Laundry treating apparatus and control method, apparatus and storage medium therefor

Abstract

The application provides a clothes treatment device and a control method, device and storage medium thereof. The method comprises the following steps: receiving an opening instruction of a dry cleaning program, and controlling a fan to be opened; controlling a steam generator and a heating pipe at the bottom of a barrel to inject steam into the barrel simultaneously or alternately; controlling a solution feeding device to feed a dry cleaning solvent into the barrel; determining whether the opening time length of the solution feeding device reaches a first preset time length, and controlling the solution feeding device, the steam generator and the heating pipe at the bottom of the barrel to be closed; and controlling the fan and a heating pipe in a drying channel to introduce hot air into the barrel. The clothes treatment device provided by the application uses steam to wet the load, which helps the dry cleaning solvent to penetrate into the fibers, dissolve and emulsify stains, and the stains dissolved in the dry cleaning solvent or the steam form liquid crystals. The steam and the dry cleaning solvent are volatilized by the hot air, the stains dissolved in the dry cleaning solvent or the steam are taken away from the load, the stains are removed in a trace water environment, the clothes do not need to be dried, and the cost of stain removal is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of electrical equipment technology, specifically relating to a garment processing device and its control method, apparatus and storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] In daily life, cleaning large items of clothing and garments made of special materials can be quite troublesome. For example, clothing made of cashmere, down, wool, and silk cannot be washed with water and must be taken to a dry cleaner. However, dry cleaning is expensive and time-consuming.

[0003] For these types of clothes that cannot be washed with water, the clothing processing equipment such as washing machines, washer-dryer combos, and dryers currently only offer simple care using traditional air-wash programs. These programs can only perform wrinkle removal and odor removal, but cannot remove stains. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application proposes a garment cleaning device, its control method, apparatus, and storage medium. Steam is generated by controlling a steam generator and a heating pipe at the bottom of the tub, allowing for better control of humidity within the tub. The steam wets the garment, facilitating the penetration of dry cleaning solvents into the fibers, dissolving and emulsifying stains. The dissolved stains then dissolve in the dry cleaning solvent or steam, forming a liquid crystal. Hot air is introduced into the tub, causing the steam and dry cleaning solvent to evaporate, carrying away the stains dissolved in the solvent or steam from the garment, achieving stain removal in a minimal water environment. This eliminates the need to send fabrics to a dry cleaner, and the garments can be worn immediately after washing without drying, reducing both the financial and time costs of garment cleaning.

[0005] The first aspect of this application provides a control method for a garment processing device, including:

[0006] Receives the start command for the dry cleaning program and controls the fan to start;

[0007] The steam generator and the heating pipe at the bottom of the barrel are turned on simultaneously or alternately to inject steam into the barrel;

[0008] The solution dispensing device is used to dispense dry cleaning solvent into the tank.

[0009] Once the operating time of the solution dispensing device reaches a first preset time, the solution dispensing device, the steam generator, and the heating pipe at the bottom of the tank are controlled to shut down.

[0010] Control the fan and the heating pipes in the drying tunnel to supply hot air into the barrel.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the control steam generator and the heating pipe at the bottom of the barrel are alternately turned on to inject steam into the barrel, including:

[0012] Control the first steam device to inject steam into the barrel, wherein the first steam device is either a steam generator or a heating pipe at the bottom of the barrel;

[0013] Once the operating time of the first steam device reaches a second preset time, the first steam device is turned off, and the second steam device is controlled to inject steam into the barrel. The second steam device is the steam device other than the first steam device among the steam generator and the heating pipe at the bottom.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the control of the steam generator and the heating pipe at the bottom of the barrel to alternately turn on and inject steam into the barrel further includes:

[0015] Once the second steam device is determined to have been on for a third preset duration, the second steam device is turned off, and the process returns to the step of controlling the first steam device to inject steam into the tank, which is executed cyclically.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, controlling the heating pipe at the bottom of the barrel to inject steam into the barrel includes:

[0017] Control the water inlet valve to open and fill the tank with water to a preset water level, which is higher than the heating pipe at the bottom of the tank;

[0018] The heating element at the bottom of the barrel is turned on to evaporate the water inside the barrel and generate steam.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, controlling the fan to start further includes:

[0020] The heating pipes in the drying tunnel are turned on, and hot air is introduced into the barrel through the fan and the heating pipes in the drying tunnel.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, the controlled solution dispensing device dispenses dry cleaning solvent into the tank, including:

[0022] Obtain the dry cleaning agent selection information submitted by the user, which includes the stain type, clothing material type, or dry cleaning agent type;

[0023] Determine the solvent container that holds the dry cleaning solvent corresponding to the selected dry cleaning agent;

[0024] The solution dispensing device controls the injection of dry cleaning solvent from the solvent box into the barrel through one or more dispensing ports.

[0025] In some embodiments of this application, the controlled solution dispensing device dispenses dry cleaning solvent into the tank, including:

[0026] The solution dispensing device uses a vacuum pump or an ultrasonic atomizer to dispense dry cleaning solvent into the barrel.

[0027] In some embodiments of this application, the controlled solution dispensing device dispenses dry cleaning solvent into the tank, including:

[0028] Once the duration of steam injection into the barrel reaches the fourth preset duration, the solution dispensing device is controlled to dispense dry cleaning solvent into the barrel.

[0029] In some embodiments of this application, controlling the fan and the heating pipes in the drying tunnel to supply hot air into the barrel includes:

[0030] Based on the cumulative operating time of the steam generator and the first steam generation rate, calculate the first amount of steam injected into the tank by the steam generator;

[0031] The amount of second steam generated in the barrel by the heating pipe at the bottom is calculated based on the cumulative on-time of the heating pipe at the bottom and the second steam generation rate.

[0032] The drying time is calculated based on the first steam volume, the second steam volume, and the preset evaporation rate corresponding to the heating tubes in the drying tunnel.

[0033] Control the fan and the heating pipe in the drying tunnel to supply hot air into the barrel;

[0034] Once the duration of hot air supply reaches the drying time, the fan and the heating element in the drying tunnel are shut off.

[0035] An embodiment of the second aspect of this application provides a control device for a garment processing apparatus, comprising:

[0036] The fan control module is used to receive the start command of the dry cleaning program and control the fan to start;

[0037] A steam injection module is used to control the steam generator and the heating pipe at the bottom of the barrel to be turned on simultaneously or alternately to inject steam into the barrel.

[0038] A dry cleaning solvent dispensing module is used to control the solution dispensing device to dispense dry cleaning solvent into the barrel;

[0039] The drying module is used to determine when the solution dispensing device has been turned on for a first preset time, and to control the solution dispensing device, the steam generator, and the heating pipe at the bottom of the barrel to be turned off; and to control the fan and the heating pipe in the drying tunnel to introduce hot air into the barrel.

[0040] An embodiment of the third aspect of this application provides a garment processing device, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the method described in the first aspect above.

[0041] An embodiment of the fourth aspect of this application provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, the program being executed by a processor to implement the method described in the first aspect above.

[0042] The technical solutions provided in this application embodiment have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0043] In this embodiment, steam is generated by controlling a steam generator and a heating pipe at the bottom of the tub. Steam is injected into the tub to increase humidity and wet the load. Dry cleaning solvent is added to the tub via a dry cleaning agent dispensing device. Upon contact with the load, the steam and solvent penetrate the fibers, dissolving and emulsifying the stains. The dissolved stains are then dissolved in the dry cleaning solvent or steam, forming a liquid crystal. Hot air is then introduced into the tub, causing the steam and solvent to evaporate, carrying away the dissolved stains from the load. This achieves stain removal in a minimal water environment. This method allows for the use of home garment cleaning equipment to remove stains from fabrics of any material, achieving the desired cleaning effect in a short time. The garments can be worn immediately after washing without drying, eliminating the need to send them to a dry cleaner and reducing both the financial and time costs of garment cleaning.

[0044] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings.

[0046] In the attached diagram:

[0047] Figure 1 A flowchart of a control method for a garment processing device according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0048] Figure 2 Another flowchart of a control method for a garment processing device provided in one embodiment of this application is shown;

[0049] Figure 3This invention provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a control device for a garment processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0050] Figure 4 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a garment processing device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0051] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a storage medium provided in one embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Exemplary embodiments of this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of this application are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that this application may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of this application and to fully convey the scope of this application to those skilled in the art.

[0053] It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0054] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, describes a garment processing device, its control method, apparatus, and storage medium according to embodiments of this application.

[0055] Fabrics that cannot be washed with water usually need to be sent to dry cleaners, which are expensive and time-consuming. Currently, traditional washing machines, washer-dryers, and dryers can only perform simple care on non-washable fabrics, such as wrinkle removal, odor removal, and sterilization, but cannot remove stains from these fabrics.

[0056] Based on this, this application provides a control method for a garment processing device. This method improves upon traditional garment processing devices by enabling micro-water stain removal from fabrics using traditional garment processing devices. This allows users to remove stains from fabrics of any material using their home garment processing devices, achieving the desired stain removal effect while completing the washing process in a short time. Furthermore, the garments can be worn immediately after washing without the need for drying, eliminating the need to send the fabrics to a dry cleaner and reducing the monetary and time costs associated with fabric stain removal.

[0057] See Figure 1 The method specifically includes the following steps:

[0058] Step 101: Receive the start command for the dry cleaning program and control the fan to start.

[0059] The execution subject of this application embodiment is a garment processing device such as a washing machine or washer-dryer. When a user needs to run a dry cleaning program on the garment processing device to remove stains from the fabric to be washed, the user first places the fabric to be washed into the drum of the garment processing device. In this application embodiment, the fabric placed in the drum is referred to as the load.

[0060] It should be noted that in some implementations, such as a dryer, there is only one drying drum, in which the drum refers to the clothes handling chamber; in other implementations, such as a washer-dryer combo, there is an inner drum and an outer drum, with the load placed in the inner drum and the water placed in the outer drum. In this implementation, the drum includes both the inner drum and the outer drum.

[0061] To improve the cleaning effect on the load, users can apply dry cleaning solvent to the stained areas of the fabric before placing it in the tub. For lightly soiled fabrics, pre-application of dry cleaning solvent is not necessary.

[0062] After placing the clothes to be washed into the drum, the user can submit a command to start the dry cleaning program via the control panel of the garment processing equipment. The equipment receives the command from the control panel. Alternatively, the user can use a client application installed on their mobile phone or computer to submit the command, which is then sent to the garment processing equipment. The equipment receives the command from the user's terminal.

[0063] In this embodiment, the garment processing equipment includes a drying system, which comprises a drying tunnel, a fan located within the drying tunnel, and heating elements. When the garment processing equipment receives a start command for the dry cleaning program, it controls the fan to turn on. The fan is located at the front end of the drying tunnel, which is connected to the drum. The fan blows air through the drying tunnel into the drum, creating a circulating airflow within the channel formed by the drum and the drying tunnel. This airflow then blows subsequently generated steam into the drum. Since the heating elements within the drying tunnel are not activated for heating at this time, the air blown into the drum is referred to as cold air.

[0064] The air circulation within the drum and drying tunnel creates a flow of air. When steam is subsequently injected into the drum, the airflow drives the steam to move, which helps to wet the load and improve the cleaning effect.

[0065] In other embodiments, the heating elements inside the drying tunnel can be turned on before, after, or simultaneously with the fan, to heat the air and turn the air blown into the drum into hot air, thereby raising the temperature inside the drum. Increasing the temperature helps enhance the cleaning effect. Simultaneously, raising the temperature inside the drum also helps prevent excessive liquefaction of steam inside the drum due to low temperatures, thus avoiding excessive humidity inside the drum.

[0066] After receiving the start command for the dry cleaning program, the garment processing equipment also controls the motor to drive the drum to rotate at a certain speed and rhythm. The speed can be 45 rpm, 50 rpm, 55 rpm, or 60 rpm, etc., and the rhythm can be 25 seconds of rotation followed by 5 seconds of pause, 25 seconds of rotation followed by 3 seconds of pause, or 15 seconds of rotation followed by 5 seconds of pause, etc. This embodiment does not limit the drum's speed and rhythm; in practical applications, the speed and rhythm can be determined according to requirements.

[0067] Step 102: Control the steam generator and the heating pipe at the bottom of the tank to turn on simultaneously or alternately to inject steam into the tank.

[0068] After receiving the start command for the dry cleaning program, the garment processing equipment activates the steam device, which injects steam into the tub. The steam device includes a steam generator and a heating pipe at the bottom of the tub. To better control the humidity inside the tub, this embodiment alternately controls the steam generator and the heating pipe at the bottom of the tub to inject steam into the tub.

[0069] The steam generator can be installed inside the garment processing equipment. The steam generator is connected to a steam pipe, the outlet of which is located upstream or downstream of the fan. The fan rotates, drawing steam from the drying tunnel into the garment drum. If the steam pipe is located upstream of the fan, an intake fan can be used; if the steam pipe is located downstream, an exhaust fan can be used. The steam generated by the steam generator is transported from the steam pipe to the upstream or downstream of the fan, and the fan's rotation draws the steam from the drying tunnel into the garment drum.

[0070] A steam generator is used to produce steam, which can generate steam continuously and stably. The time delay between the steam generator starting and the generation of steam is very short and can be ignored. By injecting steam into the tank, the humidity inside the tank is increased, thus achieving the effect of wetting the load.

[0071] The heating element at the bottom of the tank needs to work in conjunction with the water inlet valve to generate steam. The process of controlling the steam generation from the heating element at the bottom of the tank is as follows: the water inlet valve is opened to fill the tank with water. During the filling process, a water level sensor monitors the current water level in real time. When the water level reaches a preset level, the water inlet valve is closed. This preset water level is higher than the height of the heating element at the bottom of the tank. For example, this preset water level can be exactly above the heating element at the bottom of the tank, which is the minimum water level required for safe heating. After the water inlet valve is closed, the heating element at the bottom of the tank is opened. The heating element evaporates the water at the preset level, thus generating steam within the tank.

[0072] Steam is generated using heating elements at the bottom of the container. Although there is a slight delay in steam generation due to the initial water heating process, the power of these bottom heating elements is significantly higher than that of the steam generator. For example, the steam generator might have a power rating of 500W-700W, while the bottom heating elements could have a power rating of 800W-1200W. Therefore, generating steam through these bottom heating elements is more efficient. Heating water through these elements produces a large amount of steam within the container, increasing humidity and effectively wetting the load.

[0073] This step can use the steam generator and the heating element at the bottom of the tank alternately to generate steam, and the two methods can be used alternately once or multiple times.

[0074] In one implementation, the alternation occurs once. Specifically, a first steam device is controlled to inject steam into the tank. The first steam device can be either a steam generator or a heating element at the bottom of the tank. Once the operating time of the first steam device reaches a second preset time, the first steam device is turned off, and a second steam device is controlled to inject steam into the tank. The second steam device can be either a steam generator or a heating element at the bottom other than the first steam device.

[0075] The second preset duration can be 3 minutes, 4 minutes, or 5 minutes, etc. This application embodiment does not limit the specific value of the second preset duration, and it can be limited according to the needs in actual application.

[0076] You can first turn on the steam generator to inject steam into the tank. When the steam generator has been running for the second preset time, turn it off, open the water inlet valve to let water in to the preset water level, then close the water inlet valve and turn on the heating pipe at the bottom of the tank. The heating pipe will evaporate the water by heating, generating a large amount of steam in the tank.

[0077] Alternatively, you can first open the water inlet valve to fill the tank to the preset water level, then close the water inlet valve and turn on the heating element at the bottom of the tank. This heating element will evaporate the water. Once the heating element at the bottom of the tank has been on for the second preset time, turn it off. Then turn on the steam generator to inject steam into the tank.

[0078] In another implementation, steam is generated by repeatedly and alternately controlling the steam generator and the heating element at the bottom of the tank. Specifically, a first steam device (either the steam generator or the heating element at the bottom of the tank) is controlled to inject steam into the tank. Once the first steam device has been on for a second preset duration, it is turned off, and a second steam device (any one other than the first steam device) is controlled to inject steam into the tank. Once the second steam device has been on for a third preset duration, it is turned off, and the process returns to the previous step of controlling the first steam device to inject steam into the tank, repeating the cycle.

[0079] The third preset duration can be 3 minutes, 4 minutes, or 5 minutes, etc. This application embodiment does not limit the specific value of the third preset duration, and it can be limited according to the needs in actual application.

[0080] For example, first control the steam generator to operate for a second preset time, then turn it off. Open the water inlet valve to allow water to enter to the preset water level, then close the water inlet valve and turn on the heating element at the bottom of the tank to generate steam. After the heating element operates for a third preset time, turn it off. Then control the steam generator to operate for the second preset time again, and then control the water inlet valve and the heating element at the bottom of the tank to generate steam again. This cycle is repeated until the conditions for stopping steam generation are met, at which point the steam generator and the heating element at the bottom of the tank are turned off.

[0081] Alternating between a steam generator and a heating element at the bottom of the tub to produce steam allows for better control of humidity inside the tub. This ensures that steam is generated immediately upon receiving the start command for the dry cleaning program, while also ensuring high steam generation efficiency. This allows the tub to be filled with steam in a very short time, so that the load can be moistened with steam and the stains can be removed with the help of steam.

[0082] In other embodiments, this step can also simultaneously turn on the steam generator and the heating pipe at the bottom of the barrel to generate steam. Using both methods to generate steam at the same time can generate a large amount of steam in a very short time, quickly increase the humidity inside the barrel, shorten the time to wet the load, and improve the decontamination efficiency.

[0083] The aforementioned operations of turning on the fan and the heating pipes in the drying tunnel, and turning on the steam generator or the heating pipes inside the barrel when steam is first generated, can be performed simultaneously or in any order.

[0084] Step 103: Control the solution dispensing device to dispense dry cleaning solvent into the tank.

[0085] This application embodiment requires removing stains from the load in an environment where only a small amount of water is provided by steam. Therefore, a compound dry cleaning solvent is selected. This dry cleaning solvent can emulsify and dissolve stains under certain temperature and humidity conditions. After the stains are dissolved in the dry cleaning solvent, the stains dissolved in the dry cleaning solvent can be carried away from the load by evaporating the dry cleaning solvent, thereby achieving the effect of removing stains from the load.

[0086] In one implementation, the garment handling equipment includes only one solvent container and at least one dispensing port. The solvent container holds the dry cleaning solvent, and the dispensing port connects the solvent container to the drum body. The dry cleaning solvent in the solvent container flows into the drum body through the dispensing port. Before starting the dry cleaning program, the user adds the dry cleaning solvent to the solvent container. The user can determine the required dry cleaning solvent based on the type of stain on the garment or the type of fabric, and add the required solvent to the solvent container. After receiving the start command for the dry cleaning program, the garment handling equipment controls the solution dispensing device to release the dry cleaning solvent in the solvent container into the drum body through one or more dispensing ports.

[0087] In another implementation, the garment processing device can automatically select different dry cleaning solvents for different stain types or garment material types. Specifically, the garment processing device includes multiple solvent containers, each used to hold dry cleaning solvents corresponding to different stain types or garment material types. When the user submits the command to start the dry cleaning program to the garment processing device in step 101, they can submit dry cleaning agent selection information, which includes the stain type, garment material type, or dry cleaning agent type. The control panel of the garment processing device can be equipped with selection buttons corresponding to each stain type, garment material type, or dry cleaning agent type, or the display interface of the garment processing device can be equipped with an interface for selecting the stain type, garment material type, or dry cleaning agent type. The user can submit dry cleaning agent selection information through the selection buttons on the control panel or the interface provided in the display interface. Alternatively, the user can select the stain type, garment material type, or dry cleaning agent type in the client software corresponding to the garment processing device installed on the user terminal, and the user terminal will send the selected stain type, garment material type, or dry cleaning agent type as dry cleaning agent selection information to the garment processing device.

[0088] The garment processing equipment pre-stores mapping relationships between different stain types, garment fabric types, or dry cleaning agent types and solvent cartridge labels. Upon receiving dry cleaning agent selection information submitted by the user, the equipment determines the corresponding solvent cartridge label based on the pre-stored mapping relationships. The solution dispensing device then injects the dry cleaning solvent contained in the solvent cartridge corresponding to that label into the tank through one or more dispensing ports.

[0089] Adding dry cleaning solvent to the drum allows it to mix with steam, aiding in the dissolution and emulsification of stains on the garment. The dissolved stains are then absorbed into the solvent. Using a dry cleaning solvent appropriate for the stain type or fabric material enhances stain removal. Multiple solvent cartridges store different types of dry cleaning solvents, automatically dispensing them based on user-submitted solvent selection information, increasing automation and improving user experience. Multiple dispensing nozzles ensure even solvent distribution, guaranteeing that all areas of the garment are coated for optimal stain removal.

[0090] In one implementation, the solution dispensing device includes a vacuum pump, and the garment processing equipment controls the vacuum pump to dispense dry cleaning solvent from the solvent box into the tank by pressure squeezing.

[0091] When dry cleaning solvent is dispensed using a vacuum pump, the particles are larger, allowing all the dry cleaning solvent in the solvent box to be quickly dispensed into the container, thus shortening the time required for dispensing the dry cleaning solvent.

[0092] In another implementation, the solution dispensing device includes an ultrasonic atomizer. The garment processing equipment controls the ultrasonic atomizer to atomize the dry cleaning solvent in the solvent box, and dispenses the resulting mist-like dry cleaning solvent into the tank through one or more dispensing ports.

[0093] When dry cleaning solvent is dispensed via ultrasonic atomization, the solvent is poured into the container in a mist-like form. The solvent particles are small and have a wide dispersion range, allowing for more even spraying of the solvent onto all parts of the load, which helps to improve the cleaning effect on all parts of the load.

[0094] In this embodiment of the application, while controlling the fan, steam device, or heating pipe in the drying tunnel to turn on in step 101, the solution dispensing device can be controlled to dispense dry cleaning solvent in the manner described above. Alternatively, the solution dispensing device can be controlled to dispense dry cleaning solvent after the duration of steam injection into the tank has reached a fourth preset duration.

[0095] The fourth preset duration can be 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, or 5 minutes, etc. This application embodiment does not limit the specific value of the fourth preset duration; it can be set according to requirements in practical applications.

[0096] First, inject steam into the drum for the fourth preset time before turning on the solution dispensing device. This ensures that the load is fully wetted by steam before the dry cleaning solvent is added. Then, the dry cleaning solvent is added, which helps the dry cleaning solvent dissolve stains after contact with the clothes.

[0097] The mechanism of stain removal mainly includes processes such as penetration, dissolution, entrainment, liquid crystal formation, emulsification, and saponification. Under completely anhydrous conditions, it is difficult to completely dissolve and entrain stains from the surface of the substrate using only a small amount of atomized dry cleaning solvent. Therefore, this application embodiment considers using the combined action of steam and dry cleaning solvent for stain removal. Steam wets the substrate, helping to accelerate the penetration of the dry cleaning solvent into it. The dry cleaning solvent dissolves and emulsifies the stains. The stains dissolved and emulsified by the dry cleaning agent can dissolve in the dry cleaning solvent, forming liquid crystals, which are ultimately carried away by the hot air, achieving the effect of stain removal.

[0098] Step 104: Determine that the solution dispensing device has been turned on for the first preset duration, and then control the solution dispensing device, steam generator, and heating pipe at the bottom of the tank to shut off.

[0099] The operating time of the solution dispensing device in step 103 is timed. When the operating time reaches the first preset time, it is considered that the stain has been fully dissolved. At this time, the solution dispensing device, steam generator and heating pipe at the bottom of the tank are turned off.

[0100] The first preset duration can be 7 minutes, 10 minutes, 13 minutes, or 15 minutes, etc. The embodiments of this application do not limit the specific value of the first preset duration. In practical applications, the first preset duration can be set according to the dispensing rate of the solution dispensing device and the decontamination effect that can be achieved with different durations.

[0101] Step 105: Control the fan and heating pipes in the drying tunnel to introduce hot air into the barrel.

[0102] After shutting down the solution dispensing device and the steam device, control the fan and the heating pipe in the drying tunnel to supply hot air into the barrel. If the heating pipe in the drying tunnel was turned on in step 101, then keep the fan and the heating pipe on to supply hot air into the barrel. If the heating pipe in the drying tunnel was not turned on in step 101, then turn on the heating pipe in the drying tunnel to supply hot air into the barrel after shutting down the solution dispensing device and the steam device in step 104.

[0103] Hot air circulates within the channel formed by the drum and the drying tunnel, reducing the humidity inside the drum. This causes water vapor and dry cleaning solvent on the surface of the load to evaporate, carrying away the dissolved stains and thus removing them from the load.

[0104] This application embodiment determines the drying time for final hot air drying based on the amount of steam injected into the tub during the current dry cleaning process. Specifically, the garment processing equipment calculates the first amount of steam injected into the tub by the steam generator based on the cumulative operating time of the steam generator and the first steam generation rate. Specifically, the product of the cumulative operating time of the steam generator and the first steam generation rate is calculated, and this product is determined as the first amount of steam corresponding to the steam generator. The second amount of steam generated in the tub by the heating element at the bottom of the tub is calculated based on the cumulative operating time and the second steam generation rate of the heating element. Specifically, the product of the cumulative operating time and the second steam generation rate of the heating element is calculated to obtain the second amount of steam corresponding to the heating element.

[0105] The drying time is calculated based on the calculated first steam volume, second steam volume, and the preset evaporation rate corresponding to the heating tubes in the drying tunnel. Specifically, the sum of the first steam volume and the second steam volume is calculated, and the ratio between the calculated total steam volume and the preset evaporation rate is determined as the drying time.

[0106] For example, assuming the steam generator's cumulative operating time is 5 minutes and the first steam generation rate is 100 g / min, the heating element at the bottom of the drum's cumulative operating time is 5 minutes and the second steam generation rate is 150 g / min, and the preset evaporation rate of the heating element in the drying tunnel is 100 g / min, then the total amount of steam injected into the drum is 1250 g, and the calculated drying time is 12.5 minutes.

[0107] Hot air is introduced into the drum through the control fan and heating pipes in the drying tunnel. If the heating pipes in the drying tunnel were turned on in step 101, the duration of hot air introduction is recorded starting from when the steam device and dry cleaning agent dispensing device are turned off in step 104. If the heating pipes in the drying tunnel were not turned on in step 101, the duration of hot air introduction is recorded when the steam device and dry cleaning agent dispensing device are turned off and the heating pipes in the drying tunnel are turned on. When it is determined that the duration of hot air introduction has reached the drying time calculated above, the control fan and heating pipes in the drying tunnel are turned off, the drum rotation is stopped, and the current dry cleaning program ends.

[0108] In other embodiments, considering that some dry cleaning solvent may remain on the load after hot air is introduced into the drum for the aforementioned drying time, the drum can be rotated again and the steam device can be turned on after the fan and heating pipes in the drying tunnel are turned off. Steam is then introduced into the drum to rinse the load and dissolve any remaining dry cleaning solvent. After the steam device is turned on again for a fifth preset time, it is turned off, and the fan and heating pipes in the drying tunnel are turned on again to introduce hot air into the drum. The hot air circulation causes the steam and dissolved residual dry cleaning solvent to evaporate. This achieves a secondary cleaning effect and significantly reduces the amount of residual dry cleaning solvent on the load, improving the washing effect.

[0109] The aforementioned fifth preset duration can be 5 minutes or 8 minutes, etc. This application embodiment does not limit the specific value of the fifth preset duration; it can be set according to requirements in practical applications.

[0110] To facilitate understanding of the dry-state decontamination process provided in the embodiments of this application, the following description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Figure 2 As shown, S1: Receive the start command for the dry cleaning program. S2: Control the motor to drive the drum to rotate, and control the fan and heating elements in the drying tunnel to turn on, introducing hot air into the drum. S3: Control the steam generator to turn on, injecting steam into the drum. S4: Determine that the steam generator has been running for a second preset time, and then turn it off. S5: Control the water inlet valve to open, filling the drum with water to a preset water level, and control the heating elements at the bottom of the drum to turn on, evaporating the water in the drum to generate steam. S6: Based on the dry cleaning agent selection information submitted by the user, control the solution dispensing device to dispense the dry cleaning solvent corresponding to the selected dry cleaning agent into the drum. S7: Determine that the solution dispensing device has been running for a first preset time, and then control the solution dispensing device and the heating elements at the bottom of the drum to turn off. S8: Calculate the drying time based on the total amount of steam injected into the drum and the preset evaporation rate of the heating elements in the drying tunnel. S9: Keep the fan and heating elements in the drying tunnel running for the specified drying time, and introduce hot air into the drum for drying. S10: Once the drying time has been reached, turn off the fan and the heating pipes in the drying tunnel, and turn the steam generator back on. S11: Once the steam generator has been running for the fifth preset time, turn off the steam generator, and turn on the fan and the heating pipes in the drying tunnel to re-introduce hot air into the drum.

[0111] The above Figure 2 The execution process shown is only an exemplary execution process of this application embodiment. In actual applications, there may be many other execution processes, which will not be described one by one here with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0112] In this embodiment, steam is generated by controlling a steam generator and a heating pipe at the bottom of the tub. Steam is injected into the tub through a steam device to increase the humidity inside the tub and wet the load. Dry cleaning solvent is added to the tub through a dry cleaning agent dispensing device. After the steam and dry cleaning solvent come into contact with the load, they penetrate into the fibers of the load, dissolving and emulsifying the stains in the load. The dissolved and emulsified stains dissolve in the dry cleaning solvent or steam to form liquid crystals. Hot air is introduced into the tub, causing the steam and dry cleaning solvent to evaporate, carrying away the stains dissolved in the dry cleaning solvent or steam from the load, achieving the effect of stain removal in a micro-water environment. This method allows for the removal of stains from fabrics of any material using home garment cleaning equipment. It achieves the desired stain removal effect, completes washing in a short time, and allows for immediate wear without drying after washing, eliminating the need to send the fabric to a dry cleaner, thus reducing the financial and time costs of fabric stain removal.

[0113] This application provides a control device for a garment processing apparatus, which is used to execute the control method for the garment processing apparatus provided in any of the above embodiments. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the device includes:

[0114] The fan control module 201 is used to receive the start command of the dry cleaning program and control the fan to start.

[0115] The steam injection module 202 is used to control the steam generator and the heating pipe at the bottom of the tank to be turned on simultaneously or alternately to inject steam into the tank.

[0116] The dry cleaning agent dispensing module 203 is used to control the solution dispensing device to dispense dry cleaning solvent into the barrel.

[0117] The drying module 204 is used to determine when the solution dispensing device has been turned on for a first preset time, and to control the solution dispensing device, steam generator and heating pipe at the bottom of the barrel to be turned off; and to control the fan and heating pipe in the drying tunnel to introduce hot air into the barrel.

[0118] The steam injection module 202 is used to control the first steam device to inject steam into the barrel. The first steam device is any one of the steam generator and the heating pipe at the bottom of the barrel. The module determines that the first steam device has been turned on for a second preset time, turns off the first steam device, and controls the second steam device to inject steam into the barrel. The second steam device is any one of the steam generator and the heating pipe at the bottom other than the first steam device.

[0119] The steam injection module 202 is used to determine when the second steam device has been turned on for a third preset time, turn off the second steam device, and return to the step of controlling the first steam device to inject steam into the tank in a cyclical manner.

[0120] The steam injection module 202 is used to control the opening of the water inlet valve to inject water into the tank to a preset water level, which is higher than the heating pipe at the bottom of the tank; and to control the opening of the heating pipe at the bottom of the tank to evaporate the water in the tank and generate steam.

[0121] The fan control module 201 controls the fan to start before, after, or simultaneously with the fan, and the heating control module controls the heating pipes in the drying tunnel to start, so that hot air is introduced into the barrel through the fan and the heating pipes in the drying tunnel.

[0122] The dry cleaning agent dispensing module 203 is used to obtain the dry cleaning agent selection information submitted by the user, which includes the stain type, clothing material type, or dry cleaning agent type; determine the solvent box that holds the dry cleaning solvent corresponding to the dry cleaning agent selection information; and control the solution dispensing device to inject the dry cleaning solvent in the solvent box into the barrel through one or more dispensing ports.

[0123] The dry cleaning solvent dispensing module 203 is used to control the solution dispensing device to dispense dry cleaning solvent into the barrel using a vacuum pump or an ultrasonic atomizer.

[0124] The dry cleaning agent dispensing module 203 is used to determine that the duration of steam injection into the barrel reaches the fourth preset duration, and to control the solution dispensing device to dispense dry cleaning solvent into the barrel.

[0125] The drying module 204 is used to calculate the first amount of steam injected into the barrel by the steam generator based on the cumulative operating time of the steam generator and the first steam generation rate; to calculate the second amount of steam generated in the barrel by the bottom heating pipe based on the cumulative operating time of the bottom heating pipe and the second steam generation rate; to calculate the drying time based on the first amount of steam, the second amount of steam, and the preset evaporation rate of the heating pipe in the drying tunnel; to control the fan and the heating pipe in the drying tunnel to introduce hot air into the barrel; and to control the fan and the heating pipe in the drying tunnel to shut off when the duration of hot air introduction reaches the drying time.

[0126] The control device for the clothing processing equipment provided in the above embodiments of this application and the control method for the clothing processing equipment provided in the embodiments of this application are based on the same inventive concept and have the same beneficial effects as the methods adopted, run or implemented by the application stored therein.

[0127] This application also provides a garment processing apparatus to execute the control method for the aforementioned garment processing apparatus. This garment processing apparatus can be a washing machine or a washer-dryer combo, etc. Please refer to... Figure 4 This illustrates a schematic diagram of a garment processing device provided by some embodiments of this application. For example... Figure 4As shown, the garment processing device 4 includes: a processor 400, a memory 401, a bus 402, and a communication interface 403. The processor 400, the communication interface 403, and the memory 401 are connected via the bus 402. The memory 401 stores a computer program that can run on the processor 400. When the processor 400 runs the computer program, it executes the control method of the garment processing device provided in any of the foregoing embodiments of this application.

[0128] The memory 401 may include high-speed random access memory (RAM) or non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device. Communication between this device network element and at least one other network element is achieved through at least one communication interface 403 (which can be wired or wireless), such as the Internet, wide area network, local area network, metropolitan area network, etc.

[0129] Bus 402 can be an ISA bus, PCI bus, or EISA bus, etc. The bus can be divided into an address bus, a data bus, a control bus, etc. The memory 401 is used to store programs. After receiving an execution instruction, the processor 400 executes the program. The control method of the clothing processing device disclosed in any of the foregoing embodiments of this application can be applied to the processor 400, or implemented by the processor 400.

[0130] The processor 400 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuitry in the hardware of the processor 400 or by instructions in software form. The processor 400 may be a general-purpose processor, including a central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), etc.; it may also be a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an off-the-shelf programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this application can be directly embodied in the execution of a hardware decoding processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software modules may reside in random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, registers, or other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in memory 401. The processor 400 reads the information in memory 401 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the above method.

[0131] The clothing processing device and the control method of the clothing processing device provided in this application are based on the same inventive concept and have the same beneficial effects as the methods used, operated or implemented.

[0132] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium corresponding to the control method for the clothing processing equipment provided in the foregoing embodiments. Please refer to... Figure 5 The computer-readable storage medium shown is an optical disc 30, on which a computer program (i.e., a program product) is stored. When the computer program is run by a processor, it executes the control method of the clothing processing device provided in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0133] It should be noted that examples of the computer-readable storage medium may also include, but are not limited to, phase-change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other optical and magnetic storage media, which will not be elaborated here.

[0134] The computer-readable storage medium provided in the above embodiments of this application and the control method of the clothing processing device provided in the embodiments of this application are based on the same inventive concept and have the same beneficial effects as the methods adopted, run or implemented by the application stored therein.

[0135] It should be noted that:

[0136] Numerous specific details are set forth in the specification provided herein. However, it will be understood that embodiments of this application may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification.

[0137] Similarly, it should be understood that, for the sake of brevity and to aid in understanding one or more of the various inventive aspects, in the above description of exemplary embodiments of this application, various features of this application are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof. However, this disclosure should not be construed as reflecting a schematic diagram in which the claimed application requires more features than expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, inventive aspects lie in fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into that detailed description, wherein each claim itself is a separate embodiment of this application.

[0138] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments described herein include certain features but not others included in other embodiments, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this application and form different embodiments. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0139] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A control method for a garment processing device, characterized in that, include: Receives the start command for the dry cleaning program and controls the fan to start; The steam generator and the heating pipe at the bottom of the barrel are turned on simultaneously or alternately to inject steam into the barrel. The outlet of the steam pipe connected to the steam generator is located upstream or downstream of the fan. The rotation of the fan drives the steam generated by the steam generator to enter the barrel from the drying tunnel, and the heating pipe in the drying tunnel is turned on. The solution dispensing device is used to dispense dry cleaning solvent into the tank. Once the operating time of the solution dispensing device reaches a first preset time, the solution dispensing device, the steam generator, and the heating pipe at the bottom of the tank are controlled to shut down. Control the fan and the heating pipes in the drying tunnel to supply hot air into the barrel.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam generator and the heating pipe at the bottom of the tank are alternately turned on to inject steam into the tank, including: Control the first steam device to inject steam into the barrel, wherein the first steam device is either a steam generator or a heating pipe at the bottom of the barrel; Once the operating time of the first steam device reaches a second preset time, the first steam device is turned off, and the second steam device is controlled to inject steam into the barrel. The second steam device is the steam device other than the first steam device among the steam generator and the heating pipe at the bottom.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method of alternately turning on the steam generator and the heating pipe at the bottom of the tank to inject steam into the tank also includes: Once the second steam device is determined to have been on for a third preset duration, the second steam device is turned off, and the process returns to the step of controlling the first steam device to inject steam into the tank, which is executed cyclically.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Controlling the heating pipe at the bottom of the barrel to inject steam into the barrel includes: Control the water inlet valve to open and fill the tank with water to a preset water level, which is higher than the heating pipe at the bottom of the tank; The heating element at the bottom of the barrel is turned on to evaporate the water inside the barrel and generate steam.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The control of the fan to start also includes: The heating pipes in the drying tunnel are turned on, and hot air is introduced into the barrel through the fan and the heating pipes in the drying tunnel.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controlled solution dispensing device dispenses dry cleaning solvent into the tank, including: Obtain the dry cleaning agent selection information submitted by the user, which includes the stain type, clothing material type, or dry cleaning agent type; Determine the solvent container that holds the dry cleaning solvent corresponding to the selected dry cleaning agent; The solution dispensing device controls the injection of dry cleaning solvent from the solvent box into the barrel through one or more dispensing ports.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The controlled solution dispensing device dispenses dry cleaning solvent into the tank, including: The solution dispensing device uses a vacuum pump or an ultrasonic atomizer to dispense dry cleaning solvent into the barrel.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The controlled solution dispensing device dispenses dry cleaning solvent into the tank, including: Once the duration of steam injection into the barrel reaches the fourth preset duration, the solution dispensing device is controlled to dispense dry cleaning solvent into the barrel.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-3 and 6, characterized in that, The control of the fan and the heating pipes in the drying tunnel to supply hot air into the barrel includes: Based on the cumulative operating time of the steam generator and the first steam generation rate, calculate the first amount of steam injected into the tank by the steam generator; The amount of second steam generated in the barrel by the heating pipe at the bottom is calculated based on the cumulative on-time of the heating pipe at the bottom and the second steam generation rate. The drying time is calculated based on the first steam volume, the second steam volume, and the preset evaporation rate corresponding to the heating tubes in the drying tunnel. Control the fan and the heating pipe in the drying tunnel to supply hot air into the barrel; Once the duration of hot air supply reaches the drying time, the fan and the heating element in the drying tunnel are shut off.

10. A control device for a garment processing equipment, characterized in that, include: The fan control module is used to receive the start command of the dry cleaning program and control the fan to start; A steam injection module is used to control the steam generator and the heating pipe at the bottom of the barrel to be turned on simultaneously or alternately to inject steam into the barrel; the outlet of the steam pipe connected to the steam generator is located upstream or downstream of the fan, and the rotation of the fan drives the steam generated by the steam generator to enter the barrel from the drying tunnel, controlling the heating pipe in the drying tunnel to be turned on. A dry cleaning solvent dispensing module is used to control the solution dispensing device to dispense dry cleaning solvent into the barrel; The drying module is used to determine when the solution dispensing device has been turned on for a first preset time, and to control the solution dispensing device, the steam generator, and the heating pipe at the bottom of the barrel to be turned off; and to control the fan and the heating pipe in the drying tunnel to introduce hot air into the barrel.

11. A garment processing device, comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that, The processor executes the computer program to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-9.

12. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, The program is executed by a processor to implement the method as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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