Laundry treating apparatus and control method of laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of clothes processing equipment, and particularly provides a clothes processing equipment and a control method of the clothes processing equipment, aiming at solving the problem that the stain removal effect and the dissolving effect of the detergent of the existing washing machine need to be obviously improved. For this purpose, the clothes processing equipment of the present application comprises an inner drum, a gas generating device and a transmission shaft, the bottom wall of the inner drum is provided with a mounting port; the gas generating device comprises a gas outlet; the transmission shaft is formed with an airflow channel along the axial direction thereof, the gas inlet end of the transmission shaft is connected with the gas outlet, and the gas outlet end of the transmission shaft is connected with the mounting port, so that the inner drum can rotate along with the rotation of the transmission shaft; wherein the gas generated by the gas generating device can be introduced into the water storage area of the inner drum by the gas outlet end. The above arrangement can reduce the use amount and residue of the detergent, and the stain removal effect and the dissolving effect of the detergent are obviously improved, and the rotation of the inner drum is not hindered.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of garment processing equipment, and specifically provides a garment processing device and a control method for the garment processing device. Background Technology

[0002] Existing washing machines typically remove stains from clothes by adding detergent. Detergent mainly removes stains through its chemical components. Whether the detergent can dissolve completely affects the washing effect. If the detergent cannot dissolve completely, it will remain on the clothes, causing damage.

[0003] In existing technologies, to accelerate the dissolution of detergent and the removal of stains from clothing, a gas generating device is usually introduced. The gas outlet of the gas generating device is located between the inner and outer drums. For example, the gas generating device is directly installed on the inner wall of the outer drum, and the bubbles generated by its gas outlet are directly emitted between the inner and outer drums. Alternatively, the gas generating device is located outside the outer drum, and the bubbles are introduced into the space between the inner and outer drums through a pipeline. Then, the bubbles enter the inner drum through the water permeable holes. However, the above-mentioned setups have limited effectiveness in dissolving detergent and removing stains from clothing.

[0004] To address the aforementioned issues, existing improvements have focused on modifying the gas generating device or related pipelines to increase the number of bubbles produced at the gas outlet or to generate microbubbles. While these improvements slightly enhance the removal of stains from clothing and the solubility of detergents, they have not yet achieved a level of effectiveness that satisfies users.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a new garment processing device and a control method for such a device to address the problem that existing washing machines have insufficient ability to remove stains from clothes and dissolve detergents. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, namely, to address the issue that existing washing machines have insufficient ability to remove stains from clothes and dissolve detergents.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a garment processing device, characterized in that the garment processing device comprises: an inner drum, the bottom wall of which is provided with an installation port; a gas generating device, the gas generating device including a gas outlet; a drive shaft, the drive shaft having an airflow channel formed along its axial direction, the air inlet end of the drive shaft being connected to the gas outlet, and the air outlet end of the drive shaft being connected to the installation port, so that the inner drum can rotate with the rotation of the drive shaft; wherein the gas generated by the gas generating device can be introduced into the water storage area of ​​the inner drum through the air outlet end.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned clothing processing equipment, a first housing is provided on the inner side of the bottom wall, and the first housing and the bottom wall form a radial flow channel shell, wherein the inlet of the radial flow channel shell is the installation port, and the outlet of the radial flow channel shell is located in the water storage area.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned garment processing equipment, a second housing is provided axially on the inner sidewall of the inner cylinder. The second housing and the inner sidewall form an axial cavity shell. The axial cavity shell includes an air inlet, which is connected to the outlet of the radial flow channel shell. The second housing has multiple vent holes distributed axially on the inner cylinder. Alternatively, a lifting rib is provided on the inner sidewall of the inner cylinder. The lifting rib and the inner sidewall form a cavity. An air inlet is provided on the lifting rib, which is connected to the outlet of the radial flow channel shell. The lifting rib has multiple vent holes distributed axially on the inner cylinder.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned clothing processing equipment, the clothing processing equipment further includes a positioning device, which is configured to position the inner drum. After the positioning device positions the inner drum, the gas generated by the gas generator can be introduced into the water storage area of ​​the inner drum.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned garment processing equipment, the inner cylinder is provided with an insertion hole / first groove, and the positioning device includes a first driving device and a first locking tongue. The first driving device is connected to the first locking tongue, and the first locking tongue can extend into the insertion hole / first groove and retract from the insertion hole / first groove under the drive of the first driving device.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned garment processing equipment, the positioning device includes a second driving device and a second locking tongue. The driving body that drives the inner cylinder to rotate is provided with a second groove. Under the drive of the second driving device, the second locking tongue can extend into the second groove and retract from the second groove.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned garment processing equipment, the motor of the garment processing equipment is a direct drive motor, the driving body is the outer rotor of the direct drive motor, and the outer rotor is connected to the transmission shaft; or a first pulley is sleeved on the transmission shaft, a second pulley is sleeved on the output shaft of the garment processing equipment motor, the first pulley and the second pulley are connected by a belt, and the driving body is the first pulley or the second pulley.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned garment processing equipment, the garment processing equipment further includes a position sensing device, which is configured to be triggered when the inner drum rotates to a set position, so as to control the inner drum to stop rotating and to position the inner drum through the positioning device.

[0015] In addition, the present invention also provides a control method for a garment processing device, characterized in that the garment processing device includes: an inner drum with an installation port on its bottom wall; a gas generator including a gas outlet; a drive shaft with an airflow channel formed along its axial direction, the inlet end of the drive shaft being connected to the gas outlet, and the outlet end of the drive shaft being connected to the installation port, so that the inner drum can rotate with the rotation of the drive shaft; wherein the gas generated by the gas generator can be introduced into the water storage area of ​​the inner drum through the outlet end; the control method includes: controlling the inner drum to operate at a preset rotation-to-stop ratio during the washing process; and controlling the gas generator to start.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the control method for the aforementioned garment processing equipment, the garment processing equipment further includes a positioning device. The positioning device is configured to position the inner drum. After the positioning device positions the inner drum, the gas generated by the gas generator can be introduced into the water storage area of ​​the inner drum. Before the step of "controlling the gas generator to start," the control method further includes: controlling the inner drum to rotate when it is in a stopped rotation interval; controlling the inner drum to stop rotating when it reaches a set position; controlling the positioning device to position the inner drum. After the step of "controlling the gas generator to start," the control method further includes: controlling the positioning device to release the positioning of the inner drum within a preset time before the inner drum continues to rotate.

[0017] It is understood that the garment processing device of the present invention includes: an inner drum, a gas generating device, and a drive shaft. The bottom wall of the inner drum is provided with an installation port; the gas generating device includes a gas outlet; the drive shaft has an airflow channel formed along its axial direction, the air inlet end of the drive shaft is connected to the gas outlet, and the air outlet end of the drive shaft is connected to the installation port, so that the inner drum can rotate with the rotation of the drive shaft; wherein, the gas generated by the gas generating device can be introduced into the water storage area of ​​the inner drum from the air outlet end.

[0018] This application introduces the gas generated by the gas generator directly into the water storage area of ​​the inner drum through the airflow channel of the drive shaft, forming high-energy bubbles in the washing / rinsing water, which in turn form a large number of cavitation bubbles in the water. The bursting of hundreds of billions of rigid cavitation bubbles generates a powerful impact force, which effectively removes dirt from clothes, reduces the amount of detergent used and residue, and significantly improves the stain removal and detergent dissolution effects.

[0019] Furthermore, through the arrangement of the present invention, the gas generated by the gas generator can be sequentially introduced into the water storage area of ​​the inner drum through the gas outlet of the gas generator, the air inlet of the drive shaft, and the air outlet of the drive shaft. Since the gas is introduced into the inner drum through the drive shaft that drives the inner drum to rotate, the arrangement of the present invention will not hinder the rotation of the inner drum. During the washing process, the gas generator can be started at any time to introduce gas into the water storage area of ​​the inner drum. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram (a) of the structure of the garment processing equipment and the control method of the garment processing equipment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram (II) of the structure of the garment processing equipment and the control method of the garment processing equipment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning device of the garment processing equipment and the control method of the garment processing equipment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram (III) of the structure of the garment processing equipment and the control method of the garment processing equipment of the present invention.

[0025] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0026] 1-Inner cylinder; 11-Mounting port; 12-First housing; 13-Second housing; 14-Insertion hole; 2-Gas generator; 21-Gas outlet; 3-Drive shaft; 31-Inlet end; 32-Outlet end; 4-Positioning device; 41-First drive device; 42-First locking tongue; 43-Second drive device; 44-Second locking tongue; 5-Outer cylinder; 51-Mounting hole; 6-Direct drive motor; 7-Cover; 8-Connecting pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific applications.

[0028] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "bottom" indicating direction or positional relationship are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. This is merely for ease of description and does not indicate or imply that the device must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0029] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, in order to address the problem that existing washing machines have insufficient effectiveness in removing stains from clothes and dissolving detergents, the clothing treatment device of the present invention includes an inner drum 1, a gas generating device 2, and a drive shaft 3. The bottom wall of the inner drum 1 (the bottom side of the inner drum 1 along its axial direction) is provided with an installation port 11. The gas generating device 2 includes a gas outlet 21. The drive shaft 3 has an airflow channel formed along its axial direction. The air inlet end 31 of the drive shaft 3 is connected to the gas outlet 21, and the air outlet end 32 of the drive shaft 3 is connected to the installation port 11. It is understood that the connection between the air outlet end 32 of the drive shaft 3 and the installation port 11 is fixed, so that the inner drum 1 can rotate with the rotation of the drive shaft 3. The gas generated by the gas generating device 2 can be introduced into the water storage area of ​​the inner drum 1 through the air outlet end 32.

[0031] The specific forms of the clothing processing equipment of the present invention include various types, such as drum washing machines, pulsator washing machines, washer-dryer combos, shoe washing machines, etc. The water storage area is the area of ​​the inner drum 1 used to hold washing water. When the clothing processing equipment is a drum washing machine, the water storage area is located on the radial bottom side of the inner drum 1. When the clothing processing equipment is a pulsator washing machine, the water storage area is located on the axial bottom side of the inner drum 1.

[0032] The specific form of the gas generating device 2 can be various. For example, the gas generating device 2 can be an air pump, a fan, or a compressor, etc. It can be installed on the inner wall of the housing of the garment processing equipment or on the outer wall of the outer cylinder 5 of the garment processing equipment. In this case, the gas generating device 2 can be installed at a position higher than the outer cylinder 5, such as at the top of the inner wall of the housing, to prevent liquid from flowing back into the gas generating device 2. Of course, a water-proof and breathable membrane can be installed at the airflow channel of the drive shaft 3, etc., so that gas can be discharged from the airflow channel of the drive shaft 3, but washing water is not allowed to enter the gas generating device 2 from the airflow channel of the drive shaft 3. The water-proof and breathable membrane can be a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane or a PTFE membrane, etc. In this case, there is no restriction on the installation position of the gas generating device 2 on the housing and the outer cylinder 5. The gas outlet 21 of the gas generator 2 can be connected to the air inlet 31 of the drive shaft 3 via the connecting pipe 8, or it can be directly connected to the air inlet 31 of the drive shaft 3. For example, when connected via the connecting pipe 8, the end of the connecting pipe 8 and the air inlet 31 of the drive shaft 3 can be connected via a bearing. When the gas generator 2 and the drive shaft 3 are located on the same axis, the arrangement can also be: one end of the connecting pipe 8 is connected to the gas outlet 21 of the gas generator 2 via a bearing, and the other end is fixedly connected to the air inlet 31 of the drive shaft 3; it can even be set such that the gas outlet 21 of the gas generator 2 is fixedly connected to the air inlet 31 of the drive shaft 3, and the gas generator 2 can be rotatably arranged to avoid obstructing the rotation of the drive shaft 3. There are several ways to introduce gas into the gas generator 2. For example, when the gas generator 2 is located on the outer wall of the outer cylinder 5, the gas inlet of the gas generator 2 can be connected to the hole opened on the housing of the garment processing equipment through a pipe; when the gas generator 2 is located on the inner wall of the housing, the gas inlet of the gas generator 2 can be directly connected to the hole opened on the housing, etc. The installation method of the transmission shaft 3, which causes the inner cylinder 1 to rotate with the rotation of the transmission shaft 3, and the installation method of the transmission shaft 3 on the outer cylinder 5 are all existing installation methods, and their technology is relatively mature, so they will not be described further here.

[0033] Because existing gas generators emit bubbles directly between the inner and outer drums, their effectiveness in dissolving detergent and removing stains from clothing is limited. Common improvements include increasing the gas output or modifying the generator to produce microbubbles, but these methods do not significantly enhance performance. Furthermore, directly introducing the gas generated by the generator into the water storage area of ​​the inner drum presents technical challenges. For example, inserting the connecting pipes into the inner drum can interfere with its rotation.

[0034] The applicant's research revealed that the probability of air bubbles entering the inner drum 1 from the outer drum 5 through the water-permeable holes on the inner drum 1 is very small. Furthermore, experiments have shown that even very small microbubbles, rather than large ones, have difficulty effectively entering the inner drum 1. In other words, this application found that the main reason for the poor detergent dissolution and stain removal effect on clothing is not the quantity or size of the generated bubbles, but rather that the water-permeable holes on the inner drum 1 prevent air bubbles from effectively entering the inner drum 1.

[0035] Based on the aforementioned problems not discovered by those skilled in the art, this application introduces the gas generated by the gas generator 2 directly into the water storage area of ​​the inner drum 1 through the airflow channel of the drive shaft 3, forming high-energy bubbles in the washing / rinsing water, and then forming a large number of cavitation bubbles in the water. The bursting of hundreds of billions of rigid cavitation bubbles generates a powerful impact force, effectively removing dirt from clothes, reducing the amount of detergent used and residue, and significantly improving the stain removal and detergent dissolution effects.

[0036] Furthermore, through the arrangement of the present invention, the gas generated by the gas generating device 2 can be sequentially introduced into the water storage area of ​​the inner drum 1 through the gas outlet 21 of the gas generating device 2, the air inlet 31 of the drive shaft 3, and the air outlet 32 ​​of the drive shaft 3. Since the gas is introduced into the inner drum 1 through the drive shaft 3 that drives the inner drum 1 to rotate, the arrangement of the present invention will not hinder the rotation of the inner drum 1. During the washing process, the gas generating device 2 can be activated at any time to introduce gas into the water storage area of ​​the inner drum 1. Therefore, the present invention overcomes the technical difficulties caused by directly introducing the gas generated by the gas generating device into the water storage area of ​​the inner drum.

[0037] As one possible implementation method, refer to Figure 1 The inner wall of the inner cylinder 1 is provided with a first shell 12. The first shell 12 and the bottom wall form a radial flow channel shell. The inlet of the radial flow channel shell is the installation port 11, and the outlet of the radial flow channel shell is located in the water storage area, that is, the radial flow channel shell extends to the water storage area of ​​the inner cylinder 1.

[0038] The inlet of the radial flow channel shell is connected to the air outlet 32 ​​of the drive shaft 3, so that gas can be introduced into the water storage area of ​​the inner drum 1 through the air outlet 32 ​​of the drive shaft 3, the inlet of the radial flow channel shell, and the outlet of the radial flow channel shell. Since the first shell 12 is arranged radially on the bottom wall of the inner drum 1, during the washing process, as the inner drum 1 rotates, the clothes will not interfere with the radial flow channel shell, thus avoiding snagging on the clothes and preventing damage to the clothes or the first shell 12.

[0039] As one possible implementation method, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4The inner wall of the inner cylinder 1 is provided with a second shell 13 in the axial direction. The second shell 13 and the inner wall form an axial cavity shell. The axial cavity shell includes an air inlet, which is connected to the outlet of the radial flow channel shell. The second shell 13 has multiple vent holes (not shown in the figure) distributed in the axial direction of the inner cylinder 1.

[0040] That is, after the gas is discharged from the outlet of the longitudinal flow channel shell, it enters the axial cavity shell through the air inlet. Since the second shell 13 has multiple vent holes distributed in the axial direction of the inner cylinder 1, the gas will be evenly dispersed in the water storage area in the axial direction of the bottom of the side wall of the inner cylinder 1, which improves the stain removal ability of clothes and the dissolution effect of detergent. Since the second shell 13 and the inner side wall of the inner cylinder 1 form a small closed space, the bubble energy loss is small, so the bubbles can still reach the clothes efficiently to form cavitation bubbles, which effectively remove dirt from the clothes.

[0041] In one possible implementation, the inner wall of the inner drum 1 is provided with lifting ribs (not shown in the figure). The lifting ribs and the inner wall form a cavity. The lifting ribs are provided with air inlets, which are connected to the outlet of the radial flow channel shell. The lifting ribs have multiple vent holes distributed along the axial direction of the inner drum 1. It can be understood that the function of the lifting ribs is to lift the clothes to a higher position when the inner drum 1 rotates, forming an up-and-down tumbling motion to achieve the purpose of washing the clothes.

[0042] That is, after the gas is discharged from the outlet of the longitudinal flow channel shell, it enters the cavity of the lifting rib through the air inlet of the lifting rib. Since the lifting rib has multiple air holes distributed in the axial direction of the inner cylinder 1, the gas will be evenly dispersed in the water storage area in the axial direction of the bottom of the side wall of the inner cylinder 1, which improves the stain removal ability of clothes and the dissolution effect of detergent. Since the lifting rib and the inner side wall of the inner cylinder 1 form a small closed space, the energy loss of the bubble is small, so the bubble can still reach the clothes efficiently to form cavitation bubbles, which effectively remove dirt from the clothes.

[0043] The aforementioned second housing 13 and lifting ribs are arranged along the axial direction of the inner cylinder 1 on the inner side wall of the inner cylinder 1, thus also preventing damage to clothing.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, in one possible implementation, the garment processing equipment also includes a positioning device 4, which is configured to position the inner tube 1 (including direct positioning and indirect positioning of the inner tube 1) and release the positioning. After the positioning device 4 positions the inner tube 1, the gas generated by the gas generator 2 can be introduced into the water storage area of ​​the inner tube 1.

[0045] After the positioning device 4 positions the inner cylinder 1, the inner cylinder 1 rotates to a position where the gas generated by the gas generator 2 can be introduced into the water storage area of ​​the inner cylinder 1 through the gas outlet 32. At this time, the gas generator 2 is activated, so that the gas is introduced into the water storage area of ​​the inner cylinder 1 through the gas outlet 32 ​​of the drive shaft 3.

[0046] The positioning device 4 ensures that the gas generated by the gas generator 2 enters the water storage area of ​​the inner drum 1. This is especially important when there is a large amount of clothing in the inner drum 1, which results in a heavy load. When the inner drum 1 rotates to a position where the gas generated by the gas generator 2 can be introduced into the water storage area of ​​the inner drum 1 through the gas outlet 32, the load distribution may become unbalanced after the inner drum 1 stops rotating. For example, if the load of clothing accumulates on the left or right side wall of the inner drum 1, the inner drum 1 will continue to rotate under the influence of the load after the inner drum 1 stops rotating. The present invention, through the positioning device 4, can position the inner drum 1 to prevent it from continuing to rotate, thereby ensuring that the gas enters the water storage area of ​​the inner drum 1. The side walls of the inner drum 1 include a top side wall, a bottom side wall, a left side wall, and a right side wall. The bottom wall is the side closest to the ground after the clothing processing equipment is placed.

[0047] Specifically, there are various ways to position the inner cylinder 1, and the present invention will describe several possible implementation methods below.

[0048] Implementation method one, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The inner cylinder 1 is provided with an insertion hole 14. The positioning device 4 includes a first driving device 41 and a first locking tongue 42. The first driving device 41 is connected to the first locking tongue 42. Under the drive of the first driving device 41, the first locking tongue 42 can extend into the insertion hole 14 and retract from the insertion hole 14. Of course, the insertion hole 14 described above can also be replaced by a groove. For ease of explanation, the present invention will be described below using the insertion hole 14 as an example.

[0049] Specifically, the first locking tongue 42 can be a rod-shaped structure or a plate-shaped structure, etc. The present invention does not limit this structure. The first driving device 41 includes a motor, a cam, and a connecting rod. The motor can be fixed to the outer wall of the outer cylinder 5 or the inner wall of the housing by a bracket or other device. The output shaft of the motor is fixedly connected to the cam. The cam is hinged to one end of the connecting rod, and the other end of the connecting rod is hinged to the first locking tongue 42. The side wall of the outer cylinder 5 is provided with a mounting hole 51, through which the first locking tongue 42 passes. There is a movable gap between the first locking tongue 42 and the mounting hole 51 so that the first locking tongue 42 can move within the mounting hole. The mounting hole 51 is movable and has a certain length to limit the first locking tongue 42, that is, to limit its linear movement. The first locking tongue 42 is sealed to the mounting hole 51. For example, the cover 7 is sealed to the periphery of the mounting hole 51 and the top of the cover 7 is provided with a hole. After the first locking tongue 42 passes through the mounting hole 51, it continues to pass through the hole of the cover 7 from the inside of the cover 7. The first locking tongue 42 is fixedly sealed to the hole of the cover 7. When the first locking tongue 42 is retracted, it is opposite to the position of the insertion hole 14. The cover 7 is flexible so as not to hinder the movement of the first locking tongue 42.

[0050] When the motor is running, under the limiting action of the mounting hole 51, the output shaft of the motor drives the cam to rotate, and then drives the first locking tongue 42 to move linearly through the connecting rod hinged to it. Since the first locking tongue 42 is set to correspond to the insertion hole 14 when it is retracted, the first locking tongue 42 can be extended into the insertion hole 14 under the action of the first driving device 41, thereby completing the positioning of the inner cylinder 1, and the first locking tongue 42 can be retracted from the first insertion hole 14, thereby completing the release of positioning.

[0051] Furthermore, the mounting hole 51 and the first locking tongue 42 may not be sealed through the cover 7, and can be replaced with a flexible sealing gasket, etc.; or the first locking tongue 42 may not be limited through the mounting hole 51. For example, when the first drive device 41 is replaced with a structure of a motor and a gear rack, that is, the output shaft of the motor is fixedly connected to the gear, and the gear meshes with the rack. In this case, a slide can be provided on the outer cylinder 5, and the rack can be slidably set in the slide and pass through the mounting hole 51. The rack can be sealed and connected to the periphery of the mounting hole 51 through the cover 7, and after the seal passes through the hole of the cover 7, it is connected to the first locking tongue 42, etc., wherein there is a movable gap between the rack and the mounting hole 51.

[0052] Furthermore, the position of the first locking tongue relative to the insertion hole 14 when it retracts may not be opposite. For example, the first locking tongue may be arc-shaped, and the inner wall of the outer cylinder 5 may be provided with an arc-shaped track that is adapted to the first locking tongue to limit the first locking tongue. The first locking tongue is located on the arc-shaped track, and one end of the arc-shaped track is opposite to the insertion hole 14, so that the first end of the first locking tongue can slide out of the arc-shaped track and extend into the insertion hole 14 under the action of the first driving device. When the first locking tongue retracts, the first end slides back into the arc-shaped track. In this case, the second end of the first locking tongue extends out of the other end of the arc-shaped track and out of the mounting hole, and the second end can be sealed to the mounting hole by a flexible sealing gasket / cover. The first driving device 41 may be a combination of a motor and a gear, wherein the gear meshes with the second end of the first locking tongue.

[0053] As one possible implementation, the insertion hole 14 is located in the cavity formed by the lifting rib and the inner sidewall.

[0054] The advantage of this arrangement is that when the first locking tongue 42 is inserted into the insertion hole 14, since the insertion hole 14 is located in the cavity formed by the lifting rib and the inner wall of the inner tube 1, the first locking tongue 42 can avoid interfering with the clothes in the inner tube 1 and can avoid wear on the first locking tongue 42.

[0055] Implementation Method Two: Refer to Figure 4 The positioning device 4 includes a second driving device 43 and a second locking tongue 44. The driving body that drives the inner cylinder 1 to rotate has a second groove. Under the drive of the second driving device 43, the second locking tongue 44 can extend into the second groove and retract from the second groove. The second driving device 43 can take various forms, such as a combination of an electric push rod, a motor, and a gear rack. The second driving device 43 can be installed on the outer bottom wall of the outer cylinder 5 or on the inner wall of the housing.

[0056] The driving body that drives the inner cylinder 1 to rotate refers to any structure that enables the inner cylinder 1 to rotate under the action of the driving body.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the motor of the garment handling device is a direct-drive motor 6, and the driving body is the outer rotor of the direct-drive motor 6, which is connected to the transmission shaft 3. That is, a second groove (not shown in the figure) is provided on the outer rotor, and under the drive of the second driving device 43, the second locking tongue 44 can extend into the second groove and can retract from the second groove.

[0058] When the inner cylinder 1 is positioned, the second drive device 43 is activated, causing the second locking tongue 44 connected to the second drive device 43 to extend into the second groove on the outer rotor. Since the outer rotor of the direct drive motor 6 is connected to the transmission shaft, the inner cylinder 1 will rotate when the outer rotor rotates. Therefore, after the second locking tongue 44 extends into the second groove of the outer rotor, the outer rotor can be positioned, and thus the inner cylinder 1, which rotates coaxially with it, can be positioned. When the second locking tongue 44 retracts from the second groove of the outer rotor, the positioning of the inner cylinder is released.

[0059] In another possible implementation, a first pulley (not shown in the figure) is fitted onto the drive shaft 3, and a second pulley (not shown in the figure) is fitted onto the output shaft of the motor of the garment processing device. The first pulley and the second pulley are connected by a belt, and the driving element is either the first pulley or the second pulley. Specifically, the first pulley or the second pulley has a second groove. Under the drive of the second driving device, the second locking tongue can extend into the second groove and retract from it. In this embodiment, the motor driving the inner drum 1 to rotate can be fixed to the inner wall of the casing or the outer wall of the outer drum 5.

[0060] When the inner cylinder 1 is positioned, the second drive device is activated, causing the second locking tongue connected to the second drive device to extend into the second groove of the first pulley or the second pulley, thereby stopping the rotation of the first pulley or the second pulley. As a result, the inner cylinder 1 will also stop rotating, thus achieving the positioning of the inner cylinder 1. When the second locking tongue 44 retracts from the second groove of the first pulley or the second pulley, the positioning of the inner cylinder is released.

[0061] As one possible implementation, the garment handling equipment also includes a position sensing device, which is configured to be triggered when the inner drum 1 rotates to a set position to control the inner drum 1 to stop rotating and to position the inner drum 1 by the positioning device 4.

[0062] The specific forms of position sensing devices include various types. For example, a position sensing device may include a Hall sensor and a magnet. The Hall sensor is disposed on the side wall of the outer cylinder 5, and the magnet is disposed on the side wall of the inner cylinder 1. When the inner cylinder 1 rotates to a set position, the Hall sensor and the magnet are positioned opposite each other to trigger a signal. Alternatively, a Hall sensor may be disposed on the outer bottom wall of the outer cylinder 5, and a magnet may be disposed on the outer rotor of the direct drive motor 6 that drives the inner cylinder 1 to rotate. When the inner cylinder 1 rotates to a set position, the Hall sensor and the magnet are positioned opposite each other to trigger a signal. Or, a position sensor may include a signal switch and a signal contact. The signal switch is disposed at the opening of the outer cylinder 5, and the signal contact is disposed at the opening of the inner cylinder 1. When the inner cylinder 1 rotates to a set position, the signal switch and the signal contact come into contact to trigger a signal.

[0063] The set position to which the inner drum 1 rotates can be the position where the positioning device 4 can position the inner drum 1, for example, the position where the first locking tongue 42 can extend into the insertion hole 14, or the position where the second locking tongue 44 can extend into the second groove; or it can be the position where the inner drum 1 rotates to a preset distance before the positioning device 4 can position the inner drum 1. Since the inner drum 1 may continue to rotate slowly after the motor stops rotating by controlling the inner drum 1 with a large current, the preset distance is used to make the rotation speed of the inner drum 1 continue to decrease before the positioning device 4 positions the inner drum 1, which is more conducive to protecting the positioning device 4 and the washing machine from damage.

[0064] In the above configuration, when the inner drum 1 rotates to the set position, the position sensor is triggered and sends a trigger signal, which is then received by the controller. If the set position is a position that can position the inner drum 1, after receiving the trigger signal, the controller controls the inner drum 1 to stop rotating and simultaneously controls the positioning device 4 to position itself. If the set position is a position where the inner drum 1 rotates to a preset distance before the positioning device 4 can position the inner drum 1, after receiving the trigger signal, the controller controls the inner drum 1 to stop rotating and then allows the inner drum 1 to continue rotating a preset distance. After the inner drum 1 continues to rotate a preset distance, the controller controls the positioning device 4 to position itself. This allows for precise positioning of the inner drum 1. After the positioning device 4 positions the inner drum 1, the position of the inner drum 1 allows gas to be introduced into the water storage area of ​​the inner drum 1. For example, if the inner drum 1 rotates to a position where the outlet of the radial flow channel shell is located in the water storage area, the gas generated by the gas generator 2 is introduced into the water storage area of ​​the inner drum 1 from the gas outlet 32, effectively removing stains from clothes and efficiently dissolving detergent.

[0065] The present invention also provides a control method for a garment processing device, the control method comprising:

[0066] Step S100: During the washing process, control the inner drum to operate at a preset rotation-stop ratio.

[0067] Step S200: Start the gas generating device.

[0068] One approach is to incorporate a bubble program into the washing program of the garment processing equipment, which introduces gas into the inner drum. During the washing program, the inner drum operates at a preset rotation-to-stop ratio. At this time, the gas generator can be activated during the washing process. For example, the gas generator can be activated before or during the operation of the inner drum at the preset rotation-to-stop ratio. After activation, the gas generated by the gas generator can be introduced into the water storage area of ​​the inner drum. Specific introduction methods include, for example, when the inner wall of the inner drum has a first shell on its inner side, the first shell and the bottom wall form a radial flow channel shell. The inlet of the radial flow channel shell is an installation port, and the outlet of the radial flow channel shell is located in the water storage area. Because the inner drum rotates, the gas is intermittently introduced into the water storage area. That is, when the inner drum rotates to the point where the outlet of the radial flow channel shell is located in the water storage area, the gas is introduced into the water storage area, thus completing the efficient washing of the clothes. When the inner drum rotates to the point where the outlet of the radial flow channel shell is not located in the water storage area, the gas is not introduced into the water storage area. Of course, multiple first shells can also be provided on the inner side of the bottom wall of the inner drum of the present invention, and when the inner drum is rotated to any position, the outlet of the radial flow channel shell formed by at least one first shell and the bottom wall of the inner drum is located in the water storage area. If the first shells are evenly radially distributed on the bottom wall of the inner drum with the installation port as the center, although the amount of gas generated by the gas generator is reduced and introduced into the water storage area, the clothes can be continuously bubble-washed in the washing program. At this time, the washing effect can be further enhanced by increasing the amount of gas generated by the gas generator.

[0069] Possibly, when the gas is intermittently introduced into the water storage area of ​​the inner cylinder, the control method may further include the following steps before the step of "controlling the gas generating device to start": controlling the inner cylinder to rotate when the inner cylinder is in a section where it stops rotating; controlling the inner cylinder to stop rotating when the inner cylinder rotates to a set position; and controlling the positioning device to position the inner cylinder.

[0070] When the inner cylinder is in the stop-rotation range, that is, when the motor running according to the preset rotation-stop ratio is in the stop-rotation range, a bubble program can be executed, that is, the inner cylinder is controlled to rotate until it rotates to a set position, at which point the inner cylinder is controlled to stop rotating. If the set position is a position where the positioning device can position the inner cylinder, then after the inner cylinder stops rotating, the positioning device is simultaneously controlled to move, so that the positioning device positions the inner cylinder. Positioning is performed by the above-described method of positioning the inner cylinder or positioning the motor. If the set position is a position where the inner cylinder rotates to a preset distance before the positioning device can position the inner cylinder, then after the inner cylinder stops rotating, the inner cylinder continues to rotate a preset distance, and after the inner cylinder continues to rotate a preset distance, the positioning device is controlled to move. Positioning is performed by the above-described method of positioning the inner cylinder or positioning the motor, thereby completing the positioning of the inner cylinder. This control method only runs the bubble washing program when the inner drum stops rotating, without affecting the operation of the washing machine's original washing program. Based on the washing effect of the original washing program on clothes, it can further improve the removal of stains and the dissolution effect of detergent.

[0071] The set position is the set position described in the above embodiments. There are various ways to determine when the inner cylinder rotates to the set position. For example, it can be done by setting the position sensing device described above, or it can be determined when the inner cylinder rotates to the set position based on the rotation speed and time of the motor that drives the inner cylinder to rotate. That is, the rotation speed and time of the motor determine the rotation position of the inner cylinder. Therefore, when the rotation speed and time of the motor both reach the set values, it can be determined that the inner cylinder has rotated to the set position.

[0072] Of course, when the inner cylinder is in the rotation range while operating at a preset rotation-to-stop ratio, the inner cylinder can be directly controlled to rotate to a set position. For example, the rotation speed of the inner cylinder can be reduced to a preset speed. In this case, when the inner cylinder rotates to the set position, the inner cylinder can be controlled to stop rotating, and then the positioning device can be controlled to position the inner cylinder.

[0073] After the positioning device positions the inner drum, it can prevent the inner drum from continuing to rotate due to the load of clothes. This ensures that the gas generated by the gas generator is introduced into the water storage area of ​​the inner drum through the gas outlet of the drive shaft, thus removing stains from the clothes and effectively dissolving the detergent.

[0074] After the step of “starting the gas generator”, the control method also includes: within a preset time before the inner cylinder continues to rotate, controlling the positioning device to release the positioning of the inner cylinder.

[0075] In other words, the preset time control positioning device in the original washing program of the washing machine before the inner drum rotates releases the positioning of the inner drum. For example, it controls the first driving device in the above embodiment to drive the first locking tongue to retract from the insertion hole, or controls the second driving device in the above embodiment to drive the second locking tongue to retract from the second groove. This allows the inner drum to rotate without interfering with the washing of clothes after the bubble washing is completed, thereby achieving efficient washing of clothes.

[0076] It should be noted that the above embodiments are merely used to illustrate the principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can adjust the above embodiments so that the present invention can be applied to more specific application scenarios.

[0077] For example, as an alternative implementation, although the present invention is described with the first housing 12 as an example, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. As long as it is possible to introduce gas from the outlet 32 ​​of the drive shaft 3 to the water storage area of ​​the inner cylinder 1, the arrangement can be adjusted. For example, a pipe can be provided, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet 32 ​​of the drive shaft 3, and the outlet of which is located in the water storage area of ​​the inner cylinder 1, that is, the pipe extends to the water storage area of ​​the inner cylinder 1. These are all within the scope of protection of the present invention and do not deviate from the principle of the present invention.

[0078] For example, at least one of the second housing 13, lifting rib, position sensor, and positioning device 4 can be omitted.

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

Claims

1. A garment processing device, characterized in that, The garment processing equipment includes: The inner cylinder has an installation port on its bottom wall; A gas generating device, the gas generating device including a gas outlet; A drive shaft has an airflow channel formed along its axial direction. The air inlet end of the drive shaft is connected to the gas outlet, and the air outlet end of the drive shaft is connected to the mounting port, so that the inner cylinder can rotate as the drive shaft rotates. The gas generated by the gas generator can be introduced into the water storage area of ​​the inner cylinder through the gas outlet. The clothing processing equipment is a drum washing machine; The garment processing equipment also includes a positioning device, which is configured to position and release the inner drum. After the positioning device positions the inner drum, the gas generated by the gas generator can be introduced into the water storage area of ​​the inner drum.

2. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner side of the bottom wall is provided with a first shell, which together with the bottom wall forms a radial flow channel shell, wherein the inlet of the radial flow channel shell is the installation port, and the outlet of the radial flow channel shell is located in the water storage area.

3. The garment processing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner wall of the inner cylinder is provided with a second shell along its axial direction. The second shell and the inner wall together form an axial cavity shell. The axial cavity shell includes an air inlet, which is connected to the outlet of the radial flow channel shell. The second shell has multiple vent holes distributed along the axial direction of the inner cylinder; or The inner wall of the inner cylinder is provided with lifting ribs, which together with the inner wall form a cavity. The lifting ribs are provided with air inlets, which are connected to the outlet of the radial flow channel shell. The lifting ribs are provided with multiple vent holes distributed along the axial direction of the inner cylinder.

4. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner cylinder is provided with an insertion hole / first groove. The positioning device includes a first driving device and a first locking tongue. The first driving device is connected to the first locking tongue. Under the drive of the first driving device, the first locking tongue can extend into the insertion hole / first groove and retract from the insertion hole / first groove.

5. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning device includes a second driving device and a second locking tongue. The driving body that drives the inner cylinder to rotate is provided with a second groove. Under the drive of the second driving device, the second locking tongue can extend into the second groove and retract from the second groove.

6. The garment processing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The motor of the garment processing equipment is a direct-drive motor, and the driving element is the outer rotor of the direct-drive motor, which is connected to the transmission shaft; or A first pulley is fitted on the drive shaft, and a second pulley is fitted on the output shaft of the motor of the garment processing equipment. The first pulley and the second pulley are connected by a belt, and the driving body is either the first pulley or the second pulley.

7. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The garment processing equipment also includes a position sensing device, which is configured to be triggered when the inner drum rotates to a set position, so as to control the inner drum to stop rotating and to position the inner drum by the positioning device.

8. A control method for a garment processing device, characterized in that, The garment processing equipment includes: The inner cylinder has an installation port on its bottom wall; A gas generating device, the gas generating device including a gas outlet; A drive shaft has an airflow channel formed along its axial direction. The air inlet end of the drive shaft is connected to the gas outlet, and the air outlet end of the drive shaft is connected to the mounting port, so that the inner cylinder can rotate as the drive shaft rotates. The gas generated by the gas generator can be introduced into the water storage area of ​​the inner cylinder through the gas outlet. The clothing processing equipment is a drum washing machine; The garment processing equipment also includes a positioning device, which is configured to position and release the inner drum. After the positioning device positions the inner drum, the gas generated by the gas generator can be introduced into the water storage area of ​​the inner drum. The control method includes: During the washing process, the inner drum is controlled to operate at a preset rotation-stop ratio; When the inner cylinder is in the section where it stops rotating, control the rotation of the inner cylinder; When the inner cylinder rotates to a set position, the inner cylinder is controlled to stop rotating; The positioning device is controlled to position the inner cylinder. Control the gas generator to start; Within a preset time before the inner cylinder continues to rotate, the positioning device is controlled to release the positioning of the inner cylinder.

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