Clothing care device and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of clothes care devices, particularly provides a clothes care device and a control method thereof, and aims to solve the problem that a user needs to manually operate the clothes care device within a certain time when an existing clothes care device detects abnormal water inflow. In order to achieve the purpose, the clothes care device comprises a device body, a first water storage box, a second water storage box and a steam generator, a cavity used for containing clothes to be cared is formed in the device body, the first water storage box is arranged in the device body and used for supplementing liquid water to the steam generator, and the second water storage box is arranged in the device body and used for supplementing liquid water to the steam generator. The second water storage box is used for receiving condensate water in the cavity and supplementing liquid water into the first water storage box, so that even if the first water inlet pipeline is not communicated with a water source, the liquid water can be supplemented into the first water storage box through the second water storage box; therefore, the risk that a user needs to manually operate the clothes care device within a certain period of time when abnormal water inflow is detected is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of garment care device technology, and specifically provides a garment care device and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards improve, clothing care devices with humidification and aromatherapy functions have become indispensable household appliances. When clothing care devices provide aromatherapy or humidification care for clothes, they need to consume liquid water. Therefore, it is necessary to install a water storage tank or connect a water inlet pipe to the clothing care device to provide liquid water for the humidification or aromatherapy program.

[0003] However, existing garment care devices, even those that use both a water tank and an inlet pipe, simply combine the two. The inlet pipe is configured to replenish the tank with liquid water. This means that during the garment care program, malfunctions such as forgetting to turn on the tap, a municipal water outage, or a clogged inlet valve filter can cause insufficient water, halting the program and triggering an alarm. Users then need to manually turn on the tap or replenish the water within a certain timeframe. If the user fails to do so, the garment care function will stop, negatively impacting the user experience.

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

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problem, namely, to solve the problem that existing clothing care devices require users to manually operate the clothing care device within a certain period of time when abnormal water ingress is detected, which affects the user experience.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a garment care device, the garment care device comprising:

[0007] The main body of the device has a cavity inside for accommodating the garments to be cared for;

[0008] The first water storage box is located inside the main body of the device. The first water storage box is connected to a first water inlet pipe and a first water outlet pipe. The first water outlet pipe is configured to connect to the outside of the main body of the device when the first water inlet pipe is connected to the water source. The first water outlet pipe is also configured to connect to the first water inlet pipe when the first water inlet pipe is disconnected from the water source.

[0009] A second water storage box is located inside the main body of the device. The second water storage box is connected to a second inlet pipe and a second outlet pipe. The upstream end of the second inlet pipe is connected to the bottom of the cavity to receive condensate from the inner wall of the cavity. The downstream end of the second outlet pipe is connected to the first water storage box.

[0010] A steam generator is located inside the main body of the device. The steam generator includes a third water storage box, which is connected to a third water inlet pipe. The upstream end of the third water inlet pipe is connected to the first water storage box.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned garment care device, the garment care device further includes:

[0012] The first water level sensor is located inside the first water storage box and is used to detect the first water level in the first water storage box;

[0013] A second water level sensor, located inside the second water storage tank, is used to detect the second water level in the second water storage tank; and

[0014] The third water level sensor is located inside the third water storage box and is used to detect the third water level in the third water storage box.

[0015] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned garment care device, the garment care device further includes:

[0016] A first water pump is installed in the first drainage pipe and is used to drive the liquid water in the first water storage box to flow out through the first drainage pipe.

[0017] A second water pump, located in the second drain pipe, is used to drive liquid water in the second water storage box into the first water storage box through the second drain pipe; and

[0018] The third water pump is located in the third water inlet pipe and is used to drive the liquid water in the first water storage box into the third water storage box through the third water inlet pipe.

[0019] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned garment care device, the garment care device further includes a one-way valve, which is located in the first drain pipe.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention provides a control method for a garment care device, the control method comprising:

[0021] The first water level value in the first water storage box is obtained in real time by the first water level sensor;

[0022] The second water level value in the second water storage box is obtained in real time by the second water level sensor;

[0023] The third water level value in the third water storage box is obtained in real time by the third water level sensor;

[0024] The flow of liquid water between the first water storage box, the second water storage box, and the third water storage box is controlled according to the first water level value, the second water level value, and the third water level value, so as to reduce the frequency of liquid water exchange between the first water storage box and the outside of the device body.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the control method for the above-mentioned garment care device, the step of controlling the flow state of liquid water between the first water storage box, the second water storage box, and the third water storage box according to the first water level value, the second water level value, and the third water level value, so as to reduce the exchange frequency of liquid water between the first water storage box and the outside of the device body, includes:

[0026] When the first water level is lower than the preset first low threshold, all the liquid water in the second water storage box flows to the first water storage box.

[0027] After all the liquid water in the second water storage box is drained, the first water level value is compared with the preset first low threshold value.

[0028] When the first water level is greater than or equal to the preset first low threshold, the liquid water in the first water storage box flows to the third water storage box; wherein...

[0029] The volume of the liquid water in the first water storage box when the first water level value is equal to the preset first low threshold value is equal to the volume of the third water storage box.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the control method for the aforementioned garment care device, after all the liquid water in the second water storage box has been drained, the control method for comparing the first water level value with the preset first low threshold value further includes:

[0031] When the first water level is less than the preset first low threshold, all the liquid water in the first water storage box flows to the third water storage box, and the third water level is compared with the preset first high threshold.

[0032] When the third water level is less than the preset first high threshold, the water inlet valve on the first water inlet pipeline is controlled to switch from the closed state to the open state.

[0033] When the inlet valve has been in the open state for a first preset time, the inlet valve is controlled to switch from the open state to the closed state, and the first water level value is compared with the preset second high threshold.

[0034] When the first water level is lower than the preset second high threshold, the garment care device is controlled to issue a reminder to replenish water to the first water storage box.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the control method for the above-mentioned garment care device, the step of controlling the flow state of liquid water between the first water storage box, the second water storage box, and the third water storage box according to the first water level value, the second water level value, and the third water level value, so as to reduce the exchange frequency of liquid water between the first water storage box and the outside of the device body, further includes:

[0036] When the second water level value is greater than or equal to a preset third high threshold, the first water level value is compared with a preset fourth high threshold.

[0037] When the first water level is greater than or equal to the preset fourth high threshold, the first water storage box is controlled to drain water to the outside of the device body through the first drainage pipe for a second preset time.

[0038] When the first water storage box drains for a period of time until the second preset time is reached, the first water level value is compared with the preset first low threshold value.

[0039] When the first water level is less than the preset first low threshold, it is confirmed that the first drainage pipe is connected to the outside of the device body;

[0040] When the first water level value is greater than the preset first low threshold, it is confirmed that the first drainage pipe is connected to the first water inlet pipe.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the control method for the aforementioned garment care device, the control method further includes:

[0042] When the first water level is less than the preset fourth high threshold, all the liquid water in the second water storage box flows to the first water storage box. When the first water level is less than the preset fourth high threshold, all the liquid water in the second water storage box can be injected into the first water storage box.

[0043] After all the liquid water in the second water storage box is emptied, the liquid water in the first water storage box flows to the third water storage box. When the second water level is higher than the preset third high threshold, the volume of liquid water in the second water storage box is greater than the volume of liquid water when the first water level is equal to the preset first low threshold.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment of the control method for the aforementioned garment care device, the control method further includes:

[0045] During the process of liquid water flowing from the first water storage box to the third water storage box, the third water level value is compared with the preset fifth high threshold value;

[0046] When the third water level value is greater than or equal to the preset fifth high threshold, water intake into the third water storage box is stopped.

[0047] In the case of the above technical solution, the first water storage box of the present invention is connected to a first inlet pipe and a first drain pipe. The first drain pipe is configured to connect to the outside of the device body when the first inlet pipe is connected to a water source. The first drain pipe is also configured to connect to the first inlet pipe when the first inlet pipe is disconnected from the water source. With this configuration, when the first water storage box is connected to a water source, the first drain pipe of the first water storage box is connected to the outside of the device body. At this time, the garment care device can automatically fill and drain water without requiring the user to manually fill the first water storage box. When water is added to or drained from the box, if the first water storage box is disconnected from the water source, the first drain pipe is connected to the first water inlet pipe. At this time, the first water storage box cannot drain water to the outside of the garment care device through the first drain pipe. At the same time, the second water storage box receives the condensate in the garment care chamber and allows the received condensate to flow into the first water storage box. In this way, even if the first water inlet pipe is not connected to the water source, liquid water can still be replenished to the first water storage box through the second water storage box, thereby reducing the risk of needing the user to replenish liquid water within a certain period of time and improving user satisfaction. Attached Figure Description

[0048] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the garment care device of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 2 This is the main flowchart of the control method for the garment care device of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of one embodiment of the control method for the garment care device of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of another embodiment of the control method of the garment care device of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of another embodiment of the control method of the garment care device of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of another embodiment of the control method of the garment care device of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of another embodiment of the control method for the garment care device of the present invention.

[0056] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0057] 100. Clothing care device; 1. Cavity; 2. First water storage box; 21. First water level sensor; 22. First water inlet pipe; 23. Water inlet valve; 24. First solenoid directional valve; 25. First drain pipe; 26. Second solenoid directional valve; 27. First water pump; 28. Check valve; 3. Second water storage box; 31. Second water level sensor; 32. Second water inlet pipe; 33. Second drain pipe; 34. Second water pump; 4. Steam generator; 41. Third water storage box; 411. Third water level sensor; 412. Third water inlet pipe; 413. Third water pump. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Preferred embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0059] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "inner" and "outer," indicating directional or positional relationships, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. This is merely for ease of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and "fifth" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and "fifth" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0060] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this invention, 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0061] To address the issue that existing garment care devices require users to turn on the tap or manually add liquid water to the device within a certain timeframe when an abnormal water ingress is detected, thus increasing the frequency of manual operation by users.

[0062] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a garment care device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a main flowchart of an embodiment of the control method for the garment care device of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the control method for the garment care device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the control method for the garment care device of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the control method for the garment care device of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the control method for the garment care device of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of the control method for the garment care device of the present invention.

[0063] like Figure 1As shown, in this application, the garment care device 100 includes a device body, a cavity 1, a first water storage box 2, a second water storage box 3, and a steam generator 4. The cavity 1 is located inside the device body and is used to hold the garments to be cared for. The first water storage box 2 is located inside the device body and is connected to a first water inlet pipe 22 and a first drain pipe 25. The first drain pipe 25 is configured to connect to the outside of the device body when the first water inlet pipe 22 is connected to a water source (not shown), so that the first water storage box 2 can discharge liquid water to the outside of the device body through the first drain pipe 25 when connected to the water source. Specifically, when the first water inlet pipe 22 is connected to the water source, the amount of water entering the first water storage box 2 is controlled by the water inlet valve 23 installed on the first water inlet pipe 22. The first drainage pipe 25 is also configured to connect with the first inlet pipe 22 when the first inlet pipe 22 is disconnected from the water source, so that when the first water storage box 2 drains water through the first drainage pipe 25, the liquid water can flow back into the first water storage box 2 through the first inlet pipe 22. This avoids the situation where the liquid water in the first water storage box 2 is discharged to the outside of the device body, thereby reducing the frequency of users replenishing liquid water to the first water storage box 2. The second water storage box 3 is located inside the main body of the device. The second water storage box 3 is connected to the second water inlet pipe 32 and the second drain pipe 33. The upstream of the second water inlet pipe 32 is connected to the bottom of the cavity 1 to receive condensate on the inner wall of the cavity 1. The downstream of the second drain pipe 33 is connected to the first water storage box 2 so that the condensate in the second water storage box 3 can enter the first water storage box 2 through the second drain pipe 33. With this setting, the consumption rate of liquid water in the first water storage box 2 can be reduced during the clothing care device 100's clothing care process, thereby further reducing the frequency of the user adding water to the first water storage box 2 when the clothing care device 100 is not connected to a water source.

[0064] It should be noted that, in the specific implementation of the present invention, when the first water inlet pipe 22 of the first water storage box 2 is not connected to the water source, the first water inlet pipe 22 can be manually connected to the first drain pipe 25 by the user. In this way, when the first water storage box 2 drains water through the first drain pipe 25, the water discharged from the first drain pipe 25 can still enter the first water storage box 2 through the first water inlet pipe 22. However, this is not a limitation. In other embodiments of the present invention, a first electromagnetic reversing valve 24 can be provided on the first water inlet pipe 22, and a second electromagnetic reversing valve 26 can be provided on the first drain pipe 25. When the first water inlet pipe 22 is connected to the water source, the controller controls the first electromagnetic reversing valve 24 and the second electromagnetic reversing valve 26 to switch, so that the first water inlet pipe 22 is connected to the water source and disconnected from the first drain pipe 25, and the first drain pipe 25 is connected to the outside of the device body. In this way, the first water storage box 2 can be replenished with water through the first water inlet pipe 22 and drained out through the first drain pipe 25. When the first water inlet pipe 22 is disconnected from the water source, the controller controls the first electromagnetic reversing valve 24 and the second electromagnetic reversing valve 26 to switch, so that the first water inlet pipe 22 and the first drain pipe 25 are connected, and the first drain pipe 25 is disconnected from the outside of the main body of the device. In this way, when the first water storage box 2 drains water through the first drain pipe 25, the water discharged from the first drain pipe 25 can still enter the first water storage box 2 through the first water inlet pipe 22. Specifically, in the specific implementation of the present invention, a pressure sensor is provided between the upstream of the first electromagnetic reversing valve 24 and the water source. When the first electromagnetic reversing valve 24 blocks the first water inlet pipe 22, the pressure sensor detects the pressure of the water in the first water inlet pipe 22. This allows the controller to determine the connection status between the first water inlet pipe 22 and the water source based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor. When it is determined that the water source and the first water inlet pipe 22 are disconnected, the controller controls the first electromagnetic reversing valve 24 and the second electromagnetic reversing valve 26 to switch, so that the first water inlet pipe 22 and the first drain pipe 25 are connected.

[0065] Continue reading Figure 1 In this application, the garment care device 100 also includes a steam generator 4, which is located inside the main body of the device. The steam generator 4 includes a third water storage box 41, which is connected to a third water inlet pipe 412. The upstream of the third water inlet pipe 412 is connected to the first water storage box 2 so that the first water storage box 2 can replenish liquid water to the third water storage box 41 through the third water inlet pipe 412.

[0066] Continue reading Figure 1In this invention, the garment care device 100 further includes a first water level sensor 21, a second water level sensor 31, and a third water level sensor 411. The first water level sensor 21 is located inside the first water storage box 2 and is used to detect the first water level in the first water storage box 2. The second water level sensor 31 is located inside the second water storage box 3 and is used to detect the second water level in the second water storage box 3. The third water level sensor 411 is located inside the third water storage box 41 and is used to detect the third water level in the third water storage box 41.

[0067] Continue reading Figure 1 In this invention, the garment care device 100 further includes a first water pump 27, a second water pump 34, and a third water pump 413. The first water pump 27 is located in the first drain pipe 25 and is used to drive the liquid water in the first water storage box 2 to flow out through the first drain pipe 25. The second water pump 34 is located in the second drain pipe 33 and is used to drive the liquid water in the second water storage box 3 to enter the first water storage box through the second drain pipe 33. The third water pump 413 is located in the third water inlet pipe 412 and is used to drive the liquid water in the first water storage box 2 to enter the third water storage box 41 through the third water inlet pipe 412.

[0068] Continue reading Figure 1 In this invention, the garment care device 100 also includes a one-way valve 28, which is located in the first drain pipe 25 to prevent liquid water from flowing back from the first drain pipe 25 to the first water pump 27 when the water source replenishes the liquid water to the first water storage box 2 through the first water inlet pipe 22, so as to avoid damage to the first water pump 27 due to the backflow of liquid water.

[0069] In this invention, the garment care device 100 also includes a controller, which is connected to a first water level sensor 21, a second water level sensor 31, a third water level sensor 411, a first water pump 27, a second water pump 34, a third water pump 413, a first solenoid reversing valve 24, a second solenoid reversing valve 26, and a pressure sensor. Thus, the controller can control the flow of liquid water between the first water storage box 2, the second water storage box 3, and the third water storage box 41 based on the detected first, second, and third water level values, thereby reducing the frequency of the user manually adding water to the first water storage box 2 or manually draining the liquid water from the first water storage box 2. It should be noted that the controller can be a control chip inherent in the garment care device 100 itself, a control module specifically designed to execute the control methods of this application, or a functional unit of the control module. Those skilled in the art should understand that since the description of the control module is merely to illustrate the functional unit corresponding to the garment care device 100 of this invention, the physical device corresponding to the control module can be the processor itself, or a part of the processor's software, hardware, or a combination of both. Therefore, the number of control modules shown as one is merely illustrative. Those skilled in the art will understand that the control modules can be adaptively split according to actual circumstances. The specific splitting of the control modules will not cause the technical solution to deviate from the principles of this invention; therefore, all technical solutions after splitting will fall within the protection scope of this invention.

[0070] See below Figures 2 to 7 The possible implementations of the control method for the garment care device of the present invention will be described.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, in one possible implementation, the control method of the garment care device of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0072] S101: The first water level value in the first water storage box is obtained in real time by the first water level sensor;

[0073] S102: The second water level value in the second water storage box is obtained in real time by the second water level sensor;

[0074] S103: The third water level value in the third water storage box is obtained in real time by the third water level sensor;

[0075] S104: Control the flow of liquid water between the first water storage box, the second water storage box and the third water storage box according to the first water level value, the second water level value and the third water level value, so as to reduce the exchange frequency of liquid water between the first water storage box and the outside of the device.

[0076] In S101, the first water level sensor acquires the first water level value in the first water storage box in real time, and sends the acquired first water level value to the controller.

[0077] In S102, the second water level sensor acquires the second water level value in the second water storage box in real time, and sends the acquired second water level value to the controller.

[0078] In S103, the third water level sensor acquires the third water level value in the third water storage box in real time, and sends the acquired third water level value to the controller.

[0079] In S104, the controller controls the working states of the first water pump, the second water pump, the third water pump, the first solenoid reversing valve, and the second solenoid reversing valve according to the first water level value, the second water level value, and the third water level value, so as to control the flow of liquid water between the first water storage box, the second water storage box, and the third water storage box, thereby reducing the frequency of users manually adding water to the first water storage box or manually draining the liquid water in the first water storage box, and improving user satisfaction.

[0080] like Figure 3 As shown, in one possible implementation, the control method of the garment care device of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0081] S201: When the first water level is lower than the preset first low threshold, all the liquid water in the second water storage box flows to the first water storage box.

[0082] S202: After all the liquid water in the second water storage box is drained, compare the first water level value with the preset first low threshold value;

[0083] S203: When the first water level is greater than or equal to the preset first low threshold, the liquid water in the first water storage box flows to the third water storage box.

[0084] In S201, when the first water level is lower than the preset first low threshold, it indicates that there is less liquid water in the first water storage box. In order to ensure the normal operation of the steam generator of the clothing care device, it is necessary to add liquid water to the first water storage box. At this time, in order to reduce the frequency of liquid water exchange between the first water storage box and the outside of the device body, that is, to reduce the frequency of the user manually adding water to the first water storage box or the frequency of adding water from the water source to the first water storage box, so that all the liquid water in the second water storage box flows into the first water storage box, so as to save water resources while saving the user's operation time.

[0085] It should be noted that, in the specific implementation of this invention, the volume of the first water storage box is greater than the volume of the third water storage box, and the volume of the third water storage box is greater than the volume of the second water storage box. The volumes of the first, second, and third water storage boxes can be determined by the designers based on experience, experiments, calculations, etc., and will not be elaborated here.

[0086] In step S202, after all the liquid water in the second water storage box is drained, the first water level value is compared with the preset first low threshold value.

[0087] In step S203, when the first water level is greater than or equal to a preset first low threshold, the liquid water in the first water storage box flows to the third water storage box. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the liquid water in the first water storage box is at the first water level, the volume of the liquid water in the first water storage box is greater than or equal to the volume of the third water storage box. This configuration ensures that when the liquid water level in the first water storage box is greater than or equal to the preset first low threshold, the third water storage box is filled with liquid water, ensuring that the amount of liquid water in the third water storage box is sufficient for the garment care device to operate for at least two garment care cycles. The volume of the third water storage box is configured to satisfy the steam generator's operation for at least two garment care cycles. This avoids the need for the user to manually add water to the first water storage box or to add water from a water source during the garment care process, thus reducing the frequency of manual or water source additions to the first water storage box.

[0088] like Figure 4 As shown, in one possible implementation, the control method of the garment care device of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0089] S301: If the first water level value is less than the preset first low threshold, all the liquid water in the first water storage box will flow to the third water storage box, and the third water level value will be compared with the preset first high threshold.

[0090] S302: When the third water level is less than the preset first high threshold, control the water inlet valve on the first water inlet pipeline to switch from the closed state to the open state;

[0091] S303: When the inlet valve has been in the open state for a first preset time, control the inlet valve to switch from the open state to the closed state, and compare the first water level value with the preset second high threshold.

[0092] S304: When the first water level is lower than the preset second high threshold, the garment care device is controlled to issue a reminder to replenish water to the first water storage box.

[0093] In step S301, when the first water level in the first water tank is lower than a preset first low threshold, it indicates that there is insufficient liquid water in the first water tank. At this time, the controller controls the third water pump to allow all the liquid water in the first water tank to flow into the third water tank, thus replenishing the third water tank with liquid water through the first water tank. After all the liquid water in the second water tank is emptied, the third water level is compared with a preset first high threshold to determine the amount of liquid water in the third water tank. Based on the amount of liquid water in the third water tank, the controller determines whether water needs to be added to the first water tank from the outside to ensure that the steam generator executes at least one clothing care cycle of the clothing care program.

[0094] It should be noted that the first high threshold can be determined by the designer based on experience, experiments, calculations, etc. As long as the first high threshold is constructed such that when the water level in the third water tank is greater than or equal to the preset first high threshold, the amount of liquid water in the third water tank can meet the needs of the garment care device to operate for at least one garment care cycle.

[0095] In S302, when the third water level is less than the preset first high threshold, it indicates that the amount of liquid water in the third water storage box is low, and the steam generator is at risk of not being able to run a garment care cycle. At this time, the controller needs to control the water inlet valve on the first water inlet pipe to switch from the closed state to the open state so that the water source can replenish the liquid water in the first water storage box, thereby enabling the first water storage box to replenish the liquid water in the third water storage box to ensure the normal operation of the steam generator.

[0096] In S303, when the inlet valve has been in the open state for a first preset time, the controller controls the inlet valve to switch from the open state to the closed state, and compares the first water level value with the preset second high threshold value to determine the amount of liquid water inside the first water storage box after the water source has been inlet for a first preset time.

[0097] In step S304, if the first water level in the first water storage box is lower than a preset second high threshold after a first preset water inlet time, it indicates an abnormality in the first water inlet pipe. This could be due to a blocked faucet, a clogged filter between the water source and the first water inlet pipe, or a water outage. At this time, the controller activates the garment care device to issue a reminder to replenish the first water storage box. Specifically, in this embodiment, a prompting device is installed on the main body of the device. This device can be an indicator light, a buzzer, or a voice broadcast device, allowing the controller to issue a reminder to the user.

[0098] It should be noted that the preset second high threshold and the first preset duration can be determined by the designer based on experience, experiments, calculations, etc. As long as the controller detects that the water level in the first water storage box has not reached the preset second high threshold when the duration of the water inlet valve opening reaches the first preset duration, it can be determined that the water inlet of the first water storage box is abnormal.

[0099] like Figure 5 As shown, in one possible implementation, the control method of the garment care device of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0100] S401: When the second water level value is higher than the preset third high threshold, compare the first water level value with the preset fourth high threshold.

[0101] S402: When the first water level is greater than or equal to the preset fourth high threshold, control the first water storage box to drain water to the outside of the device body through the first drainage pipe for a second preset time.

[0102] S403: When the drainage time of the first water storage box reaches the second preset time, compare the first water level value with the preset first low threshold.

[0103] S404: When the first water level is less than the preset first low threshold, confirm that the first drainage pipe is connected to the outside of the device body;

[0104] S405: When the first water level is greater than the preset first low threshold, confirm that the first drainage pipe is connected to the first water inlet pipe.

[0105] In step S401, when the second water level in the second water storage box is greater than or equal to a preset third high threshold, the first water level in the first water storage box is compared with a preset fourth high threshold. It should be noted that when the second water level is higher than the preset third high threshold, it indicates that the liquid water in the second water storage box is about to overflow. At this time, it is necessary to allow the liquid water in the second water storage box to flow into the first water storage box to prevent condensate from overflowing from the second water storage box during the condensate collection process. However, before the controller controls the second water pump to discharge the liquid water from the second water storage box into the first water storage box, it is necessary to compare the first water level in the first water storage box with the preset fourth high threshold.

[0106] It should be noted that, in the specific implementation of this invention, the preset fourth high threshold is set such that when the second water level in the second water storage box is equal to the preset third high threshold and the first water level in the first water storage box is equal to the preset fourth high threshold, all the liquid water in the second water storage box is discharged into the first water storage box, which just fills the first water storage box. Therefore, when the second water level is detected to be greater than the preset third high threshold, it is necessary to compare the first water level with the preset fourth high threshold to prevent liquid water from overflowing from the first water storage box during the process of the second water storage box supplying liquid water to the first water storage box.

[0107] In S402, when the first water level is greater than or equal to the expected fourth high threshold, the controller needs to control the first water pump to drain the liquid water in the first water storage box to the outside of the device body through the first drain pipe for a second preset time. It should be noted that the second preset time can be determined by the designer based on experience, experiments, calculations, etc. As long as the controller detects that the first water level in the first water storage box is higher than the preset first low threshold after the first water pump has been running for the second preset time, it indicates that the drainage from the first water storage box is abnormal.

[0108] In S403, when the first water pump runs for a second preset time, it is necessary to compare the first water level value in the first water storage box with the preset first low threshold value to determine the amount of liquid water in the first water storage box.

[0109] In S404, when the first water pump has been running for a second preset time, if the first water level in the first water storage box is less than the preset first low threshold, it indicates that the drainage pipe is connected to the outside of the device body, that is, the first water storage box can drain water through the first drainage pipe. At this time, when the second water level in the second water storage box is greater than or equal to the preset third high threshold, and the first water level is greater than or equal to the preset fourth high threshold, the controller can use the first water pump to discharge the liquid water in the first water storage box to the outside of the device body.

[0110] In S405, when the first water storage box drains water through the first water pump for a second preset time, if the first water level value of the liquid water in the first water storage box is greater than the preset first low threshold, it indicates that the first drain pipe is not connected to the outside of the device body, but is connected to the first water inlet pipe. At this time, when the controller controls the first water pump to drive the liquid water in the first water storage box to flow outward, the liquid water flows back to the first water storage box from the first water inlet pipe. Thus, the amount of liquid water in the first water storage box will not decrease. At this time, the controller needs to control the prompting device to issue a reminder to the user that manual drainage is required.

[0111] like Figure 6As shown, in one possible implementation, the control method of the garment care device of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0112] S501: When the first water level is less than the preset fourth high threshold, all the liquid water in the second water storage box flows to the first water storage box.

[0113] S502: After all the liquid water in the second water storage box is drained, the liquid water in the first water storage box flows to the third water storage box.

[0114] In S501, when the second water level is greater than or equal to the preset third high threshold and the first water level is less than the preset fourth high threshold, all the liquid water in the second water storage box flows to the first water storage box. It should be noted that when the first water level is less than the preset fourth high threshold, all the liquid water in the second water storage box can enter the first water storage box.

[0115] In S502, after all the liquid water in the second water storage box is drained, the liquid water in the first water storage box flows to the third water storage box. When the second water level is higher than the preset third high threshold, the volume of liquid water in the second water storage box is greater than the volume of liquid water when the first water level is equal to the preset first low threshold. With this setting, even if all the water in the first water storage box is consumed before the second water storage box drains water into the first water storage box when the second water level is higher than the preset third high threshold, the amount of liquid water in the first water storage box can still support the operation of the steam generator for at least two clothing care cycles after all the liquid water in the second water storage box enters the first water storage box. This reduces the frequency of users manually adding water to the first water storage box or adding water from the water source to the first water storage box, thus improving user satisfaction.

[0116] like Figure 7 As shown, in one possible implementation, the control method of the garment care device of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0117] S601: During the process of liquid water flowing from the first water storage box to the third water storage box, the third water level value is compared with the preset fifth high threshold.

[0118] S602: When the third water level is greater than or equal to the preset fifth high threshold, stop water from entering the third water storage box.

[0119] In S601, when the controller controls the third water pump to flow liquid water from the first water storage box to the third water storage box, the third water level value is compared with a preset fifth high-level threshold to determine the amount of liquid water in the third water storage box, thereby reducing the risk of liquid water overflowing from the third water storage box. It should be noted that the preset fifth high-level threshold can be determined by the designer based on experience, experiments, calculations, etc., as long as the liquid water in the third water storage box does not overflow when the third water level reaches the preset fifth high-level threshold and the water intake stops during the process of water entering the third water storage box.

[0120] Those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this application and form different embodiments. For example, any of the claimed embodiments in the claims of this application can be used in any combination.

[0121] It should be noted that although the detailed steps of the method of this application have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art can combine, split and rearrange the above steps without departing from the basic principles of this application. Such modified technical solutions do not change the basic concept of this application and therefore fall within the protection scope of this application.

[0122] The technical solution of the present invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after such changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A garment care device, characterized in that, The garment care device includes: The main body of the device has a cavity inside for accommodating the garments to be cared for; The first water storage box is located inside the main body of the device. The first water storage box is connected to a first water inlet pipe and a first water outlet pipe. The first water outlet pipe is configured to connect to the outside of the main body of the device when the first water inlet pipe is connected to the water source. The first water outlet pipe is also configured to connect to the first water inlet pipe when the first water inlet pipe is disconnected from the water source. A second water storage box is located inside the main body of the device. The second water storage box is connected to a second inlet pipe and a second outlet pipe. The upstream end of the second inlet pipe is connected to the bottom of the cavity to receive condensate from the inner wall of the cavity. The downstream end of the second outlet pipe is connected to the first water storage box. A steam generator is located inside the main body of the device. The steam generator includes a third water storage box, which is connected to a third water inlet pipe. The upstream end of the third water inlet pipe is connected to the first water storage box.

2. The garment care device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The garment care device also includes: The first water level sensor is located inside the first water storage box and is used to detect the first water level in the first water storage box; A second water level sensor, located inside the second water storage tank, is used to detect the second water level in the second water storage tank; and The third water level sensor is located inside the third water storage box and is used to detect the third water level in the third water storage box.

3. The garment care device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The garment care device also includes: A first water pump is installed in the first drainage pipe and is used to drive the liquid water in the first water storage box to flow out through the first drainage pipe. A second water pump, located in the second drain pipe, is used to drive liquid water in the second water storage box into the first water storage box through the second drain pipe; and The third water pump is located in the third water inlet pipe and is used to drive the liquid water in the first water storage box into the third water storage box through the third water inlet pipe.

4. The garment care device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The garment care device also includes a one-way valve, which is located in the first drain pipe.

5. A control method for the garment care device of claim 2, characterized in that, The control method includes: The first water level value in the first water storage box is obtained in real time by the first water level sensor; The second water level value in the second water storage box is obtained in real time by the second water level sensor; The third water level value in the third water storage box is obtained in real time by the third water level sensor; The flow of liquid water between the first water storage box, the second water storage box, and the third water storage box is controlled according to the first water level value, the second water level value, and the third water level value, so as to reduce the frequency of liquid water exchange between the first water storage box and the outside of the device body.

6. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of "controlling the flow state of liquid water between the first water storage box, the second water storage box, and the third water storage box according to the first water level value, the second water level value, and the third water level value, so as to reduce the exchange frequency of liquid water between the first water storage box and the outside of the device" includes: When the first water level is lower than the preset first low threshold, all the liquid water in the second water storage box flows to the first water storage box. After all the liquid water in the second water storage box is drained, the first water level value is compared with the preset first low threshold value. When the first water level is greater than or equal to the preset first low threshold, the liquid water in the first water storage box flows to the third water storage box; wherein... The volume of the liquid water in the first water storage box when the first water level value is equal to the preset first low threshold value is equal to the volume of the third water storage box.

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The control method of "comparing the first water level value with the preset first low threshold value after all the liquid water in the second water storage box is drained" further includes: When the first water level is less than the preset first low threshold, all the liquid water in the first water storage box flows to the third water storage box, and the third water level is compared with the preset first high threshold. When the third water level is less than the preset first high threshold, the water inlet valve on the first water inlet pipeline is controlled to switch from the closed state to the open state. When the inlet valve has been in the open state for a first preset time, the inlet valve is controlled to switch from the open state to the closed state, and the first water level value is compared with the preset second high threshold. When the first water level is lower than the preset second high threshold, the garment care device is controlled to issue a reminder to replenish water to the first water storage box.

8. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of "controlling the flow state of liquid water between the first water storage box, the second water storage box, and the third water storage box according to the first water level value, the second water level value, and the third water level value, so as to reduce the exchange frequency of liquid water between the first water storage box and the outside of the device" further includes: When the second water level value is greater than or equal to a preset third high threshold, the first water level value is compared with a preset fourth high threshold. When the first water level is greater than or equal to the preset fourth high threshold, the first water storage box is controlled to drain water to the outside of the device body through the first drainage pipe for a second preset time. When the first water storage box drains for a period of time until the second preset time is reached, the first water level value is compared with the preset first low threshold value. When the first water level is less than the preset first low threshold, it is confirmed that the first drainage pipe is connected to the outside of the device body; When the first water level value is greater than the preset first low threshold, it is confirmed that the first drainage pipe is connected to the first water inlet pipe.

9. The control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The control method further includes: When the first water level is less than the preset fourth high threshold, all the liquid water in the second water storage box flows to the first water storage box. When the first water level is less than the preset fourth high threshold, all the liquid water in the second water storage box can be injected into the first water storage box. After all the liquid water in the second water storage box is emptied, the liquid water in the first water storage box flows to the third water storage box. When the second water level is higher than the preset third high threshold, the volume of liquid water in the second water storage box is greater than the volume of liquid water when the first water level is equal to the preset first low threshold.

10. The control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control method further includes: During the process of liquid water flowing from the first water storage box to the third water storage box, the third water level value is compared with the preset fifth high threshold value; When the third water level value is greater than or equal to the preset fifth high threshold, water intake into the third water storage box is stopped.

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