Method of washing laundry, laundry treating apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a method of washing laundry, a laundry treating apparatus, and a storage medium. The method of washing laundry includes detecting a load mass of a load put into the laundry treating apparatus, determining whether the load mass is greater than a first threshold, and if so, performing a first heating washing mode, and if not, performing a second heating washing mode. Different heating washing modes are selected according to the load mass, and the washing process can be efficiently completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrical appliances, and more particularly to methods for washing clothes, clothing treatment equipment, and storage media. Background Technology

[0002] The washing program of garment processing equipment usually adopts a traditional washing and heating method, in which a washing heating tube arranged between the inner and outer drums heats enough water to transfer heat to the load and thus achieve the purpose of heating the load.

[0003] However, this single washing and heating method cannot adapt to different application scenarios of clothing processing equipment, resulting in low efficiency in terms of heating energy consumption and washing time. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One objective of this invention is to provide an improved method for washing clothes, a clothing treatment device, and a storage medium.

[0005] This invention provides a method for washing clothes, including detecting the load mass placed in a clothes processing device, determining whether the load mass is greater than a first threshold, and if so, executing a first heating washing mode; if not, executing a second heating washing mode.

[0006] Optionally, the first threshold is in the range of greater than or equal to 3 kg and less than or equal to 6 kg.

[0007] Optionally, the ratio of the first threshold to the rated capacity of the garment processing equipment is in the range of greater than or equal to 30% and less than or equal to 60%.

[0008] Optionally, the garment processing equipment includes a rotatable inner drum that accommodates the load and an outer drum fitted outside the inner drum. The first heating and washing method is to heat the load and the free water by a washing heating tube in the water when there is free water in the outer drum and the load is in contact with the free water, and then wash. The second heating and washing method is to heat the wetted load with hot air when there is no free water in the outer drum, and then wash.

[0009] Optionally, performing the first heating washing method includes the following steps: providing water of a first capacity into the garment handling equipment, replenishing water until the load is completely wetted and free water in contact with the load is formed in the outer drum, heating the free water through the washing heating tube to heat the load, and maintaining a certain amount of free water while washing the load.

[0010] Optionally, performing the second heating washing method includes the following steps: supplying water to the outer drum and inner drum and fully wetting the load, then draining the free water in the outer drum, then heating the wetted load with hot air, and then washing the load.

[0011] Optionally, supplying water to the outer and inner drums and fully wetting the load includes supplying water of a second capacity to the garment processing equipment, increasing the rotation speed of the inner drum to a first rotation speed to form a load ring, turning on the circulation pump to spray water onto the load ring to wet the load, determining whether the load is fully wetted, and if not, adding water and repeating the above spraying and determination steps until the load is fully wetted.

[0012] Optionally, the first rotational speed is the minimum rotational speed required to keep the load in a centrifugal state.

[0013] Optionally, the first speed is in the range of greater than or equal to 130 rpm and less than or equal to 600 rpm.

[0014] Optionally, heating and wetting the load with hot air includes turning on the air heating pipe to heat the air, turning on the fan to circulate the heated air to form hot air, and passing the hot air through and heating the load.

[0015] Optionally, executing the second heating washing mode includes determining whether the load mass is less than or equal to a second threshold. If so, a sub-mode is executed, wherein the second threshold is less than the first threshold.

[0016] Optionally, the second threshold is in the range of greater than or equal to 1 kg and less than or equal to 3 kg.

[0017] Optionally, the ratio of the second threshold to the rated capacity of the garment handling equipment is in the range of greater than or equal to 10% and less than or equal to 30%.

[0018] Optionally, the execution sub-mode includes supplying water with a third capacity into the garment processing equipment, increasing the rotation speed of the inner drum to a second speed lower than the centrifugal speed, turning on the circulation pump to spray water onto the load to wet the load, determining whether the load is sufficiently wetted, and if not, adding water and repeating the above spraying and determination steps until the load is completely wetted, turning on the drain pump to drain free water, turning on the air heating pipe to heat the air, turning on the fan to make the heated air flow to form hot air, and making the hot air pass through and heat the load, as well as the washing load.

[0019] Optionally, the second speed is in the range of less than or equal to 50 rpm.

[0020] This invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium, which is a non-volatile or non-transient storage medium, storing computer instructions thereon. When the computer instructions are executed, they perform the steps of the above-described method for washing clothes.

[0021] This invention also provides a garment processing device, including an inner drum for accommodating a load and an outer drum sleeved outside the inner drum and in fluid communication with the inner drum; it also includes a washing heating tube located at the bottom of the outer drum and adapted to heat free water inside the outer drum; a circulation pump adapted to circulate water from the bottom of the outer drum onto the load; an air heating tube adapted to heat air; a fan adapted to circulate the heated air to form hot air and to pass through and heat the load; and a control device including a memory and a processor, the memory storing computer instructions executable by the processor, the processor executing the steps of the above-described garment washing method when executing the computer instructions.

[0022] Optionally, the garment handling equipment is a drum washing machine.

[0023] This invention also provides another method for washing clothes, including providing a certain amount of water into the clothes processing equipment, increasing the rotation speed of the inner drum to a certain speed, turning on the circulation pump to spray water onto the load in the clothes processing equipment to wet the load, determining whether the load is sufficiently wetted, and if not, adding water and repeating the above spraying steps until the load is completely wetted, turning on the drain pump to drain the free water, turning on the air heating pipe to heat the air, turning on the fan to make the heated air flow to form hot air, and making the hot air pass through and heat the load, and washing the load.

[0024] Alternatively, the other method includes detecting the load mass before supplying a certain volume of water into the garment processing equipment, determining whether the load mass exceeds a limit, and if so, executing a first sub-mode; otherwise, executing a second sub-mode.

[0025] Optionally, the limit is in the range of greater than or equal to 1 kg and less than or equal to 3 kg.

[0026] Optionally, the ratio of the limit to the rated capacity of the garment handling equipment is in the range of greater than or equal to 10% and less than or equal to 30%.

[0027] Optionally, executing the first sub-mode includes supplying water of a first volume to the garment processing equipment, increasing the rotation speed of the inner drum to a first rotation speed to form a load ring, turning on the circulation pump to spray water onto the load ring to wet the load, determining whether the load is sufficiently wetted, and if not, adding water and repeating the above spraying and determination steps until the load is completely wetted, turning on the drain pump to drain free water, turning on the air heating pipe to heat the air, turning on the fan to make the heated air flow to form hot air, and making the hot air pass through and heat the load, as well as washing the load.

[0028] Optionally, the first rotational speed is the minimum rotational speed required to bring the load to and maintain a centrifugal state.

[0029] Optionally, the first speed is in the range of greater than or equal to 130 rpm and less than or equal to 600 rpm.

[0030] Optionally, executing the second sub-mode includes supplying water with a second volume to the garment processing equipment, increasing the rotation speed of the inner drum to a second rotation speed less than the centrifugal speed, turning on the circulation pump to spray water onto the load to wet the load, determining whether the load is sufficiently wetted, and if not, adding water and repeating the above spraying and determination steps until the load is completely wetted, turning on the drain pump to drain free water, turning on the air heating pipe to heat the air, turning on the fan to make the heated air flow to form hot air, and making the hot air pass through and heat the load, as well as the washing load.

[0031] Optionally, the second speed is in the range of less than or equal to 50 rpm.

[0032] This invention also provides another computer-readable storage medium, which is a non-volatile or non-transient storage medium, storing computer instructions thereon. When the computer instructions are executed, they perform the steps of the other laundry washing method described above.

[0033] This invention also provides another garment processing device, including an inner drum for accommodating a load and an outer drum sleeved outside the inner drum and in fluid communication with the inner drum; it also includes a circulation pump adapted to circulate water from the bottom of the outer drum onto the load; an air heating pipe adapted to heat air; a fan adapted to circulate the heated air to form hot air and to pass through and heat the load; and a control device including a memory and a processor, the memory storing computer instructions executable on the processor, the processor executing the steps of the other garment washing method described above when executing the computer instructions.

[0034] Alternatively, the other garment handling device is a drum washing machine.

[0035] Compared with the prior art, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention have beneficial effects. For example, selecting different heating and washing methods according to the load weight can efficiently complete the washing process; and, by using steam heating washing, the hot and humid load can fully contact and tumble with the inner drum of the garment processing equipment, thereby efficiently completing the heating and washing process. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a general flowchart of a method for washing clothes in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the method selectively performs a first heating washing mode or a second heating washing mode;

[0037] Figure 2 This is a detailed flowchart of washing clothes in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second heating washing method includes sub-modes;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a garment processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method for washing clothes using steam heating in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another garment processing device in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, features, and beneficial effects of the embodiments of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a general flowchart of the laundry washing method 100 in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a detailed flowchart 200 of the washing process in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the second heating washing method includes a sub-mode.

[0043] Method 100 includes detecting the load mass placed in the garment handling device (S110), determining whether the load mass is greater than a first threshold (S120), and if so, executing a first heating washing mode (S130); if not, executing a second heating washing mode (S140). The garment handling device may include a rotatable inner drum that accommodates the load and an outer drum sleeved outside the inner drum.

[0044] In step S110, the weight of the load placed in the garment processing equipment is detected. Detecting the weight of the load is a conventional method in the art; for example, the weight of the load is calculated by detecting signals from the motor (such as signals of electrical energy consumed to drive the load).

[0045] In step S120, it is determined whether the load mass is greater than a first threshold. In one embodiment, the first threshold is in the range of greater than or equal to 3 kg and less than or equal to 6 kg. In another embodiment, the ratio of the first threshold to the rated capacity of the garment processing equipment is in the range of greater than or equal to 30% and less than or equal to 60%; wherein, the rated capacity is the maximum mass of dry clothes that the garment processing equipment can wash.

[0046] In step S130, a first heating and washing mode is executed. The first heating and washing mode can be a conventional washing heating mode, i.e., heating the load and free water through a washing heating element in the water while the load is in contact with the free water in the outer drum, followed by washing. Here, the free water refers to freely flowing water within the inner or outer drum of the garment processing equipment.

[0047] During the execution of step S140, a second heating and washing method is run. The second heating and washing method can be a steam heating washing method, that is, a method in which the load that has been moistened by hot air is heated in the absence of free water in the outer drum, and then washed.

[0048] The technical solution of this invention can selectively execute a first heating and washing mode or a second heating and washing mode based on a comparison between the detected load mass and a first threshold. The first heating and washing mode can be a traditional heating and washing method, while the second heating and washing mode can be a steam heating and washing method. For example, when the detected load mass is less than or equal to the first threshold, it automatically switches to the more efficient steam heating and washing method. This means that only the fully wetted load is heated by hot air, without heating excess free water, and the load remains free water-free during subsequent washing. This allows the wet and hot load to fully contact and tumble with the inner drum, thus completing the heating and washing process more efficiently. If the detected load mass is greater than the first threshold, the traditional heating and washing method is still used, ensuring the washing effect. These two heating and washing methods automatically switch according to the load mass, always using the more efficient method for washing, which improves washing performance and saves energy and time.

[0049] Traditional washing and heating methods have simple mechanical structures, mature technology, and simple control programs, making them the washing method commonly used in almost all drum washing machines. However, when washing a small load (e.g., a load with a washing mass less than or equal to a first threshold), if traditional washing and heating methods are used, the energy consumption for heating is high and the washing time is long when the temperature is raised to a high level (e.g., above 80 degrees Celsius). If the steam heating washing method described in the embodiments of this invention is used, the higher the temperature (e.g., above 80 degrees Celsius), the more energy consumption and washing time can be saved.

[0050] For a standard cotton load of 3 kg and a washing scenario using an ultra-high temperature of 90 degrees Celsius, experiments showed that compared with the traditional washing heating method, the steam heating method saves 30% of washing energy consumption and 12% of washing time, while still improving washing performance (washing ratio) by 5%.

[0051] For various load capacities, the same existing design can be used after the washing process, including draining, dehydration, and rinsing, and a drying stage can also be included.

[0052] Performing the first heated washing mode S130 may include supplying water of a first capacity to the garment handling equipment; the first capacity of water may be obtained based on the load mass, for example, 7 liters, which is used to rinse laundry detergent or liquid.

[0053] The execution of the first heating washing mode S130 may include water replenishment, for example, by conventional pressure value or water level control methods, until the load is fully wetted; and free water in contact with the load is formed in the outer drum. The conventional pressure value control method involves controlling the pressure value within a range of, for example, 300-900 Pa; the water level control method is the most commonly used method in current conventional washing programs, which involves fixing the pressure value inside the drum (e.g., maintaining it at 300 Pa) to keep the water level in the drum consistently at a constant level (e.g., 10 cm). When the load absorbs water, causing the water level to drop, the inlet valve automatically opens to replenish water, ensuring that the water level does not drop further. This ensures that there is always water available for the load to absorb. After a certain period, the load is fully wetted and no longer absorbs water, after which the water level will no longer drop, and the inlet valve will no longer open to replenish water.

[0054] Performing the first heating washing mode S130 may include maintaining a certain amount of free water at all times, and heating the free water through a washing heating tube to heat the load.

[0055] The first heating and washing mode S130 may also include a washing load. During the washing process, a certain amount of free water is always maintained through water level control.

[0056] Performing the second heated washing method S140 may include supplying water to the outer and inner drums and fully wetting the load. For example, supplying water with a second capacity to the laundry handling equipment; this second capacity of water may be based on the load mass, for example, 4 to 5 liters, and is used to rinse laundry detergent or liquid.

[0057] Performing the second heating and washing method S140 may include increasing the rotational speed of the inner drum to a first rotational speed to form a load ring, and activating the circulation pump to spray water onto the load ring to wet the load. The first rotational speed is the minimum rotational speed required to keep the load in a centrifugal state, wherein the first rotational speed should not be too high so that as little water as possible is thrown out of the load, i.e., as much water as possible is kept in the load. In one embodiment, the first rotational speed is in the range of greater than or equal to 130 rpm and less than or equal to 600 rpm. Forming a load ring ensures that the load inside the load pile and near the rear wall of the inner drum is adequately wetted.

[0058] Executing the second heating washing method S140 may include determining whether the load is sufficiently wetted; if not, adding water and repeating the above spraying and determination steps until the load is fully wetted. For example, water replenishment may be controlled by detecting the pressure value to determine whether the load is sufficiently wetted, until the load is fully wetted.

[0059] Performing the second heating washing mode S140 may include draining free water from the outer drum after the load is fully wetted.

[0060] Performing the second heating washing method S140 may include heating the wetted load with hot air. In one embodiment, hot air is generated by turning on an air heating element to heat air, turning on a fan to circulate the heated air, and then passing the hot air through and heating the load. The air heating element may be located within the drying channel of the garment handling equipment.

[0061] The second heating washing method S140 may also include a washing load. During the washing process, water replenishment is stopped, and the wetted load is continuously washed.

[0062] In some embodiments, executing the second heating washing mode S140 includes determining whether the load mass is less than or equal to a second threshold; if so, executing a sub-mode, wherein the second threshold is less than a first threshold. In one embodiment, the second threshold is in the range of greater than or equal to 1 kg and less than or equal to 3 kg. In another embodiment, the ratio of the second threshold to the rated capacity of the laundry handling equipment is in the range of greater than or equal to 10% and less than or equal to 30%; wherein the rated capacity is the maximum mass of dry laundry that the laundry handling equipment can wash.

[0063] The execution sub-mode may include supplying water with a third capacity to the laundry handling equipment. This third capacity of water may be based on the load mass, for example, 4 liters, and is used to rinse laundry detergent or liquid.

[0064] The execution sub-mode may include increasing the drum's rotational speed to a second speed lower than the centrifugal speed, and activating the circulation pump to spray water onto the load to wet it. Here, the centrifugal speed is the minimum speed required to maintain the load in a centrifugal state. In one embodiment, the second speed is in the range of less than or equal to 50 rpm.

[0065] The execution sub-mode can include determining whether the load is sufficiently wetted; if not, replenishing water and repeating the above spraying and determination steps until the load is fully wetted. For example, water replenishment can be controlled by detecting the pressure value to determine whether the load is sufficiently wetted, until the load is fully wetted.

[0066] The execution sub-mode may include activating the drain pump to remove free water from the outer drum after the load is fully wetted. Free water refers to water that flows freely within the inner or outer drum of the garment handling equipment.

[0067] The execution sub-mode may also include turning on the air heating pipe to heat the air, turning on the fan to make the heated air flow to form hot air, and making the hot air pass through and heat the load, as well as the washing load.

[0068] By setting a second threshold on top of the first threshold, sub-modes can be executed when the load quality is less than the second threshold, thereby saving energy and time more effectively.

[0069] This invention also discloses a computer-readable storage medium, which is a non-volatile or non-transient storage medium storing computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed, they perform the above-described combination. Figures 1 to 2 The steps of the method are described.

[0070] This invention also discloses a garment processing device 300, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the housing 301 includes an inner cylinder 303 for accommodating a load 302 and an outer cylinder 304 sleeved outside the inner cylinder 303 and in fluid communication with the inner cylinder 303. The bottom of the outer cylinder 304 has a washing heating pipe 305 adapted to heat the free water inside the outer cylinder 304. A circulation pump 306 is adapted to circulate and spray water from the bottom of the outer cylinder 304 (e.g., through a water circulation channel 307) onto the load 302. An air heating pipe 308 is located in a drying channel 309 and is adapted to heat the air. A fan 310 is adapted to circulate the heated air to form hot air and to pass through and heat the load 302.

[0071] The garment processing equipment 300 also includes a control device 311, which includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores computer instructions that can be executed on the processor, and the processor executes the above-described combination when running the computer instructions. Figures 1 to 2 The steps of the method are described.

[0072] The garment handling equipment 300 may also include a pressure sensor 312, a detergent dispenser 313, and a drain pump 316. The pressure sensor 312 is located at the bottom of the outer cylinder 304 to detect the pressure of free water; the detergent dispenser 313 provides laundry detergent or liquid detergent, and a water supply pipe 314 supplies water to the detergent dispenser 313, with an inlet valve 315 installed on the water supply pipe 314; the drain pump 316 is connected to a drain channel 317 to discharge free water.

[0073] In some embodiments, the garment handling device 300 may be a drum washing machine.

[0074] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method 400 for washing clothes using steam heating in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Method 400 includes supplying a certain volume of water into the garment processing equipment (S410), increasing the rotation speed of the inner drum to a certain speed (S420), turning on the circulation pump to spray water onto the load in the garment processing equipment to wet the load (S430), determining whether the load is sufficiently wetted (S440), if not, adding water and repeating step S430 until the load is completely wetted, if yes, turning on the drain pump to drain free water (S450), turning on the air heating pipe to heat the air (S460), turning on the fan to make the heated air flow to form hot air, and making the hot air pass through and heat the load (S470), and washing the load (S480).

[0076] The technical solution of this invention can be based on a steam-heated washing method. When washing clothes using this method, the hot air only heats the fully wetted load, not excess free water, and maintains a state without free water during subsequent washing. This allows the wet, hot load to fully contact and tumble with the inner drum, thus completing the heating and washing process more efficiently. Furthermore, when using the steam-heated washing method described in this invention, the higher the temperature (e.g., above 80 degrees Celsius), the more energy is saved, and the more washing time is reduced.

[0077] Before supplying a certain volume of water S410 into the laundry processing equipment, the load mass can be detected, and it can be determined whether the load mass exceeds a limit. If yes, a first sub-mode is executed; if no, a second sub-mode is executed. In one embodiment, the limit is in the range of greater than or equal to 1 kg and less than or equal to 3 kg. In another embodiment, the ratio of the limit to the rated capacity of the laundry processing equipment is in the range of greater than or equal to 10% and less than or equal to 30%; wherein the rated capacity is the maximum mass of dry laundry that the laundry processing equipment can wash. Detecting the load mass is a conventional method in the art, for example, calculating the load mass by detecting a signal from the motor (such as a signal of electrical energy consumed to drive the load).

[0078] The technical solution of this invention can selectively execute a first sub-mode or a second sub-mode based on the comparison between the detected load quality and the limit, thereby saving energy and time more effectively.

[0079] For various load capacities, the same existing design can be used after the washing process, including draining, dehydration, and rinsing, and a drying stage can also be included.

[0080] Performing the first sub-mode may include supplying water of a first volume to the garment handling equipment, which may be obtained based on the load mass, for example, 5 liters, for rinsing detergent or liquid laundry detergent.

[0081] Executing the first sub-mode may include increasing the rotational speed of the inner cylinder to a first rotational speed to form a load ring, and activating the circulation pump to spray water onto the load ring to wet the load. The first rotational speed is the minimum speed required to bring the load into and maintain a centrifugal state to form the load ring. The first rotational speed should not be too high so that as little water as possible is thrown out of the load, i.e., as much water as possible is retained within the load. In one embodiment, the first rotational speed is in the range of greater than or equal to 130 rpm and less than or equal to 600 rpm. Forming the load ring ensures that the load inside the load stack and near the rear wall of the inner cylinder is adequately wetted.

[0082] Executing the first sub-mode may include determining whether the load is sufficiently wetted; if not, replenishing water and repeating the spraying and determination steps until the load is fully wetted. For example, water replenishment can be controlled by detecting pressure values ​​to determine whether the load is sufficiently wetted, until the load is fully wetted.

[0083] Executing the first sub-mode may include draining free water after the load is fully wetted, for example, by turning on the drain pump to drain free water from the outer cylinder.

[0084] Executing the first sub-mode may include turning on the air heating element to heat the air, turning on the fan to circulate the heated air to form hot air, and allowing the hot air to pass through and heat the load. The air heating element may be located within the drying channel of the garment handling equipment.

[0085] The first sub-mode can also include a washing load. During the washing process, water replenishment is stopped, and the wetted load is continuously washed.

[0086] Performing the second sub-mode involves supplying water of a second volume to the laundry handling equipment. This second volume of water may be obtained based on the load mass, for example, 4 liters, and is used to rinse laundry detergent or liquid.

[0087] Executing the second sub-mode involves increasing the rotational speed of the inner cylinder to a second speed lower than the centrifugal speed, and activating the circulating pump to spray water onto the load to wet it. The centrifugal speed is the minimum speed required to keep the load in a centrifugal state. In one embodiment, the second speed is in the range of 50 rpm or less. Because the load mass is relatively small in the second sub-mode, there is usually no problem of the load encased inside not being in contact with the water; therefore, a load loop is not required.

[0088] The second sub-mode involves determining whether the load is sufficiently wetted; if not, water is added and the spraying and determination steps are repeated until the load is fully wetted. For example, water addition can be controlled by detecting pressure values ​​to determine whether the load is sufficiently wetted, until the load is fully wetted.

[0089] Executing the second sub-mode includes turning on the drain pump to discharge free water, for example, turning on the drain pump to discharge free water in the outer cylinder.

[0090] Executing the second sub-mode involves turning on the air heating element to heat the air, turning on the fan to circulate the heated air to form hot air, and allowing the hot air to pass through and heat the load. The air heating element can be located inside the drying channel of the garment handling equipment.

[0091] The second sub-mode can also include a washing load. During the washing process, water replenishment is stopped, and the wetted load is always washed.

[0092] This invention also discloses another computer-readable storage medium, which is a non-volatile or non-transient storage medium storing computer instructions. When the computer instructions are executed, they perform the above-described combination. Figure 4 The steps of the method are described.

[0093] This invention also discloses another garment processing device 500, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the housing 501 includes an inner cylinder 503 for accommodating a load 502 and an outer cylinder 504 sleeved outside the inner cylinder 503 and in fluid communication with the inner cylinder 503. The bottom of the outer cylinder 504 has a washing heating tube 505 adapted to heat the free water inside the outer cylinder 504. A circulation pump 506 is adapted to circulate and spray water from the bottom of the outer cylinder 504 (e.g., through a water circulation channel 507) onto the load 502. An air heating tube 508 is located in a drying channel 509 and is adapted to heat the air. A fan 510 is adapted to circulate the heated air to form hot air and to pass through and heat the load 502.

[0094] The garment processing equipment 500 also includes a control device 511, which includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores computer instructions that can be executed on the processor, and the processor executes the above-described combination when running the computer instructions. Figure 4 The steps of the method are described.

[0095] The garment handling equipment 500 may also include a pressure sensor 512, a detergent dispenser 513, and a drain pump 516. The pressure sensor 512 is located at the bottom of the outer cylinder 504 to detect the pressure of free water; the detergent dispenser 513 provides laundry detergent or liquid detergent, and a water supply pipe 514 supplies water to the detergent dispenser 513, with an inlet valve 515 installed on the water supply pipe 514; the drain pump 516 is connected to a drain channel 517 to discharge free water.

[0096] In some embodiments, the garment handling device 500 may be a drum washing machine.

[0097] Although specific embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, even when only a single embodiment is described with respect to a particular feature. The feature examples provided in this disclosure are intended to be illustrative and not limiting, unless otherwise stated. In practice, one or more technical features of the dependent claims may be combined with the technical features of the independent claims as needed and where technically feasible, and the technical features from the respective independent claims may be combined in any suitable manner rather than solely by the specific combinations listed in the claims.

[0098] While the present invention has been disclosed above, it is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention; therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A method for washing clothes (100), characterized in that, include: The load mass placed in the garment processing equipment (300) is detected (S110), the garment processing equipment (300) includes a rotatable inner cylinder (303) for accommodating the load (302) and an outer cylinder (304) sleeved outside the inner cylinder (303). Determine whether the load mass is greater than a first threshold (S120). If yes, execute a first heating and washing method (S130). The first heating and washing method is to heat the load (302) and the free water in the outer drum (304) and in the state where the load (302) is in contact with the free water by a washing heating pipe (305) in the water, and then wash. If no, execute a second heating and washing method (S140). The second heating and washing method is to heat the wetted load (302) with hot air in the state where there is no free water in the outer drum (304), and then wash. Executing the second heating and washing method (S140) includes the following steps: supply water to the outer drum (304) and the inner drum (303) and fully wet the load (302), then discharge the free water in the outer drum (304) to the outside of the outer drum (304), then heat the wetted load (302) with hot air, and then wash the load (302).

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first threshold is in the range of greater than or equal to 3 kg and less than or equal to 6 kg.

3. The method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratio of the first threshold to the rated capacity of the garment processing equipment (300) is in the range of greater than or equal to 30% and less than or equal to 60%.

4. The method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The execution of the first heating washing method (S130) includes the following steps: providing water with a first capacity to the garment processing device (300), replenishing water until the load (302) is completely wetted and free water in contact with the load (302) is formed in the outer drum (304), heating the free water through the washing heating tube (305) to heat the load (302), and maintaining a certain amount of the free water to wash the load (302).

5. The method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of supplying water to the outer cylinder (304) and the inner cylinder (303) and fully wetting the load (302) includes supplying water with a second capacity into the garment processing equipment (300), increasing the rotation speed of the inner cylinder (303) to a first rotation speed to form a load ring, turning on the circulation pump (306) to spray water onto the load ring to wet the load (302), determining whether the load (302) is fully wetted, and if so, adding water and repeating the above spraying and determination steps until the load (302) is completely wetted.

6. The method (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first rotational speed is the minimum rotational speed required to keep the load (302) in a centrifugal state.

7. The method (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first rotational speed is in the range of greater than or equal to 130 rpm and less than or equal to 600 rpm.

8. The method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hot air heating and wetting of the load (302) includes turning on the air heating pipe (308) to heat the air, turning on the fan (310) to make the heated air flow to form hot air, and making the hot air pass through and heat the load (302).

9. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The execution of the second heating washing mode (S140) includes determining whether the load mass is less than or equal to a second threshold. If yes, a sub-mode is executed, wherein the second threshold is less than the first threshold.

10. The method (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second threshold is in the range of greater than or equal to 1 kg and less than or equal to 3 kg.

11. The method (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The ratio of the second threshold to the rated capacity of the garment processing equipment (300) is in the range of greater than or equal to 10% and less than or equal to 30%.

12. The method (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The execution sub-mode includes: supplying water with a third capacity to the garment processing equipment (300), increasing the rotation speed of the inner drum (303) to a second rotation speed less than the centrifugal rotation speed, turning on the circulation pump (306) to spray water onto the load (302) to wet the load (302), determining whether the load (302) is sufficiently wetted, and if so, otherwise adding water and repeating the above spraying and determination steps until the load (302) is completely wetted, turning on the drain pump (316) to drain free water, turning on the air heating pipe (308) to heat the air, turning on the fan (310) to make the heated air flow to form hot air, and making the hot air pass through and heat the load (302), and washing the load (302).

13. The method (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second rotational speed is in the range of less than or equal to 50 revolutions per minute.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium is a non-volatile storage medium or a non-transient storage medium, and computer instructions are stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer instructions are executed, they perform the steps of the method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A garment processing device (300), comprising an inner cylinder (303) for accommodating a load (302) and an outer cylinder (304) sleeved outside the inner cylinder (303) and in fluid communication with the inner cylinder (303), characterized in that, Also includes: A washing heating element (305) is located at the bottom of the outer cylinder (304) and is adapted to heat the free water inside the outer cylinder (304); A circulation pump (306) is adapted to circulate water from the bottom of the outer cylinder (304) onto the load (302); Air heating element (308), which is suitable for heating air; A fan (310) is adapted to circulate heated air to form hot air and to pass the hot air through and heat the load (302). A control device (311) includes a memory and a processor, the memory storing computer instructions executable on the processor, the processor executing the steps of the method (100) of any one of claims 1 to 13 when executing the computer instructions.

16. The garment processing apparatus (300) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The garment processing equipment (300) is a drum washing machine.

17. A method for washing clothes (400), characterized in that, include: The load mass placed in the garment processing equipment (500) is detected. The garment processing equipment (500) includes a rotatable inner cylinder (503) for accommodating the load (502) and an outer cylinder (504) sleeved outside the inner cylinder (503). Determine whether the load mass is greater than a first threshold. If yes, execute a first heating and washing method. The first heating and washing method involves heating the load (502) and the free water in the outer drum (504) with the load (502) in contact with the free water via a washing heating pipe (505) in the water, followed by washing. If no, execute a second heating and washing method. The second heating and washing method involves heating the wetted load (502) with hot air in the outer drum (504) without free water, followed by washing. Executing the second heating and washing method includes the following steps: Water of a certain volume is supplied to the garment processing equipment (500) (S410). Increase the rotational speed of the inner cylinder (503) to a certain speed (S420). The circulation pump (506) is turned on to spray water onto the load (502) inside the garment processing equipment (500) to wet the load (502) (S430). Determine whether the load (502) is sufficiently wetted (S440). If so, add water and repeat the above spraying steps (S430) until the load (502) is completely wetted. Turn on the drain pump (516) to discharge free water to the outside of the outer cylinder (504) (S450). Turn on the air heating element (508) to heat the air (S460); Turn on the fan (510) to make the heated air flow to form hot air, and make the hot air pass through and heat the load (502) (S470). Wash the load (502) (S480).

18. The method (400) according to claim 17, characterized in that, include: The load mass is detected before supplying a certain volume of water (S410) into the garment processing equipment (500); Determine whether the load quality exceeds the limit. If yes, execute the first sub-mode; otherwise, execute the second sub-mode.

19. The method (400) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The limit is in the range of greater than or equal to 1 kg and less than or equal to 3 kg.

20. The method (400) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The ratio of the limit to the rated capacity of the garment processing equipment (500) is within the range of greater than or equal to 10% and less than or equal to 30%.

21. The method (400) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The execution of the first sub-mode includes: providing water of a first volume to the garment processing equipment (500), increasing the rotation speed of the inner drum (503) to a first rotation speed to form a load ring, turning on the circulation pump (506) to spray water onto the load ring to wet the load (502), determining whether the load (502) is sufficiently wetted, and if so, otherwise adding water and repeating the above spraying and determination steps until the load (502) is completely wetted, turning on the drain pump (516) to drain free water, turning on the air heating pipe (508) to heat the air, turning on the fan (510) to make the heated air flow to form hot air, and making the hot air pass through and heat the load (502), and washing the load (502).

22. The method (400) according to claim 21, characterized in that, The first rotational speed is the minimum rotational speed required to bring the load (502) to and maintain a centrifugal state.

23. The method (400) according to claim 21, characterized in that, The first rotational speed is in the range of greater than or equal to 130 rpm and less than or equal to 600 rpm.

24. The method (400) according to claim 18, characterized in that, The execution of the second sub-mode includes: providing water with a second volume to the garment processing equipment (500), increasing the rotation speed of the inner drum (503) to a second rotation speed less than the centrifugal rotation speed, turning on the circulation pump (506) to spray water onto the load (502) to wet the load (502), determining whether the load (502) is sufficiently wetted, and if so, otherwise adding water and repeating the above spraying and determination steps until the load (502) is completely wetted, turning on the drain pump (516) to drain free water, turning on the air heating pipe (508) to heat the air, turning on the fan (510) to make the heated air flow to form hot air, and making the hot air pass through and heat the load (502), and washing the load (502).

25. The method (400) according to claim 24, characterized in that, The second rotational speed is in the range of less than or equal to 50 revolutions per minute.

26. A computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium is a non-volatile storage medium or a non-transient storage medium, and computer instructions are stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer instructions are executed, they perform the steps of the method (400) according to any one of claims 19 to 25.

27. A garment processing device (500), comprising an inner cylinder (503) for accommodating a load (502) and an outer cylinder (504) sleeved outside the inner cylinder (503) and in fluid communication with the inner cylinder (503), characterized in that, Also includes: A circulation pump (506) is adapted to circulate water from the bottom of the outer cylinder (504) onto the load (502); Air heating element (508), which is suitable for heating air; A fan (510) is adapted to circulate heated air to form hot air and to pass the hot air through and heat the load (502). A control device (511) includes a memory and a processor, the memory storing computer instructions executable on the processor, the processor executing the steps of the method (400) of any one of claims 19 to 25 when executing the computer instructions.

28. The garment processing apparatus (500) according to claim 27, characterized in that, The garment processing equipment (500) is a drum washing machine.

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