dirt to accumulate on the outer drum wall. It also allows for the drainage of residual condensed wastewater to prevent bacterial growth.

[0063] Preferably, the cleaning structure can be fixed in two ways: one is to fix it to the outer wall of the outer drum using screws, clips, or other structures. This fixing method saves space and does not require increasing the depth of existing washer-dryers. The other is to fix it to the cabinet using screws, clips, or other structures. This method is more stable and prevents the water pipes and electrical components from moving with the outer drum during the vibration of the washing machine during operation.

[0064] Example 3

[0065] The embodiment of the present application provides an example of a method for treating air outlet blockage in a drying air duct in combination with the above-mentioned structural arrangement, including:

[0066] S1001. Obtain the water level value collected by the first liquid level detector 7 during the drying process.

[0067] S1002: When the water level exceeds a preset water level threshold, determine whether the first filter is clogged.

[0068] The present application also provides a method for treating air vent blockage in a drying air duct, comprising:

[0069] S1101, obtaining the water level value collected by the first liquid level detector 7 during the drying process;

[0070] S1102: When the water level exceeds a preset water level threshold, it is determined that the first filter is clogged.

[0071] In one embodiment, when the water level exceeds the water level threshold, it is determined that the first vent 41 is blocked. Then, when the clothes processing device is started or the clothes are dried next time, the water pump 9 is controlled to start and extract the condensed water stored in the water storage chamber 8 to rinse the first filter.

[0072] In one embodiment, each time the laundry processing apparatus is started, the water pump 9 is controlled to start, and the condensed water stored in the water storage chamber 8 is pumped out to rinse the door seal 17 and the glass bowl 18. In another embodiment, each time the laundry processing apparatus is finished washing or drying, the water pump 9 is controlled to start, and the condensed water stored in the water storage chamber 8 is pumped out to rinse the door seal 17 and the glass bowl 18.

[0073] In one embodiment, the water level threshold is set according to actual conditions, and specifically, reference may be made to the water level values ​​when the first vent 41 is not blocked and when the first vent 41 is blocked. This embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0074] In another embodiment of the present application, the method further comprises:

[0075] According to the water level of the condensed water detected by the second liquid level detector in the water storage chamber 8, the water pump 9 is controlled to supply water to the first water pipe 11 and / or the second water pipe and / or the third water pipe 13 to selectively clean the first filter screen, the second filter screen, the inner bottom wall of the outer cylinder 1, and the glass bowl.

[0076] Specifically, after the drying process is completed, it is determined whether the water level of the condensed water in the water storage chamber 8 reaches a preset cleaning threshold;

[0077] If the cleaning threshold is reached, the water pump 9 is controlled to deliver water to the third water pipe 13 to clean the glass bowl and the outer cylinder;

[0078] If the cleaning threshold is not reached, the water pump 9 is controlled to deliver water to the third water pipe 13 and the glass bowl spray pipe is controlled to spray water to clean the glass bowl.

[0079] The serial numbers of the above-mentioned embodiments of the present application are for description only and do not represent the advantages or disadvantages of the embodiments.

[0080] In the above embodiments of the present application, the description of each embodiment has its own focus. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant description of other embodiments.

[0081] In summary:

[0082] 1. This application upgrades the single rear barrel condensation or rear duct condensation to form double condensation ducts on the inner and outer walls of the rear barrel. The inner condensation duct is formed by the interlayer space at the bottom of the inner and outer barrels; the outer condensation duct is arranged on the outer wall of the bottom of the outer barrel or is formed integrally with the bottom of the outer barrel (the bottom of the outer barrel is provided with different air outlets along the height direction, and the hot and humid steam from the inner barrel enters the outer barrel, part of which enters the outer condensation duct through the lower steam outlet, and part of which passes through the inner condensation duct and is mixed with the air outlet of the outer condensation duct through the higher steam outlet to enter the drying duct). The condensation efficiency is greatly improved, the drying time required to dry a load of the same weight is shortened, and electricity and energy are saved.

[0083] 2. This application combines the characteristics of dual condensation air ducts to automatically detect whether the lint filter is clogged. If it is clogged, a warning sound can be issued to remind the user, and the filter will be automatically cleaned the next time the washing program is run. Specifically, this application adds a liquid level detection device to the condensation water storage chamber, which can provide feedback to detect whether the condensation system is faulty. It can also judge whether the current condensation water storage volume meets the requirements for glass bowl spraying based on different liquid level heights (the weight of clothes dried by the user is different each time, and the drying time and condensation water volume used are different). If not, the glass bowl can be replenished with fresh water through the existing glass bowl spray pipe, ensuring the user's laundry health while saving water resources to the greatest extent. The basic idea of ​​the existing patent on the integrated washing and drying lint detection method is to place various types of sensors in the air duct or to detect the temperature of the air inlet of the air duct and determine whether the lint is clogged by the change in temperature difference. However, the air duct is originally small and electric heating is placed in the air duct. Many electrical components cannot be used normally at ultra-high temperatures. This patent judges whether the air duct filter is clogged based on the change in the condensation water level in the barrel. In addition to the cleaning device, a condensate level detection chamber is also added to the inner bottom of the outer cylinder (an alternative implementation involves adding a detection chamber to the sidewall of the air duct). This chamber automatically detects filter blockage using logic. A small hole is located below the detection chamber. Once the filter is clogged, condensate falls by gravity into the condensate storage tank at the bottom of the cylinder for subsequent filter cleaning.

[0084] 3. This application fully utilizes the remaining space below the outer cylinder to create a condensate storage chamber, which is equipped with a liquid level sensor to monitor the condensate level in real time. After the drying process is completed, the dual condensate wastewater is used to simultaneously backwash the outlet filter to prevent filter clogging. Furthermore, the condensate that has flushed the upper filter flows down the bottom of the cylinder and also flushes the inner wall of the outer cylinder.

[0085] 4. This application automatically uses condensed water to rinse the glass bowl and outer drum wall after each wash and dry cycle. This prevents bacterial growth, reduces the need for additional water to clean the washing machine's interior, and prolongs the time it takes for dirt to accumulate on the outer drum wall. It also drains residual condensed water to prevent bacterial growth. Specifically, a level sensor in the condensed water storage chamber detects the condensed water level and determines whether the current water level is sufficient to rinse the glass bowl after flushing the filter. If the water level is insufficient, a warning signal is issued, and the glass bowl is replenished with fresh water through the existing glass bowl spray pipe, ensuring a healthy washing experience while maximizing the use of condensed water. By adding a water pump, dual water inlet valves, and a three-way connector system, condensed water is used to rinse the filter, spray the glass bowl after the wash and dry cycle, and clean the inner drum wall. This not only fully drains condensed water to prevent residual bacterial growth, but also performs self-cleaning inside the machine. The system also automatically detects whether the lint filter is clogged, alerting the user with a sound and automatically cleaning the filter during the next wash cycle.

[0086] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present application. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present application. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A clothes processing device, characterized in that: The clothes processing device comprises an inner drum (2) and an outer drum (1), and a drying air duct formed between the inner drum (2) and the outer drum (1), wherein the drying air duct comprises a second condensing air duct (3), a first condensing air duct (4) and a fan air duct (5); The first condensation air duct (4) is formed between the bottom wall of the outer tube (1) and the bottom wall of the inner tube (2), and the first condensation air duct (4) is provided with a first vent (41); the first vent (41) connects the first condensation air duct (4) with the second condensation air duct (3); a first filter is provided at the first vent; The second condensation air duct (3) is formed on a side of the bottom wall of the outer cylinder (1) away from the inner cylinder (2), and the second condensation air duct (3) includes a second vent (31) and an air outlet; The second vent (31) and the first vent (41) are arranged at different heights along the bottom wall of the outer tube (1), wherein the second vent (31) is arranged at the lower part of the bottom wall of the outer tube (1), and the first vent (41) is arranged at the upper part of the bottom wall of the outer tube (1); One end of the air outlet is connected to the second condensing air duct (3), and the other end is connected to the inlet of the fan air duct; the drying airflow in the first condensing air duct (4) is discharged from the first vent (41) and enters the upper part of the second condensing air duct, and then enters the fan air duct through the air outlet; the drying airflow in the outer cylinder is discharged from the second vent (31) and enters the lower part of the second condensing air duct, and then enters the fan air duct through the air outlet; A water level detection chamber (62) is formed in the first condensing air duct, and the water level detection chamber is arranged at a position lower than the horizontal plane where the central axis of the outer cylinder (1) is located. A first liquid level detector (7) is arranged in the water level detection chamber (62) for determining whether the first filter is clogged.

2. The clothes processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The flow area of ​​the second vent (31) is greater than the flow area of ​​the first vent (41).

3. The clothes processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The water level detection chamber is arranged on the inner side wall of the bottom wall of the outer cylinder, and the second vent (31) is located below the water level detection chamber (6); the first vent (41) is located higher than the horizontal plane where the center axis of the outer cylinder (1) is located; and the inner bottom surface of the water level detection chamber (62) is located at a height lower than the horizontal plane where the center axis of the outer cylinder (1) is located.

4. The clothes processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The laundry processing device further includes a controller configured to determine whether the first filter screen is clogged based on a condensed water level detected by the first liquid level detector.

5. The clothes processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A water storage chamber (8) is provided in the lower space of the outer cylinder (1), and the water storage chamber (8) is connected to both the second condensation air duct (3) and the first condensation air duct (4) for storing condensed water; a water flow hole is provided on the bottom surface of the water level detection chamber (6), so that the condensed water in the water level detection chamber (6) can flow out along the water flow hole and flow into the water storage chamber.

6. The clothes processing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The clothing processing device further comprises a water pump (9), a water inlet end of the water pump (9) being connected to the water storage chamber (8), and a first water outlet end of the water pump (9) being connected to a first water pipe (11); One end of the first water pipe (11) away from the water pump (9) extends to the first filter screen so as to be able to flush the first filter screen.

7. The clothes processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second vent (31) is provided with a second filter screen; the first water outlet end of the water pump (9) is connected to a multi-way connector (10), the water inlet end of the multi-way connector (10) is connected to the first water outlet end of the water pump (9), the water outlet end of the multi-way connector (10) is connected to the first water pipe (11), and the water outlet end of the multi-way connector (10) is also connected to a second water pipe (12); the second water pipe (12) extends from one end of the multi-way connector (10) to the second filter screen so as to be able to flush the second filter screen.

8. The clothes processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second water outlet of the water pump (9) is connected to a third water pipe (13), the third water pipe (13) is connected to a water diversion valve (14), and the water outlet of the water diversion valve (14) is respectively connected to a fourth water pipe (15) and a fifth water pipe (16); One end of the fourth water pipe (15) away from the water diversion valve (14) extends to the door seal (17) and the glass bowl (18) of the laundry processing device so as to be able to rinse the door seal (17) and the glass bowl (18); One end of the fifth water pipe (16) away from the water diversion valve (14) extends to the inner bottom wall of the outer cylinder (1) so as to be able to flush the inner bottom wall of the outer cylinder (1).

9. The clothes processing device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The water storage chamber is provided with a second liquid level detector, and the clothing processing device further comprises a controller, wherein the controller determines whether the first filter is clogged based on the condensed water level detected by the first liquid level detector; and determines whether the water in the water storage chamber is sufficient for cleaning the first filter and / or cleaning the door seal (17), the glass bowl (18) and / or the inner bottom wall of the outer drum (1) based on the condensed water level detected by the second liquid level detector.

10. A method for treating blockage of an air outlet in a drying duct of a clothes processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: include: Obtaining a water level value collected by a first liquid level detector (7) during the drying process; When the water level value exceeds a preset water level threshold, it is determined whether the first filter screen is clogged.

11. A method for treating blockage of an air outlet in a drying duct of a clothes processing device according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that: include: Obtaining a water level value collected by a first liquid level detector (7) during the drying process; When the water level value exceeds a preset water level threshold, it is determined that the first filter screen is clogged.

12. The method for treating air outlet blockage in a drying air duct according to claim 11, characterized in that: The method further comprises: According to the water level of the condensed water detected by the second liquid level detector in the water storage chamber (8), the water pump (9) is controlled to deliver water to the first water pipe (11) and / or the second water pipe and / or the third water pipe (13), so as to selectively clean the first filter screen, the second filter screen, the inner bottom wall of the outer cylinder (1), and the glass bowl.

Images