Laundry treating apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of clothes processing equipment, and particularly provides a clothes processing equipment and a control method thereof, aiming to solve the problem of long time consumption of the existing clothes processing equipment with multiple cylinders when processing clothes. To this end, the control method of the clothes processing equipment comprises receiving a control instruction for delivering fluid into multiple washing cylinders; and according to the sequence of the received control instruction, controlling the fluid delivery module to deliver fluid into the corresponding washing cylinder in sequence. After the fluid delivery in the previous washing cylinder is completed, the fluid delivery in the next washing cylinder is started. The sudden pressure drop can be avoided to slow down the flow rate, and finally to reduce the delivery efficiency. According to the sequence of the control instruction, the fluid delivery can be greatly optimized, the delivery time of the single washing cylinder can be effectively shortened, and the washing cylinder that has completed the fluid delivery can start washing first when the remaining washing cylinders are still filling water, thereby reducing the time consumed in the entire clothes processing process.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In recent years, the concept of healthy, partitioned washing has gradually become a core aspect of washing machine product development. To meet consumers' growing demand for healthy washing, various types of multi-drum washing machines with partitioned washing functions have been developed on the market. The emergence of multi-drum washing machines increases the washing or drying capacity of the machine, greatly increasing the amount of clothes that can be washed or dried, thus meeting the washing and drying needs of families with multiple children. However, when existing multi-drum washing machines start the washing program and fill with water simultaneously in multiple washing drums, it is easy to cause insufficient water pressure, resulting in a decrease in the water intake efficiency of each washing drum, which in turn significantly extends the overall processing time of clothes, negatively impacting users.

[0003] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a new control method for clothing processing equipment to solve the problem that existing multi-tube clothing processing equipment takes a long time to process clothing. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, namely, to solve the problem that existing multi-tube clothing processing equipment takes a long time to process clothing.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a control method for a garment processing device, the garment processing device comprising a plurality of washing drums and a fluid delivery module capable of delivering fluid to the plurality of washing drums respectively, the control method comprising:

[0006] Received control instructions to deliver fluid into multiple washing drums;

[0007] According to the order in which control commands are received, fluid is sequentially delivered into the corresponding washing drums.

[0008] In the optional technical solutions of the control method for the above-mentioned clothing processing equipment, the fluid delivery module includes a water inlet pipeline system, and the control method includes:

[0009] Received control instructions to introduce water into multiple washing drums;

[0010] Water is introduced into the corresponding washing drum in the order in which the control commands are received.

[0011] In the optional technical solution of the control method for the above-mentioned garment processing equipment, the fluid delivery module includes a garment processing agent dispensing module, and the control method includes:

[0012] Received control instructions to add laundry detergent to multiple washing drums;

[0013] According to the order in which control commands are received, laundry detergent is added to the corresponding washing drum in sequence.

[0014] In the optional technical solutions of the control method for the aforementioned clothing processing equipment, the step of "introducing water into the corresponding washing drums in sequence according to the order in which control commands are received" further includes:

[0015] Determine the water inlet type for each washing drum;

[0016] When the water inlet type is the same, water is sequentially introduced into the corresponding washing drum according to the order in which control commands are received.

[0017] In the optional technical solutions of the control method for the aforementioned clothing processing equipment, after the step of "determining the water inlet type of each washing drum", the control method includes:

[0018] When different types of water inlets are used, the main water inlet has the highest priority.

[0019] In the optional technical solutions of the control method for the above-mentioned clothing processing equipment, when there are multiple washing drums as the main water inlet, the type of the main water inlet is determined;

[0020] The priority of main washing water intake, rinsing water intake, and softening water intake decreases in that order.

[0021] In the optional technical solutions of the control method for the aforementioned clothing processing equipment, the step of "conveying fluid sequentially into the corresponding washing drums according to the order in which control commands are received" further includes:

[0022] Determine the type of washing drum that needs to deliver the fluid;

[0023] Smaller washing drums have a higher priority for conveying fluid than larger washing drums;

[0024] Washing drums of the same volume are supplied with fluid sequentially according to the order in which control commands are received.

[0025] In the optional technical solutions of the control method for the aforementioned clothing processing equipment, the step of "conveying fluid sequentially into the corresponding washing drums according to the order in which control commands are received" further includes:

[0026] Determine if there is a washer-dryer linkage in the washing drum;

[0027] Washer drums with integrated washer-dryer linkage have a higher priority for fluid delivery than those without.

[0028] When there are multiple washing drums with wash-dry linkage or multiple washing drums without wash-dry linkage, fluid is sequentially supplied to the corresponding washing drums according to the order in which control commands are received; or,

[0029] Calculate the difference between the amount of fluid entering the washing drum and the set amount of fluid;

[0030] The priority of the fluid transported by the washing drum decreases as the difference increases;

[0031] When the difference between the values ​​of multiple washing drums is equal, fluid is sequentially delivered to the corresponding washing drum according to the order in which control commands are received.

[0032] In the optional technical solutions of the control method for the above-mentioned clothing processing equipment, the water inlet pipeline system further includes a plurality of water inlet valves for controlling the water inlet to the washing drum, the plurality of water inlet valves being respectively installed on each washing drum water inlet pipe, and the plurality of water inlet valves corresponding one-to-one with the water inlet type; or, the water inlet pipeline system includes a switching valve and a water inlet valve for controlling the water inlet to the switching valve, the switching valve including a water inlet and a plurality of water outlets, the plurality of water outlets respectively corresponding to and connected to different washing drum water inlet pipes.

[0033] In a second aspect, the present invention also provides a garment processing device, the garment processing device including a memory, a processor, and a garment processing device control program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, the garment processing device control program being executed by the processor to implement the control method of the garment processing device described in any of the above technical solutions.

[0034] Those skilled in the art will understand that the garment processing device of the present invention includes multiple washing drums and a fluid delivery module capable of delivering fluid to the multiple washing drums respectively, and the control method includes: receiving a control command to deliver fluid to the multiple washing drums; and delivering fluid to the corresponding washing drums in sequence according to the order in which the control commands are received.

[0035] When the above technical solution is adopted, after the garment processing equipment receives an instruction to deliver fluid into the washing drum, the system will control the fluid delivery module to deliver fluid into the washing drum in an orderly manner according to the order in which the instructions are received. Fluid delivery to the next washing drum only begins after the previous washing drum has finished delivering fluid. Compared to the situation where multiple washing drums simultaneously receive water or detergent, this avoids a sudden drop in pressure that would slow the flow rate and ultimately reduce delivery efficiency. Furthermore, the present invention's sequential delivery of liquid according to the order of instructions greatly optimizes the delivery process, effectively shortening the delivery time of a single washing drum. Washing drums that have completed water intake and detergent delivery can start washing first while other washing drums are still receiving water or detergent, thereby reducing the overall time consumed in the garment processing process. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The preferred embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of the garment processing equipment of this application;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the steps of the first embodiment of the control method for the garment processing equipment of this application;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a second embodiment of the control method for the garment processing equipment of this application;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the steps of a third embodiment of the control method for the garment processing equipment of this application;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the fourth embodiment of the control method for the garment processing equipment of this application.

[0042] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0043] 1-Machine casing; 2-Drying drum; 3-Washing drum; 31-First washing drum; 32-Second washing drum; 33-Third washing drum. Detailed Implementation

[0044] 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.

[0045] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, the terms "upper" and "lower" refer to the upper and lower parts of the garment processing equipment in its operational state, based on the height direction. "Front" refers to the direction near the door based on the horizontal direction of the garment processing equipment in its operational state, and "rear" refers to the direction near the back of the garment processing equipment based on the horizontal direction of the garment processing equipment in its operational state.

[0046] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" 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 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 application according to the specific circumstances.

[0047] This application provides a garment processing device, such as... Figure 1As shown, the device includes a housing 1, a drying drum 2, and a washing drum 3. Both the drying drum 2 and the washing drum 3 are housed within the housing 1. There are multiple washing drums 3, with at least two having different volumes. This arrangement allows users to select the appropriate washing drum 3 based on the size and quantity of their clothes on the same garment processing device. For example, small items can be washed in a smaller volume washing drum 3, while large items can be washed in a larger volume. After washing both large and small items, the clothes can be directly placed into the drying drum 2 for drying, eliminating cumbersome intermediate steps and greatly improving the user experience. Furthermore, since the garment processing device of this application includes both a drying drum 2 and washing drums 3 for handling different sized clothes, there is no need to place conventional washing machines, wall-mounted washing machines, and separate dryers in different locations in the home, thus saving floor space.

[0048] In one possible implementation, each washing drum 3 is located at the bottom of the drying drum 2. Since the washing drum 3 requires the addition of washing water during operation, it is typically quite heavy. Therefore, placing each washing drum 3 at the bottom of the drying drum 2 lowers the center of gravity of the garment processing equipment, reducing vibration or tilting caused by instability and thus improving the overall stability of the equipment. Furthermore, placing the washing drums 3 at the bottom, rather than the top, allows the bottom structure to bear more weight without excessive pressure on the upper area. This avoids structural deformation or equipment damage due to excessive stress on the upper part, further enhancing the overall stability of the equipment.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the washing drum 3 includes a first washing drum 31, a second washing drum 32 and a third washing drum 33. The volume of the first washing drum 31 is greater than the volume of the second washing drum 32 and the volume of the third washing drum 33. The second washing drum 32 and the third washing drum 33 are arranged side by side on the upper part of the first washing drum 31.

[0050] The second washing drum 32 and the third washing drum 33 are arranged side-by-side above the first washing drum 31 and below the drying drum 2. This arrangement makes more efficient use of the vertical space of the garment processing equipment, resulting in a compact overall structure, clear functional division, and maximum space utilization. Furthermore, the first washing drum 31, located at the bottom, is heavier and thus increases stability, reducing vibration during washing. The second and third washing drums 32 and 33, positioned side-by-side at the top, are relatively lighter and provide more washing space without increasing the overall center of gravity. The drying drum 2, located at the top, also helps maintain balance, preventing instability caused by a high center of gravity. In short, this layout enhances the overall stability of the garment processing equipment. The first washing drum 31, with its larger volume, can hold more clothes and is suitable for large-volume washing tasks; the second and third washing drums 32 and 33, being smaller, are suitable for handling smaller loads or performing specialized washing operations.

[0051] In one possible implementation, the volume of the drying drum 2 is greater than the volumes of the second washing drum 32 and the third washing drum 33, thereby ensuring that the drying drum 2 has sufficient space to dry clothes from each of the washing drums 3. Specifically, the volume of the drying drum 2 can be greater than the sum of the volumes of the second washing drum 32 and the third washing drum 33.

[0052] As one possible implementation, the second washing drum 32 and the third washing drum 33 have equal volumes. Equal volumes in the second and third washing drums 32 and 33 can evenly distribute the load of the clothes, ensuring a balanced load during operation, thereby improving the stability of the equipment and avoiding equipment vibration, noise, or mechanical failure caused by excessive load on one side.

[0053] In one possible implementation, the second washing drum 32 and the third washing drum 33 are located on opposite sides of the line connecting the centers of the drying drum 2 and the first washing drum 31. That is, they are located on opposite sides of the line connecting the axes of the drying drum 2 and the first washing drum 31. This effectively balances the machine's center of gravity, reducing unbalanced loads and vibrations during operation.

[0054] Possibly, the first washing drum 31, the second washing drum 32, and the third washing drum 33 described above in this application are all outer drums, with a rotatable inner drum inside each washing drum 3. The specific implementation of rotatably locating the inner drum inside the outer drum is quite mature and will not be elaborated further. Alternatively, the inner drum can be omitted. In this case, the first washing drum 31, the second washing drum 32, and the third washing drum 33 can also be closed washing drums 3, etc. These adjustments do not deviate from the principles of this application and are all within the protection scope of this application.

[0055] The garment processing equipment also includes a fluid delivery module, which is used to deliver the fluid required for processing the garments into the washing drums 3. The fluid delivery module includes a garment processing agent dispensing module and a water inlet piping system. The garment processing agent dispensing module is used to dispense garment processing agents into each washing drum 3, including detergent, fabric softener, disinfectant, anti-color bleeding agent, fragrance, etc. The water inlet piping system is used to supply the water required for processing the garments into each washing drum 3.

[0056] The water inlet pipeline system includes a first water inlet pipe and a first spray pipe connected to a water source, and the first water inlet pipe and the first spray pipe are respectively connected to the first washing drum 31.

[0057] The water inlet pipeline system also includes a second water inlet pipe and a second spray pipe connected to the water source, and the second water inlet pipe and the second spray pipe are respectively connected to the second washing drum 32.

[0058] The water inlet piping system also includes a third water inlet pipe and a third spray pipe connected to the water source. The third water inlet pipe and the third spray pipe are respectively connected to the third washing drum 33.

[0059] The water inlet pipe is mainly used to supply main water into the washing drum 3, while the spray pipe is mainly used to supply spray water into the washing drum 3. The main water inlet types include main wash water, rinse water, and softening water, which are used to treat the clothes. The spray water inlet is mainly used to spray the window gasket or viewing window to remove foam or lint.

[0060] Of course, those skilled in the art can also combine the water inlet pipe and spray pipe of each washing drum 3 into one according to actual needs, so that it can both spray and inlet water, or other types of water inlet pipes can be added. The present invention does not limit its specific structure.

[0061] As one possible implementation, the water inlet piping system also includes multiple water inlet valves for controlling the inlet water into the washing drum 3. These multiple water inlet valves are respectively installed on each water inlet pipe, and each valve corresponds to a specific water inlet type. Water inlet types include main wash water inlet, rinse water inlet, softening water inlet, replenishment water, spray water inlet, etc.

[0062] For example, the first water inlet valve corresponds to the main washing water inlet of the first washing drum 31, the second water inlet valve corresponds to the softened water inlet of the first washing drum 31, the third water inlet valve corresponds to the spray water inlet of the first washing drum 31, the fourth water inlet valve corresponds to the main washing water inlet of the second washing drum 32, the fifth water inlet valve corresponds to the softened water inlet of the second washing drum 32, the sixth water inlet valve corresponds to the main washing water inlet of the third washing drum 33, the seventh water inlet valve corresponds to the softened water inlet of the third washing drum 33, and so on.

[0063] Multi-drum washing machines require multiple water inlets. Using individual valves for each inlet would result in an excessive number of valves, impacting installation space and increasing overall cost. Therefore, as an alternative implementation, a method is adopted that reduces the total number of valves and incorporates a switching valve to achieve water inlet functionality. The water inlet piping system includes a switching valve and an inlet valve controlling the connection between the switching valve and the water source. The switching valve includes one inlet and multiple outlets, and contains a switching valve core that switches between different inlet and outlet connections.

[0064] For example, the first washing drum 31 and the second washing drum 32 are each equipped with a set of switching valve and water inlet valve combination to achieve different types of water inlet.

[0065] Of course, the combination of the switching valve and the water inlet valve is not limited to corresponding to one washing drum 3. The same water inlet function can also be achieved by using a water inlet valve + switching valve. For example, one set of water inlet valve + switching valve corresponds to the main washing water inlet of all washing drums 3, and another set of water inlet valve + switching valve corresponds to the softened water inlet of all washing drums 3. In this case, for laundry processing equipment with automatic detergent dispensing function, the number of detergent storage boxes can be reduced. For example, a single detergent storage box can be used to dispense laundry detergent into multiple drums through a switching device.

[0066] In this case, to ensure the accuracy of detergent dispensing, the output water path of the switching valve is generally used to feed water into the washing drum 3 separately. However, if combined with other switching valves or water inlet valves, it is also possible to meet the requirement of simultaneous water intake for different functions in multiple drums. For example, a set of water inlet valves + switching valves can achieve the main washing water intake of the first washing drum 31 and the softening water intake of the second washing drum 32.

[0067] The present invention also provides a control method for a garment processing device.

[0068] As one possible implementation method, refer to Figure 2 The main steps of the control method include:

[0069] Step S11: Receive control instructions to deliver fluid into multiple washing drums;

[0070] Step S12: According to the order in which the control commands are received, fluid is sequentially delivered into the washing drum.

[0071] After receiving an instruction to deliver fluid into the washing drum 3, the system controls the fluid delivery module to deliver fluid into the washing drum 3 in an orderly manner according to the order in which the instructions are received. Fluid delivery to the next washing drum only begins after the previous washing drum has finished. Compared to multiple washing drums simultaneously receiving water or detergent, this avoids sudden pressure drops that could slow the flow rate and ultimately reduce delivery efficiency. Furthermore, this invention's sequential delivery of liquid according to instructions greatly optimizes the delivery process, effectively shortening the delivery time of a single washing drum. Washing drums that have completed water intake and detergent delivery can start washing while the other washing drums are still receiving water, thus reducing the overall time consumed in the garment processing.

[0072] Of course, in actual operation, there may be situations where instructions are sent to multiple washing drums simultaneously. After step S11, if multiple washing drums receive control instructions at the same time, steps S22, S32, or S42 can be executed to further optimize the liquid inlet priority among the multiple washing drums to achieve better technical results.

[0073] Specifically, when performing a water inlet operation on multiple washing drums 3, the control method includes the following specific steps:

[0074] Steps: Multiple washing drums receive instructions to fill with water;

[0075] Steps: Determine the water inlet type for each washing drum;

[0076] Steps: When the water inlet types are the same, water is introduced into the corresponding washing drums in the order in which the control commands are received;

[0077] Steps: When the types of water inlets are different, the main water inlet has the highest priority;

[0078] Steps: When multiple washing drums have main water inlets, determine the type of main water inlet;

[0079] Steps: The priority of main wash water intake, rinse water intake, and softening water intake decreases in that order;

[0080] Steps: Main wash water intake includes main wash water replenishment. When there is a washing drum for main wash water replenishment, main wash water replenishment has the highest priority.

[0081] Steps: Rinsing water intake includes rinsing water replenishment. When there is a washing drum for rinsing water replenishment, rinsing water replenishment has the highest priority.

[0082] Steps: When both main wash and rinse water replenishment are being performed in each washing drum at the same time, the priority of main wash water replenishment and rinse water replenishment is the highest; or, the priority of rinse water replenishment is second only to main wash water replenishment.

[0083] Upon receiving instructions to supply water to multiple washing drums 3, the system determines the water supply type for each drum 3. Different water supply types correspond to different washing stage requirements; for example, main water supply is used for the main washing cycle, while spray water supply is used for specific rinsing or auxiliary cleaning stages. When the water supply types are the same, the system controls the water supply pipeline system to supply water to the corresponding washing drum 3 sequentially according to the order in which control instructions are received. When the water supply types are different, the main water supply is prioritized over other water supplies such as spray water supply. This is because the main water supply plays a more critical role in the washing process; prioritizing the main water supply ensures that clothes are fully soaked and initially cleaned, laying a good foundation for subsequent washing processes. Main wash water replenishment mainly involves fine-tuning the water level during the washing process according to actual needs, while rinse water replenishment involves fine-tuning the water level during the rinsing process. Therefore, water replenishment time is generally shorter. Thus, if there is main wash or rinse water replenishment in the washing drum, other types of water supply are paused, with priority given to main wash or rinse water replenishment.

[0084] If both rinsing and main wash water replenishment are performed simultaneously, both have the highest priority. This means other water intakes are paused while both replenish water simultaneously to shorten the overall replenishment time. Alternatively, since the main wash stage requires a large amount of water, main wash water replenishment can be prioritized. Of course, those skilled in the art can also prioritize rinsing water replenishment as needed.

[0085] When multiple washing drums all have main water inlets, the specific type of main water inlet is further determined. The priorities of main wash water inlet, rinse water inlet, and softened water inlet are set in descending order. The main wash water inlet is the core of the entire washing process and needs to ensure sufficient water volume to fully dissolve detergent and effectively clean clothes; the rinse water inlet is used to remove residual detergent and stains from clothes and is of secondary importance; the softened water inlet, which injects softened water into the washing machine, has the lowest priority. This detailed priority division allows the water inlet operation to better meet the actual needs of different washing stages, improving washing results.

[0086] For example, when the first washing drum 31 is receiving water for the main wash cycle and the second washing drum 32 is receiving water for the spray cycle, the first washing drum 31 will receive water for the main wash cycle first, while the second washing drum 32 will pause receiving water and wait until the first washing drum 31 reaches the set water level before starting to receive water for the spray cycle. This orderly water intake control effectively avoids conflicts between different water intake types and ensures that each washing drum receives the required amount of water at the appropriate time.

[0087] When the first washing drum 31 is filled with water for main washing and the second washing drum 32 is filled with water for rinsing, the first washing drum 31 is prioritized for main washing water intake, and the second washing drum 32 stops filling with water. Only after the first washing drum 31 has filled with water to the set water level will the second washing drum 32 begin to fill with water for rinsing.

[0088] When performing the laundry detergent dispensing operation on multiple washing drums 3, the control method includes the following specific steps:

[0089] Steps: Receive control instructions to add laundry detergent to multiple washing drums;

[0090] Steps: Based on the order in which control commands are received, the laundry detergent dispensing module sequentially dispenses laundry detergent into the washing drum.

[0091] The system receives control commands to add laundry detergent to multiple washing drums 3. Based on the order in which the control commands are received, the system controls the laundry detergent dispensing module to add a certain amount of laundry detergent to each washing drum 3. This sequential dispensing method is similar to the sequential control principle of water inlet operation, and it can also avoid problems such as inaccurate dosage or uneven mixing caused by simultaneous dispensing, ensuring that each washing drum receives the required amount of laundry detergent precisely.

[0092] As one possible implementation method, refer to Figure 3 The control method includes the following specific steps:

[0093] Step S21: Receive control instructions to deliver fluid into multiple washing drums;

[0094] Step S22: Determine the type of washing drum that needs to be supplied with fluid;

[0095] Step S23: The smaller washing drum has a higher priority for conveying fluid than the larger washing drum;

[0096] Step S24: For washing drums of the same volume, fluid is sequentially delivered into the corresponding washing drums according to the order in which the control commands are received.

[0097] Different types of washing drums have different design purposes, washing loads, and required fluid volumes. Accurately identifying these differences helps in the rational allocation of fluid delivery resources. Because smaller-capacity washing drums have smaller washing loads, they require less water or laundry detergent compared to larger-capacity drums. Therefore, in multi-drum washing, fluid is prioritized for the smaller drums. This allows for quicker preparation, enabling the drums to begin washing. Once the smaller drums have completed fluid delivery and started washing, fluid is then delivered to the larger drums. This reduces the waiting time for fluid delivery to the smaller drums, making the entire multi-drum washing process more compact and efficient, significantly shortening the overall washing cycle. This avoids the problem of slow fluid delivery to the smaller drums due to simultaneously supplying fluid to both the large and small drums to meet the demands of the large drum.

[0098] When multiple washing drums of the same volume are simultaneously supplied with fluid, the "first-in, first-out" principle is adopted. This priority-based and sequential fluid supply method reduces the pressure on the internal fluid supply system and avoids the instantaneous high-load impact on components such as water pumps and pipes when the washing drums simultaneously require a large amount of fluid.

[0099] Of course, in an alternative implementation, if multiple washing drums of the same volume exist in step S24, steps S12, S32, or S42 can be executed to further optimize the liquid inlet priority of the multiple washing drums of the same volume. By combining determining the liquid inlet order by volume with other liquid inlet methods, the advantages of different priority control methods can be fully utilized to achieve better technical results and further improve the performance of the washing machine and the user experience.

[0100] Specifically, when performing a water inlet operation on multiple washing drums 3, the control method includes the following specific steps:

[0101] Steps: Receive control instructions to introduce water into multiple washing drums;

[0102] Steps: Determine the type of washing machine drum that requires water intake;

[0103] Steps: The smaller capacity washing drum has a higher water inlet priority than the larger capacity washing drum;

[0104] Steps: For washing drums of the same volume, water is introduced into the corresponding washing drums in the order in which the control commands are received.

[0105] Upon receiving a control command to introduce water into multiple washing drums 3, the system determines the type of washing drum requiring water intake and prioritizes the smaller-capacity washing drum 3 over the larger-capacity washing drum 3. For washing drums 3 with the same capacity, the system controls the water inlet piping system to sequentially introduce water into the corresponding washing drum 3 according to the order in which the control commands are received. Through this series of steps, water intake priority control based on the washing drum capacity is achieved, improving the rationality and efficiency of the water intake operation.

[0106] When performing the laundry detergent dispensing operation on multiple washing drums 3, the control method includes the following specific steps:

[0107] Steps: Receive control instructions to add laundry detergent to multiple washing drums;

[0108] Steps: Determine the type of washing machine drum that requires laundry detergent;

[0109] Steps: For smaller washing drums, the priority for adding laundry detergent is higher than for larger washing drums;

[0110] Steps: For washing drums of the same volume, add laundry detergent to the corresponding drums in the order in which the control commands are received.

[0111] Upon receiving control commands to add laundry detergent to multiple washing drums 3, the system determines the type of washing drum requiring detergent addition, prioritizing smaller drums 3 over larger ones. For washing drums 3 with the same volume, the detergent addition module adds detergent sequentially to the corresponding drum 3 according to the order in which the commands are received. These steps ensure accurate and efficient detergent addition, achieving a reasonable priority control.

[0112] As one possible implementation method, refer to Figure 4 The control method includes the following specific steps:

[0113] Step S31: Receive control instructions to deliver fluid into multiple washing drums;

[0114] Step S32: Calculate the difference between the amount of fluid entering the washing drum and the set amount of fluid;

[0115] Step S33: The priority of the washing drum conveying fluid decreases sequentially from small to large difference.

[0116] The garment processing equipment receives control commands to deliver fluid into multiple washing drums 3. The system calculates the difference between the amount of fluid flowing into each washing drum 3 (i.e., the amount of fluid in the washing drum) and the set fluid amount. This calculation allows for real-time monitoring of the difference between the current fluid amount in each washing drum and the target value. Washing drums 3 with set differences from smallest to largest have decreasing priority.

[0117] During the liquid input process of a multi-drum washing machine, if the fluid volume in one of the washing drums (3) is about to reach the set fluid volume, sequentially delivering fluid in the conventional manner may result in a longer process time due to waiting for other washing drums (3) to complete their fluid delivery. Therefore, this control method prioritizes delivering fluid to the washing drums whose fluid volume is about to reach the set value. Once that washing drum reaches the set fluid volume, it begins washing first, and then the fluid delivery task is redirected to other washing drums, reducing waiting time.

[0118] After step S32, there may be a situation where the difference between multiple washing drums is equal. In this case, step S12, S22, or S42 can be executed to optimize the liquid inlet priority of multiple washing drums with the same difference. By combining the fluid volume difference with other liquid inlet methods, the advantages of different priority control strategies can be fully utilized to achieve better technical results and further improve the intelligence and efficiency of the washing machine.

[0119] Specifically, when performing a water inlet operation on multiple washing drums 3, the control method includes the following specific steps:

[0120] Steps: Receive control instructions to introduce water into multiple washing drums;

[0121] Steps: Calculate the difference between the water level in the washing drum and the set water level;

[0122] Steps: The priority of water entering the washing drum decreases sequentially from small to large differences.

[0123] Upon receiving control commands to supply water to multiple washing drums, the system calculates the difference between the water level in each drum and the set water level. The priority for water supply to drums with smaller differences decreases sequentially. In this way, water is prioritized for drums with water levels closer to the set value, accelerating the overall water supply process and improving washing efficiency.

[0124] When performing the laundry detergent dispensing operation on multiple washing drums 3, the control method includes the following specific steps:

[0125] Steps: Receive control instructions to add laundry detergent to multiple washing drums;

[0126] Steps: Calculate the difference between the amount of laundry detergent used in the washing drum and the set amount of laundry detergent;

[0127] Steps: The priority for adding laundry detergent to the washing drum decreases as the difference in value increases.

[0128] Upon receiving a control command to add laundry detergent to multiple washing drums 3, the system calculates the difference between the detergent dosage in each drum 3 and the set dosage. The priority for adding detergent to drums 3 with the smallest to largest differences decreases sequentially. Similarly, in this way, detergent is preferentially added to drums 3 with dosages close to the set value, improving both efficiency and accuracy.

[0129] As one possible implementation method, refer to Figure 5 The control method includes the following specific steps:

[0130] Step S41: Receive control instructions to deliver fluid into multiple washing drums;

[0131] Step S42: Determine if there is a washer-dryer linkage in the washing drum;

[0132] Step S43: The priority of fluid delivery in a washing drum with wash-dry linkage is higher than that in a washing drum without wash-dry linkage.

[0133] The garment processing equipment receives a control command to deliver fluid into multiple washing drums 3, and the system determines whether the washing and drying linkage function is activated in the washing drums 3.

[0134] When the garment handling equipment consists of a drying drum 2 and a washing drum 3, if the user selects the wash-dry linkage function, considering that if it is not prioritized, it would take a long time to remove the clothes and put them into the drying drum after washing is completed. Therefore, this control method prioritizes supplying fluid to the washing drum 3 with wash-dry linkage to ensure that the wash-dry linkage process can be carried out efficiently. The wash-dry linkage mode aims to achieve continuous washing and drying, avoiding the wasted time of waiting for clothes to dry after washing. Prioritizing the supply of fluid to the washing drum 3 with wash-dry linkage allows these washing drums 3 to start the washing process earlier, and thus enter the drying stage earlier. Compared to completing the washing of the ordinary washing drum 3 first, and then processing the washing drum 3 with wash-dry linkage, the total time of the entire washing and drying process can be significantly shortened, improving washing efficiency.

[0135] After step S42, if there are multiple washing drums 3 with washing and drying linkage, or multiple washing drums 3 without washing and drying linkage, in both cases, step S12, step S22, or step S32 can be executed to further optimize the water inlet priority among multiple washing drums. This design allows for flexible adjustment of water inlet priority in various washing and drying linkage function configuration scenarios, ensuring that the washing machine always operates efficiently.

[0136] Specifically, when performing a water inlet operation on multiple washing drums 3, the control method includes the following specific steps:

[0137] Steps: Receive control instructions to introduce water into multiple washing drums;

[0138] Steps: Determine if there is a washer-dryer linkage in the washing drum;

[0139] Steps: The priority for water intake in a washing drum with a washer-dryer linkage is higher than that in a washing drum without a washer-dryer linkage.

[0140] Upon receiving a control command to supply water to multiple washing drums 3, the system determines whether a washer-dryer linkage function is activated in any of the drums. The drums with washer-dryer linkage have a higher priority for water supply than those without. This priority setting ensures that the drums with washer-dryer linkage receive water first, quickly initiating the washing process and saving time for the subsequent drying stage.

[0141] When performing the laundry detergent dispensing operation on multiple washing drums 3, the control method includes the following specific steps:

[0142] Steps: Receive control instructions to add laundry detergent to multiple washing drums;

[0143] Steps: Determine if there is a washer-dryer linkage in the washing drum;

[0144] Steps: For washing drums with a washer-dryer linkage, detergent should be added with higher priority than for washing drums without a washer-dryer linkage.

[0145] Upon receiving a control command to add laundry detergent to multiple washing drums 3, the system determines whether the washer-dryer linkage function is activated in any of the drums. Drums with washer-dryer linkage have higher priority for detergent dispensing than those without. This priority setting ensures that drums with washer-dryer linkage receive the appropriate laundry detergent first, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the entire washer-dryer linkage process.

[0146] It should be noted that although this invention describes the fluid delivery scenario using water intake and detergent addition as examples, the control method of this invention is also applicable to delivering other types of fluids before or during washing. Those skilled in the art can set the fluids to be delivered according to actual needs. It should also be noted that the received control commands for water intake or detergent addition can be received simultaneously or sequentially. Sequential receipt means that when a washing drum 3 is already in the water intake or detergent addition state, if a command for other washing drums 3 to intake water or add detergent is received, the system first judges the volume, water type, fluid volume, and whether a wash-dry linkage is involved among the several washing drums 3 that need fluid delivery. If the washing drum that started water intake or detergent addition has a lower priority, it is paused first, and other washing drums are given priority in water intake or detergent addition.

[0147] However, it should be noted that although the steps in the above embodiments are described in the above order, those skilled in the art will understand that in order to achieve the effect of this embodiment, different steps do not need to be executed in such an order, and they can be executed simultaneously (in parallel) or in a reverse order.

[0148] The present invention also provides a garment processing device, the garment processing device including a memory, a processor, and a garment processing device control program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, the garment processing device control program being executed by the processor to implement the control method of the garment processing device described in any of the above embodiments.

[0149] The technical solutions of this application have 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 this application is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A control method for a garment processing device, characterized in that, The garment processing equipment includes multiple washing drums and a fluid delivery module capable of delivering fluid to the multiple washing drums respectively, and the control method includes: Received control instructions to deliver fluid into multiple washing drums; According to the order in which control commands are received, fluid is sequentially delivered into the corresponding washing drums.

2. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid delivery module includes a water inlet pipeline system, and the control method includes: Received control instructions to introduce water into multiple washing drums; Water is introduced into the corresponding washing drum in the order in which the control commands are received.

3. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid delivery module includes a clothing treatment agent dispensing module, and the control method includes: Received control instructions to add laundry detergent to multiple washing drums; According to the order in which control commands are received, laundry detergent is added to the corresponding washing drum in sequence.

4. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of "introducing water into the corresponding washing drum in sequence according to the order in which control commands are received" further includes: Determine the water inlet type for each washing drum; When the water inlet type is the same, water is sequentially introduced into the corresponding washing drum according to the order in which control commands are received.

5. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that, Following the step of "determining the water inlet type of each washing drum", the control method includes: When different types of water inlets are used, the main water inlet has the highest priority.

6. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that, When multiple washing drums have main water inlets, determine the type of main water inlet; The priority of main washing water intake, rinsing water intake, and softening water intake decreases in that order.

7. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of "conveying fluid sequentially into the corresponding washing drum according to the order in which control commands are received" further includes: Determine the type of washing drum that needs to deliver the fluid; Smaller washing drums have a higher priority for conveying fluid than larger washing drums; Washing drums of the same volume are supplied with fluid sequentially according to the order in which control commands are received.

8. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of "conveying fluid sequentially into the corresponding washing drum according to the order in which control commands are received" further includes: Determine if there is a washer-dryer linkage in the washing drum; Washer drums with integrated washer-dryer linkage have a higher priority for fluid delivery than those without. When there are multiple washing drums with wash-dry linkage or multiple washing drums without wash-dry linkage, fluid is sequentially supplied to the corresponding washing drums according to the order in which control commands are received; or, Calculate the difference between the amount of fluid entering the washing drum and the set amount of fluid; The priority of the fluid transported by the washing drum decreases as the difference increases; When the difference between multiple washing drums is equal, fluid is sequentially delivered to the corresponding washing drum according to the order in which control commands are received.

9. The control method for the garment processing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The water inlet pipeline system also includes multiple water inlet valves for controlling the water supply to the washing drum. The multiple water inlet valves are respectively installed on each washing drum water inlet pipe, and the multiple water inlet valves correspond one-to-one with the water inlet type; or, the water inlet pipeline system includes a switching valve and a water inlet valve for controlling the water supply to the switching valve. The switching valve includes a water inlet and multiple water outlets, and the multiple water outlets are respectively connected to different washing drum water inlet pipes.

10. A garment processing device, characterized in that, The garment processing device includes a memory, a processor, and a garment processing device control program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. The garment processing device control program is executed by the processor to implement the control method of the garment processing device according to any one of claims 1-9.

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