Control methods for lifting ribs, inner tube, garment handling device, and garment handling device

Abstract

This invention provides a lifting rib for a garment processing device. The garment processing device includes an inner drum, and the lifting rib includes: a rib body with an internal accommodating cavity, the rib body having a top surface and a mounting surface opposite each other, the mounting surface being for connection with the inner drum; and a collection box disposed in the accommodating cavity and detachably connected to the rib body; the collection box having a lint collection port facing the top surface, the top surface having multiple first through holes communicating with the accommodating cavity and opposite to the lint collection port. In this invention, the first through holes not only allow hot air to pass normally during the drying process of the garment processing device, but also allow lint to enter the collection box through the first through holes for collection. The collection box collects the lint, and since it is detachably connected to the rib body, when the lint in the collection box reaches a certain amount, the collection box can be disassembled for cleaning, thus avoiding the large accumulation of lint that is difficult to handle and affects the washing and drying efficiency of the garment processing device, and impacting the customer's user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of lifting rib technology, and more specifically, to a lifting rib, an inner tube, a garment handling device, and a control method for the garment handling device. Background Technology

[0002] With advancements in home appliance technology and improvements in people's living standards, users are increasingly demanding higher standards for the functions and performance of washing machines, making washer-dryer combos a top choice for many. Users now expect washer-dryer combos to be not only intelligent to use, but also fast and efficient in processing clothes.

[0003] However, after prolonged use, washer-dryer combos are prone to lint buildup in the lifting ribs, which can cause blockages, affect airflow into the inner drum, and consequently reduce drying efficiency, impacting the customer's user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application is based on the inventor's discovery and understanding of the following problems and facts: existing washer-dryer combos are prone to lint buildup after prolonged use, which affects the drying effect.

[0005] The present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a lifting rib is provided, comprising: a rib body having an internal accommodating cavity, the rib body having opposing top surfaces and mounting surfaces, the mounting surfaces being for connection with an inner cylinder;

[0007] A collection box is disposed in the receiving cavity and is detachably connected to the rib body;

[0008] The collection box has a chip collection port facing the top surface, and the top surface has a plurality of first through holes communicating with the accommodating cavity and opposite to the chip collection port.

[0009] In some embodiments, the rib has at least two sets of arc components arranged along a first direction, each set of arc components having a plurality of arc plates arranged along a second direction, the side of all arc plates facing away from the mounting surface forming the top surface, and two adjacent arc plates forming the first through hole.

[0010] The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0011] In some embodiments, the arc plates in two adjacent groups of arc assemblies are staggered along the second direction.

[0012] In some embodiments, the rib has a side surface located between the top surface and the mounting surface, and the side surface has a plurality of second through holes communicating with the receiving cavity in the region between the chip collection port and the top surface.

[0013] According to an embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, a lifting rib is provided, comprising:

[0014] The cylinder body and the aforementioned lifting ribs;

[0015] The mounting surface of the lifting rib is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the inner cylinder. The lifting ribs are spaced apart along the circumference of the inner cylinder, and the second direction of the lifting ribs is in the same direction as the axial direction of the inner cylinder.

[0016] In some embodiments, the collection box of the lifting rib is slidably connected to the rib body along the second direction.

[0017] In some embodiments, the collection box is provided with a pull handle on the side opposite to the bottom of the cylinder along the second direction.

[0018] According to an embodiment of a third aspect of the present invention, a garment processing apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0019] The aforementioned inner cylinder.

[0020] According to an embodiment of a fourth aspect of the present invention, a control method for a garment processing device is provided. The garment processing device includes an inner cylinder and a lifting rib. The lifting rib has a mounting surface and a top surface. The mounting surface is connected to the inner wall of the inner cylinder. The top surface has a plurality of first through holes. A collection box is detachably connected to the lifting rib. The collection box has a chip collection port opposite to the first through holes. The control method includes:

[0021] Collect runtime Z, number of garment care cycles X, and garment drying efficiency information;

[0022] If any one of the following—the running time Z of the garment processing device, the number of times the garment is processed X, and the drying efficiency—reaches a preset value, a prompt will be made to clean the lint collection box.

[0023] In some embodiments, the clothing drying efficiency includes:

[0024] Record the initial heating time t0;

[0025] Obtain the actual heating time t1;

[0026] Calculate the deviation value Y between the initial heating time t0 and the actual heating time t1, and determine the drying efficiency of the clothes based on the deviation value.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lifting rib has a plurality of first through holes on its top surface. The first through holes not only allow hot air to pass through normally during the drying process of the garment processing device, but also allow lint to enter the collection box through the first through holes. The collection box collects the lint, and the collection box is detachably connected to the rib. When the lint in the collection box reaches a certain amount, the collection box can be removed to clean the lint. This can prevent a large amount of lint from accumulating inside the lifting rib during long-term use of the garment processing device, causing the lifting rib to become blocked, affecting the ventilation effect of the lifting rib, resulting in lint accumulation, poor drying effect, and affecting the customer's user experience.

[0028] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a collection box according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a control flowchart according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Reference numerals

[0033] 1. Rib; 101. Mounting surface; 2. Collection box; 21. Pull-out handle; 3. First through hole; 4. Arc plate; 5. Second through hole; a. First direction; b. Second direction. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0035] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms will have at least the meaning explicitly associated herein, unless the context otherwise requires. The meanings defined below are not intended to limit the terms, but are merely illustrative examples.

[0036] In the description of this invention, the phrase "in one embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may refer to the same embodiment. Similarly, the phrase "in some embodiments," as used herein, does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment when used multiple times, although it may refer to the same embodiment. As used herein, the term "or" is an inclusive "or" operator and is equivalent to the term "and / or," unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. The term "based on" is not exclusive and allows for reliance on additional factors not described, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. The word "exemplary" herein means "used as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or better than other embodiments. The scope of this invention is limited only by the scope of the appended claims, and any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting, but merely illustrate some of the many possible embodiments of the claimed invention. The various embodiments provided in this invention should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0037] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to 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.

[0038] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0039] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; 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; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0040] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, a first feature being "above" or "below" a second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or may include the first and second features being in contact not directly but through another feature between them. Furthermore, a first feature being "above," "above," and "above" a second feature may include the first feature being directly above or obliquely above the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. A first feature being "below," "below," and "below" a second feature may include the first feature being directly below or obliquely below the second feature, or may simply mean that the first feature is lower in level than the second feature.

[0041] With advancements in home appliance technology and improvements in people's living standards, users' demands for the functions and performance of washing machines are also increasing. Washer-dryer combos have been popular since their introduction, but simply taking clothes out of a washer-dryer and being ready to wear them is no longer sufficient for users with increasingly higher expectations. Users now demand greater intelligence from these machines; they not only want them to be intelligent to use, but also for them to process clothes quickly and efficiently.

[0042] However, after prolonged use, washer-dryer combos tend to accumulate lint, leading to a decrease in drying efficiency and affecting the customer's user experience.

[0043] Based on this, Figures 1-3 As shown, the lifting rib according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a rib body 1, the interior of the rib body 1 having a receiving cavity, the rib body 1 having a top surface and a mounting surface 101 opposite to each other, the mounting surface 101 being used to connect with the inner cylinder;

[0044] Collection box 2 is disposed in the receiving cavity and is detachably connected to the rib 1;

[0045] The collection box 2 has a chip collection port facing the top surface, and the top surface has a plurality of first through holes 3 that communicate with the accommodating cavity and are opposite to the chip collection port.

[0046] Specifically, the rib 1 can be a hollow shell with an internal cavity. The rib 1 also has a top surface and a mounting surface 101. The mounting surface 101 can be connected to the inner wall of the inner drum of the garment processing device through a mounting structure. The top surface has multiple first through holes 3, which communicate with the cavity. This allows the rib 1 to both rotate the clothes inside the inner drum and allow water and air to pass through, reducing the obstruction effect of the rib 1 on the flow of liquids and gases during washing and drying.

[0047] The collection box 2 can be a rectangular box with a lint collection port facing the top surface of the rib 1. The first through hole 3 corresponds to the lint collection port, allowing lint entering the receiving cavity through the first through hole 3 to directly enter the collection box 2. The collection box 2 can collect lint. When the lint in the collection box 2 reaches a certain amount, the user can directly remove the collection box 2 from the rib 1, which can conveniently and quickly clean the lint. This can prevent the accumulation of lint during long-term use of the clothing treatment device, which would affect the water and air permeability of the rib 1, leading to a decrease in the washing effect and drying efficiency of the clothing treatment device, and affecting the user experience.

[0048] The bottom of the collection box can be equipped with multiple tiny holes to allow air or water to pass through, while blocking lint. This minimizes the amount of hot air or water entering the inner cylinder from the outer cylinder while collecting lint.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lifting rib has a plurality of first through holes 3 on its top surface. The first through holes 3 not only allow hot air to pass through normally during the drying process of the garment processing device, but also allow lint to enter the collection box 2 through the first through holes 3. The collection box 2 collects the lint, and the collection box 2 is detachably connected to the rib 1. When the lint in the collection box 2 reaches a certain amount, the collection box 2 can be disassembled to clean the lint. This can prevent a large amount of lint from accumulating inside the lifting rib during long-term use of the garment processing device, causing the lifting rib to become blocked, affecting the ventilation effect of the lifting rib, resulting in lint accumulation, poor drying effect, and affecting the customer's user experience.

[0050] In some embodiments, the rib 1 has at least two sets of arc components arranged along a first direction a, each set of arc components has a plurality of arc plates 4 arranged along a second direction b, all the arc plates 4 forming a top surface on the side opposite to the mounting surface 101, and two adjacent arc plates 4 forming a first through hole 3.

[0051] Among them, the first direction a and the second direction b are perpendicular.

[0052] Specifically, the top surface of the rib 1 can be composed of at least two sets of arc components, each set of arc components having multiple arc plates 4. The central angle of the arc plate 4 can be between 30° and 180°. The arc plate 4 can be a plate with a hollow center, which can facilitate the passage of liquids and gases. Through this hollow protrusion, hot air can enter the inner drum from the outer drum through the hollow part of the lifting rib during the drying process of the garment processing device; during the washing and drying process, lint can enter the lint collection device through the hollow part of the lifting rib.

[0053] This perforated protrusion not only allows for a larger contact area with clothing, thus optimizing the washing effect, but also allows hot air to pass through the perforations during drying, penetrating the clothes to be dried and achieving a uniform heating effect. Furthermore, the perforated protrusion allows hot air to penetrate the clothes during garment care, enabling them to fully expand. Moreover, the first through-hole 3 formed by this perforated protrusion allows lint to enter the receiving cavity of the rib 1 and be collected by the collection box 2, facilitating unified lint treatment and preventing lint from clogging the receiving cavity of the rib 1, thus affecting the washing and drying effect.

[0054] In some embodiments, the arc plates 4 in two adjacent groups of arc assemblies are staggered along the second direction b.

[0055] Specifically, the staggered arc plates 4 can increase the contact area with clothing while reducing the gaps in the lifting ribs along the first direction a.

[0056] In some embodiments, the rib 1 has a side surface located between the top surface and the mounting surface 101, and the area of ​​the side surface located between the chip collection port and the top surface has a plurality of second through holes 5 communicating with the receiving cavity.

[0057] Specifically, the second through hole 5 can further improve the water permeability and air permeability of the rib 1. Moreover, the second through hole 5 is opened in the area between the chip collection port and the top surface, so that the hair can enter the collection box 2 through the second through hole for collection.

[0058] In some embodiments, the collection box 2 and the rib 1 are slidably connected along the second direction b.

[0059] Specifically, the collection box 2 is slidably connected to the rib 1, which allows the user to easily disassemble the collection box 2. It can be a pull-out structure, and the pull-out sliding direction is the second direction b. When the collection box 2 is installed into the inner cylinder, the second direction b is in the same direction as the axis of the inner cylinder. The pull-out sliding direction can be perpendicular to the rotation direction of the inner cylinder, and the collection box 2 will not detach from the rib 1 due to rotation.

[0060] In some embodiments, the collection box 2 is provided with a pull handle 21 on a first side along the second direction b, and the pull handle 21 is used to pull the collection box 2 from the access port of the inner cylinder.

[0061] Specifically, the pull handle 21 can improve the convenience of users in disassembling and assembling the collection box 2, and the handle can be designed on the side of the collection box 2 away from the bottom of the inner cylinder, which can further facilitate user use.

[0062] This application embodiment also provides an inner cylinder, including: a cylinder body and the aforementioned lifting ribs;

[0063] The mounting surface 101 of the lifting rib is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the inner cylinder. The lifting ribs are spaced apart along the circumference of the inner cylinder, and the second direction b of the lifting rib is in the same direction as the axial direction of the inner cylinder.

[0064] This application also provides a clothing processing device, including the aforementioned inner tube.

[0065] In some embodiments, the garment handling apparatus further includes: a controller;

[0066] The controller is used to collect information such as the running time Z of the clothing processing device, the number of times the clothing is cared for X, and the clothing drying efficiency. Based on the information such as the running time Z, the number of times the clothing is cared for X, and the clothing drying efficiency, the controller reminds the user to clean the collection box 2 in the lifting rib.

[0067] Specifically, when the running time Z reaches the preset duration, or the number of times the clothes are cared for reaches the preset number, or the clothes drying efficiency is lower than the preset value, the controller can promptly provide feedback and remind the customer to clean the collection box 2, which can be done by flashing a red light or sounding an alarm.

[0068] This application embodiment also provides a control method for a clothing processing device. The clothing processing device includes an inner cylinder and a lifting rib. The rib 1 of the lifting rib has a mounting surface 101 and a top surface. The mounting surface 101 is connected to the inner wall of the inner cylinder. The top surface has a plurality of first through holes 3. The rib 1 of the lifting rib is detachably connected to a collection box 2. The collection box 2 has a chip collection port opposite to the first through holes 3. The control method includes:

[0069] Acquire information such as the running time Z of the garment processing device, the number of garment care cycles X, and the garment drying efficiency;

[0070] If any one of the following—the running time Z of the garment handling device, the number of times the garment is handled X, and the drying efficiency—reaches a preset value, a prompt will appear to clean the lint in the collection box 2.

[0071] Specifically, the collection box 2 can collect lint, and then the collection box 2 processes information such as the running time Z of the clothing processing device, the number of times the clothes are processed X, and the drying efficiency of the clothes. This can remind users to clean the collection box 2 in a timely manner to avoid lint accumulation, which would affect the normal operation of the clothing processing device, the water permeability of washing and the ventilation of drying, and the user experience.

[0072] Among them, the preset value for X can be between 200 and 500, and the preset value for Z can be between 6000 and 10000.

[0073] In some embodiments, the theoretical time t0 required to complete the heating process and the actual time t1 required to complete the heating process are obtained.

[0074] The deviation value Y between the theoretical heating time t0 and the actual heating time t1 is calculated, and the drying efficiency of clothes is judged by the deviation value.

[0075] Specifically, the theoretical heating time t0 can be the heating time t0 when the clothing processing device is in optimal condition during factory testing or when it is first manufactured. When judging the drying efficiency of clothes, the actual heating time required to complete the heating is compared with the theoretical heating time. The larger the difference, the lower the drying efficiency. When the Y value reaches a preset value, it prompts to clean the lint in the collection box 2.

[0076] The preset value for Y can be between 3 and 8.

[0077] In some embodiments, obtaining the theoretical time t0 required for the drying process to complete the heating includes:

[0078] Obtain the average time required for heating from the 1st to the nth time in the drying process to get the theoretical time required to complete the heating.

[0079] Specifically, n can be 10. During production testing in the garment processing device, or when the user first starts using it, the time t required for each of the first 10 heating cycles can be obtained. These times t are added together to get tn. tn / n is then used to obtain the average heating time required for each cycle. This average value is the theoretical completion time tn.

[0080] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0081] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A lifting rib for a garment handling device, the garment handling device comprising an inner cylinder, characterized in that, The lifting ribs include: Rib (1), the rib (1) has an internal cavity, the rib (1) has a top surface and a mounting surface (101) opposite each other, the mounting surface (101) is used to connect with the inner cylinder; Collection box (2), the collection box (2) is disposed in the accommodating cavity and is detachably connected to the rib (1); The collection box (2) has a chip collection port facing the top surface, and the top surface has a plurality of first through holes (3) communicating with the accommodating cavity and opposite to the chip collection port; The rib (1) has at least two sets of arc components arranged along a first direction (a), each set of arc components has multiple arc plates (4) arranged along a second direction (b), all arc plates (4) on the side away from the mounting surface (101) form the top surface, and two adjacent arc plates (4) form the first through hole (3). Wherein, the first direction (a) and the second direction (b) are perpendicular to each other.

2. The lifting rib according to claim 1, characterized in that, The arc plates (4) in the two adjacent arc assemblies are staggered along the second direction (b).

3. The lifting rib according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rib (1) has a side surface located between the top surface and the mounting surface (101), and the area of ​​the side surface located between the chip collection port and the top surface has a plurality of second through holes (5) communicating with the receiving cavity.

4. The lifting rib according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collection box (2) and the rib (1) are slidably connected along the second direction (b).

5. The lifting rib according to claim 4, characterized in that, The collection box (2) is provided with a pull handle (21) on a first side along the second direction (b), and the pull handle (21) is used to pull the collection box (2) from the access port of the inner cylinder.

6. The lifting rib according to claim 1, characterized in that, The arc plate is a hollow plate in the middle to allow liquids and gases to pass through.

7. An inner cylinder, characterized in that, include: The cylindrical body and a plurality of lifting ribs as described in any one of claims 1-6; The mounting surface (101) of the lifting rib is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the inner cylinder. The lifting ribs are spaced apart along the circumference of the inner cylinder, and the second direction (b) of the lifting ribs is in the same direction as the axial direction of the inner cylinder.

8. A garment processing device, characterized in that, include: The inner cylinder as described in claim 7.

9. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The garment processing device further includes: a controller; The controller is used to collect the running time Z information of the clothing processing device, the number of times the clothing is cared for X information and the clothing drying efficiency information, and remind the user to clean the collection box (2) in the lifting rib according to the running time Z information, the number of times the clothing is cared for X information and the clothing drying efficiency information.

10. A control method for the garment handling apparatus according to any one of claims 8-9, characterized in that, The control method includes: Acquire information such as the running time Z of the garment processing device, the number of garment care cycles X, and the garment drying efficiency; If any one of the running time Z of the clothing processing device, the number of times the clothing is cared for X, and the drying efficiency reaches a preset value, a prompt will be made to clean the lint in the collection box (2).

11. The control method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The process of obtaining the clothing drying efficiency information of the clothing processing device includes: Obtain the theoretical time t0 required to complete the heating process and the actual time t1 required to complete the heating process. Calculate the deviation value Y between the theoretical time t0 required to complete the heating and the actual time t1 required to complete the heating, and use the deviation value to determine the clothes drying efficiency.

12. The control method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The theoretical time t0 required to complete the heating process of the drying procedure is obtained, including: The average time required for heating from the first to the nth time in the drying process is obtained to get the theoretical time t0 required to complete the heating.

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