Laundry treating apparatus and control method

Abstract

The application discloses a clothes treatment device and a control method. The clothes treatment device comprises a drum module, a drying air duct in circulation communication with the drum module, a first detection module arranged in the drying air duct and used for detecting the amount of foam in the drying air duct, and a control module in electrical connection with the first detection module and used for judging whether to control the execution of a defoaming action according to the result of the first detection module. The first detection module is arranged in the drying air duct, so that the amount of foam in the drying air duct can be accurately detected. Since the drying air duct is in communication with the drum module, when it is found that the amount of foam in the drying air duct is excessive, the amount of foam in the drum module is excessive, the control module determines to execute the defoaming action, the foam in the drum module and the drying air duct is removed, the eccentricity caused by excessive foam in the drum module is avoided, the spinning efficiency is improved, the problem that the drying efficiency is reduced due to the fact that the drying air duct is blocked by the foam is avoided, and thus the clothes washing time is shortened.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In modern life, garment processing equipment faces a common and pressing problem during operation—excessive foam production. Mini washer-dryers, in particular, are popular due to their compact size, ease of operation, and diverse functions; however, their design limits their ability to easily overflow when foam is excessive. This overflow not only creates difficulties in cleaning and maintenance but can also pollute the surrounding environment, impacting the user's experience and overall experience.

[0003] More seriously, the presence of a large amount of foam significantly hinders the normal rotation of the inner drum. As the core component for garment handling, the smooth rotation of the inner drum is crucial for ensuring effective washing. Foam buildup increases the frictional resistance of the drum's rotation, leading to increased energy consumption and reduced washing efficiency. Furthermore, the foam generates even more small bubbles from the newly spun water, creating a vicious cycle that further exacerbates the problem of water retention during spin-drying. This phenomenon not only prolongs the spin-drying time but may also prevent the effective removal of moisture from the clothes, affecting the spin-drying effect and washing efficiency, and directly impacting the user experience and satisfaction.

[0004] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art. The first objective is to provide a clothing processing device that, by setting a first detection module in the drying air duct, can accurately detect the amount of foam in the drying air duct, thereby determining whether a defoaming action needs to be initiated. This avoids the problem of excessive foam in the drum module causing eccentricity, improves the spin-drying efficiency, and also avoids the problem of reduced drying efficiency caused by foam clogging of the drying air duct, thereby shortening the washing time of clothes.

[0006] A second objective of this invention is to provide a control method for a garment processing device.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: Firstly, a garment processing device is provided, comprising:

[0008] Cylinder module;

[0009] The drying air duct is circulated and connected to the cylindrical module.

[0010] The first detection module is located inside the drying air duct and is used to detect the amount of foam inside the drying air duct.

[0011] The control module is electrically connected to the first detection module and determines whether to control the execution of the defoaming action based on the results obtained from the first detection module.

[0012] Furthermore, the drying air duct includes a vertical air duct section located on one side of the cylinder module, and the first detection module is disposed in the vertical air duct section for detecting the distance between the first detection module and the foam in the drying air duct;

[0013] The control module is configured to obtain the height of the foam based on the distance detected by the first detection module, and to execute the defoaming action of the cylinder module when the obtained height of the foam is greater than a preset height.

[0014] Furthermore, the vertical air duct section is connected to the air outlet at the lower rear end of the cylindrical module and is higher than the top of the cylindrical module. The first detection module is located at the highest point of the vertical air duct section, and the detection end of the first detection module is set downwards.

[0015] Furthermore, the first detection module includes a transmitter and a receiver. The first detection module obtains the distance between the first detection module and the foam in the drying air duct by recording the time difference t between the transmitter emitting a light signal to the liquid surface and the receiver receiving the reflected light signal.

[0016] Preferably, the transmitter and receiver are arranged downwards within the vertical air duct section;

[0017] Preferably, the first detection module includes a TOF detection module.

[0018] Furthermore, after the washing program starts, the first detection module detects the distance H2 between the foam in the drying air duct and the foam inside the duct.

[0019] The control module is configured to acquire the pre-stored initial height H1 and detection distance H2 of the first detection module in the drying air duct, and determine whether the first detection module is faulty and / or whether it performs defoaming action based on the distance change.

[0020] Preferably, the drying duct contains a fan and a heater, which are electrically connected to the control module. The defoaming action is performed by the control module controlling the fan and heater to operate, and hot air is introduced into the cylinder module through the drying duct to defoam.

[0021] Preferably, it also includes a second detection module for obtaining the liquid level inside the cylinder module.

[0022] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a control method for using any of the above-described garment processing devices, comprising the following steps:

[0023] S1. Obtain the foam height inside the drying air duct;

[0024] S2. Determine at least whether the detected foam height has reached the preset value. If so, proceed to step S3.

[0025] S3. Perform the defoaming action.

[0026] Further, step S1 includes:

[0027] In step S1, after the washing program starts, the initial height H1 of the first detection module in the drying air duct and the distance H2 between the first detection module and the foam in the drying air duct are obtained, and the height of the foam in the drying air duct is calculated as H1-H2.

[0028] Preferably, the initial height H1 is a pre-stored value, or the initial height H1 within the drying duct detected by the first detection module when the clothing processing equipment is powered on.

[0029] Further, in step S2, the obtained H1-H2 are compared with preset values ​​N1 and N2;

[0030] If H1-H2 is less than or equal to the preset value N2, then the washing program continues.

[0031] If H1-H2 is greater than the preset value N2 and H1-H2 is less than the preset value N1, then the defoaming action is performed;

[0032] And / or, if H1-H2 is greater than or equal to the preset value N1, then the first detection module is determined to have detected a fault;

[0033] The preset value is N2 < N1.

[0034] Furthermore, step S3 includes: S31, controlling the drying air duct to introduce hot air into the cylinder module for defoaming;

[0035] Preferably, in step S31, by controlling the operation of the fan and heater in the drying duct for a preset time n, hot air is introduced into the cylinder module to defoam, thereby eliminating the foam in the drying duct or returning it to the cylinder module, and then step S1 is repeated.

[0036] Furthermore, before step S31, step S30 is included, in which the control cylinder module stops rotating and drains water.

[0037] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0038] (1) This invention can accurately detect the amount of foam in the drying air duct by setting a first detection module inside the drying air duct. Since the drying air duct is connected to the drum module, when the amount of foam in the drying air duct is excessive, the amount of foam in the drum module is also excessive. The control module determines that a defoaming action is performed to remove the foam in the drum module and the drying air duct, thereby avoiding the eccentricity caused by excessive foam in the drum module, improving the spin-drying efficiency, and avoiding the problem of reduced drying efficiency caused by the drying air duct being blocked by foam, thus shortening the washing time of clothes.

[0039] (2) By placing the first detection module at the highest point of the vertical air duct section, this invention can accurately capture the highest point of foam rise, thus improving the accuracy of foam monitoring. By monitoring the foam status in real time and executing an intelligent defoaming program, it can ensure that the equipment maintains efficient and stable operation during the washing process, thereby improving user satisfaction.

[0040] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0041] 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:

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a garment processing device according to the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 This is a first flowchart of a control method for a garment processing device according to the present invention;

[0044] Figure 3 This is a second flowchart of a control method for a garment processing device according to the present invention;

[0045] Figure 4 This is the third flowchart of a control method for a garment processing device according to the present invention.

[0046] In the diagram: 1. Cylinder module; 2. Vertical air duct section; 3. First detection module.

[0047] 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

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a garment processing device, which includes household and commercial garment processing equipment with washing and drying functions. The garment processing device includes, but is not limited to, a washing and dehydration system, a transmission system, a mechanical support system, a drying system, a water supply and drainage system, and an electrical control system, and has washing, dehydration, and drying functions.

[0052] The garment processing equipment includes a drum module 1, a drying air duct, a first detection module 3, and a control module.

[0053] The drying duct is cyclically connected to the cylinder module 1. The first detection module 3 is located inside the drying duct and is used to detect the amount of foam in the drying duct. The control module is electrically connected to the first detection module 3 and determines whether to control the execution of the defoaming action based on the result obtained from the first detection module 3.

[0054] The control module determines whether the amount of foam exceeds a preset value based on the received detection results. If the amount of foam exceeds the preset value, the control module initiates a defoaming action; if it does not exceed the preset value, the defoaming action is not initiated, and the washing or drying program continues.

[0055] This invention, by setting a first detection module 3 inside the drying duct, can accurately detect the amount of foam inside the drying duct. Since the drying duct is connected to the drum module 1, when excessive foam is detected in the drying duct, the control module determines that there is too much foam in the drum module 1 and executes a defoaming action to remove the foam from the drum module 1 and the drying duct. This avoids the eccentricity phenomenon caused by excessive foam in the drum module 1, improves the spin-drying efficiency, and also avoids the problem of reduced drying efficiency caused by foam clogging of the drying duct, thereby shortening the washing time of clothes.

[0056] The drum module 1 includes an outer drum for holding water. The outer drum may be equipped with a washing component, such as an inner drum, that rotates under the influence of a motor to agitate the water inside. Alternating forward and reverse rotation at low speeds of the inner drum can tumble and wash the clothes, while high-speed rotation of the inner drum can dehydrate the clothes. When the clothing processing equipment is a drum-type clothing processing equipment, the opening of the outer drum faces forward, and the axis of the outer drum extends forward and backward. The outer drum is located inside the housing, and its opening is opposite to the clothing inlet on the front panel of the housing.

[0057] The drying duct is at least connected to the air inlet of the cylindrical module 1, and is used to introduce hot drying air into the cylindrical module 1 to dry the clothes. One end of the drying duct is connected to the air inlet of the cylindrical module 1, and the other end can be connected to the air outlet of the cylindrical module 1 or other components or the outside atmosphere. That is, the drying duct can be circulated with the cylindrical module 1, or the drying duct can not be circulated with the cylindrical module 1, but can receive air from other components or the outside atmosphere, heat it, and deliver it into the cylindrical module 1.

[0058] The first detection module 3 includes, but is not limited to, a capacitive liquid level detection module, a conductivity detection module, a sonar liquid level detection module, a radar liquid level detection module, a foam liquid level sensor, a float liquid level detection module, an optical foam detection module, and an image detection module.

[0059] The defoaming actions include, but are not limited to, static defoaming, defoaming with heated water, defoaming with pressurized air intake, defoaming by air intake into the drying channel module 1, and starting a dedicated defoamer spraying device. Specific solutions can be flexibly selected according to actual conditions.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the two ends of the drying channel are respectively connected to the cylinder module 1, and the first detection module 3 is located in the end of the drying channel at the lower height on the cylinder module 1.

[0061] The drying duct includes a vertical duct section 2 located on one side of the cylindrical module 1, which can be located behind the cylindrical module 1 or on its left or right sides. The first detection module 3 is located within the vertical duct section 2 and is used to detect the distance between the first detection module 3 and the foam within the drying duct, thereby indirectly reflecting the foam height. Since the position of the first detection module 3 is fixed, and its height relative to the cylindrical module 1 and / or the vertical duct section 2 is fixed, the height of the foam within the vertical duct section 2 can be calculated based on the detected distance. The first detection module 3 includes an ultrasonic sensor, a laser rangefinder, etc. When the foam height reaches or exceeds a preset height, the control module receives a signal and controls the execution of a defoaming action.

[0062] The control module is configured to: obtain the height of the foam based on the distance detected by the first detection module 3, and perform a defoaming action when the height of the foam is higher than a preset height. In the above scheme, an initial height H1 of the first detection module 3 in the vertical air duct section 2 can be pre-stored in the control module, or the initial height H1 of the first detection module 3 in the vertical air duct section 2 can be detected when the clothing processing equipment is powered on, and the height of the foam can be calculated based on this.

[0063] Since the vertical air duct section 2 is connected to the cylindrical module 1, it is detected that the foam position in the vertical air duct section 2 is the same as the foam height in the cylindrical module 1.

[0064] The control module continuously receives and processes the distance data monitored by the first detection module 3, comparing it with preset values. Once the foam height reaches or exceeds the preset value, the control module immediately controls the defoaming action of the execution cylinder module 1, enabling it to detect and eliminate excessive foam.

[0065] Based on the first detection module 3, this invention adds a second detection module, located inside the cylinder module 1, for detecting the amount or height of foam within the cylinder module 1. When the amount or height of foam within the cylinder module 1 also exceeds a preset value, the control module can simultaneously initiate a defoaming action targeting the cylinder module 1 and / or the drying air duct, ensuring comprehensive foam elimination. This can be any existing defoaming action targeting the foam within the cylinder module 1.

[0066] The present invention Figure 1 The image shown is a schematic diagram from the rear view of the cylindrical module 1, with the vertical air duct section 2 located at the rear of the cylindrical module 1.

[0067] The vertical air duct section 2 is directly or indirectly connected to the air outlet at the lower rear end of the cylindrical module 1, and the top of the vertical air duct section 2 is higher than the top of the cylindrical module 1. Its main function is to guide the hot and humid air discharged from the cylindrical module 1 into the subsequent processing stage of the drying system. The first detection module 3 is located at the highest point of the vertical air duct section 2.

[0068] The vertical air duct section 2 is set vertically, and the detection end of the first detection module 3 is set facing downwards to avoid the detection signal being transmitted to the inner wall of the vertical air duct section 2, which would cause detection failure.

[0069] This invention, by placing the first detection module 3 at the highest point of the vertical air duct section 2, can accurately capture the highest point of foam rise, improving the accuracy of foam monitoring. By monitoring the foam status in real time and executing an intelligent defoaming program, the device can ensure efficient and stable operation during the washing process, improving user satisfaction.

[0070] The vertical air duct section 2 can be configured as a straight cylinder to facilitate the installation of the first detection module 3 and foam monitoring. The air outlet is located at the lower part of the rear end of the peripheral wall of the cylindrical module 1, and the air outlet is connected to the lower end of the vertical air duct section 2 through a rearwardly extending bent air duct section. Alternatively, the air outlet is located at the lower part of the rear wall of the cylindrical module 1 and is directly connected to the lower end of the vertical air duct section 2.

[0071] During the washing process, when the foam inside the drum module 1 rises to a certain height, some of the foam will enter the vertical air duct section 2 through the air outlet. The first detection module 3 monitors the distance between the foam and the sensor in real time. If the foam height reaches or exceeds the preset value, the control module determines that there is too much foam and triggers the control to execute a defoaming action.

[0072] Furthermore, the first detection module 3 includes a timing unit, a transmitter, and a receiver. The transmitter in the first detection module 3 is responsible for emitting light signals into the foam within the drying duct. This can be a laser diode, LED, or other light source capable of generating sufficient intensity and directionality. The receiver in the first detection module 3 is responsible for receiving light signals reflected from the foam surface. This is typically a photodiode, photoresistor, or photomultiplier tube, capable of converting the received light signals into electrical signals for subsequent processing.

[0073] The time unit of the first detection module 3 records the time difference t between the transmitter emitting a light signal to the liquid surface and the receiver receiving the reflected light signal. The first detection module 3 or the control module calculates the distance between the first detection module 3 and the foam in the drying air duct based on the time difference t, or obtains the pre-stored corresponding distance based on the time difference t.

[0074] In the first detection module 3, the transmitter emits a light signal towards the foam inside the drying duct. When the light signal encounters the foam surface, part of the light is reflected back and received by the receiver. The receiver converts the received light signal into an electrical signal and transmits it to the control module for processing. The control module records the time difference t between the transmitter emitting the light signal and the receiver receiving the reflected light signal. Since the speed of light in air is constant, the distance between the first detection module 3 and the foam inside the drying duct can be calculated using the time difference t and the speed of light.

[0075] The transmitter can emit light signals such as infrared light or laser light downwards.

[0076] The transmitter and receiver are installed downwards within the vertical air duct section 2. During installation, the transmitter and receiver emit and receive light signals towards the bottom of the vertical air duct section 2, aligning with the direction of gravity. This ensures that the light signal directly illuminates the foam surface and that the light signal reflected back from the foam surface is received.

[0077] The downward-facing transmitter and receiver of this invention ensure that the light signal directly illuminates the foam surface or the bottom of the vertical air duct section 2, and receives the light signal reflected back from the foam surface or the bottom of the vertical air duct section 2, thereby improving the accuracy of the measurement.

[0078] Preferably, the first detection module 3 includes a TOF detection module, which is a distance measurement module based on the time-of-flight principle of optical signals.

[0079] One specific solution is that after the washing program starts, the first detection module 3 detects the distance H2 between itself and the foam in the vertical air duct section 2.

[0080] The control module is configured to acquire the pre-stored initial height H1 and detection distance H2 of the first detection module 3 within the vertical air duct section 2, and determine whether the first detection module 3 is malfunctioning and / or whether it should perform defoaming based on the distance change. Specifically, H1-H2 is compared with preset values ​​N1 and N2, where N1 > N2.

[0081] The control module includes a storage unit that pre-stores a preset initial height H1, a preset value N1, and a preset value N2.

[0082] Another specific embodiment includes a time module in the garment processing device. The time module is electrically connected to both the control module and the first detection module 3, and is used to record when the garment processing device is powered on and when the washing program begins.

[0083] The control module obtains the timing recorded by the time module and controls the first detection module 3 to detect the initial height H1 in the vertical air duct section 2 when the clothing processing equipment is powered on, and to detect the distance H2 between the clothes and the foam in the vertical air duct section 2 after the washing program starts. The time module not only records the time points, but also records the sequence of equipment state changes (such as power-on, start of washing, etc.) for subsequent analysis and diagnosis.

[0084] The control module is configured to acquire the detected distances H1 and H2, and determine whether the first detection module 3 is faulty and / or whether to perform defoaming action based on the distance changes. Specifically, H1-H2 is compared with preset values ​​N1 and N2, where N1 > N2.

[0085] Furthermore, if H1-H2 is greater than the preset value N2 and H1-H2 is less than the preset value N1, then a defoaming action is performed. And / or, if H1-H2 is less than or equal to the preset value N2, then the washing program continues. And / or, if H1-H2 is greater than or equal to the preset value N1, then the first detection module 3 is determined to have detected a fault.

[0086] The drying duct contains a fan and a heater, which are electrically connected to the control module. The defoaming action is performed by the control module controlling the fan and heater to operate, and hot air is introduced into the cylinder module 1 through the drying duct for defoaming.

[0087] The horizontal air duct section of the drying air duct is connected to the upper end of the vertical air duct section 2, and the horizontal air duct section extends forward to the front end of the outer cylinder. The horizontal air duct section is located at the top of the outer cylinder.

[0088] Optionally, the fan and heater are located within the transverse duct section.

[0089] In garment processing equipment, a fan is typically used to blow heated air into the drying drum module 1 to achieve the drying function of the garments. A heater, located within the drying duct, is used to heat the air, usually through resistance heating, a heat pump, or other methods to raise the air to the required temperature. In garment processing equipment, the heater works in conjunction with the fan to blow the heated air into the drying drum module 1, thereby accelerating the drying process of the garments.

[0090] By controlling the working state of the fan and heater, the control module can blow hot air into the cylinder module 1 to quickly eliminate foam in the drying air duct, thus improving the defoaming efficiency.

[0091] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the present invention also provides a control method for using any of the above-described garment processing devices, comprising the following steps:

[0092] S1. Obtain the foam height in the drying air duct to measure the amount of foam;

[0093] S2. Determine at least whether the detected foam height has reached the preset value. If so, proceed to step S3.

[0094] S3. Perform the defoaming action.

[0095] This invention obtains the foam height within the drying duct. Since the drying duct is connected to the drum module, when the obtained foam height reaches a preset value, it indicates that there is excessive foam in the drum module. The system then controls the execution of a defoaming action to remove foam from both the drum module and the drying duct, preventing excessive foam in the drum module from causing eccentricity, thus improving spin-drying efficiency. It also avoids the problem of reduced drying efficiency due to foam blockage in the drying duct, thereby shortening the washing time for clothes.

[0096] In step S1, the foam height within the drying duct is obtained, which can be achieved directly or indirectly. Detection methods include: capacitive level detection modules, conductivity detection modules, sonar level detection modules, radar level detection modules, foam level sensors, float level detection modules, optical foam detection modules, and photographic detection modules, etc.

[0097] Specifically, optical sensors, such as laser rangefinders or infrared rangefinders, can be used to monitor the foam height within the drying duct in real time. Ultrasonic sensors can also be used to measure foam height by emitting and receiving ultrasonic signals. Furthermore, image processing technology can be combined, using a camera to capture images of the foam within the drying duct and calculate its height.

[0098] In step S1, after the washing program starts, the initial height H1 of the first detection module in the drying air duct and the distance H2 between the first detection module and the foam in the drying air duct are obtained, and the height of the foam in the drying air duct is calculated as H1-H2.

[0099] In step S1 described above, the initial height H1 is a preset value, or the initial height H1 detected by the first detection module when the clothing processing equipment is powered on, which is located in the drying air duct.

[0100] One specific method is, such as Figure 3 As shown, step S1 includes:

[0101] S1a. Determine whether the washing program has started. If so, proceed to step S1b.

[0102] S1b, The first detection module detects the distance H2 between itself and the foam in the drying air duct;

[0103] S1c: Obtain the initial height H1 of the first detection module in the drying air duct, and calculate the foam height H1-H2.

[0104] In step S1b, after the washing program begins, water and additives enter the drum module, and the foam in the drying duct slowly rises. During this process, the first detection module emits a light signal downwards onto the foam in the vertical duct section, detecting the distance H2 between the first detection module and the foam in the vertical duct section. The distance H2 is less than or equal to the initial height H1.

[0105] Another specific method is, such as Figure 4 As shown, step S1 includes:

[0106] S10. The garment processing equipment is powered on;

[0107] S11, The first detection module detects the initial height H1 inside the drying air duct;

[0108] S12. Determine whether the washing program has started. If yes, proceed to step S13.

[0109] S13. The first detection module detects the distance H2 between itself and the foam in the drying air duct, and obtains the height of the foam in the drying air duct as H1-H2.

[0110] In step S11, the first detection module is a distance detection module. When the clothing processing equipment is powered on but has not yet started the washing program, there is no water or foam in the drying channel. Therefore, the first detection module emits a light signal downwards to the bottom of the vertical air duct section, and detects its initial height H1 in the vertical air duct section.

[0111] In step S13, after the washing program starts, water and additives enter the drum module, and the foam in the drying duct slowly rises. During this process, the first detection module emits a light signal downwards onto the foam in the vertical duct section, detecting the distance H2 between the first detection module and the foam in the vertical duct section. The distance H2 is less than or equal to the initial height H1.

[0112] Preferably, in step S12, after the washing program starts, it is determined whether it is in the non-water intake stage; if so, step S13 is executed.

[0113] Of the two schemes mentioned above, the preferred option is that the initial height H1 is a preset value.

[0114] In step S2, the obtained H1-H2 are compared with preset values ​​N1 and N2, where 0 < N2 < N1.

[0115] If H1-H2 is less than or equal to the preset value N2, then the washing program continues.

[0116] If H1-H2 is greater than the preset value N2 and H1-H2 is less than the preset value N1, then the defoaming action is performed.

[0117] And / or, if H1-H2 is greater than or equal to the preset value N1, then the first detection module is determined to have detected a fault.

[0118] This invention effectively avoids uneven washing and drum module eccentricity problems caused by excessive foam by monitoring changes in foam height in real time and performing defoaming actions, thus improving the washing effect. Furthermore, it introduces two preset values, N1 and N2, forming two judgment intervals, enabling more precise control of the foam amount.

[0119] Specifically, in step S2, it is determined whether H1-H2 is less than the preset value N1. If not, the first detection module is faulty. It may be that the light signal of the first detection module is emitted onto the side wall of the vertical air duct section above the foam, causing the detection distance H2 to become smaller and the preset value H1-distance H2 to become larger.

[0120] Determine if H1-H2 is less than or equal to the preset value N2. If yes, the amount of foam is within an acceptable range, and the washing operation continues. If N2 < H1-H2 < N1, the amount of foam is excessive, and the defoaming operation is performed, where the preset value N2 < N1. An increase in the height difference H1-H2 indicates an increase in the amount of foam.

[0121] In step S3, the defoaming action includes, but is not limited to, static defoaming, hot water defoaming, air intake pressurization defoaming, air intake defoaming from the drying channel to the cylinder module, and introduction of defoaming agent. The specific scheme can be flexibly selected according to the actual situation.

[0122] Specifically, step S3 includes the following steps: S31, controlling the drying air duct to introduce hot air into the drum module to defoam. The hot air blows through the clothes and foam in the drum module, accelerating the breakage and dissipation of the foam, causing the foam in the drying air duct to flow back into the drum module. Alternatively, the hot air can also directly blow through the drum module and the foam in the drying air duct, accelerating its breakage.

[0123] This invention uses a fan and heater to defoam the drum module, which greatly reduces the defoaming time, thereby shortening the washing time and improving the user experience.

[0124] In step S31, by controlling the operation of the fan and heater in the drying duct for a preset time n, hot air is introduced into the cylinder module to defoam, thereby eliminating the foam in the drying duct or returning it to the cylinder module. Then, step S1a or step S12 is executed. The foam height H2 in the drying duct is re-acquired to determine whether further defoaming is needed.

[0125] The preset time n ≤ 20 min. The defoaming action can be performed continuously or intermittently.

[0126] Before step S31, step S30 is included: controlling the cylinder module to stop rotating and draining water. Stopping rotation can prevent more foam from being generated due to the continued rotation of the cylinder module, and draining water helps to quickly reduce the amount of foam inside the cylinder and the drying air duct. Specifically, the inner cylinder is controlled to stop rotating, and the drain valve or drain pump is opened or kept open.

[0127] Alternatively, in step S30, the rotational speed of the inner cylinder of the control cylinder module is reduced to a low speed to slow down foam generation. Simultaneously, a drainage procedure is initiated to gradually drain the water and foam from the cylinder module.

[0128] 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 garment processing device, characterized in that, include: Cylinder module; The drying air duct is circulated and connected to the cylindrical module. The first detection module is located inside the drying air duct and is used to detect the amount of foam inside the drying air duct. The control module is electrically connected to the first detection module and determines whether to control the execution of the defoaming action based on the results obtained from the first detection module.

2. The garment processing equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drying duct includes a vertical duct section located on one side of the cylinder module. The first detection module is located in the vertical duct section and is used to detect the distance between the first detection module and the foam in the drying duct. The control module is configured to obtain the height of the foam based on the distance detected by the first detection module, and to execute the defoaming action of the cylinder module when the obtained height of the foam is higher than a preset height.

3. The garment processing equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The vertical air duct section is connected to the air outlet at the lower rear end of the cylindrical module and is higher than the top of the cylindrical module. The first detection module is located at the highest point of the vertical air duct section, and the detection end of the first detection module is set downward.

4. The garment processing equipment according to any one of claims 2-3, characterized in that, The first detection module includes a transmitter and a receiver. The first detection module obtains the distance between the first detection module and the foam in the drying air duct by recording the time difference t between the transmitter emitting a light signal to the liquid surface and the receiver receiving the reflected light signal. Preferably, the transmitter and receiver are arranged downwards within the vertical air duct section; Preferably, the first detection module includes a TOF detection module.

5. The garment processing equipment according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: After the washing program starts, the first detection module detects the distance H2 between itself and the foam in the drying air duct; The control module is configured to acquire the preset initial height H1 and detection distance H2 of the first detection module in the drying air duct, and determine whether the first detection module is faulty and / or whether it performs defoaming action based on the distance change. Preferably, the drying duct contains a fan and a heater, which are electrically connected to the control module. The defoaming action is performed by the control module controlling the fan and heater to operate, and hot air is introduced into the cylinder module through the drying duct for defoaming.

6. A control method for the garment processing equipment according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Obtain the foam height inside the drying air duct; S2. Determine at least whether the detected foam height has reached the preset value. If so, proceed to step S3. S3. Perform the defoaming action.

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, In step S1, after the washing program starts, the initial height H1 of the first detection module in the drying air duct and the distance H2 between the first detection module and the foam in the drying air duct are obtained, and the height of the foam in the drying air duct is calculated as H1-H2. Preferably, the initial height H1 is a preset value, or the initial height H1 of the garment processing equipment detected by the first detection module within the drying duct when the garment processing equipment is powered on.

8. The control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, In step S2, the obtained H1-H2 are compared with preset values ​​N1 and N2; If H1-H2 is less than or equal to the preset value N2, then the washing program continues. If H1-H2 is greater than the preset value N2 and H1-H2 is less than the preset value N1, then the defoaming action is performed; And / or, if H1-H2 is greater than or equal to the preset value N1, then the first detection module is determined to have detected a fault; The preset value is N2 < N1.

9. The control method according to any one of claims 6-8, characterized in that, Step S3 includes: S31, controlling the drying air duct to introduce hot air into the cylinder module for defoaming; Preferably, in step S31, by controlling the operation of the fan and heater in the drying duct for a preset time n, hot air is introduced into the cylinder module to defoam, thereby eliminating the foam in the drying duct or returning it to the cylinder module, and then step S1 is repeated.

10. The control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, Before step S31, there is step S30, in which the control cylinder module stops rotating and drains water.

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