Washing and drying equipment and drying filter self-cleaning method

Abstract

The present invention provides a washing and drying device, which includes a drum, the drum being provided with an air outlet, an air inlet, and a drying air duct connecting the air inlet and the air outlet, the drying air duct being provided with a filter and a filter cleaning mechanism, the filter cleaning mechanism comprising: a spray assembly being provided above the filter and being used to spray the filter from top to bottom; a baffle assembly being provided below the filter, and when the washing and drying device is in a filter cleaning mode, the baffle assembly can be controlled to be in a water storage state, receiving water sprayed by the spray assembly on the filter to soak the filter. In the present invention, the filter in the drum is closed to be in a water storage state by the baffle assembly, and the spray assembly is opened to spray the filter, so that hair debris on the filter is washed off by the spray water, achieving a self-cleaning effect of the filter, avoiding manual cleaning of the filter, reducing manual labor, improving the automatic washing, drying, and cleaning capabilities of the washing and drying device, improving the self-cleaning performance of the washing and drying device, and providing good user comfort.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of washing machines, and in particular to a washing and drying device and a drying filter self-cleaning method. Background Art

[0002] Washing and drying equipment produces lint when drying clothes, so most washing and drying equipment has a drying filter. Filters are divided into manual cleaning filters and automatic cleaning filters. Because manual cleaning is more troublesome and affects the user experience, high-end models generally use automatic cleaning filters. Automatic cleaning filters are generally fixed in the air duct near the outer drum and are removed by spraying water. This method can remove lint to a certain extent but cannot completely eliminate it. After long-term operation, a small amount of lint that cannot be washed away will be repeatedly sprayed, soaked, and dried, and then become caked on the filter, affecting the drying cycle air volume, and thus the drying time and effect.

[0003] In addition, when there is a lot of hair debris accumulated on the filter, large pieces of filter cannot dissolve in the water flow when water is sprayed, and fall directly. They may become stuck on the wall of the inner or outer cylinder and cannot be smoothly discharged from the washing and drying equipment.

[0004] Based on the above technical defects, there is a need for improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application is based on the inventor's discovery and understanding of the following problems and facts: 1. Water spray flushing of the filter cannot completely remove dander, and after long-term operation, the dander becomes compacted and affects the drying air volume; 2. When there is a lot of dander on the filter, the spray flushing water flow cannot dissolve the dander in time, and some dander may not be smoothly discharged from the washing and drying equipment.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve one of the above technical problems at least to a certain extent.

[0007] To this end, one object of the present invention is to provide a washing and drying device;

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a self-cleaning method for a drying filter of a washing and drying device;

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention provides a washing and drying device, comprising a drum, the drum being provided with an air outlet, an air inlet, and a drying air duct connecting the air inlet and the air outlet, the drying air duct being provided with a filter and a filter cleaning mechanism, the filter cleaning mechanism comprising:

[0010] A spray assembly is provided above the filter screen and is used to spray the filter screen from top to bottom;

[0011] The baffle assembly is arranged below the filter. When the washing and drying equipment is in the filter cleaning mode, the baffle assembly can be controlled to be in a water storage state, receiving the water sprayed on the filter by the spray assembly to soak the filter.

[0012] Optionally, the filter cleaning mechanism further includes:

[0013] An impeller is provided between the spray assembly and the baffle assembly, and is used to spray water and flush the filter screen;

[0014] An impeller driving unit is used to drive the impeller to rotate.

[0015] Optionally, the baffle assembly includes a first baffle and a second baffle arranged opposite to each other in the drying air duct;

[0016] The first baffle and the second baffle rotate around pivots respectively arranged on the inner wall of the drying duct. The two can be controlled to overlap in the drying duct to form a water tank for storing spray water, and can also be controlled to fit the drying duct wall on their side to make the drying duct flow.

[0017] Optionally, a first overlapping edge is formed at the free end of the first baffle, and a second overlapping edge is formed at the free end of the second baffle. The first overlapping edge and the second overlapping edge have complementary arcuate surfaces so that the two can be overlapped together to form a sealed water storage tank.

[0018] Optionally, the first overlapping edge and the second overlapping edge are provided with magnetic materials of opposite polarity;

[0019] and / or the first baffle plate has a first drainage groove extending from its free end to the pivot end, and the second baffle plate has a second drainage groove extending from its free end to the pivot end;

[0020] The drying duct is provided with a first drainage channel connected to the outside of the drying duct at the pivot end corresponding to the first baffle, and a second drainage channel connected to the outside of the drying duct at the pivot end corresponding to the second baffle;

[0021] The first drainage groove is communicated with the first drainage channel, and the second drainage groove is communicated with the second drainage channel.

[0022] Optionally, the baffle assembly includes a first baffle drive motor and a second baffle drive motor;

[0023] The washing and drying device is further provided with a drainage motor, which is connected to the first drainage channel and the second drainage channel respectively, and is linked to and controlled by at least one of the first baffle driving motor and the second baffle driving motor.

[0024] Optionally, the washing and drying equipment is further provided with a circulating fan, and after the filter cleaning mechanism completes cleaning the filter, the circulating fan is started to dry the filter.

[0025] Optionally, the filter is arranged on the air inlet side of the drying duct where air enters the drying duct from the drum;

[0026] The circulating fan is arranged downstream of the air outlet side of the filter.

[0027] A second aspect of the present invention provides a self-cleaning method for a drying filter of the above-mentioned washing and drying equipment, comprising:

[0028] Receive filter cleaning instructions;

[0029] Controlling the baffle assembly to a working position so that the baffle assembly is in a water storage state;

[0030] The spray assembly is turned on to spray the filter screen for a first preset time, and the baffle assembly receives the water sprayed by the spray assembly on the filter screen to soak the filter screen;

[0031] Controlling the impeller to pump water and flush the filter for a second preset time;

[0032] Controlling the baffle assembly to rotate and drain for a third preset time;

[0033] The circulating fan is controlled to be turned on so that a drying air flow is formed in the drying air duct.

[0034] Optionally, during the operation of the circulating fan, the circulating fan power is detected; if the circulating fan power is less than the set power P and the operating time of the circulating fan is less than a fourth preset time, the filter is deemed to be clean and the cleaning procedure is terminated;

[0035] If the circulating fan power is greater than the set power P, it is considered that the filter is not clean, and the cleaning process will continue until the conditions are met;

[0036] If the circulating fan power is less than the set power P and the circulating fan working time is greater than the fourth preset time, the circulating fan is controlled to continue working and the circulating fan power is detected synchronously.

[0037] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0038] The filter screen in the drum of the present invention is closed into a water storage state through the baffle assembly, and the spray assembly is turned on to spray the filter screen, so that the hair debris on the filter screen is washed off by the spray water, thereby achieving a self-cleaning effect of the filter screen, avoiding manual cleaning of the filter screen, reducing human labor, improving the automatic washing, drying and cleaning capabilities of the washing and drying equipment, improving the self-cleaning performance of the washing and drying equipment, and providing users with good comfort.

[0039] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description which follows, or may be learned by practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a washing and drying device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of the overlapping end of a baffle assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 3 1 is a schematic diagram of a self-cleaning system flow according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Reference numerals

[0044] 1. Air inlet; 2. Air outlet; 3. Baffle assembly; 31. First baffle; 311. First overlapping edge; 32. Second baffle; 321. Second overlapping edge; 33. Pivot; 4. Filter; 5. Spray assembly; 6. Drying air duct; 7. Drum; 8. Impeller DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended to be used to explain the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0046] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0047] Furthermore, 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 the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature identified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0048] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood broadly. For example, they may refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two components or interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0049] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0050] The present invention solves the problem that water spray flushing of the filter cannot completely remove the hair debris, and after long-term operation, the hair debris becomes compacted and affects the drying air volume; when there is a lot of hair debris on the filter, the spray flushing water flow cannot dissolve the hair debris in time, and some hair debris may not be smoothly discharged from the washing and drying equipment. A self-cleaning washing and drying equipment and a self-cleaning method for the drying filter are proposed.

[0051] Example 1

[0052] like Figure 1 As shown, a washing and drying device includes a drum 7, the drum 7 is provided with an air outlet 2, an air inlet 1 and a drying air duct 6 connecting the air inlet 1 and the air outlet 2, the drying air duct 6 is provided with a filter 4 and a filter cleaning mechanism, the filter cleaning mechanism includes: a spray assembly 5, provided above the filter 4, for spraying the filter 4 from top to bottom; a baffle assembly 3, provided below the filter 4, when the washing and drying device is in the filter 4 cleaning mode, the baffle assembly 3 can be controlled to be in a water storage state, receiving water sprayed by the spray assembly 5 on the filter 4 to infiltrate the filter 4.

[0053] Furthermore, the drying air duct 6 can be arranged upstream of the drum 7, or at the bottom or side of the drum 7; the filter 4 in the drum 7 is closed by the baffle assembly 3 to become a water storage state, and the spray assembly 5 is turned on to spray the filter 4, so that the hair debris on the filter 4 is washed off by the spray water, thereby achieving a self-cleaning effect of the filter 4, avoiding manual cleaning of the filter 4, reducing human labor, improving the automatic washing, drying and cleaning capabilities of the washing and drying equipment, improving the self-cleaning performance of the washing and drying equipment, and providing users with good comfort.

[0054] Combine Figure 1 Preferably, the filter cleaning mechanism also includes: an impeller 8, which is arranged between the spray assembly 5 and the baffle assembly 3 and is used to flush the filter 4 with water; an impeller driving unit (not shown in the figure), which drives the impeller 8 to rotate through the impeller driving unit.

[0055] Furthermore, the stored water in the closed baffle assembly 3 is used in combination with the impeller 8 to agitate the water flow to repeatedly beat and clean, so as to remove the hair attached to the filter 4. At the same time, the stored water can fully dissolve the hair on the filter so that it can be discharged from the washing and drying equipment along with the water flow, making the cleaning of the filter 4 simple and quick. At the same time, the self-cleaning process is more efficient than traditional manual cleaning, providing users with good comfort.

[0056] Combine Figure 2 Preferably, the baffle assembly 3 includes a first baffle 31 and a second baffle 32 disposed relative to each other within the drying duct 6. The first baffle 31 and the second baffle 32 rotate about respective pivots 33 disposed on the inner wall of the drying duct 6. The first baffle 31 and the second baffle 32 can be controlled to overlap within the drying duct 6 to form a water reservoir for storing spray water. Alternatively, the first baffle 31 and the second baffle 32 can be controlled to adhere to the wall of the drying duct 6 on their respective sides to allow air to circulate through the drying duct 6. Preferably, a first overlapping edge 311 is formed at the free end of the first baffle 31, and a second overlapping edge 321 is formed at the free end of the second baffle 32. The first overlapping edge 311 and the second overlapping edge 321 have complementary curved surfaces, so that when they overlap, they form a sealed water reservoir. More preferably, the first overlapping edge 311 and the second overlapping edge 321 are provided with magnetic materials with opposite polarities; in another embodiment, the first baffle 31 has a first drainage groove extending from its free end to the pivot end, and the second baffle has a second drainage groove extending from its free end to the pivot end; the drying duct 6 is provided with a first drainage channel (not shown in the figure) connected to the outside of the drying duct at the pivot end corresponding to the first baffle 31, and a second drainage channel (not shown in the figure) connected to the outside of the drying duct 6 is provided at the pivot end corresponding to the second baffle 32; the first drainage groove is connected to the first drainage channel, and the second drainage groove is connected to the second drainage channel.

[0057] Furthermore, the curved surfaces of the overlapping edges are designed to prevent interference between the opposing overlapping edges during the overlapping motion. The overlapping method and structure of the baffle assembly 3 are not limited to this method to achieve a better water retention effect. The provision of a drainage channel facilitates the drainage of dirty water used to flush lint outside the drum 7, thereby preventing contamination of the laundry and improving the cleaning efficiency and self-cleaning efficiency of the washing and drying equipment.

[0058] Preferably, the baffle assembly 3 includes a first baffle drive motor (not shown in the figure) and a second baffle drive motor (not shown in the figure); the washing and drying equipment is also provided with a drainage motor (not shown in the figure), and the drainage motor is connected to the first drainage channel and the second drainage channel respectively, and is linked to at least one of the first baffle drive motor and the second baffle drive motor for control.

[0059] Furthermore, the drainage channel and the baffle drive motor are controlled in linkage, which shortens the self-cleaning working time, improves the self-cleaning energy efficiency of the washing and drying equipment, and makes the self-cleaning filter 4 work faster and more efficiently.

[0060] Preferably, the washing and drying equipment is further provided with a circulating fan (not shown in the figure). After the filter cleaning mechanism completes cleaning of the filter 4 , the circulating fan is started to dry the filter 4 .

[0061] Optionally, the filter 4 is arranged on the air inlet side of the drying duct 6 where air enters the drying duct 6 from the drum 7;

[0062] The circulating fan is arranged downstream of the air outlet side of the filter 4.

[0063] Furthermore, the hair debris at the end of the self-cleaning process is discharged from the washing and drying equipment along with the water flow. The entire process is automated and does not require manual labor, which reduces the user's cleaning time for the washing and drying equipment and improves the user experience.

[0064] Example 2

[0065] like Figure 3 As shown, a method for self-cleaning the drying filter 4 of the above-mentioned washing and drying equipment includes: receiving a command to clean the filter 4; controlling the baffle assembly 3 to a working position so that the baffle assembly 3 is in a water-retaining state; activating the spray assembly 5 to spray the filter 4 for a first preset time, with the baffle assembly 3 receiving the water sprayed by the spray assembly 5 on the filter 4 to soak the filter 4; controlling the impeller 8 to operate to flush the filter 4 with water for a second preset time; controlling the baffle assembly 3 to rotate to drain water for a third preset time; and controlling the circulation fan to operate so that a drying airflow is generated in the drying air duct. Furthermore, preferably, during the operation of the circulation fan, the circulation fan power is detected; if the circulation fan power is less than a set power P and the circulation fan operation time is less than a fourth preset time, the filter is deemed to be clean and the cleaning process ends; if the circulation fan power is greater than the set power P, the filter is deemed to be not clean and the cleaning process continues until a condition is met to terminate; if the circulation fan power is less than the set power P and the circulation fan operation time is greater than the fourth preset time, the circulation fan is controlled to continue operating and the circulation fan power is simultaneously detected.

[0066] Specifically, when the washing and drying device is drying, the circulating air, after being dried, enters the drum 7 through the air inlet 1, exchanges heat with the clothes in the drum, and then returns to the drying duct 6 through the return air vent 2. During drying, the baffle assembly 3 rotates downward to a vertical position, that is, it is in the separated state, and the circulating air circulates normally in the duct.

[0067] Combine Figure 3 , and the further working process is: when the washing and drying equipment is cleaning dander, the baffle assembly 3 rotates to the connection position, and the spray assembly 5 discharges water for T1 second, and T1 second is the time it takes for the water level on the upper part of the baffle assembly 3 to completely cover the filter. The impeller 8 works for T2 seconds, and T2 seconds is the time it takes for the dander on the surface of the filter to fall off and dissolve in the water. The baffle assembly 3 rotates to the separation position, and the drain pump works for T3 seconds, and T3 seconds is the time it takes for water to be discharged from the drain pump to the washing and drying equipment. The circulating fan works, and the power of the circulating fan is detected: if the power of the circulating fan is less than the power P value, it means that the filter has been cleaned and the cleaning program is completed (because if there is a lot of dander on the surface of the filter, the resistance in the air duct increases, and the power of the circulating fan rises, exceeding the normal value). If the power of the circulating fan does not meet the conditions, the working time of the circulating fan is detected to be less than T4. T4 is the time required to break the water film on the surface of the filter (because some water will remain on the surface of the filter 4 after cleaning, and the water will form a layer of water film on the surface of the filter 4. This water film will also cause the power of the circulating fan to increase. T4 time is the time required to break the water film). If the power of the circulating fan does not meet the conditions and the working time of the circulating fan does not meet the set time, the circulating fan continues to work and the power of the circulating fan is detected synchronously to avoid the increase in power caused by the water film and lead to misjudgment. If the working time of the circulating fan meets the conditions, but the power of the circulating fan still does not meet the conditions, it means that there is a lot of hair on the surface of the filter and it has not been cleaned. At this time, repeat the cleaning process until the program ends.

[0068] In the description of this specification, the reference terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "example", "specific example", or "some examples" mean that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any appropriate manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0069] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it will be understood that the above embodiments are illustrative and are not to be construed as limitations on the present invention. A person skilled in the art may change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A washing and drying device, comprising a drum, the drum being provided with an air outlet, an air inlet, and a drying air duct connecting the air inlet and the air outlet, the drying air duct being provided with a filter and a filter cleaning mechanism, characterized in that: The filter cleaning mechanism includes: A spray assembly is provided above the filter screen and is used to spray the filter screen from top to bottom; The baffle assembly is arranged below the filter. When the washing and drying equipment is in the filter cleaning mode, the baffle assembly can be controlled to be in a water storage state, receiving the water sprayed on the filter by the spray assembly to soak the filter.

2. The washing and drying device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The filter cleaning mechanism also includes: An impeller is provided between the spray assembly and the baffle assembly, and is used to spray water and flush the filter screen; An impeller driving unit is used to drive the impeller to rotate.

3. The washing and drying device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The baffle assembly includes a first baffle and a second baffle arranged opposite to each other in the drying air duct; The first baffle and the second baffle rotate around pivots respectively arranged on the inner wall of the drying duct, and are controlled to overlap in the drying duct to form a water tank for storing spray water, or are controlled to fit the drying duct wall on their side to allow the drying duct to circulate.

4. The washing and drying device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The free end of the first baffle is formed with a first overlapping edge, and the free end of the second baffle is formed with a second overlapping edge. The first overlapping edge and the second overlapping edge have complementary arc surfaces so that the two can be overlapped together to form a sealed water storage tank.

5. The washing and drying device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first overlapping edge and the second overlapping edge are provided with magnetic materials with opposite polarities; and / or The first baffle plate has a first drainage groove extending from its free end to the pivot end, and the second baffle plate has a second drainage groove extending from its free end to the pivot end; The drying duct is provided with a first drainage channel connected to the outside of the drying duct at the pivot end corresponding to the first baffle, and a second drainage channel connected to the outside of the drying duct at the pivot end corresponding to the second baffle; The first drainage groove is communicated with the first drainage channel, and the second drainage groove is communicated with the second drainage channel.

6. The washing and drying device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The baffle assembly includes a first baffle drive motor and a second baffle drive motor; The washing and drying device is further provided with a drainage motor, which is connected to the first drainage channel and the second drainage channel respectively, and is linked to and controlled by at least one of the first baffle driving motor and the second baffle driving motor.

7. The washing and drying device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The washing and drying equipment is also provided with a circulating fan. After the filter cleaning mechanism completes the cleaning of the filter, the circulating fan is started to dry the filter.

8. The washing and drying device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The filter is arranged on the air inlet side of the drying duct where air enters the drying duct from the drum; The circulating fan is arranged downstream of the air outlet side of the filter.

9. A method for self-cleaning a drying filter of a washing and drying device according to any one of claims 7-8, characterized in that: include Receive filter cleaning instructions; Controlling the baffle assembly to a working position so that the baffle assembly is in a water storage state; The spray assembly is turned on to spray the filter screen for a first preset time, and the baffle assembly receives the water sprayed by the spray assembly on the filter screen to soak the filter screen; Controlling the impeller to pump water and flush the filter for a second preset time; Controlling the baffle assembly to rotate and drain for a third preset time; The circulating fan is controlled to be turned on so that a drying air flow is formed in the drying air duct.

10. The drying filter self-cleaning method according to claim 9, characterized in that: During the operation of the circulating fan, the circulating fan power is detected; if the circulating fan power is less than the set power P and the operating time of the circulating fan is less than a fourth preset time, the filter is deemed to be clean and the cleaning procedure is terminated; If the circulating fan power is greater than the set power P, it is considered that the filter is not clean, and the cleaning process will continue until the conditions are met; If the circulating fan power is less than the set power P and the circulating fan working time is greater than the fourth preset time, the circulating fan is controlled to continue working and the circulating fan power is detected synchronously.

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