Self-cleaning drying air return assembly, control method, and washing machine

Abstract

A self-cleaning drying air return assembly, a control method and a washing machine, which aim to solve the problems whereby a drying assembly in the prior art is prone to lint clogging and an existing cleaning method has a poor cleaning effect. The self-cleaning drying air return assembly comprises an air return channel (1), a filter screen assembly (3), a first cleaning unit (4) and a second cleaning unit (5), wherein one end of the air return channel (1) is an air return port (2); the filter screen assembly (3) is detachably arranged in the air return channel (1); and the first cleaning unit (4) is at least arranged on one side of the filter screen assembly (3), the cleaning range of the first cleaning unit (4) is adjustable and covers the surface of the filter screen assembly (3), and the cleaning range of the second cleaning unit (5) covers the area between the air return port (2) and the filter screen assembly (3). The present technical solution can effectively reduce the residue of lint on an air intake side of the filter screen assembly (3) of the air return channel (1), thereby improving the air return efficiency, and reduce the frequency of lint re-clogging the filter screen, thereby extending the cleaning interval while achieving the self-cleaning cleanliness.

Description

Self-cleaning drying return air assembly, control method and washing machine

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application CN202410390882.0 filed on April 2, 2024, entitled “Self-cleaning drying return air assembly, control method and washing machine”. The entire contents of the above Chinese patent application are incorporated into this application by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the technical field of drying equipment and washing machines, and specifically provides a self-cleaning drying and return air assembly, a control method and a washing machine. Background Art

[0003] When drying clothes, washing machines inevitably produce lint, or there are light debris such as hair on the clothes. During the drying process, as the drying air circulates in the drying system, it adheres to the air duct, fan and heating tube of the drying assembly, causing reduced air volume, reduced wind speed, and even damage to the heating tube. Some PTC or heat pump heating models have added filtering structures, low filtration efficiency and poor automation.

[0004] The current cleaning methods mainly include condensation cleaning or flushing and setting up a filter system. Condensation cleaning or flushing cannot solve the problem of lint attached to the drying fan and air duct behind the condenser; after the filter system is used for a period of time, the air volume decreases and the drying efficiency decreases.

[0005] Accordingly, the art requires a new self-cleaning drying assembly to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above technical problems, that is, to solve the problem in the prior art that the drying assembly is prone to clogging by wire scraps and the current cleaning method has poor cleaning effect.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a self-cleaning drying return air assembly, the return air assembly comprising:

[0008] A return air channel, one end of which is a return air outlet;

[0009] A filter assembly, the filter assembly being detachably disposed in the return air duct;

[0010] A first cleaning unit and a second cleaning unit, the first cleaning unit is arranged on at least one side of the filter assembly, the cleaning range of the first cleaning unit is adjustable and covers the surface of the filter assembly, and the cleaning range of the second cleaning unit covers the area between the return air inlet and the filter assembly.

[0011] In a specific embodiment of the self-cleaning, drying and return air assembly, the first cleaning unit is a spray pipe, a plurality of spray holes are arranged at intervals on the pipe wall along the axial direction of the spray pipe, and the spray pipe is rotatably arranged on the return air channel.

[0012] In a specific embodiment of the self-cleaning drying and return air assembly, when there are two first cleaning units, they are respectively located on both sides of the filter assembly, and the spray ranges of the two first cleaning units can selectively overlap.

[0013] In a specific embodiment of the self-cleaning drying return air assembly described above, the second cleaning unit is a flushing pipe, and a diffusion baffle is provided at the end of the flushing pipe. The opening formed by the diffusion baffle and the end of the flushing pipe faces the side wall of the return air outlet, and the diffusion baffle is also provided with a flushing hole, and the diameter of the flushing hole is smaller than the inner diameter of the flushing pipe.

[0014] In a specific embodiment of the self-cleaning and drying return air assembly, the return air assembly further includes a drive unit and a transmission assembly. The drive unit is arranged on the outer wall of the return air channel, and the output end of the drive unit drives the first cleaning unit to rotate with the aid of the transmission assembly.

[0015] In a specific embodiment of the self-cleaning, drying and return air assembly, a sewage outlet is provided on the inner wall of the return air channel, and the sewage outlet is located on a side of the filter assembly close to the return air outlet.

[0016] In a specific embodiment of the self-cleaning and drying return air assembly, the return air assembly further includes an evaporator, which is disposed in the return air channel and is located on a side of the filter assembly away from the return air outlet.

[0017] In a specific embodiment of the self-cleaning drying return air assembly, the filter assembly includes a filter bracket and a filter unit. The length of the filter unit is shorter than the length of the filter bracket. The filter bracket is pluggable and arranged on the return air channel. The filter unit is slidable and arranged on the filter bracket.

[0018] In a specific embodiment of the self-cleaning and drying return air assembly, the return air channel includes a main channel and a connecting channel, the connecting channel is provided with the return air port, and at least a portion of the connecting channel is a bellows.

[0019] In a specific embodiment of the self-cleaning, drying and return air assembly, the main channel includes a bottom shell and an upper cover, and the upper cover is detachably disposed on the bottom shell.

[0020] The present invention further proposes a self-cleaning control method, which is used to control the drying and return air assembly according to any one of the above solutions. The control method includes the following steps:

[0021] Determine whether to perform self-cleaning action according to the operating parameters of the washing machine;

[0022] If a self-cleaning action is performed, the first cleaning unit is controlled to rotate and spray the filter assembly, and the second cleaning unit is controlled to spray the return air outlet side of the return air channel.

[0023] In a specific embodiment of the self-cleaning control method, when the drying return air duct includes two first cleaning units, the step of "controlling the first cleaning unit to perform rotational spraying on the filter assembly" specifically includes:

[0024] When the first condition is met, controlling any one of the two first cleaning units to perform rotational spraying on the filter assembly; or

[0025] When the second condition is met, the two first cleaning units are controlled to perform rotational spraying on the filter assembly.

[0026] In a specific embodiment of the self-cleaning control method, the operating parameters of the washing machine include at least the cumulative number of drying times of the washing machine or the drying efficiency of the washing machine.

[0027] The present invention also proposes a washing machine, which includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the washing machine control method described in any one of the above schemes.

[0028] When adopting the above-mentioned technical solution, the self-cleaning drying return air assembly of the present invention is provided with a filter assembly in the return air channel, which can block lint on the air inlet side of the filter assembly, and a first cleaning unit and a second cleaning unit are also installed in the return air channel, wherein the first cleaning unit can be adjusted so that its cleaning range covers the surface of the filter assembly, and the second cleaning unit cleans the side wall of the return air inlet range from the filter assembly to the return air channel. Through the combination of the two, while cleaning the filter lint, it can also effectively reduce the residual lint on the air inlet side of the filter assembly in the return air channel, thereby improving the return air efficiency and reducing the cycle of lint blocking the filter for the second time, achieving self-cleaning cleanliness while also extending the cleaning cycle, improving the drying efficiency of the washing machine, and the automated cleaning function, which greatly enhances the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] FIG1 is an axonometric structural diagram of the drying assembly of the present invention;

[0031] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of the drying assembly without the upper cover in the present invention;

[0032] FIG3 is a schematic top view of the drying assembly of the present invention;

[0033] FIG4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA direction in FIG3 ;

[0034] FIG5 is a partial enlarged view of point B in FIG4 ;

[0035] FIG6 is an axonometric structural diagram of the filter assembly of the present invention;

[0036] FIG7 is a schematic diagram of step 1 of the control method of the present invention;

[0037] FIG8 is a second schematic diagram of the control method of the present invention.

[0038] Description of the accompanying drawings: 1. Return air channel, 2. Return air outlet, 3. Filter assembly, 4. First cleaning unit, 5. Second cleaning unit, 6. Spray hole, 7. Diffusion baffle, 8. Flushing hole, 9. Drive unit, 10. Transmission assembly, 11. Drain outlet, 12. Evaporator, 13. Filter bracket, 14. Filter unit, 15. Main channel, 16. Connecting channel, 17. Bottom shell, 18. Upper cover. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are intended only to illustrate the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art may adjust these embodiments as needed to suit specific applications.

[0040] It should be noted that, in the description of the present invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer" indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used solely for ease of description and are not intended to indicate or imply that the relevant devices or components must have, be constructed, or operate in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. Furthermore, ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0041] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted" and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; and direct or indirect connections through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0042] Furthermore, in order to more clearly demonstrate the core technical solution of the present invention, the description of the well-known structures of the washing machine and drying system is omitted in the following description. However, this omission is only for the convenience of description and does not mean that the washing machine and drying system can be without these structures.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1-6, the present invention proposes a self-cleaning drying return air assembly, which includes:

[0044] A return air channel 1, one end of which is a return air outlet 2;

[0045] A filter assembly 3, wherein the filter assembly 3 is detachably disposed in the return air duct 1;

[0046] A first cleaning unit 4 and a second cleaning unit 5, wherein the first cleaning unit 4 is at least arranged on one side of the filter assembly 3, the cleaning range of the first cleaning unit 4 is adjustable and covers the surface of the filter assembly 3, and the cleaning range of the second cleaning unit 5 covers the area between the return air inlet 2 and the filter assembly 3.

[0047] The drying system in the washing machine is a circulation system. The air in the washing machine drum is drawn out by the fan through the return air port 2, then cooled in the return air channel 1, and then heated before entering the washing machine drum, circulating and drying the clothes.

[0048] In this embodiment, the drying return air assembly is a link in the entire drying cycle system. When the clothes in the washing machine drum are dried, some lint will be carried by the air flow through the return air port 2 into the return air duct 1. Providing a filter assembly 3 in the return air duct 1 is a more effective way to prevent lint from entering the subsequent operation area. Without the filter assembly 3, lint will accumulate on the surface of the filter assembly 3 after multiple drying operations, gradually reducing the air permeability. As the accumulated lint increases, the return air resistance will increase and the drying efficiency will decrease, which will ultimately affect the drying effect of foreign matter.

[0049] In order to solve the above problems, a first cleaning unit 4 and a second cleaning unit 5 are arranged in the return air duct 1, wherein the first cleaning unit 4 can be selectively arranged on one side or both sides of the filter assembly 3, and the first cleaning unit 4 can be adjusted so that its cleaning coverage range covers the entire surface of the filter assembly 3, while the second cleaning unit 5 is installed on the side wall of the return air duct 1, and its cleaning range covers the range from the filter assembly 3 to the return air outlet 2. When cleaning is required, the first cleaning unit 4 and the second cleaning unit 5 can be controlled to cooperate to clean the lint accumulated on the filter assembly 3, and at the same time, the remaining lint in the area from the filter assembly 3 to the return air outlet 2 is cleaned together to avoid the remaining lint accumulation on the surface of the filter assembly 3 again when used again, thereby improving the thoroughness of self-cleaning.

[0050] On the basis of the above embodiment, the first cleaning unit 4 is a spray pipe, a plurality of spray holes 6 are arranged at intervals on the pipe wall along the axial direction of the spray pipe, and the spray pipe is rotatably arranged on the return air channel 1.

[0051] In this embodiment, the first cleaning unit 4 can take the structural form of a spray pipe, the internal cavity of the spray pipe contains water, and the end is connected to the water source by a rotating connector. A plurality of spray holes 6 are arranged at intervals on the side wall of the spray pipe along the length direction. When cleaning is required, water flows into the spray pipe, and the filter assembly 3 is sprayed and cleaned through the plurality of spray holes 6. The spray pipe is adjusted by rotation, and the spray holes 6 can spray within a fan-shaped range. The rotation angle of the spray pipe is adjusted according to the surface range of the filter assembly 3.

[0052] On the basis of the above embodiment, when there are two first cleaning units 4 , they are respectively located on both sides of the filter assembly 3 , and the spraying ranges of the two first cleaning units 4 can selectively overlap.

[0053] In this embodiment, in a conceivable implementation manner, when two first cleaning units 4 are provided, they are respectively installed on both sides of the filter assembly 3, and the spray ranges of the two first cleaning units 4 can selectively overlap. For example, the first cleaning unit 4 located on the air inlet side of the filter assembly 3 can first spray from the upper end of the filter assembly 3 to flush away the lint that is not tightly attached to the filter assembly 3, and then the first cleaning unit 4 located on the air outlet side of the filter assembly 3 is rotated to start spraying and flushing in reverse from the upper end on the other side of the filter assembly 3 to flush away the lint that is tightly attached to the filter assembly 3.

[0054] Based on the above embodiment, the second cleaning unit 5 is a flushing pipe, and a diffusion baffle 7 is provided at the end of the flushing pipe. The opening formed by the diffusion baffle 7 and the end of the flushing pipe faces the side wall of the return air outlet 2. The diffusion baffle 7 is also provided with a flushing hole 8, and the diameter of the flushing hole 8 is smaller than the inner diameter of the flushing pipe.

[0055] In this embodiment, the second cleaning unit 5 is a flushing pipe, and a diffusion baffle 7 is provided at the end of the flushing pipe to scatter the water flow and increase the flushing area. The opening between the baffle and the flushing pipe faces the side wall of the return air outlet 2 to flush away the wire scraps adhering to the side wall and the wire scraps falling from the filter assembly 3. In addition, a flushing hole 8 is also provided on the baffle. The diameter of the flushing hole 8 is smaller than the inner diameter of the flushing pipe. The impact force of the water flow sprayed from the flushing hole 8 is greater, which can flush the other side of the return air outlet 2 and improve the cleanliness of the flushing.

[0056] Based on the above embodiment, the return air assembly also includes a drive unit 9 and a transmission component 10. The drive unit 9 is arranged on the outer wall of the return air channel 1, and the output end of the drive unit 9 drives the first cleaning unit 4 to rotate with the help of the transmission component 10.

[0057] In this embodiment, the first cleaning unit 4 is installed on the return air duct 1 in a rotating manner to achieve adjustment of the spray angle. It is necessary to install a drive unit 9 and a transmission assembly 10 on the outer wall of the return air duct 1. The drive unit 9 drives the first cleaning unit 4 to rotate through the transmission assembly 10. The drive unit 9 and the transmission assembly 10 can select a suitable installation angle and transmission method according to the installation space and position.

[0058] A conceivable driving scheme is that the driving unit 9 adopts a motor, and the transmission assembly 10 adopts a gear set formed by two bevel gears, one of which is installed on the motor, and the other gear is installed on the partial end of the first cleaning unit 4 extending out of the side wall of the return air channel 1. The motor can be positioned perpendicular to the first cleaning unit 4. This installation method can improve space utilization.

[0059] On the basis of the above embodiment, a sewage outlet 11 is provided on the inner wall of the return air duct 1 , and the sewage outlet 11 is located on a side of the filter assembly 3 close to the return air outlet 2 .

[0060] In this embodiment, a drain port 11 is provided on one side of the filter assembly 3 near the return air inlet 2. Lint removed by the first cleaning unit 4 is flushed by water and discharged from the circulation system through the drain port 11. To facilitate flushing of the lint into the drain port 11, the bottom surface of the drain port 11 can be configured as a plane with a certain inclination, with the drain port 11 at the lowest position of the plane. Optionally, a drain port 11 can also be provided on the other side of the filter assembly 3.

[0061] On the basis of the above embodiment, the return air assembly further includes an evaporator 12 . The evaporator 12 is disposed in the return air duct 1 . The evaporator 12 is located on a side of the filter assembly 3 away from the return air port 2 .

[0062] In this embodiment, an evaporator 12 is provided on the side of the filter assembly 3 away from the return air outlet 2. The evaporator 12 can condense and liquefy the moisture in the return air, thereby reducing the humidity in the air so that it can be heated later and the clothes can be dried after circulation. The condensed water can be discharged through the drainage pipe located in the return air channel 1.

[0063] Based on the above embodiment, the filter assembly 3 includes a filter bracket 13 and a filter unit 14. The length of the filter unit 14 is shorter than the length of the filter bracket 13. The filter bracket 13 can be plugged in and out of the return air channel 1, and the filter unit 14 can be slidably set on the filter bracket 13.

[0064] In this embodiment, taking into account the installation space of the filter assembly 3, in order to facilitate the disassembly, maintenance or replacement of the filter assembly 3, the filter assembly 3 adopts a combination of a filter bracket 13 and a filter unit 14, and a filter bracket 13 is set on the return air duct 1. The filter bracket 13 can be installed on the side wall of the return air duct 1 by plugging and unplugging, and the filter unit 14 is slidably installed on the filter bracket 13. When disassembly is required, the filter bracket 13 is first pulled out of the return air duct 1 by a certain distance, and the pulled-out distance is less than the width of the return air duct 1, and then the filter unit 14 is removed from the filter bracket 13 to facilitate the disassembly of the filter.

[0065] On the basis of the above embodiment, the return air channel 1 includes a main channel 15 and a connecting channel 16 . The connecting channel 16 is provided with the return air port 2 . At least a portion of the connecting channel 16 is a corrugated pipe.

[0066] In this embodiment, the return air channel 1 is divided into a main channel 15 and a connecting channel 16. The connecting channel 16 is used to communicate with the washing machine. The main channel 15 is used to install other components such as the evaporator 12. The connecting channel 16 is a corrugated pipe, which can reduce the impact of the rotation vibration of the washing machine drum on the return air channel 1.

[0067] On the basis of the above embodiment, the main channel 15 includes a bottom shell 17 and an upper cover 18 , and the upper cover 18 is detachably disposed on the bottom shell 17 .

[0068] In this embodiment, the main channel 15 adopts a structure composed of a bottom shell 17 and an upper cover 18. The upper cover 18 is detachably arranged on the bottom shell 17. By opening the upper cover 18, other components in the main channel 15 can be easily installed.

[0069] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the present invention also proposes a self-cleaning control method, which is used to control the drying return air assembly in the above embodiment. The control method includes the following steps:

[0070] S100: Determine whether to perform a self-cleaning action according to the operating parameters of the washing machine;

[0071] S200: If the self-cleaning action is performed, the first cleaning unit 4 is controlled to rotate and spray the filter assembly 3, and the second cleaning unit 5 is controlled to spray the return air port 2 side of the return air channel 1.

[0072] In this embodiment, a self-cleaning control method is proposed. By obtaining the operating parameters of the washing machine, it is determined whether to perform a self-cleaning action. If it is determined that the self-cleaning action does not need to be performed, the user can wait for the next use or continue to use it. If it is determined that the self-cleaning action needs to be performed, the first cleaning unit 4 is controlled to spray the filter so that its spray range completely covers the filter assembly 3, and the second cleaning unit 5 is used to spray the side wall from the return air channel 1 to the return air outlet 2 for coordinated cleaning. It should be noted that the parameters of the washing machine can be the cumulative number of drying times of the washing machine or the drying efficiency of the washing machine. For example, when the cumulative number of drying times reaches the set number, the user can choose to perform a self-cleaning action. Alternatively, when the drying efficiency of the washing machine is poor, the user can choose to perform a self-cleaning action. The drying efficiency can be calibrated by the drying temperature and drying time.

[0073] On the basis of the above embodiment, when there are two first cleaning units 4, the control method may further include the following steps:

[0074] S100: Determine whether to perform a self-cleaning action according to the operating parameters of the washing machine;

[0075] S210: If a self-cleaning action is performed, when a first condition is met, any one of the two first cleaning units 4 is controlled to perform rotational spraying on the filter assembly 3; and at the same time, the second cleaning unit 5 is controlled to spray on the return air outlet 2 side of the return air channel 1.

[0076] S220: If the self-cleaning action is performed, when the second condition is met, the two first cleaning units 4 are controlled to rotate and spray the filter assembly 3, and the second cleaning unit 5 is controlled to spray the return air outlet 2 side of the return air channel 1.

[0077] In this embodiment, similar to the above embodiment, after obtaining the operating parameters of the washing machine, it is determined whether to perform a self-cleaning action. When a self-cleaning action needs to be performed, when the first condition is met, one of the two first cleaning units 4 can be controlled to act. Taking the drying efficiency as an example, the first condition can be understood as the drying efficiency of the washing machine being between two set values, that is, although the drying efficiency is reduced to the first drying efficiency threshold at which a self-cleaning action needs to be performed, it is not reduced to the second drying efficiency threshold, where the second drying efficiency threshold is smaller than the first drying efficiency threshold, and the second drying efficiency threshold has not reached the minimum value to which the drying efficiency can be reduced; at this time, spray cleaning is performed by one of the cleaning units and combined with the second cleaning unit 5, so that the filter assembly 3 can be cleaned to a certain extent.

[0078] When the second condition is met, the two first cleaning units 4 can be controlled to operate simultaneously to clean the filter assembly 3. This cleaning method is suitable for use when the filter assembly 3 is not effective when cleaning on one side. Taking the drying efficiency as an example, the second condition can be understood as the drying efficiency has been further reduced to the third drying efficiency threshold. The third drying efficiency threshold is a lower value than the second drying efficiency threshold. More lint has accumulated on the filter assembly 3, so two first cleaning units 4 are used for cleaning.

[0079] Thus far, the technical solutions of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art may make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning drying return air assembly, characterized in that: The return air assembly includes: A return air channel (1), one end of the return air channel (1) being a return air outlet (2); A filter assembly (3), the filter assembly (3) being detachably arranged in the return air channel (1); A first cleaning unit (4) and a second cleaning unit (5), wherein the first cleaning unit (4) is arranged at least on one side of the filter assembly (3), the cleaning range of the first cleaning unit (4) is adjustable and covers the surface of the filter assembly (3), and the cleaning range of the second cleaning unit (5) covers the area between the return air inlet (2) and the filter assembly (3).

2. The self-cleaning drying and return air assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first cleaning unit (4) is a spray pipe, and a plurality of spray holes (6) are arranged at intervals on the pipe wall along the axial direction of the spray pipe. The spray pipe is rotatably arranged on the return air channel (1).

3. The self-cleaning drying and return air assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When there are two first cleaning units (4), they are respectively located on both sides of the filter assembly (3), and the spraying ranges of the two first cleaning units (4) can selectively overlap.

4. The self-cleaning, drying and returning air assembly according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The second cleaning unit (5) is a flushing pipe, and a diffuser baffle (7) is provided at the end of the flushing pipe. The opening formed by the diffuser baffle (7) and the end of the flushing pipe faces the side wall of the return air port (2). The diffuser baffle (7) is also provided with a flushing hole (8), and the diameter of the flushing hole (8) is smaller than the inner diameter of the flushing pipe.

5. The self-cleaning, drying and returning air assembly according to claim 3 is characterized in that: The return air assembly further comprises a drive unit (9) and a transmission component (10); the drive unit (9) is arranged on the outer wall of the return air channel (1); and the output end of the drive unit (9) drives the first cleaning unit (4) to rotate with the aid of the transmission component (10).

6. The self-cleaning, drying and returning air assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: A sewage outlet (11) is provided on the inner wall of the return air channel (1), and the sewage outlet (11) is located on a side of the filter assembly (3) close to the return air outlet (2).

7. The self-cleaning, drying and returning air assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The return air assembly further comprises an evaporator (12), wherein the evaporator (12) is arranged in the return air channel (1), and the evaporator (12) is located on a side of the filter assembly (3) away from the return air port (2).

8. The self-cleaning, drying and returning air assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The filter assembly (3) comprises a filter bracket (13) and a filter unit (14); the length of the filter unit (14) is shorter than the length of the filter bracket (13); the filter bracket (13) is pluggable and arranged on the return air channel (1); and the filter unit (14) is slidably arranged on the filter bracket (13).

9. The self-cleaning, drying and returning air assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The return air channel (1) comprises a main channel (15) and a connecting channel (16); the connecting channel (16) is provided with the return air port (2); and at least a portion of the connecting channel (16) is a corrugated pipe.

10. The self-cleaning, drying and returning air assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: The main channel (15) comprises a bottom shell (17) and an upper cover (18), and the upper cover (18) is detachably arranged on the bottom shell (17).

11. A self-cleaning control method, characterized in that: The control method is used to control the drying and return air assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and the control method comprises the following steps: Determine whether to perform self-cleaning action according to the operating parameters of the washing machine; If a self-cleaning action is performed, the first cleaning unit (4) is controlled to perform rotational spraying on the filter assembly (3), and the second cleaning unit (5) is controlled to perform spraying on the return air port (2) side of the return air channel (1).

12. The self-cleaning control method according to claim 11, characterized in that: When the drying return air channel (1) includes two first cleaning units (4), the step of "controlling the first cleaning unit (4) to perform rotational spraying on the filter assembly (3)" specifically includes: When a first condition is met, controlling any one of the two first cleaning units (4) to perform rotary spraying on the filter assembly (3); or When the second condition is met, the two first cleaning units (4) are controlled to perform rotational spraying on the filter assembly (3).

13. The self-cleaning control method according to claim 12, characterized in that: The washing machine operation parameters at least include the cumulative drying times of the washing machine or the drying efficiency of the washing machine.

14. A washing machine comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein: When the processor executes the computer program, the washing machine control method according to any one of claims 11 to 13 is implemented.

Images