Steam care method, control device and clothing treatment equipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of steam care technology, and more particularly to a steam care method, control device, and clothing treatment equipment. The steam care method comprises: obtaining clothing information; and determining, based on the clothing information, a mixing ratio of tap water and soft water for steam generation. During steam care, the present invention enables clothing of different types and / or materials to achieve the desired moisture content within a unit time. Furthermore, it effectively conserves soft water, reduces ion resin consumption, and reduces steam care costs while improving steam quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of steam care, and in particular to a steam care method, a control device and clothing processing equipment. Background Art

[0002] In the related art, users usually perform steam care on clothes by heating tap water to generate steam. However, since the water quality of tap water is too hard, the rate of generating steam by heating tap water is very low and the time period is very long, or the amount of steam generated within a certain period of time is very small, which is not enough to reach the minimum moisture content required for steam care of clothes. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to overcome the problems in the related art, the first aspect of the present invention provides a steam care method, which comprises:

[0004] Get clothing information;

[0005] A mixing ratio of tap water and soft water for generating steam is determined according to the clothing information.

[0006] In some embodiments, determining a mixing ratio of tap water and soft water for generating steam based on the clothing information includes:

[0007] determining a target mixed water hardness value after the tap water and soft water are mixed according to the clothing information;

[0008] The mixing ratio of tap water and soft water for generating steam is determined according to the target mixed water hardness value.

[0009] In some embodiments, determining the mixing ratio of tap water and soft water for generating steam according to the target mixed water hardness value includes:

[0010] Determining a theoretical mixing ratio of tap water and soft water within a set hardness value range according to the target mixed water hardness value;

[0011] Get the actual hardness value of the tap water used to generate steam;

[0012] The actual mixing ratio of tap water and soft water is determined according to the actual hardness value, the set hardness value range and the theoretical mixing ratio.

[0013] In some embodiments, determining the actual mixing ratio of tap water and soft water based on the actual hardness value, the set hardness value range, and the theoretical mixing ratio includes:

[0014] When the actual hardness value is within the set hardness value range, the actual mixing ratio is the theoretical mixing ratio;

[0015] When the actual hardness value is greater than the maximum value of the set hardness value range, the actual mixing ratio is obtained by reducing the mixing amount of tap water on the basis of the theoretical mixing ratio;

[0016] When the actual hardness value is less than the minimum value of the set hardness value range, the actual mixing ratio is obtained by reducing the mixing amount of soft water based on the theoretical mixing ratio.

[0017] In some embodiments, the clothing information includes clothing material information and / or clothing type information.

[0018] In some embodiments, obtaining clothing information includes:

[0019] determining the laundry information according to a laundry treatment program selected by a user;

[0020] Alternatively, the clothing information is determined by reading label information of the clothing.

[0021] In some embodiments, the steam care method further comprises:

[0022] When the number of steam cares reaches a preset number, at least one descaling process is performed on the steam generating device used to generate steam, and the descaling process includes: controlling the heating tube of the steam generating device to dry-burn for a set time, and then injecting cold water into the steam generating device.

[0023] The second aspect of the present invention proposes a control device, which includes one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions. When the one or more processors execute the program instructions, the one or more processors are used to implement any steam care method proposed in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0024] A third aspect of the present invention provides a clothes treating device, which operates according to any steam care method provided in the first aspect of the present invention, or includes the control device provided in the second aspect of the present invention.

[0025] In some embodiments, the laundry processing apparatus includes a laundry processing drum, a steam generating device, a water softening device, a first water inlet pipe, and a second water inlet pipe, wherein:

[0026] The steam generating device includes a first water inlet, a second water inlet and a steam outlet, the first water inlet is connected to the first water inlet pipe, the second water inlet is connected to the second water inlet pipe, the softening device is arranged on the first water inlet pipe, and the steam outlet is connected to the clothing processing drum.

[0027] The technical solution of the present invention can achieve the following beneficial effects: By determining the mixing ratio of tap water and soft water used to generate steam based on clothing information, the present invention ensures that the hardness of the mixed tap water and soft water reaches the target mixed water hardness value corresponding to the clothing information. This allows for the generation of a large amount of steam in a short period of time, allowing clothing of different types and / or materials to reach the required moisture content for steam care within a given unit of time. Furthermore, the present invention effectively conserves soft water usage and reduces the consumption of ion resin, eliminating the need for ion resin replenishment or replacement for an extended period of time, thereby improving steam care effectiveness while reducing steam care costs.

[0028] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0030] Figure 1 This is one of the flow charts of a steam care method of a clothes treating apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a second flowchart of a steam care method for a clothes treating apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a third flowchart of a steam care method for a clothes treating apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a fourth flowchart of a steam care method for a clothes treating apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Figure 5 is a structural diagram of a clothes treating apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] The reference numerals are as follows:

[0036] 1. Resin softening area; 2. Regeneration salt reduction area; 3. Resin repair area; 41. First water inlet pipe; 42. Second water inlet pipe; 7. Wastewater outlet pipe; 9. Hardness sensor; 10. Calcium ion probe; 11. Iron ion probe; 12. Acidic water pipeline; 13. Alkaline water pipeline; 20. Shell; 30. Clothes treatment drum; 40. Steam generator; 50. Drain pipe; 60. Drain pump. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, when referring to the drawings, like numbers in different figures represent the same or similar elements unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments are not intended to represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatus and methods consistent with certain aspects of the present invention, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0038] The present embodiment is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments and examples may be combined with each other unless there is any conflict.

[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment, this embodiment provides a steam care method. Figure 1 is one of the flow charts of steam care according to an exemplary embodiment, referring to Figure 1 , steam care includes the following steps:

[0040] S11, obtaining clothing information;

[0041] S12. Determine a mixing ratio of tap water and soft water for generating steam according to clothing information.

[0042] In this embodiment, water quality affects its evaporation rate. The greater the water's hardness, the more calcium and magnesium ion compounds it contains. These compounds occupy the surface area of ​​water molecules, making it more difficult for them to escape into the vapor phase. This phenomenon is known as "evaporation inhibition." Therefore, the greater the water's hardness, the slower the rate of water vapor generated by evaporation. This is especially true for clothing fabrics requiring high moisture content, which can take a long time to reach the required humidity. When steaming clothing, a certain steam rate must be maintained to achieve the desired moisture content and achieve the desired steaming effect. Different garments require different moisture contents for steaming. For garments requiring higher moisture contents, water with a lower hardness value is required to maintain the desired steaming rate. For garments requiring lower moisture contents, water with a higher hardness value can meet the desired steaming rate. To achieve the desired hardness for different garments, water with varying hardness values ​​can be obtained by mixing tap water with soft water in a specific ratio. Therefore, this embodiment obtains clothing information and determines the mixing ratio of tap water and soft water used to generate steam based on the clothing information so that different clothes can reach the required amount of steam per unit time, achieve the moisture content required for steam care, and obtain the ideal steam care effect.

[0043] In this embodiment, the clothing information includes clothing material information and / or clothing type information, wherein the clothing material information includes, for example, cotton, linen, chemical fiber, wool, silk, etc., and the clothing type information includes, for example, shirts, suits, mink, etc.

[0044] In one feasible method, the mixing ratio of tap water and soft water will form a one-to-one mapping relationship according to the type of clothing being cared for. The optimal moisture content required for steam care of clothes of different materials and / or clothing types can be obtained through experimental verification. When the moisture content required for steam care of clothes is high, the proportion of soft water is larger, and more steam is generated per unit time. If the moisture content required for steam care of clothes is low, the proportion of soft water will be relatively smaller, and the steam generated per unit time will also be relatively less.

[0045] Therefore, this embodiment obtains clothing information and determines the mixing ratio of tap water and soft water based on the clothing information, allowing clothing of different types and / or materials to reach the required moisture content for steam care within a unit of time. This method also effectively conserves soft water and reduces ion resin consumption, eliminating the need for replenishment or replacement of ion resin raw materials for an extended period of time, thereby improving steam care effectiveness while reducing steam care costs.

[0046] In some embodiments, the type of clothing information obtained can be determined based on the clothing treatment program selected by the user. For example, when performing steam care, the user selects the "Cotton and Linen" clothing treatment program through the control panel of the clothing treatment device or a mobile terminal connected to the clothing treatment device. The clothing treatment device automatically matches the tap water and soft water mixture ratio corresponding to cotton and linen fabrics. In another embodiment, the clothing treatment device is further equipped with a tag reading device to obtain clothing material information and / or clothing type information by reading the clothing tag.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a second flow chart of steam care according to an exemplary embodiment, referring to Figure 2 The step of determining the mixing ratio of tap water and soft water for generating steam according to clothing information includes the following steps:

[0048] S21, determining a target mixed water hardness value after mixing tap water and soft water based on the clothing information;

[0049] S22. Determine a mixing ratio of tap water and soft water for generating steam according to a target mixed water hardness value.

[0050] In this embodiment, target mixed water hardness values ​​for steam care of different materials and / or types of clothing are determined. Only when water having the target mixed water hardness value is heated can the steam rate generated achieve the desired moisture content for steam care of the clothing. After determining the clothing information, the target mixed water hardness value after mixing tap water and soft water is determined based on a pre-stored one-to-one mapping relationship between the clothing information and the target mixed water hardness value. The mixing ratio of tap water to soft water is then determined based on the target mixed water hardness value so that the hardness of the mixed water reaches the target mixed water hardness value.

[0051] Figure 3 This is a flow chart of steam care according to an exemplary embodiment, referring to Figure 3 The step of determining the mixing ratio of tap water and soft water for generating steam according to the target mixed water hardness value comprises the following steps:

[0052] S31, determining a theoretical mixing ratio of tap water and soft water within a set hardness value range according to a target mixed water hardness value;

[0053] S32. Obtaining an actual hardness value of tap water used to generate steam;

[0054] S33. Determine the actual mixing ratio of tap water and soft water according to the actual hardness value, the set hardness value range and the theoretical mixing ratio.

[0055] In this embodiment, the hardness value range is set to be a hardness value range with moderate hardness of tap water, so that the hardness of the tap water is just at the junction of soft water and hard water. For example, the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions in the set hardness value range is between 110-130 mg / L, and then it is mixed with soft water with a concentration of calcium and magnesium ions of 0 to obtain the theoretical mixing ratio of tap water and soft water. However, due to the large span of the hardness values ​​of tap water in different regions, there may be situations where the hardness value of tap water is outside the set hardness value range. Therefore, it is necessary to correct the actual hardness of the user's tap water. Therefore, before performing steam care, a hardness sensor is set at the tap water inlet end of the clothing treatment equipment to determine the actual hardness value of the tap water, and then the actual hardness value is compared with the set hardness value range. When the actual hardness value is within the set hardness value range, the tap water is mixed according to the theoretical mixing ratio of tap water and soft water, that is, the actual mixing ratio is the theoretical mixing ratio. If the actual hardness value is less than the minimum value of the set hardness value range, it means that the actual water hardness value of the tap water is low, and the theoretical mixing ratio needs to be corrected. Reducing the amount of soft water injected can achieve the target mixed water hardness value. In other words, the actual mixing ratio is based on the theoretical mixing ratio and the amount of soft water mixed is reduced. If the actual hardness value is greater than the maximum value of the set hardness value range, it means that the water hardness value of the tap water is high, and the theoretical mixing ratio needs to be corrected. Reducing the amount of tap water injected can achieve the target mixed water hardness value. In other words, the actual mixing ratio is based on the theoretical mixing ratio and the amount of tap water mixed is reduced.

[0056] In some embodiments, the steam treatment method further comprises:

[0057] When the number of steam cares reaches a preset number, at least one descaling process is performed on the steam generating device used to generate steam. The descaling process includes: controlling the heating tube of the steam generating device to dry-burn for a set time, and then injecting cold water into the steam generating device.

[0058] In this embodiment, since the steam generator does not generate steam by heating pure soft water, scale will inevitably form on the heating tubes used to heat the water, including tap water, over long periods of time. This will lead to a decrease in atomization volume. To prevent this, the steam generator is periodically descaling the heating tubes at least once after a set number of steam treatments have been completed to remove scale. This embodiment utilizes thermal expansion and contraction to first dry-heat the heating tubes for a very short period of time. Specifically, the heating tubes are heated for a set duration without water in the steam box of the steam generator to completely burn away any scale on the heating tubes. Cold water is then immediately injected to cool the heating tubes, thereby removing any scale from the surfaces. To achieve optimal descaling results, the descaling process can be repeated multiple times, for example, two to five times. After all descaling processes are complete, the number of steam treatments for the steam generator is reset to zero, and the number of steam treatments is reset. The descaling process is then repeated once the number of accumulated steam treatments reaches the preset number.

[0059] The technical solution of this embodiment is described in detail below with reference to specific examples.

[0060] In this embodiment, Figure 4 The steam care process flow chart shown in the figure begins with powering on the machine. The user selects the desired laundry program. Based on the selected program, the theoretical mixing ratio of tap water to soft water is set to within the hardness range S1. Water is then introduced and soft water is prepared. During water introduction, the actual hardness value S2 of the tap water is detected to determine whether it is within the range S1. If so, the desired steam volume is generated per unit time T based on the original theoretical mixing ratio of tap water to soft water. If S2 is greater than S1, the tap water hardness is too high and the theoretical mixing ratio needs to be adjusted. The processor of the laundry treatment device calculates the amount of tap water required to achieve the target mixed water hardness value to generate the same amount of steam per unit time T. If S2 is less than S1, the tap water hardness is too low and the theoretical mixing ratio needs to be adjusted. The processor of the laundry treatment device calculates the amount of soft water required to achieve the target mixed water hardness value to generate the same amount of steam per unit time T. The garments are then steamed as normal. It's important to note that the unit time, T, during the steam treatment process is fixed, meaning the steam generation time is constant. The steam treatment process ends and the machine shuts down. Throughout the entire steam treatment process, soft water usage is conserved, slowing the loss of ion resin.

[0061] Table 1 below is a diagram showing the relationship between the different mixing ratios of tap water and soft water corresponding to different laundry treatment programs.

[0062] Table 1: Relationship between different tap water and soft water mixing ratios for different laundry treatment programs

[0063]

[0064] Since the unit time T of the steam humidification phase is fixed, meaning the steam generation time is fixed, and since water quality affects the evaporation rate, the harder the water, the more calcium and magnesium compounds it contains. These compounds occupy the surface area of ​​water molecules, making it more difficult for them to escape into the vapor phase. This phenomenon is known as "evaporation inhibition." Therefore, the harder the water, the slower the rate of evaporation. The optimal steam content required for steam treatment varies for different materials or types of clothing. Therefore, it is necessary to generate steam volumes that are appropriate for each moisture content range within the unit time T. To achieve this, different water hardness levels must be matched to different laundry treatment programs. Therefore, different ratios of tap water and soft water are mixed to achieve different water hardnesses. Here, the hardness of tap water is S1, and the hardness of soft water is 0. The calcium and magnesium ion concentrations after mixing are used to determine whether the water meets the standard. For clothing loads requiring a low moisture content, the corresponding mixed water hardness can be higher. For example, a suit only requires a 6% moisture content, so the mixed water hardness can be between 90mg / L and 100mg / L, generating less steam per unit time T. For silk, which requires a higher moisture content of 35%, the corresponding mixed water hardness should be lower, between 20mg / L and 35mg / L, generating more steam per unit time T. The higher the required moisture content, the lower the water hardness, an inversely proportional relationship between the two. Each mixed water hardness is created by mixing tap water with a hardness of S1 (X) and soft water (Y).

[0065] According to an exemplary embodiment, this embodiment proposes a control device, which includes one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions. When the one or more processors execute the program instructions, the one or more processors are used to implement the steam care method proposed in any of the above embodiments.

[0066] According to an exemplary embodiment, this embodiment proposes a clothes treating device, which operates according to the steam care method proposed in any of the above embodiments, or includes the control device proposed in the above embodiments.

[0067] In some embodiments, combined Figure 5The structural diagram of the clothing processing device is shown, and the clothing processing device also includes a clothing processing drum 30, a steam generating device 40, a water softening device, a first water inlet pipe 41, and a second water inlet pipe 42, wherein: the clothing processing drum 30, the steam generating device 40, the water softening device, the first water inlet pipe 41, and the second water inlet pipe 42 are all arranged in the housing 20. The first water inlet pipe 41 and the second water inlet pipe 42 are both connected to the municipal water supply pipeline, and the first water inlet pipe 41 and the second water inlet pipe 42 are both provided with a hardness sensor 9 for detecting the hardness of the water supply. The steam generating device 40 includes a first water inlet, a second water inlet, and a steam outlet. The first water inlet is connected to the first water inlet pipe 41, and the second water inlet is connected to the second water inlet pipe 42. The water softening device is arranged on the first water inlet pipe 41. An ion concentration sensor is provided at the soft water outlet of the water softening device. The ion concentration sensor includes a calcium ion probe 10 and an iron ion probe 11 for detecting the calcium ion concentration and the iron ion concentration respectively. The steam outlet is connected to the clothing processing drum 30. A first flow control valve is installed between the soft water outlet of the water softener and the steam generator 40. The first flow control valve is used to control the flow of soft water entering the steam generator 40. A second flow control valve is installed between the second water inlet pipe 42 and the steam generator 40. The second flow control valve is used to control the flow of tap water entering the steam generator 40. By adjusting the opening of the first and second flow control valves, the mixing ratio of tap water and soft water in the steam generator 40 can be adjusted.

[0068] The water softening device comprises a resin softening zone 1, a regeneration salt reduction zone 2, and a resin repair zone 3. After water from the first water inlet pipe 41 enters the resin softening zone 1, the ion resin in this zone displaces the calcium and magnesium ions in the water, resulting in soft water suitable for steam treatments. When the ion resin reaches saturation with calcium and magnesium ions, water from the first water inlet pipe 41 is passed into the regeneration salt reduction zone 2. The sodium chloride in this zone dissolves to form regeneration brine, which is then passed into the resin softening zone 1 to regenerate the ion resin there, restoring its water softening capacity and enabling it to continue softening water. When the water softening capacity of the ion resin decreases and its water softening capacity cannot be improved after reduction treatment in the regeneration salt reduction zone 2, the ion resin may be cracked and corroded due to the adsorption of iron ions, sand and gravel impurities in the tap water. Acidic water and alkaline water are sequentially introduced into the resin soft water zone 1 through the resin repair zone 3, wherein the acidic water combines with the iron ions and is discharged from the resin soft water zone 1 to remove the residual iron ions in the ion resin. The alkaline water condenses with the oily impurities in the ion resin and is discharged from the resin soft water zone 1 to remove the oily impurities in the ion resin. Finally, clean water is introduced into the resin soft water zone 1 to clean the residual alkali solution, completing the resin repair process.

[0069] In some embodiments, the resin repair area 3 includes an electrolytic water device, which is used to electrolyze the water flowing into it to form acidic water and alkaline water. The electrolytic water device includes an electrolytic box, and the electrolytic box is connected to the resin softening area 1 through an acidic water pipeline 12 and an alkaline water pipeline 13. The water in the electrolytic box generates acidic ions (H + ) and alkaline ions (OH - ), and at the same time, a semipermeable membrane that only allows acidic ions to pass through is provided at the outlet of the electrolytic box corresponding to the acidic water pipeline 12, and a semipermeable membrane that only allows alkaline ions to pass through is provided at the outlet of the electrolytic box corresponding to the alkaline water pipeline 13, thereby achieving the passage of acidic water and alkaline water into the resin soft water zone 1. The water softening device is also connected to a wastewater outlet pipe 7. During the reduction treatment process of the resin soft water zone 1 by the regeneration salt reduction zone 2, the waste liquid generated by the resin soft water zone 1 is discharged through the wastewater outlet pipe 7. During the repair treatment process of the resin soft water zone 1 by the resin repair zone 3, the waste liquid generated by the resin soft water zone 1 is also discharged through the wastewater outlet pipe 7. In a preferred embodiment, the clothing processing equipment further includes a drain pipe 50, on which a drain pump 60 is provided. The wastewater outlet pipe 7 is connected to the drain pipe 50. After the wastewater discharged from the wastewater outlet pipe 7 enters the drain pipe 50, it is discharged from the clothing processing equipment under the action of the drain pump 60.

[0070] Other embodiments of the present invention will readily occur to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and practicing the embodiments disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure that follow from the general principles of the present disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

[0071] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exact construction described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A steam care method, characterized in that: The steam care method comprises: Get clothing information; determining a mixing ratio of tap water and soft water for generating steam according to the clothing information; The determining, based on the clothing information, a mixing ratio of tap water and soft water for generating steam includes: determining a target mixed water hardness value after the tap water and soft water are mixed according to the clothing information; determining a mixing ratio of tap water and soft water for generating steam according to the target mixed water hardness value; The step of determining the mixing ratio of tap water and soft water for generating steam according to the target mixed water hardness value includes: Determining a theoretical mixing ratio of tap water and soft water within a set hardness value range according to the target mixed water hardness value; Get the actual hardness value of the tap water used to generate steam; determining an actual mixing ratio of tap water and soft water according to the actual hardness value, the set hardness value range, and the theoretical mixing ratio; The determining the actual mixing ratio of tap water and soft water according to the actual hardness value, the set hardness value range and the theoretical mixing ratio includes: When the actual hardness value is within the set hardness value range, the actual mixing ratio is the theoretical mixing ratio; When the actual hardness value is greater than the maximum value of the set hardness value range, the actual mixing ratio is obtained by reducing the mixing amount of tap water on the basis of the theoretical mixing ratio; When the actual hardness value is less than the minimum value of the set hardness value range, the actual mixing ratio is obtained by reducing the mixing amount of soft water based on the theoretical mixing ratio.

2. The steam care method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clothing information includes clothing material information and / or clothing type information.

3. The steam care method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The obtaining of clothing information includes: determining the laundry information according to a laundry treatment program selected by a user; Alternatively, the clothing information is determined by reading label information of the clothing.

4. The steam care method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steam care method further comprises: When the number of steam cares reaches a preset number, at least one descaling process is performed on the steam generating device used to generate steam, and the descaling process includes: controlling the heating tube of the steam generating device to dry-burn for a set time, and then injecting cold water into the steam generating device.

5. A control device, characterized in that: The device comprises one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions. When the one or more processors execute the program instructions, the one or more processors are configured to implement the steam care method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A clothes processing device, characterized in that: The laundry treatment device operates according to the steam care method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, or includes the control device according to claim 5.

7. The clothes processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The laundry processing device includes a laundry processing drum, a steam generating device, a water softening device, a first water inlet pipe and a second water inlet pipe, wherein: The steam generating device includes a first water inlet, a second water inlet and a steam outlet, the first water inlet is connected to the first water inlet pipe, the second water inlet is connected to the second water inlet pipe, the softening device is arranged on the first water inlet pipe, and the steam outlet is connected to the clothing processing drum.

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