Laundry treating apparatus control method and laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

The application discloses a clothes processing equipment control method, which comprises the following steps: before the end of a clothes processing equipment program, the clothes processing equipment sends a clothes taking reminding message to a current user; if the current user does not complete the clothes taking at a preset time and / or a preset place, the clothes processing equipment automatically matches a next user, and the next user puts clothes in a clothes placing place, and notifies the current user of the clothes placing place. The application also discloses a clothes processing equipment applying the control method. The application can avoid clothes being left in the clothes processing equipment for a long time, and also avoid the clothes processing equipment being occupied for a long time, thereby improving the operation and use efficiency of the clothes processing equipment, and improving the daily operation service amount of the equipment.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In modern life, with social development, people have high requirements for the cleanliness of their clothes. At the same time, society is advocating green development and energy conservation. Washing machines, as an indispensable tool in people's daily lives, bring great convenience. Shared washing machines, especially those placed in high-traffic areas such as schools and shopping malls, have high demand and service volume. Users typically use shared washing machines by swiping cards, inserting coins, or scanning codes. However, resource waste occurs during the use of shared washing machines. For example, if users do not collect their clothes promptly after washing, the washing machine remains occupied, affecting its efficiency and reducing its daily service volume.

[0003] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem this invention aims to solve is to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, prevent shared washing machines from being occupied for extended periods due to users not picking up their clothes promptly after washing, improve the operational efficiency of shared washing machines, and increase the daily service volume of the equipment. Therefore, this invention provides a control method for clothing processing equipment and a clothing processing device.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A method for controlling a clothing handling device includes: before the clothing handling device program ends, the clothing handling device sends a clothing retrieval reminder message to the current user; if the current user does not retrieve the clothing at a preset time and / or preset location, the clothing handling device automatically matches the next user, and the next user places the clothing at the clothing placement location, while simultaneously notifying the current user of the clothing placement location.

[0007] Furthermore, before the clothing processing device automatically matches the next user, it also includes the clothing processing device not detecting the current user's device connection network within a preset range, and detecting the next user's device connection network within a preset range.

[0008] Furthermore, if the current user completes the clothing retrieval at a preset time and location, the clothing processing device automatically matches the next user and executes the instructions sent by the next user.

[0009] Furthermore, the garment processing device must notify the current user that garment processing is complete within the specified time frame before the garment processing program ends; the garment processing device may send garment retrieval reminder messages via text broadcast reminders and / or music broadcast reminders; the garment processing program includes washing programs and / or drying programs and / or sterilization programs.

[0010] Furthermore, if the current user has not picked up their clothes and has not reached the designated location within the time limit, the clothing processing device will sequentially notify all other users waiting to use the clothing processing device; the order in which the clothing processing device notifies users is the order in which they successfully made reservations within the washing machine network.

[0011] Furthermore, the garment processing device sends a pop-up notification to the user's reservation device.

[0012] Furthermore, the preset time and timing time are set by the garment processing equipment at the factory or manually entered by the user.

[0013] Furthermore, the current user retrieves clothing based on the clothing placement information sent by the next user. If the current user has questions and / or objections to the clothing placement information, they can initiate a connection to communicate with the next user who sent the clothing placement information.

[0014] Furthermore, if the time interval between the current user's and the next user's appointment exceeds the timer after the current user finishes washing, the clothing processing equipment will automatically perform a first disinfection procedure; the clothing processing equipment will automatically perform a second disinfection procedure at night when there are no user appointments.

[0015] Furthermore, the first disinfection procedure is a single-wash disinfection, which includes water intake, washing, draining, and dehydration; the second disinfection procedure is a high-efficiency disinfection, which includes water intake, soaking, washing, draining, dehydration, water intake, rinsing, draining, and dehydration. The single-wash disinfection or high-efficiency disinfection process can be performed once or repeatedly.

[0016] The present invention also provides a garment processing device, wherein the garment processing device applies any of the control methods described above.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0018] 1. During the clothing processing process, if the current user does not pick up the clothes at the preset time and / or preset location, the clothing processing equipment can automatically match the next user, and the next user can place the clothes at the clothing placement location, while notifying the current user of the clothing placement location; this avoids clothes being left in the clothing processing equipment for a long time, and also avoids the clothing processing equipment being occupied for a long time, improving the operating efficiency of the clothing processing equipment, and also increasing the daily operating service volume of the equipment.

[0019] 2. Ensure that users who make reservations are informed of the operation of the garment processing equipment in a timely manner, so that they can adjust their usage time accordingly, thereby improving user satisfaction and the operational efficiency of the garment processing equipment.

[0020] 3. If the current user has questions and / or objections about the placement of clothing, a corresponding connection can be initiated to communicate with the next user who sent the clothing placement information, so as to confirm that the clothing is placed in the correct location and avoid clothing loss or wrong collection.

[0021] 4. When there is a certain time interval between the reservation times of two users, the clothing processing equipment can perform the first disinfection procedure. When there are no users making reservations at night, the clothing processing equipment will automatically perform the second disinfection procedure to improve the cleanliness of the clothing processing equipment without taking up clothing processing time, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the clothing processing equipment.

[0022] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of one embodiment of the clothing processing equipment control method of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of another embodiment of the clothing processing equipment control method of the present invention.

[0026] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", 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 limiting this invention.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0030] like Figure 1-2 As shown, a method for controlling a clothing handling device includes: before the clothing handling device program finishes running, the clothing handling device sends a clothing retrieval reminder message to the current user; if the current user does not retrieve the clothing at a preset time and / or preset location, the clothing handling device automatically matches the next user, and the next user places the clothing in the clothing placement area while simultaneously notifying the current user of the clothing placement location; if the current user retrieves the clothing at the preset time and preset location, the clothing handling device automatically matches the next user and executes the instructions sent by the next user.

[0031] Understandably, if the current user does not retrieve their clothing at the preset time and / or location, the clothing processing equipment will automatically match them with the next user. The next user will then place their clothing in the preset or designated clothing placement area and notify the current user of the placement location via their mobile device. This prevents clothing from being left in the clothing processing equipment for an extended period and avoids the equipment being occupied for too long, which could affect the next user's normal use. It ensures that users can use the clothing processing equipment normally and orderly according to their appointment time, improving the operational efficiency of the clothing processing equipment and increasing its daily service volume.

[0032] If the current user completes the pickup at the preset time and location, the clothing processing equipment will automatically match the next user and execute the instructions sent by the next user. The clothing processing equipment will then operate normally according to the user's reservation.

[0033] Furthermore, when users need to use the laundry processing equipment, they can reserve a washing machine slot number through an external network. When slot number reservations conflict, a priority allocation method can be adopted, where priority allocation can be based on the user's reservation time or the distance between the user and the laundry processing equipment at the time of reservation.

[0034] Specifically, for the same garment processing equipment, if different users book the same time slot, the user who booked first in the queue gets the right to use that time slot. Alternatively, for the same garment processing equipment, if different users book the same time slot, the user whose booking location is closer to the garment processing equipment gets the right to use that time slot. Preferably, the priority allocation can be based on the users' booking times, with the user who booked first in the queue getting the right to use the garment processing equipment for that time slot.

[0035] When a user selects a specific garment processing station, the system automatically generates a suitable time range based on the reservation procedure for that station. The user then selects the appropriate time period.

[0036] Users can schedule a laundry processing session at the washing machine. After the processing is completed according to the pre-set steps, users need to retrieve their clothes from the machine promptly. Specifically, when a user enters the washing machine's network range and the smart device automatically connects to the network, the door lock will automatically unlock after the laundry processing cycle ends, allowing the user to retrieve their clothes immediately.

[0037] Furthermore, before the clothing processing equipment automatically matches the next user, it also includes the following conditions: the clothing processing equipment does not detect the current user's device connection network within a preset range, and it detects the next user's device connection network within a preset range.

[0038] If the current user's device is detected as connected to the network within the preset range, it indicates that the user is relatively close to the garment processing equipment and can retrieve their clothes promptly with a second reminder. If the current user's device is not detected as connected to the network within the preset range, it indicates that the user is relatively far from the garment processing equipment, and even with a second reminder, they will not be able to reach the equipment within the specified time. If the garment processing equipment does not detect the current user's device within the preset range, but detects the next user's device within the preset range, it further proves that the current user is too far to retrieve their clothes promptly, while the next user is closer and can arrive at the equipment at the scheduled time. In this case, the next user can place the current user's clothes at the designated location and notify the current user of the location.

[0039] Furthermore, the clothing placement area can be divided into different zones based on location, and each zone can be numbered. A user's clothing can be placed in a specific zone. When the next user places their clothing in a different zone of the clothing placement area, the current user can be informed of the specific zone number, so that the current user can find the location of their clothing more quickly.

[0040] As an embodiment of the present invention: the clothing processing device needs to notify the current user that the clothing processing is complete within the notification time range before the end of the clothing processing program; the clothing processing device sends the clothing retrieval reminder message in the form of text broadcast reminder and / or music broadcast reminder; the clothing processing program includes a washing program and / or a drying program and / or a sterilization program.

[0041] Within the time frame before the washing, drying, or sterilization program of the clothing processing equipment ends, the system will notify the user that the clothing processing is complete, allowing the user to promptly arrive at the clothing processing equipment to retrieve their clothes, thus avoiding situations where the user cannot reach the clothing processing equipment within the preset time frame after the clothing processing program ends.

[0042] Furthermore, the garment handling equipment sends garment retrieval reminder messages in various ways, including through text announcements and / or musical announcements. Text announcements can include phrases such as "Laundry complete, please retrieve your garments promptly" or "Laundry complete, please collect your garments promptly," while musical announcements can use beeping sounds or other suggestive musical phrases to remind users to retrieve their garments. Understandably, those skilled in the art can make similar substitutions for the reminder methods, as long as they serve a certain purpose of prompting or reminding the user.

[0043] As an embodiment of the present invention: if the current user has not picked up the clothes and has not reached the designated location after the timeout period, the clothes handling device will notify all other users waiting to use the clothes handling device in sequence; the order in which the clothes handling device notifies the users is the order of their successful reservations within the washing machine network.

[0044] The garment processing equipment promptly notifies subsequent users of its status, ensuring that users are aware of its operation. Users can also adjust their usage time according to the specific conditions of the equipment, improving user satisfaction and the operational efficiency of the garment processing equipment.

[0045] The garment processing equipment sends pop-up notifications to users' reserved devices. Through these notifications received on users' smart devices such as mobile phones, computers, and tablets, users can stay informed about the status of their reserved devices, allowing them to adjust their usage times accordingly. This avoids overlapping and overcrowding at the garment processing equipment and improves processing efficiency.

[0046] As an embodiment of the present invention, the current user retrieves clothing based on the clothing placement information sent by the next user. If the current user has questions and / or objections to the clothing placement information, they can initiate a corresponding connection to communicate with the next user.

[0047] If the current user cannot retrieve their clothes in time, the next user will take the current user's clothes out and place them in the designated area. The next user will also send the current user information about the location of the clothes. The current user will then go to the designated area to retrieve their clothes based on the received information. If the current user has any questions or objections to the location information, or if they have any questions or objections to the condition of the clothes (number of items, color, or soiling), they can initiate a connection through the smart device app to communicate with the next user in a timely manner, thus facilitating the current user to retrieve their clothes promptly.

[0048] Furthermore, the preset time and timing time in this application are set by the garment processing equipment at the factory or manually entered by the user. Specifically, the preset time and timing time are specific numerical values. Preferably, the preset time is any value between 3 and 8 minutes, and the timing time is any value between 5 and 10 minutes, with the timing time being longer than the preset time. If the user cannot retrieve the garment in time and there is a delay of a certain period, the user who has scheduled to use the garment processing equipment later will be notified.

[0049] As an embodiment of the present invention, in conjunction with the appendix Figure 2As shown, if the time interval between the current user's wash and the next user's appointment exceeds the time limit, the clothing processing equipment will automatically perform the first disinfection program; the clothing processing equipment will automatically perform the second disinfection program at night when there are no user appointments.

[0050] The first disinfection procedure is simple and quick, and can be performed during user breaks, making full use of time without interrupting the normal operating time of the clothing processing equipment, thus saving time and improving the operating efficiency of the clothing processing equipment. The second disinfection procedure is complex and takes longer, but can be performed automatically at night when there are no user appointments, without affecting the daily operation of the clothing processing equipment.

[0051] Furthermore, the first disinfection procedure is a single-wash disinfection, which includes water intake, washing, draining, and dehydration; the second disinfection procedure is a high-efficiency disinfection, which includes water intake, soaking, washing, draining, dehydration, water intake, rinsing, draining, and dehydration. The single-wash disinfection or high-efficiency disinfection process can be performed once or repeatedly.

[0052] As an embodiment of the present invention, a child lock is provided on the clothing processing device. When the user connects to the network, the child lock of the clothing processing device automatically closes. When the user leaves the network range of the clothing processing device, the clothing processing device automatically runs the user's commonly used program or the set program and activates the child lock when it confirms that the door of the clothing processing device is closed.

[0053] As an embodiment of the present invention, the child lock is automatically released after the clothing processing program of the clothing processing device is completed. Furthermore, if the clothing processing device detects that the user is within network range, the door lock of the clothing processing device automatically opens; if the user is not detected within network range, the door lock remains closed, or the clothing processing device automatically opens the door lock after the door has been closed for more than the locking time.

[0054] Understandably, the locking time is either user-defined or the default lock closing time set by the garment processing device. When the garment processing cycle ends, if the device detects that the user is not within network range and the lock closing time has exceeded the locking time, the garment processing device will automatically unlock the door, allowing administrators to place any garments left in the garment processing unit's drum at the designated garment storage area.

[0055] Furthermore, once the garment processing program of the garment handling device is completed, and the device detects that the user is no longer within network range, the door lock will automatically unlock if the next scheduled user enters the network range. This intelligent control logic of the door lock in the garment handling device facilitates user operation and improves the safety and efficiency of the equipment. The child lock prevents accidental injury to children from the garment handling device, further enhancing the safety of its operation.

[0056] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments proposed in this invention have the following beneficial technical effects:

[0057] During the clothing processing, if the current user does not retrieve their clothing at the preset time and / or preset location, the clothing processing equipment can automatically match the next user, and the next user will place the clothing at the designated clothing placement area, while simultaneously notifying the current user of the clothing placement location. This avoids clothing being left in the clothing processing equipment for an extended period of time and also prevents the clothing processing equipment from being occupied for too long, thereby improving the operational efficiency of the clothing processing equipment and increasing the daily operational service volume of the equipment.

[0058] This ensures that users who have booked the same garment processing equipment are aware of its operational status in a timely manner, allowing them to adjust their usage time accordingly. This improves user satisfaction and also enhances the operational efficiency of the garment processing equipment.

[0059] If the current user has questions and / or objections about the placement of clothing, a connection can be initiated to communicate with the next user to confirm the correct placement of clothing and avoid loss or misplacement.

[0060] When there is a certain time interval between the appointment times of two users, the clothing processing equipment can perform a first disinfection procedure. When there are no users making appointments at night, the clothing processing equipment automatically performs a second disinfection procedure to improve the cleanliness of the clothing processing equipment without taking up clothing processing time, thereby improving the operating efficiency of the clothing processing equipment.

[0061] The present invention also provides a garment processing device, wherein the garment processing device applies any of the garment processing device control methods described above.

[0062] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a garment processing device, characterized in that, include: Before the clothing processing equipment program finishes running, the clothing processing equipment sends a clothing retrieval reminder message to the current user. If the current user does not retrieve the clothing at the preset time and / or preset location, the clothing processing equipment automatically matches the next user, and the next user places the clothing at the clothing placement location, while notifying the current user of the clothing placement location. After the current user finishes washing, if the time interval between the current user and the next user's appointment exceeds the time limit, the clothing processing equipment will automatically perform a first disinfection procedure; the clothing processing equipment will automatically perform a second disinfection procedure at night when there are no user appointments.

2. The control method for clothing processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before the clothing processing equipment automatically matches the next user, it also includes the clothing processing equipment not detecting the current user's device connection network within a preset range, and detecting the next user's device connection network within a preset range.

3. The control method for clothing processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the current user completes the clothing retrieval at a preset time and location, the clothing processing device will automatically match the next user and execute the instructions sent by the next user.

4. The control method for clothing processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The garment processing device must notify the current user that the garment processing is complete within the specified time frame before the garment processing program ends; the garment processing device may send a garment retrieval reminder message via text broadcast or / or music broadcast; the garment processing program includes a washing program and / or a drying program and / or a sterilization program.

5. The control method for clothing processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the current user has not picked up their clothes and has not reached the designated location within the specified time, the clothing processing device will notify all other users waiting to use the device in sequence. The order in which the clothing processing device notifies users is based on the successful reservation sequence of the users within the washing machine network.

6. The control method for clothing processing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The preset time and timing time are set by the garment processing equipment at the factory or manually entered by the user.

7. The control method for clothing processing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, The clothing processing device sends a pop-up notification to the user's reservation device.

8. The control method for clothing processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The current user retrieves clothing based on the clothing placement information sent by the next user. If the current user has questions and / or objections to the clothing placement information, they can initiate a connection to communicate with the user who sent the clothing placement information.

9. The control method for clothing processing equipment according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The first disinfection program is a single-wash disinfection, which includes water intake, washing, draining, and dehydration; the second disinfection program is a high-efficiency disinfection, which includes water intake, soaking, washing, draining, dehydration, water intake, rinsing, draining, and dehydration.

10. The control method for clothing processing equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, The single-wash disinfection or high-efficiency disinfection process is performed once or repeatedly.

11. A garment processing device, characterized in that, The garment processing equipment uses the control method described in any one of claims 1-10.

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