Control method of a laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of clothes treatment, and particularly provides a control method of clothes treatment equipment, aiming at solving the problem of poor effect of bacteria removal of washing machines in the prior art. To this end, the control method comprises: obtaining a washing mode of the clothes treatment equipment, if the washing mode is a mixed washing mode, obtaining a current running stage of the washing mode, if the current running stage is in a pre-watering stage, controlling an inner drum to rotate at a preset inner drum rotating speed, and controlling a light plasma tube and a fan to operate simultaneously, before or after the inner drum is controlled to rotate at the preset rotating speed. The present application combines the operation of the light plasma tube and the fan with the running stage of the mixed washing mode, so that better bacteria removal effect can be obtained while ensuring smooth operation of the mixed washing mode.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] As people's living standards improve, washing machines are being used more and more frequently in daily life. When users need to wash clothes, they simply put the clothes and detergent into the washing machine drum and run the machine to clean them. However, this method of washing with water can only remove stains from clothes; it cannot remove bacteria, viruses, or other contaminants.

[0003] Therefore, current methods for sterilizing clothes typically include ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, ozone, and silver ions. However, UV irradiation sterilization usually only works on the surface of the clothes exposed to UV light, and the limited space inside the washing drum makes it difficult to achieve UV coverage of all clothing surfaces. Ozone sterilization is effective, but ozone is harmful to humans; the National Indoor Air Quality Standards strictly limit ozone levels. Furthermore, ozone's strong oxidizing properties can easily cause clothing to fade, hindering its widespread adoption. Silver ion sterilization involves adding nanomaterials to the surfaces of the inner and outer drums of the washing machine, releasing bactericidal silver ions during washing. However, silver ion sterilization requires the clothes to be in full contact with the silver ions to be effective; areas not in contact will not be sterilized.

[0004] Accordingly, a new technical solution is needed in this field to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, namely, to solve the problem that the sterilization method of washing machines in the prior art is not effective.

[0006] This invention provides a control method for a garment processing device. The garment processing device includes a housing, an outer cylinder disposed within the housing, and an inner cylinder disposed within the outer cylinder. The inner cylinder is connected to the outer cylinder and is rotatable relative to the outer cylinder. The garment processing device is equipped with a photo-plasma fresh air device. The photo-plasma fresh air device includes a housing, a photo-plasma tube, and a fan disposed within the housing. The housing has an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is connected to the environment, and the air outlet is connected to the inner cylinder. An air duct is formed between the air inlet and the air outlet. At least a portion of the photo-plasma tube is located within the air duct. The photo-plasma tube is... The device is configured to ionize air to generate a gas containing ionized substances when powered on. The fan is configured to draw air from the environment into the housing through the air inlet and discharge the gas ionized by the photoplasma tube through the air outlet. The control method includes: acquiring the washing mode of the garment processing device; if the washing mode is a mixed washing mode, acquiring the current operating stage of the mixed washing mode; if the current operating stage is the pre-water intake stage, controlling the inner drum to rotate at a preset inner drum speed; and controlling the photoplasma tube and the fan to operate simultaneously, before, or after controlling the inner drum to rotate at the preset inner drum speed.

[0007] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, both the photoplasma tube and the fan have high, medium and low speeds, and the step of "controlling the operation of the photoplasma tube and the fan" further includes: controlling both the photoplasma tube and the fan to operate at medium speed.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, the photo-plasma fresh air device is disposed below the outer cylinder, and a waterproof and breathable valve is provided between the photo-plasma fresh air device and the outer cylinder. The control method further includes: controlling the waterproof and breathable valve to open while controlling the inner cylinder to rotate at a preset inner cylinder speed, before, or after.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the above control method, the garment processing device further includes a water inlet valve, which is configured to supply water to the inner drum when open. The control method further includes: after controlling the photo-plasma tube and the fan to run for a first preset time, controlling the water inlet valve to open and controlling the garment processing device to run the mixed washing mode; before controlling the water inlet valve to open, controlling the waterproof and breathable valve to close and controlling the photo-plasma tube and the fan to stop running.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, both the photoplasma tube and the fan have high, medium and low speeds. The control method further includes: if the current operating stage is the spin-drying stage, then controlling the waterproof and breathable valve to open; while controlling the waterproof and breathable valve to open or afterward, controlling both the photoplasma tube and the fan to operate at high speed.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the above control method, the control method further includes: before controlling the opening of the waterproof and breathable valve, obtaining the running time of the spin-drying stage; comparing the running time with a time threshold; if the running time is greater than the time threshold, controlling the opening of the waterproof and breathable valve; if the running time is less than or equal to the time threshold, not opening the waterproof and breathable valve.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the above control method, the control method further includes: after controlling the photoplasma tube and the fan to run at high speed for a second preset time, controlling the photoplasma tube and the fan to stop running.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the above control method, the photo-plasma fresh air device is positioned above the outer drum. Both the photo-plasma tube and the fan have high, medium, and low speeds. The garment processing equipment also includes a water inlet valve, which is configured to supply water to the inner drum when open. The control method further includes: after controlling the photo-plasma tube and the fan to run for a third preset time, controlling the water inlet valve to open and controlling the garment processing equipment to run the mixed washing mode; simultaneously with or after controlling the water inlet valve to open, controlling both the photo-plasma tube and the fan to run at a low speed until the mixed washing mode ends.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the above control method, the photo-plasma fresh air device is disposed above the outer cylinder, and both the photo-plasma tube and the fan have high, medium and low speeds. The control method further includes: if the current operating stage is in the non-water inlet stage, then the photo-plasma tube and the fan are controlled to operate at medium speed until the mixed washing mode operation ends.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the above control method, the control method further includes: before obtaining the current operating stage of the washing mode, obtaining the odor concentration inside the inner drum; comparing the odor concentration with a concentration threshold; if the odor concentration is greater than the concentration threshold, obtaining the current operating stage of the washing mode; if the odor concentration is less than or equal to the concentration threshold, not obtaining the current operating stage of the washing mode.

[0016] In the technical solution of this invention, the garment processing equipment includes a housing, an outer cylinder disposed within the housing, and an inner cylinder disposed within the outer cylinder. The inner cylinder is connected to the outer cylinder and is configured to rotate relative to the outer cylinder. The garment processing equipment is equipped with a photo-plasma fresh air device, which includes a housing, a photo-plasma tube disposed within the housing, and a fan. The housing has an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is connected to the environment, and the air outlet is connected to the inner cylinder. An air duct is formed between the air inlet and the air outlet. At least a portion of the photo-plasma tube is located within the air duct. The fan is disposed within the housing. The photo-plasma tube is configured to ionize air when energized, thereby generating a gas containing ionized substances. The fan is configured to introduce air from the environment into the housing through the air inlet and expel the gas ionized by the photo-plasma tube through the air outlet. With this setup, ambient air enters the housing through the air inlet under the action of the fan. When energized, the photoplasma tube inside the housing decomposes pure oxygen and water in the air into ionic substances such as hydroxide ions, free oxygen atoms, and superoxide ions. The gas containing these ionic substances then enters the inner drum through the air outlet. Since these ionic substances effectively remove bacteria and viruses, they can also disinfect bacteria and viruses inside the inner drum and on the clothing being treated. In other words, this application's photoplasma fresh air device can effectively remove bacteria and viruses from the inner drum and the clothing being treated, achieving a good sterilization effect. Simultaneously, the gas introduced into the inner drum by the fan also promotes the expulsion of existing air, thereby enhancing airflow within the inner drum, achieving the purpose of deodorizing, preventing mold and bacterial growth, and effectively improving the user experience.

[0017] The control method of the present invention includes: acquiring the washing mode of the garment processing equipment; if the washing mode is a mixed washing mode, acquiring the current operating stage of the washing mode; if the current operating stage is the pre-water intake stage, controlling the inner drum to rotate at a preset inner drum speed; and controlling the operation of the photo-plasma tube and fan simultaneously, before, or after controlling the inner drum to rotate at the preset speed. Through this control method, when the washing mode is a mixed washing mode and the current operating stage is the pre-water intake stage, controlling the inner drum to rotate at a preset inner drum speed and controlling the operation of the photo-plasma tube and fan combines the operation of the photo-plasma tube and fan with the operating stage of the mixed washing mode. This ensures the smooth operation of the mixed washing mode and the washing effect while better disinfecting the outer drum, inner drum, and the clothes inside the inner drum, achieving a better sterilization effect.

[0018] Furthermore, both the photoplasma tube and the fan have high, medium, and low speed settings. The step of "controlling the operation of the photoplasma tube and fan" further includes controlling both the photoplasma tube and the fan to operate at the medium speed. This allows the photoplasma tube to ionize the air and generate a large amount of ionized matter. The fan then draws more air into the photoplasma fresh air device and delivers the gas containing more ionized matter into the inner drum, thus disinfecting the outer drum, inner drum, and clothing located inside the inner drum, achieving a better sterilization effect.

[0019] Furthermore, the photo-plasma fresh air device is located below the outer cylinder, and a waterproof and breathable valve is installed between the photo-plasma fresh air device and the outer cylinder. This valve allows the photo-plasma fresh air device to be connected to or disconnected from the outer cylinder. In this case, the waterproof and breathable valve is opened simultaneously with, before, or after the inner cylinder is rotated at a preset speed. Since the outer and inner cylinders are connected, the photo-plasma fresh air device is connected to the inner cylinder. Then, through the rotation of the inner cylinder and the operation of the photo-plasma tube and fan, gas containing ionized substances enters the inner cylinder, disinfecting the outer cylinder, the inner cylinder, and the clothing inside the inner cylinder, achieving a better sterilization effect.

[0020] The garment processing equipment also includes a water inlet valve, which is configured to deliver water into the inner drum when open. After the photoplasma tube and fan have been running for a first preset period, during which time they have introduced a significant amount of gas containing ionized substances into the inner drum, effectively disinfecting the outer and inner drums and the clothes, the water inlet valve is then opened to deliver water into the inner drum, and the garment processing equipment is activated to start the mixed washing mode. Before opening the water inlet valve, the waterproof vent valve is closed, and the photoplasma tube and fan are stopped to prevent water entering the inner drum through the water inlet valve from entering the photoplasma ventilation unit and causing damage. This control method ensures effective sterilization while achieving good washing results, effectively preventing damage to the photoplasma ventilation unit and improving the user experience.

[0021] If the current operation is in the spin-drying phase, the waterproof vent valve will be opened. Simultaneously or subsequently, the photoplasma tube and fan will operate at high speed. In other words, during the spin-drying phase, the waterproof vent valve is opened, and the photoplasma tube and fan are both operated at high speed. This allows more gas containing ionized substances to be delivered into the inner drum through the photoplasma tube and fan, better disinfecting the outer drum, inner drum, and clothing inside the inner drum, thus achieving a better sterilization effect.

[0022] Before opening the waterproof vent valve, the duration of the spin-drying phase is recorded and compared to a time threshold. If the duration exceeds the threshold, there is virtually no washing water remaining in the outer drum. In this case, the waterproof vent valve opens, preventing washing water from entering the housing and ensuring stable operation of the photo-plasma fresh air system for effective sterilization. If the duration is less than or equal to the threshold, a small amount of washing water may still remain in the outer drum. In this case, the waterproof vent valve remains closed to prevent washing water from entering the housing and damaging the photo-plasma fresh air system. This control method achieves good sterilization while avoiding damage to the photo-plasma fresh air system.

[0023] After the photoplasma tube and fan have been running at high speed for a second preset time, they have already been running for a considerable period of time and have introduced a large amount of gas containing ionized substances into the inner drum. Bacteria and viruses on the outer drum, inner drum, and clothing have been basically eliminated. At this point, the photoplasma tube and fan are stopped. This achieves a good sterilization effect while saving energy.

[0024] Furthermore, the photo-plasma fresh air device is located above the outer drum, and the garment handling equipment also includes a water inlet valve, which is configured to supply water to the inner drum when open. In this case, after the photo-plasma tube and fan have been running for a third preset period of time, during which time they have already run for a while and supplied a relatively large amount of gas containing ionized substances into the inner drum, effectively eliminating bacteria and viruses on the outer drum, inner drum, and clothes, the water inlet valve is then opened to supply water to the inner drum, and the garment handling equipment is activated to run the mixed washing mode to begin washing the clothes. Simultaneously or subsequently, the photo-plasma tube and fan are kept running at a low speed until the mixed washing mode is completed. Because disinfection has been carried out before water intake, the levels of bacteria and viruses remaining on the outer and inner drums, as well as on the clothes, are relatively low. Therefore, by operating the photo-plasma tube and fan at a low speed simultaneously with or after opening the water inlet valve, and continuing this operation until the mixed wash cycle ends, the sterilization requirements can be met while simultaneously reducing energy consumption. This control method ensures effective sterilization while minimizing energy consumption.

[0025] If the current operation is in the pre-water inlet stage, since the photo-plasma fresh air device is located above the outer drum, even if the photo-plasma fresh air device is turned on, no washing water will enter the photo-plasma fresh air device. At this time, the photo-plasma tube and fan are controlled to run at medium speed, introducing the gas containing ionized substances into the inner drum, disinfecting the outer drum, inner drum, and clothes located in the inner drum, and achieving a better sterilization effect.

[0026] Furthermore, before determining the current operating stage of the washing mode, the odor concentration inside the drum is measured and compared to a concentration threshold. If the odor concentration is greater than the threshold, it indicates that there is already an odor inside the drum, potentially indicating the presence of bacteria, viruses, etc. In this case, the current operating stage of the washing mode is determined. After obtaining the current operating stage, the operation of the drum, photo-plasma tube, and fan is controlled according to the specific conditions of each stage. If the odor concentration is less than or equal to the concentration threshold, it indicates that there is no odor inside the drum, and disinfection is unnecessary. In this case, the current operating stage of the washing mode is not determined. Through this control method, the sterilization effect is ensured while reducing energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The control method of the clothing management device of the present invention is described below using a drum washing machine as an example and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram (I) of a photo-plasma fresh air device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram (II) of a photo-plasma fresh air device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram (a) of a drum washing machine equipped with a photo-plasma fresh air device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram (II) of a drum washing machine equipped with a photo-plasma fresh air device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a general flowchart of a control method for a drum washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a control flowchart of a photo-plasma fresh air device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is located below the outer cylinder;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a control flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention, which selectively controls the opening of the waterproof and breathable valve based on the duration of the spin-drying stage.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a control flowchart of a photo-plasma fresh air device according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is installed above the outer cylinder;

[0036] Figure 9 This is a control flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention, which determines whether to acquire the current operating stage of the washing mode based on the odor concentration inside the inner drum.

[0037] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0038] 1. Outer shell; 2. Inner cylinder; 3. Outer cylinder; 4. Photoplasma fresh air device; 41. Shell; 411. Air inlet; 412. Air outlet; 4121. Air outlet duct; 42. Photoplasma tube; 43. Fan; 44. Mounting base; 45. Waterproof and breathable membrane; 46. Valve; 47. Control module. Detailed Implementation

[0039] 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. Although this application uses a drum washing machine with a photo-plasma fresh air device as an example, it is obviously also applicable to other types of clothing handling equipment such as pulsator washing machines and washer-dryer combos.

[0040] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating directional or positional relationships, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, it should be noted that in the description of this application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "connected" 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 mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0041] To remove bacteria and viruses from clothing, drum washing machines typically use methods such as ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, ozone, and silver ions for sterilization. However, UV irradiation sterilization usually only sterilizes clothing exposed to UV light, resulting in limited effectiveness. Ozone sterilization is more effective, but ozone is harmful to humans. Silver ion sterilization requires contact with clothing to achieve sterilization, also limiting its effectiveness. Therefore, this invention provides a control method for a clothing treatment device. By controlling the inner drum to rotate at a preset speed and controlling the operation of the photoplasma tube and fan during the pre-water intake stage of the mixed washing mode, the operation of the photoplasma tube and fan is integrated with the mixed washing mode, ensuring smooth operation of the mixed washing mode while achieving better sterilization results.

[0042] First, refer to Figures 1 to 4 This paper will describe possible implementations of the clothing management device of the present invention.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a drum washing machine includes a casing 1, an inner drum 2 disposed within the casing 1, and an outer drum 3 disposed outside the inner drum 2. The inner drum 2 is rotatable relative to the outer drum 3. Clothes to be washed are placed into the inner drum 2, and the drum washing machine is started to wash the clothes. It should be noted that a drum washing machine may also not include the outer drum 3.

[0044] The photo-plasma fresh air device 4 includes a housing 41, a photo-plasma tube 42, and a fan 43. The photo-plasma tube 42 is configured as a U-shaped tube, and the fan 43 is an axial flow fan. Both the photo-plasma tube 42 and the fan 43 are housed inside the housing 41, which isolates them from the external environment. This prevents dust from accumulating on the photo-plasma tube 42 and the fan 43, affecting their air ionization efficiency, and prevents moisture from causing the photo-plasma tube 42 and the fan 43 to become damp or even short-circuit, thus ensuring the stable operation of the photo-plasma fresh air device 4. The housing 41 has a roughly rectangular cross-section and has an air inlet 411 and an air outlet 412. The air inlet 411 is connected to the environment. An air outlet duct 4121 is provided at the air outlet 412, with one end connected to the air outlet 412 and the other end connected to the outer cylinder 3, thus achieving interconnection between the air outlet 412 and the outer cylinder 3. The inner cylinder 2 is provided with multiple water passage holes, meaning that the outer cylinder 3 and the inner cylinder 2 are connected, thus enabling the air outlet 412 to be connected to the inner cylinder 2. An air duct is formed between the air inlet 411 and the air outlet 412. At least a portion of the photoplasma tube 42 is located within the air duct. The photoplasma tube 42 is configured to ionize air when energized, thereby generating a gas containing ionized substances. The fan 43 is configured to introduce ambient air into the housing 41 through the air inlet 411 and send the gas ionized by the photoplasma tube 42 out through the air outlet 412.

[0045] With this configuration, under the action of fan 43, ambient air enters the housing 41 through air inlet 411. When energized, the photoplasma tube 42 inside the housing 41 decomposes pure oxygen and water in the air into hydroxyl, free oxygen atoms, and superoxide ions, forming ionic substances. The gas containing these ionic substances then enters the inner drum 2 through air outlet 412. These ionic substances can decompose volatile organic compounds and other harmful substances into carbon dioxide and water, and can also destroy bacterial cell membranes, thus achieving antibacterial effects. In this way, the ionic substances in the gas can disinfect bacteria and viruses in the outer drum 3, inner drum 2, and on the laundry inside. In other words, this application's photoplasma fresh air device 4 can effectively remove bacteria and viruses from the outer drum 3, inner drum 2, and the laundry inside, achieving a good sterilization effect. Simultaneously, the gas introduced into the inner cylinder 2 by the fan also causes the original air inside the inner cylinder 2 to be expelled, thereby enhancing the airflow inside the inner cylinder and achieving the purpose of deodorizing, preventing the growth of mold and bacteria, thus effectively improving the user experience. Obviously, the cross-section of the shell 41 can also be set to other possible shapes such as ellipse, square, hexagon.

[0046] It should be noted that the photoplasma tube 42 can also be configured as a strip tube, a W-shaped tube, or other possible forms. Without departing from the principle of this application, those skilled in the art can flexibly choose the specific configuration of the photoplasma tube 42 according to the specific application scenario, as long as the photoplasma tube 42 can ionize the air to generate a gas containing ionized substances when energized.

[0047] It should be noted that the fan 43 can also be a cross-flow fan, a centrifugal fan or other possible types. Without departing from the principle of this application, those skilled in the art can flexibly choose the specific type of fan 43 according to the specific application scenario, as long as the fan 43 can introduce air from the environment into the housing 41 through the air inlet 411 and send the gas ionized by the photoplasma tube 42 out through the air outlet 412.

[0048] It should be noted that the air inlet 411 can be directly connected to the space between the outer drum 3 and the outer shell 1. When the photo-plasma fresh air device 4 is running, the air in the space between the outer drum 3 and the outer shell 1 enters the shell 41 through the air inlet 411, is ionized by the photo-plasma tube 42, and then enters the inner drum 2. Alternatively, an air inlet pipe can be provided at the air inlet 411. In this case, a vent is provided on the outer shell 1, and the end of the air inlet pipe away from the shell 41 is connected to the vent on the outer shell 1, thus enabling the air inlet 411 to communicate with the environment. Obviously, when a circulating air duct is provided inside the drum washing machine, the end of the air inlet pipe away from the shell 41 can also be connected to the circulating air duct. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can flexibly choose the specific arrangement of the air inlet 411 communicating with the environment, as long as air from the environment can enter the shell 41 through the air inlet 411.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the photoplasma tube 42 of this application can emit ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 170-190nm when energized. Under the action of ultraviolet light of this wavelength, it can ionize the air to produce more ionized substances. Thus, the gas containing ionized substances obtained after ionization by the photoplasma tube 42 can remove more bacteria, viruses, etc., thereby achieving a better sterilization effect.

[0050] Obviously, the photoplasma tube 42 can also emit ultraviolet light of other wavelengths when it is powered on. Compared with ultraviolet light with wavelengths of 170-190nm, the amount of ionized substances produced by ionizing the air is reduced when the photoplasma tube 42 emits ultraviolet light of other wavelengths, but a certain sterilization effect can still be achieved.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, the air inlet 411 and the air outlet 412 are respectively located on opposite sides of the housing 41 (i.e., Figure 1(As shown in the diagram, the housing 41 has left and right sides). Under the action of the fan 43, ambient air enters the housing 41 through the right-side air inlet 411 and is then discharged from the left-side air outlet 412. Inside the housing 41, near the air inlet 411, a mounting base 44 is provided. The photoplasma tube 42 and the fan 43 are respectively mounted on this mounting base 44 along the airflow direction (i.e.,...). Figure 1 On both sides (left and right directions) of the optical plasma tube 42 when assembled. Figure 1 Extending left and right in the middle, the fan 43 is aligned with the air inlet 411, thus positioning the fan 43 upstream of the photoplasma tube 42 along the airflow direction and close to the air inlet 411. Under the action of the fan 43, ambient air enters the housing 41 through the air inlet 411 and is blown towards the photoplasma tube 42 by the fan 43. This ensures that the air can come into contact with the photoplasma tube 42 throughout its entire flow path within the housing 41, allowing for more thorough contact and ionization to generate more ionized substances, thereby achieving a better sterilization effect.

[0052] It should be noted that the air inlet 411 and air outlet 412 can also be arranged on the housing 41 in other ways. Specifically, as shown below... Figure 2 As shown, according to Figure 2 As shown, the air inlet 411 is located on the right side of the housing 41, and the air outlet 412 is located on the upper side of the housing 41, meaning the air inlet 411 and air outlet 412 are respectively located on adjacent sides of the housing 41. The air outlet 412 is located near the end of the photoplasma tube 42 furthest from the mounting base 44. Thus, after ambient air enters the housing 41 through the air inlet 411 on the right side, it is blown towards the photoplasma tube 42 by the fan 43, comes into contact with and is ionized by the photoplasma tube 42, and is then discharged through the upper air outlet 412. This forms a roughly L-shaped airflow channel within the housing 41. Because the air outlet 412 is located near the left side of the housing 41, it can also promptly discharge gases containing ionized substances from the housing 41. Alternatively, the air inlet 411 could be located on the right side of the housing 41, and the air outlet on the lower side of the housing 41, etc. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can flexibly choose the specific placement of the air inlet 411 and the air outlet 412 on the housing 41 according to the specific application scenario, as long as the air in the environment can enter the housing 41 through the air inlet 411 and the ionized air can be discharged through the air outlet 412.

[0053] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the photo-plasma fresh air device 4 also includes a waterproof and breathable component, which is a waterproof and breathable membrane 45. This membrane 45 is configured to allow only gas to pass through. In this application, the waterproof and breathable membrane 45 can be installed at the air outlet 412 by means of bonding, screwing, or snapping. The waterproof and breathable membrane 45 is a novel polymer waterproof material, mainly composed of three layers: PP spunbond nonwoven fabric, PE polymer breathable membrane, and PP spunbond nonwoven fabric. The waterproof and breathable membrane 45 achieves the purpose of preventing water from passing through through the following principle: In the state of water vapor, water particles are very small. According to the principle of capillary motion, they can easily penetrate into the capillary to the other side, thus causing vapor permeation. When water vapor condenses into water droplets, the particles become larger. Due to the surface tension of the water droplets (the mutual "pulling and resistance" between water molecules), the water molecules cannot easily detach from the water droplets and penetrate to the other side, thus preventing water penetration and giving the breathable membrane a waterproof function.

[0054] In this way, when the photo-plasma fresh air device 4 is running, ambient air enters the housing 41 through the air inlet 411, is ionized by the photo-plasma tube 42, then passes through the waterproof and breathable membrane 45, and finally enters the inner drum 2 through the air outlet 4121. Even if the drum washing machine is in the process of washing and a lot of washing water splashes up, the waterproof and breathable membrane 45 will prevent the washing water in the outer drum 3 from entering the housing 41 through the air outlet 412, thus ensuring the stable operation of the photo-plasma fresh air device 4.

[0055] It should be noted that the waterproof and breathable component can also be valve 46, for example, valve 46 can be a solenoid valve, etc. Specifically, as shown below... Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, valve 46 is installed on the air outlet pipe 4121. When the photo-plasma fresh air device 4 is running, valve 46 is opened; when the photo-plasma fresh air device 4 is not running, valve 46 is closed. This also prevents washing water from entering the housing 41, ensuring the stable operation of the photo-plasma fresh air device 4. Of course, when the waterproof and breathable component is valve 46, the air outlet 412 may not require an air outlet pipe 4121; the valve 46 can be directly snapped onto the air outlet 412. In this case, valve 46 can be a threaded waterproof and breathable valve, a snap-on waterproof and breathable valve, a twist-lock waterproof and breathable valve, a plug-type waterproof and breathable valve, or other possible types. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can flexibly choose the specific configuration of the waterproof and breathable component according to the specific application scenario, as long as it only allows gas to pass through.

[0056] It is understandable that the photo-plasma fresh air device 4 may not include waterproof and breathable components. In this case, in order to avoid the washing water from affecting the photo-plasma fresh air device 4, the photo-plasma fresh air device 4 can be set on the top side or near the top side of the outer wall of the outer cylinder 3 or at other positions higher than the washing water level.

[0057] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the photo-plasma fresh air device 4 also includes a control module 47, which can selectively control the operation of the photo-plasma tube 42 and the fan 43 according to the odor concentration in the inner cylinder 2, and can also control the operation of the water inlet valve, the photo-plasma tube 42 and the fan 43.

[0058] It should be noted that the photo-plasma fresh air device 4 may not require a separate control module, but can achieve the above control functions through the control chip of the drum washing machine itself, or a functional module or functional unit of a general controller.

[0059] It should be noted that when the waterproof and breathable component is valve 46, in this case, valve 46 is connected to control module 47, and control module 47 is configured to control the opening and closing of valve 46.

[0060] The following reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 This paper describes a possible implementation of the photo-plasma fresh air device 4 of this application on a drum washing machine.

[0061] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a through hole (not shown) is provided on the upper side of the outer drum 3. One end of the air outlet pipe 4121 is connected to the air outlet 412 of the photo-plasma fresh air device 4, and the other end is connected to the through hole, thus placing the photo-plasma fresh air device 4 above the outer drum 3. When the drum washing machine is running, the photo-plasma fresh air device 4 is turned on. The gas containing ionized substances generated by the photo-plasma fresh air device 4 enters the outer drum 3 through the air outlet 412 and then enters the inner drum 2, sterilizing the drum washing machine and the clothes to be washed in the inner drum 2, and causing the original air in the inner drum 2 to be expelled, thereby achieving a better sterilization and deodorization effect.

[0062] It should be noted that the photo-plasma fresh air device 4 can also be located below the outer drum 3. In this case, to prevent washing water in the outer drum 3 from entering the housing 41, the waterproof and breathable component is set as a valve 46. When the drum washing machine is running and there is water in the outer drum 3, the valve 46 is closed. When the drum washing machine is not running or there is no water in the outer drum 3, the valve 46 can be opened, and the photo-plasma fresh air device 4 can be used to sterilize and deodorize the drum washing machine. Of course, the photo-plasma fresh air device 4 can also be located near or below the outer drum 3. Without departing from the principle of this application, those skilled in the art can flexibly choose the specific placement of the photo-plasma fresh air device 4 inside the housing 1 according to the specific application scenario, as long as it can sterilize the drum washing machine.

[0063] The drum washing machine includes a control panel (not shown), which has indicator lights that are configured to display the operating status of the photo-plasma fresh air device 4. Specifically, a yellow indicator light indicates that the photo-plasma fresh air device 4 is in normal operation, a green indicator light indicates that the photo-plasma fresh air device 4 has completed its operation, and a red indicator light indicates that the photo-plasma fresh air device 4 is in an abnormal operating state.

[0064] It should be noted that the different colored indicator lights indicating the operating status of the photoplasma fresh air device 4 are merely illustrative examples. They can obviously represent other operating states as well. For instance, a red indicator light indicates that the photoplasma fresh air device 4 is in normal operation; a green indicator light indicates that the photoplasma fresh air device 4 has completed operation; and a yellow indicator light indicates that the photoplasma fresh air device 4 is in an abnormal operating state. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can flexibly choose the specific implementation method for the indicator lights to display the operating status of the photoplasma fresh air device 4 according to the specific application scenario, as long as the operating status of the photoplasma fresh air device 4 can be displayed through the indicator lights.

[0065] In this application, the drum washing machine is equipped with an odor detection module, which is located inside the inner drum and is configured to detect the odor concentration inside the drum. For example, the odor detection module can be an odor sensor, which is an odor recognizer based on the principle of MEMS (Microelectro Mechanical Systems), and has advantages such as high recognition accuracy and fast speed.

[0066] Obviously, the odor detection module can also be an olfactory cell chip, which includes a cell membrane, a gas-sensitive sensor array, a processor, and a signal transmitter. The cell membrane covers the gas-sensitive sensor array and is used to filter odor molecules. The gas-sensitive sensor array detects the filtered odor molecules and generates an electrical signal. The processor is connected to the gas-sensitive sensor array and processes the electrical signal generated by the array. The signal transmitter is connected to the processor and transmits the processed electrical signal. Those skilled in the art can flexibly choose the specific configuration of the odor detection module according to the specific application scenario, as long as the odor detection module can detect the odor concentration inside the inner cylinder.

[0067] In this application, both the photoplasma tube and the fan have high, medium, and low speed settings. That is, the photoplasma tube can operate at high, medium, and low frequencies respectively. The frequency of the photoplasma tube is related to the amount of ionized matter it can ionize; the higher the frequency, the more ionized matter it can generate. The fan can operate at high, medium, and low speeds respectively; the higher the fan speed, the greater the airflow. Obviously, the photoplasma tube and fan can also have four or five speed settings, or even two or one, allowing those skilled in the art to choose flexibly according to specific application scenarios.

[0068] In this application, the drum washing machine also includes a water inlet valve, which is configured to supply water to the inner drum when open. When washing clothes in the drum washing machine, opening the water inlet valve supplies washing water to the inner drum, and closing the water inlet valve when it is not necessary to supply water to the inner drum.

[0069] In this application, the mixed washing mode generally includes a pre-water inlet stage, a washing stage, a rinsing stage, and a spin-drying stage. During the washing and rinsing stages, washing water is generally present in the outer drum. Since the photo-plasma fresh air device is located below the outer drum, operating the photo-plasma fresh air device during the stage when washing water is present in the outer drum may cause washing water to enter the photo-plasma fresh air device, resulting in damage to the photo-plasma fresh air device.

[0070] The following reference Figures 5 to 9 This paper describes possible implementations of the control method for the drum washing machine of the present invention.

[0071] like Figure 5 As shown, in one possible implementation, the control method of the present invention includes:

[0072] S100: Obtain the washing mode of the drum washing machine;

[0073] S101: When the washing mode is a mixed washing mode, obtain the current operating stage of the washing mode;

[0074] S102: If the current operating stage is in the pre-water intake stage, control the inner cylinder to rotate at the preset inner cylinder speed;

[0075] S103: Controls the operation of the photoplasma tube and fan.

[0076] In S100, the washing mode of the drum washing machine is obtained.

[0077] It should be noted that the washing mode of this drum washing machine can be preset by the user through the remote control, the control panel on the drum washing machine, or the APP that communicates with the drum washing machine, or the drum washing machine can be automatically determined by the drum washing machine based on factors such as the type of clothes, the amount of clothes, and the current season.

[0078] In S101, based on the washing mode of the drum washing machine obtained in S100, if the washing mode is a mixed washing mode, the current operating stage of the mixed washing mode is obtained.

[0079] In S102, based on the current operating stage obtained in S101, if the current operating stage is in the pre-water inlet stage, it means that the washing machine is preparing to wash clothes, but has not yet started water inlet washing, and the drum washing machine has not yet started running the mixed washing mode. At this time, the inner drum is controlled to rotate at a preset inner drum speed, and the clothes are disturbed by the rotation of the inner drum.

[0080] It should be noted that those skilled in the art can flexibly determine the preset inner cylinder rotation speed according to the specific application scenario, and no restrictions are imposed in this application.

[0081] In step S103, after controlling the inner drum to rotate at a preset speed (i.e., after executing S102), the photoplasma tube and fan are controlled to operate. The photoplasma tube ionizes the air to generate a gas containing ionized substances. The fan then draws ambient air into the photoplasma fresh air device and delivers the gas containing ionized substances into the inner drum, thus disinfecting the outer drum, inner drum, and the clothes inside. Furthermore, the rotation of the inner drum agitates the clothes, allowing them to fully contact the gas containing ionized substances, resulting in better disinfection and sterilization.

[0082] By combining the operation of the photo-plasma tube and fan with the operation of the mixed washing mode through the above control method, a better sterilization effect can be obtained while ensuring the smooth operation of the mixed washing mode and the washing effect.

[0083] It should be noted that the photoplasma tube and fan can also be controlled to run simultaneously with or before the inner cylinder rotates at a preset speed, i.e., S103 can be executed simultaneously with or before S102. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can flexibly choose the specific timing for controlling the operation of the photoplasma tube and fan according to the specific application scenario, as long as a good sterilization effect can be obtained when the current operation stage is the pre-water intake stage.

[0084] In one possible implementation, controlling the operation of the photoplasma tube and fan in step S103 specifically includes controlling both the photoplasma tube and fan to operate at medium speed, i.e., controlling the photoplasma tube to operate at a medium frequency and the fan to operate at a medium speed, for example, controlling the photoplasma tube to operate at a frequency of 5W and the fan to operate at a speed of 650r / min. Through this control method, the photoplasma tube can ionize the air to generate more ionized matter, and the fan can introduce more air from the environment into the housing and send more gas containing ionized matter into the inner cylinder, thus achieving a better sterilization effect before water intake. Obviously, step S103 can also specifically involve controlling both the photoplasma tube and fan to operate at high or low speed. However, if both the photoplasma tube and fan are controlled to operate at high speed, although a better sterilization effect will be obtained, the power consumption required during the operation of the photoplasma fresh air device will increase. If both the plasma tube and fan are controlled to operate at low speed, the sterilization effect will be correspondingly weakened.

[0085] In one possible implementation, the photo-plasma fresh air device is located below the outer cylinder, and a waterproof and breathable valve is provided between the photo-plasma fresh air device and the outer cylinder, which allows the photo-plasma fresh air device to be connected to or disconnected from the outer cylinder.

[0086] The following reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 This invention describes possible implementations of the control method when the photo-plasma fresh air device is located below the outer cylinder and a waterproof and breathable valve is provided between the photo-plasma fresh air device and the outer cylinder.

[0087] like Figure 6 As shown, in one possible implementation, the control method of the present invention further includes:

[0088] S200: Obtain the washing mode of the drum washing machine;

[0089] S201: If the washing mode is a mixed washing mode, then obtain the current operating stage of the washing mode;

[0090] S202: Determine whether the current operation is in the pre-water intake stage. If yes, execute S203; otherwise, execute S204.

[0091] S203: Controls the opening of the waterproof and breathable valve;

[0092] S204: Determine whether the current operation is in the spin-drying stage. If yes, execute S206; otherwise, execute S205.

[0093] S205: Do not control the opening of the waterproof and breathable valve, and do not control the operation of the photoplasma tube and fan;

[0094] S206: Controls the opening of the waterproof and breathable valve;

[0095] S207: Controls the operation of the photoplasma tube and fan.

[0096] In S200, similar to S100, the washing mode of the drum washing machine is obtained.

[0097] In S201, similar to S101, based on the washing mode of the drum washing machine obtained in S200, if the washing mode is a mixed washing mode, the current operating stage of the mixed washing mode is obtained.

[0098] In S202, based on the current operating stage obtained in S201, it is determined whether the current operating stage is in the pre-water inlet stage. If the current operating stage is in the pre-water inlet stage, there is no washing water in the outer cylinder during this operating stage. At this time, the waterproof and breathable valve is opened, i.e., S203 is executed to connect the photo-plasma fresh air device with the inner cylinder.

[0099] After opening the waterproof and breathable valve, execute S102, which controls the inner drum to rotate at a preset speed. Then, control the operation of the photoplasma tube and fan to disinfect the outer drum, inner drum, and clothing inside the inner drum.

[0100] It should be noted that the specific execution method of S102 and the control steps after S102 have been explained in detail above. That is, the specific steps for controlling the inner cylinder, photoplasma tube and fan in the current operation stage before water intake have been explained in detail above, and will not be repeated here.

[0101] In one possible implementation, during the pre-water inlet stage of operation, after the photo-plasma tube and fan have been running for a first preset time—for example, after 15 minutes—the photo-plasma tube and fan have already been running for some time, introducing a significant amount of gas containing ionized substances into the inner drum, thus eliminating most bacteria and viruses on the outer drum, inner drum, and clothes. At this point, the water inlet valve is opened to supply water into the inner drum, and the clothes management device is activated to run in mixed washing mode to begin washing the clothes. Before opening the water inlet valve, the waterproof vent valve is closed, and the photo-plasma tube and fan are stopped to prevent water entering the inner drum through the water inlet valve from entering the photo-plasma fresh air device and causing damage. This control method ensures effective sterilization while achieving good washing results, effectively preventing damage to the photo-plasma fresh air device and improving the user experience.

[0102] If the current operating stage is not in the pre-water intake stage, then further determine whether the current operating stage is in the spin-drying stage, i.e., execute S204.

[0103] If the current operating stage is not the spin-drying stage, that is, the current operating stage is neither the spin-drying stage nor the pre-water-in stage, it means that the mixed washing stage may be the washing stage or the rinsing stage, etc. In this case, there is washing water in the outer drum. At this time, the waterproof vent valve is not opened, and the operation of the photo-plasma tube and fan is not controlled. That is, S205 is executed to prevent the washing water in the outer drum from entering the photo-plasma fresh air device and damaging the photo-plasma fresh air device.

[0104] If the current operation is in the spin-drying stage, it means that there is basically no washing water in the outer drum. At this time, the waterproof and breathable valve is opened, that is, S206 is executed to connect the air outlet of the photo-plasma fresh air device with the inner drum.

[0105] After the waterproof and breathable valve is opened, the photoplasma tube and fan are both operated at high speed, i.e., after executing S206, S207 is executed. In this way, the photoplasma tube and fan can deliver more gas containing ionized substances into the inner drum, which can better disinfect the outer drum, inner drum, and the clothes inside the inner drum, and achieve a better sterilization effect.

[0106] It should be noted that the operation of the photoplasma tube and fan can also be controlled at the same time as the opening of the waterproof and breathable valve. Without deviating from the principle of this application, those skilled in the art can flexibly choose the specific timing of controlling the operation of the photoplasma tube and fan according to the specific application scenario, as long as a good sterilization effect can be obtained.

[0107] In one possible implementation, when the current operation is in the spin-drying stage, after controlling both the photoplasma tube and the fan to run at high speed for a second preset time, that is, after executing S207 for the second preset time, for example, after the photoplasma tube and fan have been running for 15 minutes. At this time, the photoplasma tube and fan have been running for a relatively long time, and a large amount of gas containing ionized substances has been introduced into the inner drum. Bacteria, viruses, etc. on the outer drum, inner drum, and clothes have been basically disinfected. At this point, the photoplasma tube and fan are stopped. This achieves both a good sterilization effect and saves energy.

[0108] It should be noted that, after executing S207, the photoplasma tube and fan can also be controlled to run until the mixed washing mode is completed. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can flexibly choose the specific timing for stopping the photoplasma tube and fan according to the specific application scenario, as long as a good sterilization effect can be achieved.

[0109] In summary, when the photo-plasma fresh air device is located below the outer drum, and a waterproof vent valve is installed between the photo-plasma fresh air device and the outer drum, if the current operating stage is the pre-water inlet stage, the waterproof vent valve is opened, the inner drum rotates, and the photo-plasma tube and fan operate. After the photo-plasma tube and fan have been running for a first preset time, the water inlet valve is opened, and the drum washing machine is controlled to run in mixed washing mode. Before opening the water inlet valve, the waterproof vent valve is closed, and the photo-plasma tube and fan stop operating. If the current operating stage is the spin-drying stage, the waterproof vent valve is opened, and the photo-plasma tube and fan operate. If the current operating stage is neither the pre-water inlet stage nor the spin-drying stage, the waterproof vent valve is not opened, and the photo-plasma tube and fan do not operate. Through the above control method, a good washing effect and a good sterilization effect can be obtained, while effectively avoiding damage to the photo-plasma fresh air device, saving energy, and improving the user experience.

[0110] like Figure 7 As shown, in one possible implementation, the control method of the present invention further includes:

[0111] S300: Obtain the runtime of the spin-drying phase before controlling the opening of the waterproof and breathable valve;

[0112] S301: Determine whether the runtime is greater than the runtime threshold. If yes, execute S302; otherwise, execute S303.

[0113] S302: Controls the opening of the waterproof and breathable valve;

[0114] S303: Do not control the opening of the waterproof and breathable valve.

[0115] In S300, when the current operating stage is the spin-drying stage, the running time of the spin-drying stage is obtained before the control of the waterproof and breathable valve to open, that is, before S206 is executed.

[0116] In S301, based on the runtime obtained in S300, it is determined whether the runtime exceeds a time threshold. If the runtime exceeds the time threshold (e.g., the spin-drying stage lasts 1 minute, and the time threshold is 45 seconds), it means that the spin-drying stage has been running for some time and has spun out most of the water remaining on the clothes, meaning there is basically no more water being spun out and no more washing water remains in the outer drum. At this point, the waterproof vent valve is opened, i.e., S302 is executed. Opening the waterproof vent valve at this time prevents water from entering the photo-plasma fresh air device, thus preventing damage to it.

[0117] If the runtime is less than or equal to the time threshold, for example, the spin-drying stage lasts 10 seconds and the time threshold is 45 seconds, it means that the spin-drying stage has just started, some water remains on the clothes, and more water will be spun out. There will still be a small amount of washing water inside the outer drum. In this case, the waterproof vent valve will not be opened, i.e., S303 will be executed to prevent the washing water inside the outer drum from entering the photo-plasma fresh air device and causing damage to it.

[0118] By employing the aforementioned control methods, a good sterilization effect can be achieved without damaging the photo-plasma fresh air device.

[0119] It should be noted that the duration of the spin-drying phase can be omitted before controlling the opening of the waterproof vent valve. That is, S300 is not executed before S206; instead, the waterproof vent valve is directly opened after determining that the current operating phase is the spin-drying phase. Specifically, if the determination result in S204 is "yes," S206 is executed directly. In this case, to prevent the washing water in the outer drum from damaging the photo-plasma fresh air device, the connection between the photo-plasma fresh air device and the outer drum can be located on the upper side of the lowest point of the outer drum. This way, even if there is a small amount of washing water in the outer drum, it will not enter the photo-plasma fresh air device.

[0120] In one possible implementation, the photo-plasma fresh air device is positioned above the outer cylinder, meaning that the air outlet of the photo-plasma fresh air device is higher than the top side of the outer side wall of the outer cylinder.

[0121] The following reference Figure 8 This paper describes possible implementations of the control method of the present invention when the photo-plasma fresh air device is installed above the outer cylinder.

[0122] like Figure 8As shown, in one possible implementation, the control method of the present invention further includes:

[0123] S400: Obtain the washing mode of the front-loading washing machine;

[0124] S401: If the washing mode is a mixed washing mode, then obtain the current operating stage of the washing mode;

[0125] S402: Determine whether the current operating stage is the pre-water intake stage. If yes, execute S102; otherwise, execute S403.

[0126] S403: Controls the photo-plasma tube and fan to run at medium speed until the mixed washing mode ends.

[0127] In S400, similar to S100 and S200, the washing mode of the drum washing machine is obtained.

[0128] In S401, similar to S101 and S201, based on the washing mode of the drum washing machine obtained in S400, if the washing mode is a mixed washing mode, the current operating stage of the mixed washing mode is obtained.

[0129] In S402, based on the current operating stage obtained in S401, it is determined whether the current operating stage is the pre-water inlet stage. If the current operating stage is the pre-water inlet stage, there is no washing water in the outer drum at the current state. At this time, S102 is executed, that is, the inner drum is controlled to rotate at the preset inner drum speed. Then, the photo-plasma tube and fan are controlled to operate to disinfect the outer drum, inner drum, and clothes located in the inner drum.

[0130] It should be noted that the specific execution method of S102 and the control steps after S102 have been explained in detail above. That is, the specific steps for controlling the inner cylinder, photoplasma tube and fan in the current operation stage before water intake have been explained in detail above, and will not be repeated here.

[0131] In one possible implementation, after the photo-plasma tube and fan have been running for a third preset time, for example, 15 minutes, the photo-plasma tube and fan have already run for a considerable period, introducing a significant amount of gas containing ionized substances into the inner drum. Bacteria and viruses on the outer drum, inner drum, and clothes have been largely eliminated. At this point, the water inlet valve is opened to supply water to the inner drum, and the clothes management device is activated to run a mixed washing mode to begin washing the clothes. Since the outer drum, inner drum, and clothes have already been disinfected before water intake, the remaining bacteria and viruses are relatively low. Therefore, after opening the water inlet valve, the photo-plasma tube and fan are controlled to run at the lowest setting until the mixed washing mode ends. This ensures that the photo-plasma tube and fan operate throughout the entire washing process, achieving a good sterilization effect while reducing energy consumption. This control method ensures both effective washing and sterilization while reducing energy consumption, effectively improving the user experience.

[0132] It should be noted that after opening the water inlet valve, the speed of the photoplasma tube and fan can remain unchanged, and they can still operate at their original speeds. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can flexibly select the specific speed of the photoplasma tube and fan after opening the water inlet valve according to the specific application scenario, as long as a good sterilization effect can be obtained.

[0133] It should be noted that the photoplasma tube and fan can also be operated at low speeds simultaneously with the water inlet valve being opened. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can flexibly choose the specific timing for adjusting the speed of the photoplasma tube and fan according to the specific application scenario, as long as a good sterilization effect can be obtained.

[0134] In another possible implementation, if the current operating stage is before water ingress, for example, if the drum washing machine has been running in mixed washing mode for some time and is currently in the washing or rinsing stage, there will be a significant amount of washing water in the outer drum. However, since the photo-plasma fresh air device is located above the outer drum, even if the photo-plasma fresh air device is activated, the washing water in the outer drum will not enter the photo-plasma fresh air device. In this case, both the photo-plasma tube and the fan are controlled to operate at medium speed, i.e., S403 is executed. For example, the photo-plasma tube is controlled to operate at a frequency of 5W and the fan at a speed of 650 rpm. Gas containing ionized substances is introduced into the inner drum to disinfect the outer drum, the inner drum, and the clothes inside the inner drum, achieving a better sterilization effect.

[0135] With the above control method, when the photo-plasma fresh air device is installed above the outer drum, if the current operating stage is the pre-water inlet stage, the inner drum is controlled to rotate, and the photo-plasma tube and fan are controlled to operate. If the current operating stage is any other than the pre-water inlet stage, the photo-plasma tube and fan are controlled to operate at medium speed. In this way, a good sterilization effect can be achieved while ensuring the washing effect.

[0136] It should be noted that when the current operation is not in the pre-water inlet stage, the photo-plasma tube and fan can be controlled to run at a high or low speed until the mixed washing mode ends. Alternatively, the photo-plasma tube and fan can be controlled to run for a preset time period before stopping. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can flexibly select the operating speed and duration of the photo-plasma tube and fan when the current operation is not in the pre-water inlet stage, as long as a good sterilization effect can be achieved.

[0137] The following reference Figure 9 This paper describes a possible implementation of the control method in this application that determines whether to acquire the operating phase of the washing mode based on the odor concentration inside the inner drum.

[0138] like Figure 9 As shown, in one possible implementation, the control method of the present invention further includes:

[0139] S500: Before acquiring the current operating stage of the washing mode, acquire the odor concentration inside the drum;

[0140] S501: Determine whether the odor concentration is greater than the concentration threshold. If yes, proceed to S503; otherwise, proceed to S502.

[0141] S502: Do not obtain the current operating stage of the washing mode;

[0142] S503: Obtain the current operating stage of the washing mode.

[0143] In S500, before the washing mode is acquired, that is, before S101, S201 or S401 is executed, the odor concentration inside the inner drum is obtained by the aforementioned odor detection module.

[0144] In S501, based on the odor concentration inside the drum obtained in S500, it is determined whether the odor concentration is greater than a concentration threshold. If the odor concentration is less than or equal to the concentration threshold, it means that there is basically no odor inside the drum, and no disinfection treatment is required. In this case, the current operating stage of the washing mode is not obtained, i.e., S502 is executed. In this situation, the operation of the drum and the photo-plasma fresh air device can be discontinued, and the mixed washing mode can be directly run to wash clothes.

[0145] If the odor concentration exceeds the concentration threshold, it indicates that there is already an odor inside the inner drum, possibly indicating the presence of a large number of bacteria, viruses, etc., requiring disinfection. In this case, the current operating stage of the washing mode is obtained, i.e., S503 is executed. After obtaining the current operating stage of the washing mode, the operation of the inner drum and the photo-plasma fresh air device is controlled according to the specific operating stage.

[0146] The above control method determines whether to obtain the current operating stage of the washing mode based on the odor concentration inside the inner drum. After obtaining the current operating stage, the operation of the drum washing machine, inner drum and photo-plasma fresh air device are controlled according to the different operating stages. This ensures both washing effect and sterilization effect, while also saving energy.

[0147] It should be noted that the odor concentration inside the drum can be omitted before obtaining the current operating stage of the washing mode. Instead, the current operating stage of the washing mode can be obtained directly after determining that the washing mode is a mixed washing mode.

[0148] In summary, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the washing mode is the mixed washing mode, if the current operating stage is the pre-water inlet stage, the inner drum is controlled to rotate at a preset inner drum speed, and the photoplasma tube and fan are controlled to operate. The operation of the photoplasma tube and fan is combined with the operating stage of the mixed washing mode, thereby ensuring the smooth operation of the mixed washing mode and ensuring the washing effect while obtaining a better sterilization effect. When the photo-plasma fresh air device is located below the outer drum, and a waterproof vent valve is installed between the photo-plasma fresh air device and the outer drum, if the current operation stage is the pre-water inlet stage, the waterproof vent valve is opened. After controlling the photo-plasma tube and fan to run for a first preset time, the water inlet valve is opened, and the drum washing machine is controlled to run in mixed washing mode. Before the water inlet valve is opened, the waterproof vent valve is closed, and the photo-plasma tube and fan are stopped. If the current operation stage is the spin-drying stage, the waterproof vent valve is opened, and the photo-plasma tube and fan are both controlled to run at high speed. After controlling the photo-plasma tube and fan to run at high speed for a second preset time, the photo-plasma tube and fan are stopped. Through this control method, a good washing effect and a good sterilization effect can be obtained, while effectively avoiding damage to the photo-plasma fresh air device and saving energy. When the photo-plasma fresh air device is located below the outer drum, if the current operating stage is the pre-water inlet stage, the water inlet valve will be opened after the photo-plasma tube and fan have been running for the third preset time. The drum washing machine will then be controlled to run in mixed washing mode, and the photo-plasma tube and fan will run at low speed until the mixed washing mode ends. If the current operating stage is any other than the pre-water inlet stage, the photo-plasma tube and fan will both run at medium speed until the mixed washing mode ends. This control method achieves both good washing and sterilization effects, thus enhancing the user experience.

[0149] Although the steps in the above embodiments are described in the above order, those skilled in the art will understand that in order to achieve the effect of this embodiment, different steps do not need to be executed in such order. They can be executed simultaneously (in parallel) or in reverse order. These simple changes are all within the protection scope of this application.

[0150] 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 control method for a garment processing device, characterized in that, The garment processing equipment includes a housing, an outer cylinder disposed within the housing, and an inner cylinder disposed within the outer cylinder. The inner cylinder is connected to the outer cylinder and is rotatable relative to the outer cylinder. The garment processing equipment is equipped with a photo-plasma fresh air device. The photo-plasma fresh air device includes a housing, a photo-plasma tube and a fan disposed within the housing. The housing has an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is in communication with the environment, and the air outlet is in communication with the inner drum. An air duct is formed between the air inlet and the air outlet. At least a portion of the photo-plasma tube is located within the air duct. The photo-plasma tube is configured to ionize air when energized, thereby generating a gas containing ionized substances. The fan is configured to draw air from the environment into the housing through the air inlet and expel the gas ionized by the photo-plasma tube through the air outlet. Both the photo-plasma tube and the fan have high, medium, and low speed settings. The clothing processing device also includes a water inlet valve, which is configured to supply water to the inner drum when opened. The control method includes: Obtain the washing mode of the garment processing device; If the washing mode is a mixed washing mode, then obtain the current operating stage of the mixed washing mode; If the current operating stage is the pre-water intake stage, then the inner cylinder is controlled to rotate at a preset inner cylinder speed; While controlling the inner cylinder to rotate at the preset inner cylinder speed, or before or after, control the operation of the photoplasma tube and the fan. The photo-plasma fresh air device is located below the outer cylinder, and a waterproof and breathable valve is installed between the photo-plasma fresh air device and the outer cylinder. The control method further includes: The waterproof and breathable valve is opened while, before, or after the inner cylinder is rotated at a preset inner cylinder speed. After controlling the photo-plasma tube and the fan to run for a first preset time, the water inlet valve is opened, and the clothes handling equipment is controlled to run the mixed washing mode. Before the water inlet valve is opened, the waterproof and breathable valve is closed, and the photoplasma tube and the fan are stopped. The photo-plasma fresh air device is positioned above the outer cylinder, and the control method further includes: After controlling the photo-plasma tube and the fan to run for a third preset time, the water inlet valve is opened, and the clothing processing equipment is controlled to run the mixed washing mode. While or after the water inlet valve is opened, the photo-plasma tube and the fan are both controlled to run at low speed until the mixed washing mode is finished. If the current operating stage is before water inlet, the photo-plasma tube and the fan are controlled to operate at medium speed until the mixed washing mode operation ends.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of "controlling the operation of the photoplasma tube and the fan" further includes: The photoplasma tube and the fan are both controlled to run at medium speed.

3. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control method further includes: If the current operating stage is the spin-drying stage, then control the waterproof and breathable valve to open; While controlling the opening of the waterproof and breathable valve, or afterward, control the photoplasma tube and the fan to operate at high speed.

4. The control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control method further includes: Before controlling the opening of the waterproof and breathable valve, obtain the running time of the spin-drying stage; Compare the runtime with the time threshold. If the runtime exceeds the time threshold, the waterproof and breathable valve is opened. If the running time is less than or equal to the time threshold, the waterproof and breathable valve will not be opened.

5. The control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control method further includes: After controlling the photoplasma tube and the fan to run at high speed for a second preset time, control the photoplasma tube and the fan to stop running.

6. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control method further includes: Before obtaining the current operating stage of the washing mode, obtain the odor concentration inside the inner drum; Compare the odor concentration with the concentration threshold. If the odor concentration is greater than the concentration threshold, then the current operating stage of the washing mode is obtained; If the odor concentration is less than or equal to the concentration threshold, the current operating stage of the washing mode is not obtained.

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