Laundry treating apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a clothes processing device and a control method thereof, and belongs to the field of household appliances. The clothes processing device comprises a box body and a drum assembly arranged in the box body. The top end of the drum assembly is provided with a clothes feeding port. The clothes processing device further comprises at least two mechanical arms. The first end of the mechanical arm is rotationally connected with the box body. The second end of the mechanical arm is connected with the drum assembly through a spherical hinge. The length of the mechanical arm is telescopic. The control method comprises the following steps: when all the mechanical arms are synchronously lengthened or shortened, the mechanical arms can drive the drum assembly to ascend or descend; when part of the mechanical arms move asynchronously, the mechanical arms can drive the drum assembly to rotate relative to the box body. The clothes feeding port is directed towards a user, and the user can easily pick up clothes in the drum assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliances, and more particularly to a clothing processing device and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional top-loading fully automatic washing machines have a vertically positioned outer tub. After washing, when taking clothes out of the inner tub, one must reach inside to retrieve them, especially the small parts at the bottom of the tub, which is very inconvenient. Additionally, it's difficult for taller machines or shorter users to retrieve clothes. This is particularly challenging for elderly people who, lacking the physical strength of younger people, frequently need to use the washing machine and find bending over to pick up clothes extremely difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a clothing handling device and its control method to solve the technical problem of difficulty in picking up clothes in existing pulsator washing machines.

[0004] Based on the above concept, the technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows:

[0005] A garment processing device includes a box and a bucket assembly disposed within the box. The top of the bucket assembly has a garment loading port. The device also includes at least two robotic arms. The first end of each robotic arm is rotatably connected to the box, and the second end of each robotic arm is connected to the bucket assembly via a ball joint. The length of each robotic arm is extendable.

[0006] The barrel assembly is provided with a groove, and a slider is slidably disposed in the groove. The second end of the robotic arm is connected to the slider through the ball joint.

[0007] The second end of the robotic arm is provided with a ball head, and the slider is provided with a ball seat, with the ball head and the ball seat being rotatably connected.

[0008] The robotic arm is provided in three parts: one robotic arm is connected to the back of the box, and the other two robotic arms are symmetrically arranged and connected to the two sides of the box.

[0009] The robotic arms are divided into upper robotic arms and lower robotic arms. The second end of the upper robotic arm is connected to the top of the bucket assembly, and the second end of the lower robotic arm is connected to the bottom of the bucket assembly.

[0010] The lower robotic arm is provided in two parts, and the two lower robotic arms are evenly spaced around the circumference of the barrel assembly.

[0011] The upper robotic arm is provided with four parts, and the four lower robotic arms are evenly spaced around the circumference of the barrel assembly.

[0012] A control method for a garment processing device, employing the garment processing device as described above, the control method comprising:

[0013] When all the robotic arms extend or retract synchronously, the robotic arms can drive the barrel assembly to rise or fall.

[0014] When some robotic arms move out of sync, the robotic arms can drive the bucket assembly to rotate relative to the box body.

[0015] When the controller receives a garment retrieval command, it checks whether the door of the garment handling equipment is open.

[0016] If the door is open, the controller will control all robotic arms to extend to the first set length; if the door is closed, the controller will issue the first prompt message.

[0017] When all the robotic arms have extended to the first set length, one of the robotic arms continues to extend to the second set length, while all the other robotic arms adaptably to the force of the barrel assembly.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0019] The clothing handling device proposed in this invention can raise the bucket assembly by extending the robotic arm. Since the first end of the robotic arm is rotatably connected to the box, it will not interfere with the linear rise of the bucket assembly. Since the second end of the robotic arm is connected to the bucket assembly through a ball joint, when the bucket assembly rises to an appropriate position, the movement of some robotic arms can be controlled asynchronously, that is, some robotic arms extend and some robotic arms shorten, so that the bucket assembly rotates at a certain angle relative to the box, so that the clothing inlet faces the user, making it easier to pick up the clothing in the bucket assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a garment processing device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another garment processing device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another garment processing device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another garment processing device provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a garment processing device provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another garment processing device provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a garment processing device provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another garment processing device provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the robotic arm of another garment processing device provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention in an extended state;

[0029] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the robotic arm of the provided garment processing equipment in a shortened state;

[0030] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A top view of the provided garment processing equipment.

[0031] In the picture:

[0032] 1. Box body; 11. Slide rail; 2. Bucket assembly; 3. Robotic arm; 4. Slider. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0034] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0036] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] See Figures 1 to 4 This invention provides a clothing handling device, which can be a washing machine or a dryer. The clothing handling device includes a housing 1 and a tub assembly 2 disposed within the housing 1. The top of the tub assembly 2 has a clothing inlet for loading and unloading clothing. The tub assembly 2 provided in this invention is capable of rising, falling, and rotating relative to the housing 1. When loading clothing, the tub assembly 2 can be raised first and then rotated, avoiding the need to bend over to retrieve the clothing.

[0039] Specifically, the garment processing equipment also includes at least two robotic arms 3. The first end of the robotic arm 3 is rotatably connected to the housing 1, and the second end of the robotic arm 3 is connected to the bucket assembly 2 via a ball joint. The length of the robotic arm 3 is extendable, and the robotic arm 3 can drive the bucket assembly 2 to rise or fall.

[0040] By extending the robotic arm 3, the bucket assembly 2 can be lifted. Since the first end of the robotic arm 3 is rotatably connected to the box 1, it will not interfere with the straight-line rise of the bucket assembly 2. Since the second end of the robotic arm 3 is connected to the bucket assembly 2 through a ball joint, when the bucket assembly 2 rises to an appropriate position, it can rotate a certain angle relative to the box 1 so that the clothing delivery port faces the user, making it easier to pick up the clothing in the bucket assembly 2.

[0041] Here, robotic arm 3 can use existing hydraulic rods or pneumatic rods.

[0042] Since the tub assembly 2 rotates during the washing process to facilitate the dehydration of clothes, a slider 4 is provided between the second end of the robotic arm 3 and the tub assembly 2 to avoid interference from the robotic arm 3.

[0043] Specifically, the barrel assembly 2 is provided with a groove 11, and a slider 4 is slidably disposed in the groove 11. The second end of the robotic arm 3 is connected to the slider 4 via a ball joint. When the barrel assembly 2 rotates, the slider 4 moves along the groove 11 without affecting the robotic arm 3.

[0044] Alternatively, the second end of the robotic arm 3 may be equipped with a ball head, and the slider 4 may be equipped with a ball seat, with the ball head and ball seat rotatably connected. The ball seat can be located on the top or side of the slider 4, depending on the specific position of the slider 4.

[0045] Alternatively, the second end of the robotic arm 3 is equipped with a ball seat, and the slider 4 is equipped with a ball head, which is rotatably connected to the ball seat.

[0046] Optionally, the slide groove 11 can be located at the top, middle, or bottom of the tub assembly 2, without limitation. In the prior art, the upper edge of the tub assembly 2 is recessed on both the inner and outer sides, which can serve as the slide groove 11. Correspondingly, the slider 4 is U-shaped, and the inner wall of the slider 4 is provided with protrusions that can be inserted into the slide groove 11. Therefore, by setting the slider 4 at the top of the tub assembly 2, the existing tub assembly 2 can be utilized, requiring less modification to the existing washing machine. The production line and molds used for manufacturing the washing machine can continue to be used, thus saving costs.

[0047] The first end of the robotic arm 3 is connected to the housing 1 via a pivot or ball joint. The first end of the robotic arm 3 has a pivot, and the inner wall of the housing 1 has a mounting base with mounting holes. The pivot is rotatably connected to the mounting holes. Alternatively, the first end of the robotic arm 3 may have a ball head, and the inner wall of the housing 1 may have a ball seat, with the ball head rotatably connected to the ball seat.

[0048] In this embodiment, two robotic arms 3 are provided. The two robotic arms 3 can be evenly spaced around the circumference of the barrel assembly 2, or they can be unevenly distributed.

[0049] The enclosure 1 has a front, a back, and a side. The front of the enclosure 1 is where the control panel is located and faces the user.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the second end of the robotic arm 3 is connected to the top of the barrel assembly 2, and the angle between the two robotic arms 3 around the circumference of the barrel assembly 2 is 90 degrees. During installation, the first end of the robotic arm 3 is connected to the back or side of the box 1.

[0051] By extending the robotic arm 3, the bucket assembly 2 can be raised. Once the bucket assembly 2 has risen to the appropriate position, the user can manually turn one side of the bucket assembly 2 to rotate it relative to the box 1 by a certain angle.

[0052] like Figure 2As shown, the second end of the robotic arm 3 is connected to the middle part of the bucket assembly 2, and the two robotic arms 3 are evenly spaced around the circumference of the bucket assembly 2.

[0053] The robotic arm 3 can connect to the two sides of the housing 1, or to the front and back of the housing 1.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the robotic arm 3 connects the front and back of the container 1. After the bucket assembly 2 rises to the appropriate position, the robotic arm 3 connected to the back can be extended, while the robotic arm 3 connected to the front is unloaded. The robotic arm 3 connected to the front can then be adaptively shortened under the force of the bucket assembly 2, thereby causing the bucket assembly 2 to rotate at a certain angle relative to the container 1, so that the clothing dispensing port faces the user.

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the second end of the robotic arm 3 is connected to the bottom of the bucket assembly 2 and is circumferentially around the bucket assembly 2. The included angle between the two robotic arms 3 is 180 degrees, that is, the two robotic arms 3 are evenly spaced around the circumference of the bucket assembly 2.

[0056] Example 2

[0057] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Embodiment 2 is shown, wherein components that are the same as or corresponding to those in Embodiment 1 are referred to using the same reference numerals as those in Embodiment 1. For simplicity, only the differences between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 are described. The difference is that the robotic arms 3 are provided in three or more configurations, making the barrel assembly 2 more stable.

[0058] The three robotic arms 3 can be evenly spaced or unevenly spaced around the circumference of the barrel assembly 2.

[0059] Figure 5 The three robotic arms 3 are connected as follows: one robotic arm 3 is connected to the back of the box 1, and the other two robotic arms 3 are connected to the sides of the box 1. That is to say, in the circumference of the barrel assembly 2, the included angles between two adjacent robotic arms 3 are 180 degrees, 90 degrees, and 90 degrees, respectively.

[0060] When the bucket assembly 2 rises to the appropriate position, the robotic arm 3 connected to the back can be extended while the robotic arm 3 connected to the side remains unchanged, thereby causing the bucket assembly 2 to rotate at a certain angle relative to the box body 1, so that the clothing dispensing port faces the user.

[0061] Figure 6 The four robotic arms 3 are evenly spaced around the barrel assembly 2, meaning that the included angle between two adjacent robotic arms 3 is 90 degrees.

[0062] When the bucket assembly 2 rises to the appropriate position, the robotic arm 3 connected to the back can be extended while the other robotic arms 3 are unloaded. The robotic arm 3 connected to the front can be adaptively shortened under the force of the bucket assembly 2, and the robotic arm 3 connected to the side can be adaptively extended under the force of the bucket assembly 2.

[0063] Optionally, the second end of the robotic arm 3 can be connected to the top, middle or bottom of the barrel assembly 2, without limitation.

[0064] Example 3

[0065] Figures 7 to 11 Embodiment 3 is shown, wherein the same or corresponding components as in Embodiment 1 are represented by the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1. For simplicity, only the differences between Embodiment 3 and Embodiment 1 are described. The difference is that the plurality of robotic arms 3 are divided into upper robotic arms and lower robotic arms. The second end of the upper robotic arm is connected to the top of the barrel assembly 2, and the second end of the lower robotic arm is connected to the bottom of the barrel assembly 2, further ensuring the stability of the barrel assembly 2.

[0066] like Figure 7 As shown, there is one lower robotic arm and two upper robotic arms. The lower robotic arm is located in the middle of the barrel assembly 2, and the two upper robotic arms can be evenly spaced around the circumference of the barrel assembly 2 or unevenly distributed.

[0067] like Figure 8 As shown, there are two lower robotic arms and two upper robotic arms. The lower robotic arms are located in the middle of the barrel assembly 2, and the included angle between the two lower robotic arms is 180 degrees. The two upper robotic arms can be evenly spaced around the circumference of the barrel assembly 2 or unevenly distributed.

[0068] like Figures 9 to 11 As shown, there are two lower robotic arms and four upper robotic arms. The lower robotic arms are located in the middle of the barrel assembly 2, and the angle between the two lower robotic arms is 180 degrees. The four upper robotic arms are evenly spaced around the circumference of the barrel assembly 2.

[0069] This invention also provides a control method for a garment processing device, using the garment processing device from any of the above embodiments. The control method includes:

[0070] When the controller receives a garment retrieval command, it checks whether the door of the garment handling equipment is open;

[0071] If the door is open, the controller will control all robotic arms 3 to extend to the first set length. If the door is closed, the controller will issue the first prompt message.

[0072] The first prompt message could be a prompt to the user to open the door.

[0073] Specifically, a clothing retrieval button can be set up, which the user can press to start the robotic arm 3.

[0074] Furthermore, the clothes removal button can display different colors, or different colored indicator lights can be set. When the controller receives a washing completion command, the controller controls the clothes removal button to display red; when the controller receives a clothes removal command, the controller controls the clothes removal button to display green.

[0075] Once all robotic arms 3 have extended to the first set length, the user can manually pry one side of the bucket assembly 2 to rotate the bucket assembly 2 relative to the box body 1 by a certain angle.

[0076] Alternatively, after all robotic arms 3 have extended to the first preset length, one robotic arm 3 may continue to extend to the second preset length, while all other robotic arms 3 adaptably adjust under the force of the bucket assembly 2. The extended robotic arm 3 acts as a drive, causing the bucket assembly 2 to rotate relative to the box 1 at a certain angle.

[0077] The above embodiments merely illustrate the basic principles and characteristics of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A garment handling device, comprising a housing (1) and a bucket assembly (2) disposed within the housing (1), the top of the bucket assembly (2) having a garment inlet, characterized in that, It also includes at least two robotic arms (3), the first end of which is rotatably connected to the box (1), and the second end of which is connected to the bucket assembly (2) via a ball joint. The length of the robotic arm (3) is extendable, so that the bucket assembly (2) can rise, fall and rotate relative to the box (1). The barrel assembly (2) is provided with a sliding groove (11) on its upper ring, and a slider (4) is slidably arranged in the sliding groove (11). The second end of the robotic arm (3) is connected to the slider (4) through the ball joint. After all the robotic arms (3) have extended to the first set length, the user can manually bend one side of the bucket assembly (2) to rotate the bucket assembly (2) relative to the box (1) by a certain angle, or one of the robotic arms (3) can continue to extend to the second set length, and the remaining robotic arms (3) can be adaptively adjusted under the action of the force of the bucket assembly (2).

2. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second end of the robotic arm (3) is provided with a ball head, and the slider (4) is provided with a ball seat. The ball head and the ball seat are rotatably connected.

3. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The robotic arm (3) is provided in three parts. One robotic arm (3) is connected to the back of the box (1), and two robotic arms (3) are symmetrically arranged and connected to the two sides of the box (1).

4. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The robotic arms (3) are divided into upper robotic arms and lower robotic arms. The second end of the upper robotic arm is connected to the top of the barrel assembly (2), and the second end of the lower robotic arm is connected to the bottom of the barrel assembly (2).

5. The garment processing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, There are two lower robotic arms, which are evenly spaced around the circumference of the barrel assembly (2).

6. The garment processing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The upper robotic arm is provided with four, and the four lower robotic arms are evenly spaced around the circumference of the barrel assembly (2).

7. A control method for a garment processing device, characterized in that, The control method using the garment processing equipment according to any one of claims 1-6 includes: When all the robotic arms (3) extend or retract synchronously, the robotic arms (3) can drive the barrel assembly (2) to rise or fall. When some of the robotic arms (3) move out of sync, the robotic arms (3) can drive the barrel assembly (2) to rotate relative to the box body (1).

8. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the controller receives a garment retrieval command, it checks whether the door of the garment handling equipment is open; If the door is in the open state, the controller controls all robotic arms (3) to extend to the first set length. If the door is in the closed state, the controller issues the first prompt message.

9. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, After all the robotic arms (3) have extended to the first set length, one of the robotic arms (3) continues to extend to the second set length, while all the other robotic arms (3) are adaptively adjusted under the action of the force of the barrel assembly (2).

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