Method of washing laundry, device, laundry treatment apparatus and storage medium

Abstract

The application provides a method and device for cleaning clothes, a clothes processing device and a storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: receiving an opening instruction of a dry cleaning program, injecting steam and dry cleaning solvent into a barrel; determining that the time length of the dry cleaning solvent reaches a first preset time length, stopping the injection of steam and dry cleaning solvent, and introducing hot air into the barrel; injecting steam again, determining that the time length of the steam injection reaches a second preset time length, stopping the injection of steam, and introducing hot air again. The application uses steam to wet the load, which helps the dry cleaning solvent penetrate into the fiber, dissolve the emulsified stains, and form liquid crystals in the dry cleaning solvent. The introduction of hot air makes the steam and the dry cleaning solvent with dissolved stains volatilize, and the stains are removed in a trace water environment. Then steam is introduced again to dissolve the dry cleaning solvent remaining on the surface of the load, and hot air is introduced again to volatilize the remaining dry cleaning solvent, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the load.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of electrical equipment technology, and specifically relates to a method, apparatus, clothing processing equipment and storage medium for washing clothes. 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 discloses a method, apparatus, garment processing equipment, and storage medium for cleaning clothes. It utilizes steam to wet the garment, facilitating the penetration of dry cleaning solvents into the fibers, dissolving and emulsifying stains. The stains dissolve in the dry cleaning solvent or steam, forming a liquid crystal. Hot air is introduced into the drum, 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 micro-water environment. After hot air drying, steam is introduced again to dissolve any remaining dry cleaning solvent on the surface of the garment, followed by another round of hot air drying to evaporate the remaining solvent, improving the cleaning effect. This method eliminates the need to send fabrics to a dry cleaner, and the garments can be used immediately after washing without drying, reducing the financial and time costs of fabric cleaning.

[0005] The first aspect of this application provides a method for washing clothes, including:

[0006] Receives a command to start the dry cleaning program, injects steam into the tub, and adds dry cleaning solvent to the tub;

[0007] Once the time for adding dry cleaning solvent reaches the first preset time, stop injecting steam and stopping the addition of dry cleaning solvent, and introduce hot air into the barrel.

[0008] Steam is injected into the barrel again to dissolve the dry cleaning solvent remaining on the surface of the load.

[0009] Once the duration of steam injection reaches the second preset duration, stop injecting steam and then introduce hot air into the barrel again.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, injecting steam into the tank includes:

[0011] Control the fan to start;

[0012] Turn on the steam control device to inject steam into the barrel.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the steam control device is turned on to inject steam into the barrel, including:

[0014] The steam generator is turned on, and the steam generated by the steam generator is blown into the barrel by the blower.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the steam control device is turned on to inject steam into the barrel, including:

[0016] 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;

[0017] The heating element at the bottom is turned on to evaporate the water inside the barrel and generate steam.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the steam control device is turned on to inject steam into the barrel, including:

[0019] 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.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, controlling the steam generator and the heating pipe at the bottom of the barrel to alternately turn on and inject steam into the barrel includes:

[0021] 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;

[0022] Once the operating time of the first steam device reaches a third 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.

[0023] In some embodiments of this application, the method further includes:

[0024] Once the second steam device is determined to have been on for a fourth 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.

[0025] In some embodiments of this application, the method further includes:

[0026] The heating tubes inside the drying tunnel are turned on to heat the steam passing through the drying tunnel.

[0027] In some embodiments of this application, adding dry cleaning solvent to the barrel includes:

[0028] Obtain the dry cleaning agent selection information submitted by the user, which includes the stain type, clothing material type, or dry cleaning agent type;

[0029] Determine the solvent container that holds the dry cleaning solvent corresponding to the selected dry cleaning agent;

[0030] The solution dispensing device controls the injection of dry cleaning solvent from the solvent box into the barrel through one or more dispensing ports.

[0031] In some embodiments of this application, adding dry cleaning solvent to the barrel includes:

[0032] The solution dispensing device uses a vacuum pump or an ultrasonic atomizer to dispense dry cleaning solvent into the barrel.

[0033] In some embodiments of this application, adding dry cleaning solvent to the barrel includes:

[0034] Once the duration of injecting steam into the tank reaches a fifth preset duration, the solution dispensing device is controlled to dispense dry cleaning solvent into the tank.

[0035] In some embodiments of this application, the step of introducing hot air into the barrel includes:

[0036] Determine the total amount of steam injected into the barrel;

[0037] The drying time is calculated based on the total steam volume and the preset evaporation rate corresponding to the heating tubes in the drying tunnel;

[0038] The control fan and the heating pipes in the drying tunnel are used to supply hot air into the barrel;

[0039] Once the duration of hot air supply reaches the specified drying time, the fan and the heating tubes in the drying tunnel are shut off.

[0040] An embodiment of the second aspect of this application provides an apparatus for washing clothes, comprising:

[0041] The receiving module is used to receive the start command of the dry cleaning program;

[0042] The steam injection module is used to inject steam into the tank.

[0043] A dry cleaning solvent dispensing module is used to dispense dry cleaning solvent into the barrel.

[0044] The hot air drying module is used to determine when the time for adding dry cleaning solvent reaches a first preset time, stop injecting steam and stop adding dry cleaning solvent, and introduce hot air into the barrel;

[0045] A steam rinsing module is used to inject steam back into the tank to dissolve the dry cleaning solvent remaining on the surface of the load.

[0046] The hot air drying module is used to determine when the duration of re-injecting steam reaches a second preset duration, stop injecting steam, and then introduce hot air into the barrel again.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The technical solutions provided in this application embodiment have at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0050] In this embodiment, steam is injected into the drum via a steam device to increase the humidity inside the drum, thereby wetting the load. Dry cleaning solvent is added to the drum via a dry cleaning agent dispensing device. Upon contact with the load, the steam and dry cleaning solvent penetrate the fibers, dissolving and emulsifying the stains. The dissolved stains dissolve in the dry cleaning solvent or steam, forming liquid crystals. Hot air is then introduced into the drum, causing the steam and dry cleaning solvent to evaporate, thus carrying away the stains dissolved in the dry cleaning solvent or steam from the load, achieving stain removal in a micro-water environment. After hot air drying, steam is introduced again to dissolve any remaining dry cleaning solvent on the surface of the load, followed by another round of hot air drying to evaporate the remaining solvent, improving the cleaning effect. This method eliminates the need to send the fabric to a dry cleaner, and the fabric can be used immediately after washing without drying, reducing the financial and time costs of fabric cleaning.

[0051] 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

[0052] 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.

[0053] In the attached diagram:

[0054] Figure 1 A flowchart illustrating a method for washing clothes according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0055] Figure 2 Another flowchart of a method for washing clothes provided in one embodiment of this application is shown;

[0056] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a garment washing apparatus according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0057] Figure 4 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the structure of a garment processing device according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0058] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a storage medium provided in one embodiment of this application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, describes a method, apparatus, garment processing device, and storage medium for washing clothes according to embodiments of this application.

[0062] 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.

[0063] Based on this, this application provides a method for washing clothes. This method improves upon traditional clothing processing equipment by using it to remove stains from fabrics with a small amount of water. This allows users to remove stains from fabrics of any material using their home clothing processing equipment. It achieves the desired stain removal effect, completes washing in a short time, and allows the clothes to be worn immediately after washing without the need for drying. This eliminates the need to send the fabrics to a dry cleaner, reducing the monetary and time costs of fabric stain removal.

[0064] See Figure 1 The method specifically includes the following steps:

[0065] Step 101: Receive the start command for the dry cleaning program, inject steam into the tub, and add dry cleaning solvent to the tub.

[0066] The execution subject of this application embodiment is a garment processing device such as a washing machine, washer-dryer combo, or 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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 within the drying tunnel, which is connected to the drum body. The fan blows air through the drying tunnel into the drum body, creating a circulating airflow within the channel formed by the drum body and the drying tunnel. Since the heating elements within the drying tunnel are not activated for heating at this time, the air blown into the drum body is referred to as cold air.

[0071] 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.

[0072] In other embodiments, the heating pipes inside the drying tunnel can be turned on before, after, or simultaneously with the start of the fan to heat the air, turning the air blown into the drum into hot air. This allows the steam passing through the drying tunnel to be reheated by the heating pipes during subsequent steam injection into the drum, forming high-energy steam. This high-energy steam significantly enhances the cleaning effect. Simultaneously, increasing the drum temperature helps prevent excessive liquefaction of steam within the drum due to low temperatures, thus avoiding excessive humidity inside the drum.

[0073] 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.

[0074] After receiving the start command for the dry cleaning program, the garment processing equipment also activates the steam unit, which injects steam into the drum. Driven by a fan, the steam circulates within the drum and drying tunnel.

[0075] In one implementation, the steam device includes a steam generator, which 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 a fan. Steam generated by the steam generator is transported upstream or downstream of the fan through the steam pipe. The fan rotates, driving the steam from the drying duct into the drying drum. If the steam pipe is located upstream of the fan, the fan can be an intake fan; if the steam pipe is located downstream of the fan, the fan can be an exhaust fan.

[0076] 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.

[0077] In another implementation, the steam generator includes a heating element located at the bottom of the tub. When the garment handling equipment receives a command to start the dry cleaning program, it controls the water inlet valve to open, filling the tub 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 tub. For example, this preset water level could be exactly above the heating element at the bottom of the tub, representing the minimum safe water level for the heating element to heat the tub. After the water inlet valve closes, the heating element at the bottom of the tub is activated. The heating element evaporates the water at the preset level, thereby generating steam within the tub.

[0078] 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 heating elements is significantly higher than that of the steam generator. For example, the steam generator may have a power rating of 500W–700W, while the heating elements at the bottom of the container can have a power rating of 800W–1200W. Therefore, generating steam through these bottom-mounted heating elements is more efficient. Heating water through these elements produces a large amount of steam within the container, increasing the humidity and effectively wetting the load.

[0079] In this embodiment, the steam generator and the heating pipe at the bottom of the tank can be used alternately to generate steam, and the two methods can be used alternately once or multiple times.

[0080] 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 third preset duration, 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.

[0081] The third 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 third preset duration, and it can be limited according to the needs in actual application.

[0082] You can first turn on the steam generator to inject steam into the tank. When the steam generator has been running for the third preset time, turn off the steam generator, 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.

[0083] 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 by heating. After the heating element at the bottom of the tank has been on for the third preset time, turn it off. Then turn on the steam generator to inject steam into the tank.

[0084] In another implementation, steam is generated by alternating control of the steam generator and the heating element at the bottom of the tub. In washing machines or washer-dryer combos with an inner and outer tub, the outer tub is located outside the inner tub, and the heating element is located inside the outer tub and at the entire bottom of the inner tub. That is, the heating element at the entire bottom refers to the heating element located in the space between the outer and inner tubs.

[0085] Specifically, the process involves controlling a first steam device to inject steam into the container. The first steam device can be either the steam generator or any of the heating elements at the bottom of the container. Once the first steam device has been on for a third preset duration, it is turned off. Then, a second steam device is controlled to inject steam into the container. This second steam device can be any of the steam generator or the heating elements at the bottom, excluding the first steam device. Once the second steam device has been on for a fourth 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 container, repeating the cycle.

[0086] 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, and it can be limited according to the needs in actual application.

[0087] For example, first control the steam generator to operate for a third 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 fourth preset time, turn it off. Then control the steam generator to operate for the fourth 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.

[0088] Alternating between a steam generator and a heating element at the bottom of the tub to produce steam allows for better control of the humidity inside the tub. This means that steam can be 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 on the load can be removed with the help of steam.

[0089] In other embodiments, the steam generator and the heating pipe at the bottom of the barrel can be turned on simultaneously to generate steam. Using both methods to generate steam at the same time can produce 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 cleaning efficiency.

[0090] In some embodiments, the heating pipes in the drying tunnel are activated simultaneously with, before, or after the steam injection begins. These heating pipes then reheat the steam passing through the drying tunnel, increasing its temperature and creating high-energy steam. This high-energy steam wets the load upon entering the drum. Due to its high temperature, the steam enhances molecular activity, accelerating the softening and dissolution of stains on the load, thus improving cleaning efficiency.

[0091] After receiving the start command for the dry cleaning program, the garment processing equipment also controls the solution dispensing device to add dry cleaning solvent into the drum. This embodiment of the application 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 solvent can emulsify and encapsulate stains under certain temperature and humidity conditions, and can evaporate to carry the stains away from the load, thus achieving the effect of removing stains from the load.

[0092] 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.

[0093] In another implementation, the garment processing device can automatically select different dry cleaning solvents for different stain types or different garment fabric types. Specifically, the garment processing device includes multiple solvent containers, each used to hold a dry cleaning solvent corresponding to a different stain type or garment fabric type. When submitting a command to start the dry cleaning program to the garment processing device, the user can submit dry cleaning solvent selection information, including stain type, garment fabric type, or dry cleaning solvent type. The control panel of the garment processing device can be equipped with selection buttons corresponding to each stain type, garment fabric type, or dry cleaning solvent type, or the display interface of the garment processing device can be equipped with an interface for selecting stain type, garment fabric type, or dry cleaning solvent type. The user can submit dry cleaning solvent 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 fabric type, or dry cleaning solvent type in the client corresponding to the garment processing device in the user terminal, and the user terminal will send the selected stain type, garment fabric type, or dry cleaning solvent type as dry cleaning solvent selection information to the garment processing device.

[0094] The garment processing equipment pre-stores mapping relationships between different stain types, garment material types, or different 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.

[0095] By combining dry cleaning solvents and steam, stains on the garment are dissolved and emulsified, and the dissolved stains are encapsulated in the dry cleaning solvent. Using a dry cleaning solvent appropriate for the type of stain or the fabric material improves stain removal. Multiple solvent cartridges store different types of dry cleaning solvents, and the system automatically dispenses solvent based on user-submitted selections, increasing automation and improving user experience. Multiple dispensing nozzles ensure even solvent distribution, guaranteeing that all areas of the garment are coated and maximizing stain removal.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] In this embodiment, the solution dispensing device can be controlled to dispense dry cleaning solvent simultaneously with the activation of the fan, steam device, or heating pipe in the drying tunnel, as described above. Alternatively, the solution dispensing device can be controlled to dispense dry cleaning solvent only after the duration of steam injection into the tank has reached a fifth preset duration.

[0101] The fifth 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 fifth preset duration; it can be set according to requirements in practical applications.

[0102] Injecting steam into the tank for the fifth preset duration before turning on the solution dispensing device ensures that the load is fully wetted by steam before the dry cleaning solvent is added. This helps the dry cleaning solvent dissolve stains after contacting the clothes.

[0103] 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 dissolved and emulsified stains dissolve in the dry cleaning solvent to form liquid crystals, which are ultimately carried away by the hot air, achieving the effect of stain removal.

[0104] In the embodiments of this application, the operation of turning on the fan and / or the heating pipe in the drying tunnel, and the initial injection of steam can be performed simultaneously or sequentially in any order.

[0105] Step 102: Once the time for adding dry cleaning solvent reaches the first preset time, stop injecting steam and stop adding dry cleaning solvent, and introduce hot air into the tank.

[0106] The timing begins from the moment the solution dispensing device is turned on. When the timer reaches the first preset duration, it is considered that the stains have been fully dissolved. At this point, the solution dispensing device is turned off, stopping the dispensing of dry cleaning solvent. Additionally, the currently active steam device is turned off, stopping the injection of steam into the tank. The currently active steam device can be a steam generator or a heating element at the bottom of the tank.

[0107] 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.

[0108] After stopping the injection of steam and dry cleaning solvent, control the fan and heating pipes in the drying tunnel to introduce hot air into the drum, and promote the evaporation of steam and dry cleaning solvent containing stains through hot air circulation.

[0109] If the heating element in the drying tunnel was turned on in step 101, the fan and the heating element should remain on to supply hot air into the drum. If the heating element in the drying tunnel was not turned on in step 101, the heating element should be turned on after the injection of steam and dry cleaning solvent is stopped to supply hot air into the drum.

[0110] 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 stains dissolved in the dry cleaning solvent, thus removing the stains from the load and achieving the effect of stain removal.

[0111] This application embodiment determines the drying time for final hot air drying based on the amount of steam injected into the drum. Specifically, the garment processing equipment determines the total amount of steam injected into the drum. During the steam injection process, the garment processing equipment activates the steam generator and / or the heating element at the bottom of the drum. For the steam generator, the garment processing equipment calculates the first amount of steam injected into the drum by the steam generator based on the cumulative operating time of the steam generator and the first steam generation rate. Specifically, the product between the cumulative operating time of the steam device and the first steam generation rate is calculated, and this product is determined as the first amount of steam corresponding to the steam generator.

[0112] For the heating element at the bottom of the tank, the amount of second steam generated by the heating element in the tank is calculated based on the cumulative on-time and the second steam generation rate. Specifically, the product of the cumulative on-time and the second steam generation rate is calculated to obtain the amount of second steam generated by the heating element.

[0113] If steam is generated solely through a steam generator, the first steam quantity corresponding to the steam generator is calculated as described above, and this first steam quantity is the total amount of steam injected. If steam is generated solely through a heating element at the bottom of the tank, the second steam quantity corresponding to that heating element is calculated as described above, and this second steam quantity is the total amount of steam injected. If steam is generated alternately through the steam generator and the heating element at the bottom of the tank, the sum of the first and second steam quantities is calculated, and this sum is taken as the total amount of steam.

[0114] The drying time is calculated based on the total steam volume and the preset evaporation rate corresponding to the heating elements in the drying tunnel. Specifically, the ratio between the total steam volume and the preset evaporation rate is calculated, and this ratio is determined as the drying time.

[0115] For example, assuming the steam generator is on for 10 minutes, the steam generation rate is 150 g / min, and the preset evaporation rate of the heating tubes in the drying tunnel is 100 g / min, then the amount of steam injected into the drum by the steam generator is 1500 g, and the calculated drying time is 15 minutes.

[0116] Control the fan and heating elements in the drying tunnel to supply hot air into the drum. If the heating elements in the drying tunnel were turned on in step 101, the duration of hot air supply begins to be recorded when steam and dry cleaning solvent injection stops. If the heating elements in the drying tunnel were not turned on in step 101, the duration of hot air supply begins to be recorded when steam and dry cleaning solvent injection stops and the heating elements in the drying tunnel are turned on. When it is determined that the duration of hot air supply has reached the drying time, control the fan and heating elements in the drying tunnel to turn off.

[0117] Step 103: Inject steam into the tank again to dissolve the dry cleaning solvent remaining on the surface of the load.

[0118] Considering that some dry cleaning solvent may remain on the load after hot air for the aforementioned drying time is introduced into the drum in step 102, the steam device can be turned on again after the fan and heating pipe in the drying tunnel are turned off, and steam can be introduced into the drum to rinse the load and dissolve the residual dry cleaning solvent on the load.

[0119] Steam can be injected again by controlling the steam generator. Alternatively, water can be introduced to the preset level by opening the inlet valve, and then the heating element at the bottom of the tank can be turned on to generate steam.

[0120] Step 104: Determine that the duration of steam injection reaches the second preset duration, stop steam injection, and then introduce hot air into the tank again.

[0121] After the steam injection continues for the second preset duration, the steam device is turned off, steam injection stops, 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 while greatly reducing the amount of residual dry cleaning solvent in the load, thus improving the cleaning effect.

[0122] The aforementioned second preset duration can be 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 5 minutes, or 8 minutes, etc. This application embodiment does not limit the specific value of the second preset duration; it can be set according to requirements in practical applications.

[0123] 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 third 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 solvent selection information submitted by the user, control the solution dispensing device to dispense the dry cleaning solvent corresponding to the selected solvent into the drum. S7: Determine that the time from the start of dispensing the dry cleaning solvent has reached a first preset time, and then stop injecting steam and dispensing the dry cleaning solvent. 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 inject steam into the drum again. S11: Once the duration of the re-injected steam reaches the second preset time, stop injecting steam, and turn on the fan and the heating pipes in the drying tunnel to re-inject hot air into the drum.

[0124] 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.

[0125] In this embodiment, steam is injected into the drum via a steam device to increase the humidity inside the drum, thereby wetting the load. Dry cleaning solvent is added to the drum via a dry cleaning agent dispensing device. Upon contact with the load, the steam and dry cleaning solvent penetrate the fibers, dissolving and emulsifying the stains. The dissolved and emulsified stains dissolve in the dry cleaning solvent or steam, forming liquid crystals. Hot air is then introduced into the drum, causing the steam and dry cleaning solvent to evaporate, thus carrying away the stains dissolved in the dry cleaning solvent or steam from the load, achieving stain removal in a micro-water environment. After hot air drying, steam is introduced again to dissolve any remaining dry cleaning solvent on the surface of the load, followed by another round of hot air drying to evaporate the remaining solvent, improving the cleaning effect. This method eliminates the need to send the fabric to a dry cleaner, and the fabric can be used immediately after washing without drying, reducing the financial and time costs of fabric cleaning.

[0126] This application provides an apparatus for washing clothes, which is used to perform the method for washing clothes provided in any of the above embodiments. Figure 3 As shown, the device includes:

[0127] The receiving module 201 is used to receive the start command of the dry cleaning program;

[0128] Steam injection module 202 is used to inject steam into the tank;

[0129] The dry cleaning solvent dispensing module 203 is used to dispense dry cleaning solvent into the barrel.

[0130] The hot air drying module 204 is used to determine when the time for adding dry cleaning solvent reaches the first preset time, stop injecting steam and stop adding dry cleaning solvent, and introduce hot air into the barrel;

[0131] Steam injection module 202 is used to inject steam into the tank again to dissolve the dry cleaning solvent remaining on the surface of the load.

[0132] The hot air drying module 204 is used to determine when the duration of re-injecting steam reaches the second preset duration, stop injecting steam, and then introduce hot air into the barrel again.

[0133] Considering that some dry cleaning solvent may remain on the load after the hot air drying module 204 introduces hot air into the drum, steam is introduced into the drum again through the steam injection module 202. The steam rinses the load, dissolving any remaining dry cleaning solvent. Then, the hot air drying module 204 is used again for hot air drying.

[0134] The steam injection module 202 is used to control the fan to turn on and introduce cold air into the barrel; and to control the steam device to turn on and inject steam into the barrel.

[0135] The steam injection module 202 is used to control the steam generator to start, and blows the steam generated by the steam generator into the tank through a blower.

[0136] 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 heating pipe at the bottom to turn on, so as to evaporate the water in the tank to generate steam.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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. After determining that the opening time of the first steam device reaches a third 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 any one of the steam generator and the heating pipe at the bottom other than the first steam device.

[0139] The steam injection module 202 is used to determine when the second steam device has been turned on for a fourth 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.

[0140] The steam injection module 202 is also used to control the opening of the heating pipes in the drying tunnel, and to heat the steam passing through the drying tunnel through the heating pipes in the drying tunnel.

[0141] The steam injection module 202 is also used to inject steam into the tank again to dissolve the dry cleaning solvent remaining on the surface of the load, and then dry it again with hot air to evaporate the remaining dry cleaning solvent and improve the cleaning effect of the load.

[0142] 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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] The dry cleaning agent dispensing module 203 is used to determine that the duration of steam injection into the barrel reaches the fifth preset duration, and to control the solution dispensing device to dispense dry cleaning solvent into the barrel.

[0145] The hot air drying module 204 is used to determine the total amount of steam injected into the drum; calculate the drying time based on the total amount of steam and the preset evaporation rate corresponding to the heating tubes in the drying tunnel; control the fan and the heating tubes in the drying tunnel to introduce hot air into the drum; and control the fan and the heating tubes in the drying tunnel to shut off when the duration of hot air introduction reaches the drying time.

[0146] The apparatus for washing clothes provided in the above embodiments of this application and the method for washing clothes 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 applications stored therein.

[0147] This application also provides a garment processing apparatus to perform the above-described garment washing method. 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 4 As shown, the clothing 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 clothing washing method provided in any of the foregoing embodiments of this application.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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 method for washing clothes disclosed in any of the foregoing embodiments of this application can be applied to the processor 400, or implemented by the processor 400.

[0150] 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.

[0151] The clothing processing device and the clothing washing method provided in this application are based on the same inventive concept and have the same beneficial effects as the methods they employ, operate, or implement.

[0152] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium corresponding to the method for washing clothes 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 method for washing clothes provided in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0153] 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.

[0154] The computer-readable storage medium provided in the above embodiments of this application and the method for washing clothes 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 applications stored therein.

[0155] It should be noted that:

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] 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 method for washing clothes, characterized in that, include: The system receives a command to start the dry cleaning process, controls the fan to start, controls the steam device and the heating pipes in the drying tunnel to start, injects steam into the tub, and adds dry cleaning solvent to the tub; the steam device includes a steam generator connected to a steam pipe, and the steam generated by the steam generator is transported from the steam pipe to the upstream or downstream of the fan, and the fan rotates to blow the steam from the drying tunnel into the tub; Once the time for adding dry cleaning solvent reaches the first preset time, stop injecting steam and stopping the addition of dry cleaning solvent, and introduce hot air into the barrel. Steam is injected into the barrel again to dissolve the dry cleaning solvent remaining on the surface of the load. Once the duration of steam injection reaches the second preset duration, stop injecting steam and then introduce hot air into the barrel again.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The function of controlling the steam device to turn on and inject steam into the tank also 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 is turned on to evaporate the water inside the barrel and generate steam.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Controlling the steam device to turn on and inject steam into the tank includes: 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.

4. The method according to claim 3, 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 third 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.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: Once the second steam device is determined to have been on for a fourth 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.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method further includes: The heating tubes inside the drying tunnel are turned on to heat the steam passing through the drying tunnel.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of adding dry cleaning solvent into the barrel includes: 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.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that, The step of adding dry cleaning solvent into the barrel includes: The solution dispensing device uses a vacuum pump or an ultrasonic atomizer to dispense dry cleaning solvent into the barrel.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that, The step of adding dry cleaning solvent into the barrel includes: Once the duration of injecting steam into the tank reaches a fifth preset duration, the solution dispensing device is controlled to dispense dry cleaning solvent into the tank.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, 7, characterized in that, The process of introducing hot air into the barrel includes: Determine the total amount of steam injected into the barrel; The drying time is calculated based on the total steam volume and the preset evaporation rate corresponding to the heating tubes in the drying tunnel; The control fan and the heating pipes in the drying tunnel are used to supply hot air into the barrel; Once the duration of hot air supply reaches the specified drying time, the fan and the heating tubes in the drying tunnel are shut off.

11. An apparatus for washing clothes, characterized in that, include: The receiving module is used to receive the start command of the dry cleaning program; A steam injection module is used to control the opening of the fan, the steam device, and the heating pipes in the drying tunnel to inject steam into the barrel. The steam device includes a steam generator connected to a steam pipe. The steam generated by the steam generator is transported from the steam pipe to the upstream or downstream of the fan. The fan rotates to blow the steam from the drying tunnel into the barrel. A dry cleaning solvent dispensing module is used to dispense dry cleaning solvent into the barrel. The hot air drying module is used to determine when the time for adding dry cleaning solvent reaches a first preset time, stop injecting steam and stop adding dry cleaning solvent, and introduce hot air into the barrel; The steam injection module is used to inject steam into the barrel again to dissolve the dry cleaning solvent remaining on the surface of the load. The hot air drying module is used to determine when the duration of re-injecting steam reaches a second preset duration, stop injecting steam, and then introduce hot air into the barrel again.

12. 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 1-10.

13. 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 1-10.

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