Control method of clothes treatment equipment and clothes treatment equipment

Abstract

The invention discloses a control method of clothes treatment equipment and the clothes treatment equipment. The control method of the clothes treatment equipment comprises the steps of starting a clothes care mode, heating an inner cylinder, controlling steam to be introduced into the inner cylinder, and caring clothes in the inner cylinder. In the invention, the inner drum is heated before steam is introduced into the inner drum, so that the environment temperature of the inner drum is more uniform, the clothes care effect is further improved, and meanwhile, the use experience of a user is improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Clothing treatment equipment has multiple functions such as washing, spinning, and drying. Currently, clothing treatment equipment with drying function can care for clothes by steam. Since steam can effectively remove wrinkles and odors from clothes, the method of using steam to care for clothes is becoming increasingly popular.

[0003] Chinese Patent Application No. 202111450602.3 discloses a clothing treatment device with heat pump drying function and a steam care method. The steam care method includes controlling the water inlet valve to bring in water to the heating water level and then stopping the water inlet, and heating the water inlet through a heating device to generate steam to care for the clothing.

[0004] In the above technical solution, the temperature inside the cylinder is increased by heating the water to generate steam. However, since the water inlet is located at the bottom of the outer cylinder, the temperature distribution inside the cylinder is uneven when it is heated, which reduces the care effect on clothes and reduces the user experience.

[0005] In view of this, the present invention is hereby proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a control method for a garment processing device, which controls the heating of the inner drum before steam is introduced into the inner drum, so as to ensure a more uniform ambient temperature of the inner drum, further improve the garment care effect, and at the same time improve the user experience.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0008] A method for controlling a garment processing device, comprising,

[0009] Activate garment care mode;

[0010] Heating the inner cylinder;

[0011] Control the flow of steam into the inner drum to care for the clothes inside.

[0012] Preferably, the method of heating the inner cylinder includes,

[0013] Controls the heating drum of the drying system in garment processing equipment;

[0014] Preferably, the heating module of the drying system heats the air and introduces the heated air into the outer cylinder and / or the inner cylinder.

[0015] Preferably, the heating inner cylinder includes,

[0016] Monitor the environmental parameters of the equipment;

[0017] When the environmental parameters meet the preset conditions, the inner cylinder is heated.

[0018] Preferably, determining that environmental parameters meet preset conditions includes:

[0019] Determine if at least one of the temperature and humidity meets the preset conditions.

[0020] Preferably, it is determined that at least one of temperature and humidity meets a preset condition, including:

[0021] Determine if the temperature meets the preset temperature range; and / or determine if the humidity meets the preset humidity range.

[0022] Preferably, the rotation of the inner cylinder is controlled simultaneously with and / or before and / or after heating the inner cylinder;

[0023] Preferably, the inner cylinder is controlled to rotate with preset rotation parameters;

[0024] More preferably, the rotation parameters include at least the number of revolutions of the inner cylinder;

[0025] Preferably, the inner cylinder rotates at a speed of 20 to 50 revolutions per minute.

[0026] Preferably, the source of steam includes heating the inlet water to generate steam;

[0027] Preferably, the water inlet includes water inlet to the steam generator and / or water inlet to the laundry treatment equipment;

[0028] More preferably, water intake into the garment processing equipment includes water intake into the bottom of the outer drum, and water heating to generate steam using the heating element of the garment processing equipment;

[0029] Preferably, the process of introducing water into the bottom of the outer cylinder includes controlling the water inlet valve to introduce water into the bottom of the outer cylinder and / or controlling the condenser to introduce condensate into the bottom of the outer cylinder.

[0030] Preferably, controlling the introduction of steam into the inner cylinder includes,

[0031] Control the water to enter the bottom of the outer cylinder, and stop the water intake when the water level reaches the first preset level;

[0032] The heating element at the bottom of the outer cylinder heats the water to generate steam.

[0033] Preferably, the process of controlling the heating element at the bottom of the outer cylinder to heat water and generate steam includes:

[0034] Monitor the water level at the bottom of the outer cylinder;

[0035] Determine whether the water level at the bottom of the outer cylinder has reached the second preset water level;

[0036] If so, the nursing process ends, and the second preset water level is lower than the first preset water level and does not exceed the heating element.

[0037] The present invention also provides a garment processing device applied to the above-described control method.

[0038] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0039] In this invention, the inner drum is heated before steam is introduced into it, which makes the internal temperature of the inner drum more uniform. More importantly, it can prevent the steam entering the inner drum from condensing due to the low internal temperature, thereby improving the care effect on clothes and enhancing the user experience.

[0040] In this invention, by determining when the environmental parameters of the equipment meet preset conditions, the inner drum is heated, which enables the control unit of the garment processing equipment to accurately determine the timing of heating the inner drum, thereby further improving the garment care effect.

[0041] In this invention, controlling the rotation of the inner drum while heating the inside of the inner drum and / or before and / or after heating the inner drum helps to ensure that the internal environment of the inner drum and the clothes in the inner drum are heated evenly, thus avoiding the accumulation of clothes and reducing the care effect of the clothes.

[0042] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0043] 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:

[0044] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the control method for the clothing processing equipment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of one embodiment of the control method for the clothing processing equipment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of another embodiment of the control method for the clothing processing equipment of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 4This is a flowchart of another embodiment of the control method for the clothing processing equipment of the present invention.

[0048] 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

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] This invention provides a garment processing device. The term "processing device" refers to a general category of household appliances capable of performing washing, dehydration, and drying processes, including but not limited to dryers and washer-dryer combos. It should be noted that the garment processing device of this invention is preferably a washer-dryer combo garment processing device.

[0053] The garment processing equipment includes an outer drum, a rotatable inner drum housed within the outer drum, and a drying system. The outer drum stores wash water, the inner drum holds the garments to be processed, and the drying system supplies hot air to the inner drum.

[0054] Furthermore, multiple through holes are formed on the inner drum wall, allowing the inner drum and outer drum to communicate through these holes. During the washing or rinsing cycle, water enters the inner drum through these holes to wash or rinse the clothes. During the spin-drying cycle, the inner drum drives the clothes to rotate at high speed, generating centrifugal force to squeeze out the water from the clothes, which then flows into the outer drum through the through holes. A drainage mechanism is usually installed at the bottom of the outer drum to drain the water that has flowed into it. Preferably, the drainage mechanism can be a drain valve or a drain pump.

[0055] Furthermore, the drying system includes an air duct, a heating module installed in the air duct, a drying fan, and a condenser. The heating module is used to heat the air flowing in the air duct, and the drying fan is used to promote the circulation of air in the air duct, carrying away the moisture from the clothes to be cared for in the inner drum during the circulation process. The condenser is used to condense the moisture in the humid air flowing out of the inner drum and collect it for reuse, injecting it into the bottom of the outer drum. In this way, when steam is generated, the moisture released by the clothes to be cared for during the drying process can be fully utilized to achieve water reuse and reduce water consumption; or the water treated by the condenser can be discharged to the outside of the clothes processing equipment.

[0056] The garment handling equipment includes a controller and sensors. The controller is configured to receive and send control commands during the care process. The sensors include a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and a water level sensor. The temperature sensor is configured to detect the ambient temperature of the inner tub, the humidity sensor is configured to detect the ambient humidity of the inner tub, and the water level sensor is configured to detect the water level at the bottom of the outer tub.

[0057] like Figure 1-4 As shown, the present invention also provides a control method for a garment processing device, the control method comprising,

[0058] Activate garment care mode;

[0059] Heating the inner cylinder;

[0060] Control the flow of steam into the inner drum to care for the clothes inside.

[0061] Specifically, in existing washer-dryer combos, the inner drum is not heated before steam is introduced. As a result, when the steam enters the inner drum and comes into contact with the clothes, some of the steam liquefies due to the low temperature of the inner drum, forming liquid water. This not only fails to achieve the purpose of caring for the clothes, but also wets the clothes to be cared for, affecting the user experience.

[0062] In this invention, the inner drum is heated before steam is introduced into it, so that the internal temperature of the inner drum is more uniform. More importantly, it can prevent the steam entering the inner drum from condensing due to the low internal temperature, thereby improving the care effect on clothes and enhancing the user experience.

[0063] Furthermore, methods for heating the inner drum include controlling the drying system of the garment processing equipment to heat the inner drum.

[0064] Furthermore, the heating module of the drying system is controlled to heat the air circulating in the air duct, creating dry air that then contacts the inner drum, raising its temperature. It should be noted that during the heating process, to prevent excessive air from entering the inner drum and affecting the purity of the steam subsequently entering, thus reducing the conditioning effect on the garments, the drying fan does not need to be activated during the inner drum heating process.

[0065] Preferably, the heating inner cylinder includes,

[0066] Monitor the environmental parameters of the equipment;

[0067] When the environmental parameters meet the preset conditions, the inner cylinder is heated.

[0068] The environmental parameters include temperature and humidity. Specifically, a temperature sensor installed inside the cylinder can be used to collect the ambient temperature of the inner cylinder. After receiving the temperature data sent by the temperature sensor, the controller determines whether the temperature data is within the preset temperature range. Alternatively, a humidity sensor installed inside the cylinder can be used to collect the ambient humidity of the inner cylinder. After receiving the humidity data sent by the humidity sensor, the controller determines whether the humidity data is within the preset humidity range. If the controller determines that the temperature data and / or humidity data meet the preset temperature and humidity ranges, it will heat the inner cylinder.

[0069] Preferably, the rotation of the inner cylinder is controlled simultaneously with and / or before and / or after heating the inner cylinder;

[0070] More preferably, the inner cylinder is controlled to rotate with preset rotation parameters.

[0071] Specifically, the preset rotation parameters include the rotation speed of the inner drum. The rotation speed of the inner drum is usually set to a low speed, preferably 20 to 50 revolutions per minute. By controlling the low speed of the inner drum rotation, a certain amount of airflow can be generated near the inner drum. This airflow can prevent a large amount of air from entering the inner drum, thereby improving the purity of the steam during the care process and further improving the effect on the clothes being cared for. More importantly, this airflow can significantly increase the flow rate of the drying air and shorten the time required for the inner drum wall to reach a uniform temperature.

[0072] Preferably, when steam is introduced into the inner cylinder, the source of steam includes heating the inlet water to generate steam;

[0073] Preferably, the water inlet includes water inlet to the steam generator and / or water inlet to the laundry treatment equipment;

[0074] More preferably, water intake into the garment processing equipment includes water intake into the bottom of the outer drum, and water heating to generate steam using the heating element of the garment processing equipment.

[0075] Specifically, the garment processing equipment is equipped with a steam generator. Water is introduced into the steam generator, and the heating structure inside the generator heats the water to produce steam. As the steam escapes, it adheres to the surface of the garments to be treated, making the garments fluffy and soft. Preferably, the heating structure can be a resistance wire.

[0076] Alternatively, water can be introduced into the garment processing equipment, including controlling the water inlet valve to introduce water into the bottom of the outer drum. That is, controlling the water inlet valve to open, and when the water flows through the water distribution structure, a portion of the water flows through the water pipe into the bottom of the outer drum.

[0077] Water intake for the garment processing equipment also includes controlling the condenser to inject condensate into the bottom of the outer drum.

[0078] Specifically, the output end of the condenser is usually equipped with a condensate valve. When water needs to be introduced into the bottom of the outer drum, the controller of the garment processing equipment controls the condensate valve to open and inject condensate into the bottom of the outer drum at a set flow rate.

[0079] It should be noted that the water flow does not pass through the inner drum as it enters the bottom of the outer drum, preventing the clothes being cared for inside the inner drum from getting wet and further improving the user experience.

[0080] Preferably, controlling the introduction of steam into the inner cylinder includes,

[0081] Control the water to enter the bottom of the outer cylinder, and stop the water intake when the water level reaches the first preset level;

[0082] The heating element at the bottom of the outer cylinder heats the water to generate steam.

[0083] Specifically, a heating element is installed at the bottom of the outer drum. Since steam needs to be generated for steam treatment of the garments, the water level needs to be raised to a first preset level and the water temperature heated to a set range sufficient to generate steam. This set temperature range can be selected as 70℃~80℃. Once the water level at the bottom of the outer drum reaches the first preset level, the heating element heats the water. The generated steam enters the inner drum through holes in the inner drum wall, removing wrinkles from the garments. The high temperature of the steam kills bacteria and eliminates odors, leaving the garments fluffier and softer. It is understood that the heating element preferably uses resistance heating.

[0084] Furthermore, a water level sensor can be used to detect the water level at the bottom of the outer cylinder to determine whether the water level at the bottom of the outer cylinder has reached the first preset water level, or the water level at the bottom of the outer cylinder can be determined by a preset water flow rate and water inlet time.

[0085] Preferably, the process of controlling the heating element at the bottom of the outer cylinder to heat water and generate steam includes:

[0086] Monitor the water level at the bottom of the outer cylinder;

[0087] Determine whether the water level at the bottom of the outer cylinder has reached the second preset water level. If so, the nursing process ends. The second preset water level is lower than the first preset water level and submerges the heating element.

[0088] Specifically, to prevent excessive evaporation of water at the bottom of the outer tub, which exposes the heating element to air and causes its temperature to rise rapidly, far exceeding its normal operating temperature, the material properties of the heating element may deteriorate, leading to deformation, melting, or breakage. Furthermore, if the water level at the bottom of the outer tub is very low, the heating element may be in a dry-burning state, potentially causing a fire or other safety hazard. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the water level at the bottom of the outer tub during the water heating process and ensure that it is slightly higher than the second preset water level. At this point, the entire treatment process ends. It is understood that the second preset water level refers to the minimum safe water level, and the first preset water level refers to the maximum safe water level.

[0089] In addition, considering that users may need a longer care time for thicker cotton or wool fabrics, when the water level at the bottom of the outer drum is slightly higher than the second preset water level but lower than the first preset water level, the controller will simultaneously detect the duration of the current care process. If the user feels that the care time is insufficient and wishes to further extend the care cycle of the garments to meet their expectations for the care effect, the controller will control the garment processing equipment to add water to the bottom of the outer drum until the added water level reaches the first preset water level. Then, the controller will continue to control the heating element to generate steam to care for the garments until the care time reaches the user's preset psychological expectation value. During this period, the controller ensures that the water level at the bottom of the outer drum is maintained at a level slightly higher than the second preset water level, and that the water level can cover the heating element to ensure stable steam generation and normal operation of the heating element.

[0090] Furthermore, when the conditions for the end of the care are met, since there is still steam in the environment inside the inner and outer drums, and the surface of the clothes after steam care is wet, the clothes need to be dried. At this time, the drying system needs to continue to run, and the environment inside the inner and outer drums is kept dry by controlling the operation of the heating module and drying fan in the drying system.

[0091] 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, Activate garment care mode; Heating the inner cylinder; Control the flow of steam into the inner drum to care for the clothes inside.

2. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, Methods of heating the inner cylinder include, Controls the heating drum of the drying system in garment processing equipment; Preferably, the heating module of the drying system heats the air and introduces the heated air into the outer cylinder and / or the inner cylinder.

3. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Heating inner cylinder, including, Monitor the environmental parameters of the equipment; When the environmental parameters meet the preset conditions, the inner cylinder is heated.

4. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that, Determining whether environmental parameters meet preset conditions includes: Determine if at least one of the temperature and humidity meets the preset conditions.

5. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, Determine that at least one of temperature and humidity meets preset conditions, including: Determine if the temperature meets the preset temperature range; and / or determine if the humidity meets the preset humidity range.

6. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Control the rotation of the inner cylinder while heating the inner cylinder and / or before and / or after heating the inner cylinder; Preferably, the inner cylinder is controlled to rotate with preset rotation parameters; More preferably, the rotation parameters include at least the number of revolutions of the inner cylinder; Preferably, the inner cylinder rotates at a speed of 20 to 50 revolutions per minute.

7. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, Steam sources include heating the incoming water to generate steam; Preferably, the water inlet includes water inlet to the steam generator and / or water inlet to the laundry treatment equipment; More preferably, water intake into the garment processing equipment includes water intake into the bottom of the outer drum, and water heating to generate steam using the heating element of the garment processing equipment; Preferably, the process of introducing water into the bottom of the outer cylinder includes controlling the water inlet valve to introduce water into the bottom of the outer cylinder and / or controlling the condenser to introduce condensate into the bottom of the outer cylinder.

8. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Controlling the flow of steam into the inner cylinder includes, Control the water to enter the bottom of the outer cylinder, and stop the water intake when the water level reaches the first preset level; The heating element at the bottom of the outer cylinder heats the water to generate steam.

9. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, The process of controlling the heating element at the bottom of the outer cylinder to heat water and generate steam includes: Monitor the water level at the bottom of the outer cylinder; Determine whether the water level at the bottom of the outer cylinder has reached the second preset water level; If so, the nursing process ends, and the second preset water level is lower than the first preset water level and submerges the heating element.

10. A garment processing device, characterized in that, The control method of the garment processing equipment as described in any one of claims 1-9 is adopted.

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