Clothes drying rack and its drying control system

Abstract

This utility model discloses a clothes drying rack and its drying control system, including a control unit, a first clothing detection unit, and a drive unit. The first clothing detection unit is connected to the control unit and is used to detect the clothing drying information in the main drying area and feed it back to the control unit. The control unit is connected to a secondary drying area through the drive unit and is used to determine the number of clothes to be dried in the main drying area based on the clothing drying information. When the number of clothes to be dried in the main drying area exceeds a first preset value, the drive unit controls the secondary drying area to unfold. Based on this, this utility model can automatically control other drying areas outside the main drying area to unfold according to drying needs, improving the intelligence level of the clothes drying rack and the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of clothes drying control technology, specifically to clothes drying machines and their clothes drying control systems. Background Technology

[0002] Smart clothes drying racks are gaining popularity due to their ability to automatically raise and lower, and the integration of functions such as lighting, drying, and sterilization. They have become an indispensable part of smart home products.

[0003] Existing smart clothes drying racks, in order to expand the drying capacity and adapt to different drying needs, usually have additional drying areas (defined as secondary drying areas) besides the main drying area (usually the main drying rod). These include areas where the drying rods extend, areas for small items (socks, underwear, towels, etc.), and areas for large items (quilts, sheets, etc.). Currently, smart clothes drying racks generally control the overall raising and lowering of the drying rod assembly, lighting, and drying functions via remote control or a mobile app. For the additional drying areas, including the control of the drying rod extension, the unfolding and retraction of the quilt drying rod, and the unfolding of the small clothing drying area, users control these areas themselves based on their drying needs, either through a mobile app (remote control, app, etc.) or manually. This results in a low level of intelligence and a poor user experience. Utility Model Content

[0004] The primary objective of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies of the existing technology and provide a clothes drying control system. This system can automatically control other drying areas outside the main drying area to unfold based on drying needs, thereby improving the intelligence level of the clothes drying machine and the user experience.

[0005] The second objective of this utility model is to provide a clothes drying rack.

[0006] The first objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: a clothes drying control system, characterized in that it includes a control unit, a first clothing detection unit, and a drive unit;

[0007] The first clothing detection unit is connected to the control unit and is used to detect clothing drying information in the main drying area and feed it back to the control unit;

[0008] The control unit is connected to the secondary drying area via a drive unit and is used to determine the number of clothes to be dried in the main drying area based on the clothes drying information. When the number of clothes to be dried in the main drying area exceeds a first preset value, the control unit controls the secondary drying area to expand.

[0009] Preferably, the secondary drying area includes a first drying area and a second drying area; when the number of clothes drying in the main drying area exceeds a first preset value, the control unit controls the first drying area and / or the second drying area to expand through the drive unit.

[0010] The main drying area is the main drying rack area of ​​the clothes drying machine;

[0011] The first drying area is located at both ends of the main drying area;

[0012] The second drying area is the area of ​​drying rods parallel to the main drying rod.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a second clothing detection unit;

[0014] The second clothing detection unit is connected to the control unit and is used to detect the first clothing drying information in the first drying area and feed it back to the control unit;

[0015] The control unit is connected to the second drying area through the second drive unit and is used to determine the number of clothes to be dried in the first drying area based on the first clothes drying information. When the number of clothes to be dried in the first drying area exceeds a second preset value, the second drive unit controls the second drying area to expand.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes a third clothing detection unit;

[0017] The third clothing detection unit is connected to the control unit and is used to detect the second clothing drying information in the second drying area and feed it back to the control unit;

[0018] The control unit is connected to the first drying area through the first drive unit and is used to determine the number of clothes to be dried in the second drying area based on the second clothes drying information. When the number of clothes to be dried in the second drying area exceeds a third preset value, the first drive unit controls the first drying area to expand.

[0019] Furthermore, the first drying area includes telescopic rod areas and / or extension areas at both ends of the main drying rod; when there are two main drying rods, the extension areas are located on the end side of the main drying rods and are located between the main drying rods or between the telescopic rods of the main drying rods.

[0020] The second drying area is the area of ​​the clothes drying rack's quilt drying rod.

[0021] Preferably, the first clothing detection unit is an image acquisition unit; the clothing drying information in the main drying area is image information;

[0022] The image acquisition unit is connected to the control unit and is used to acquire image information of the main drying area and feed it back to the control unit, so that the control unit can determine the number of clothes to be dried in the main drying area based on the received image information.

[0023] Preferably, the first clothing detection unit includes one or more of the following: an infrared sensing unit, a pressure sensing unit, a laser sensing unit, and an ultrasonic sensing unit.

[0024] The first clothing detection unit is set along each hanging position in the main drying area to detect the clothing hanging information at each hanging position, so that the control unit can determine the number of clothes drying in the main drying area based on the clothing hanging information at each hanging position in the main drying area.

[0025] Preferably, the control unit is connected to the main controller of the clothes drying machine via a first wireless communication module.

[0026] Preferably, the control unit is connected to an external device via a second wireless communication unit.

[0027] The second objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a clothes drying machine, including the drying control system described in the first objective of this invention.

[0028] This utility model has the following advantages and effects compared with the prior art:

[0029] (1) This utility model includes a control unit, a first clothing detection unit, and a drive unit; wherein the first clothing detection unit is used to detect the clothing drying information of the main drying area of ​​the clothes dryer and feed it back to the control unit. The control unit determines the number of clothes to be dried in the main drying area based on the clothing drying information and compares it with a first preset value. When the quantity exceeds the preset value, the drive unit controls the secondary drying area, i.e., other drying areas outside the main drying area, to unfold. Based on this, the control system of this utility model can automatically control the unfolding of other drying areas outside the main drying area when the amount of clothing to be dried is large, thereby improving the intelligence level of the clothes dryer and the user experience.

[0030] (2) In this utility model, the secondary drying area may include the first drying area and the second drying area; when the number of clothes drying in the main drying area exceeds the first preset value, the control unit can control one or both of the first drying area and the second drying area to be opened. Therefore, this utility model can flexibly adjust the drying area according to the drying volume requirements.

[0031] (3) The present invention also includes a second clothing detection unit and a third clothing detection unit for detecting clothing drying information in the first drying area and the second drying area respectively; when the number of clothes drying in the main drying area exceeds the first preset value, one of the drying areas can be controlled to unfold, and then the number of clothes drying in the unfolded drying area can be further detected. Only when the number of clothes drying in the unfolded drying area exceeds the second preset value will the other drying area be unfolded. Based on this, the present invention system can reasonably adjust the unfolded drying area according to the number of clothes, avoiding unnecessary control actions.

[0032] (4) In this utility model, the clothing detection unit can use an image acquisition unit. The image acquisition unit can collect image information of each drying area, thereby confirming the quantity of clothes to be dried based on the image information. The image acquisition unit can be directly set in a place outside the drying area, such as the clothes drying machine host or the clothes drying machine installation environment. Based on this, there is no need to power on the drying rod assembly, so that the clothes drying machine does not need complex structural improvements, reducing manufacturing costs and manufacturing difficulty.

[0033] (5) In this utility model, the clothing detection unit can also use an infrared sensing unit, a pressure sensing unit, a laser sensing unit, or an ultrasonic sensing unit. The above units can be directly set in the drying area, such as the hanging position of the drying rod. Based on this, the control system of this utility model can accurately detect the number of clothes drying, making the expansion control of the drying area more precise.

[0034] (6) In this utility model, the main controller of the clothes drying machine or the control unit itself connected to the control unit is connected to the external device through a wireless communication module. Based on this, the system of this utility model can directly obtain the total amount of clothes that need to be dried sent by the external device (e.g., an external terminal), and can also obtain the total amount of clothes that need to be dried through the external device (e.g., a washing machine). Based on this, the present invention can more accurately control the expansion of other drying areas by accurately determining the clothes drying needs. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of the drying control system of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary descriptions for explaining the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

[0037] Example 1

[0038] Currently, smart clothes drying racks require users to manually operate them via a terminal (remote control, APP, etc.) or directly when they need to use other drying areas besides the main drying area. This results in low levels of intelligence and a poor user experience.

[0039] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, this embodiment provides a clothes drying control system, which is applied to a clothes drying machine.

[0040] The clothes drying rack referred to in this embodiment generally includes a main unit and a drying rod assembly. The main unit is generally installed on the ceiling, and the drying rod assembly is set below the main unit by steel wire ropes or other lifting devices. The drying rod assembly generally includes one or more clothes drying rods (main drying rods) for drying clothes, one or more drying rods (generally quilt drying rods) for drying large items such as quilts, and one or more horizontal bars, drying nets, etc. for drying small items (underwear, socks, towels, etc.). Clothes of general size are usually hung on the clothes drying rods, quilt drying rods, or small drying rods using clothing hangers (such as clothes hangers). The main unit contains a main controller, a power system, and other components. The power system of the clothes drying rack may include a motor, a reel, a pulley assembly, and a steel wire rope. The main controller is connected to the motor via a motor driver to control the motor's rotation. The reel is driven by the motor's output shaft. One end of the steel wire rope is mounted on the reel, and the other end passes through a pulley in the pulley assembly to change direction (from horizontal to vertical) and is fixedly connected to the drying rod assembly below the main unit. The reel rotates under the motor's power to wind up and unwind the steel wire rope, thereby causing the drying rod assembly on the steel wire rope to rise or fall. Additionally, the clothes drying rack may be equipped with lighting, drying, and disinfection modules, which can be controlled by commands issued by the main controller on the main unit.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the control system of this embodiment includes a control unit, a first clothing detection unit, a second clothing detection unit, a third clothing detection unit, and a drive unit.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first clothing detection unit is connected to the control unit and is used to detect clothing drying information in the main drying area and feed it back to the control unit.

[0043] In this embodiment, the control unit is connected to the secondary drying area through a drive unit, and is used to determine the number of clothes to be dried in the main drying area based on the clothes drying information. When the number of clothes to be dried in the main drying area exceeds a first preset value, the control unit controls the secondary drying area to expand.

[0044] In this embodiment, the main drying area refers to the main drying rod area; the first clothing detection unit may be an image acquisition unit, an infrared sensing unit, a pressure sensing unit, a laser sensing unit, an ultrasonic sensing unit, etc.

[0045] When the first clothing detection unit is an image acquisition unit, it can be installed on the clothes drying rack itself or in the clothes drying rack's installation environment. The image acquisition unit can collect image information of clothes drying in the main drying area. After acquiring the image information, the control unit can detect the number of clothes drying in the main drying area using image processing methods. The image acquisition unit can be a camera or other similar device.

[0046] When the first garment detection unit comprises an infrared sensor, a pressure sensor, a laser sensor, or an ultrasonic sensor, it can be positioned along each hanging location on the main drying rod to detect the garment's location. For example, the infrared transmitter of the infrared sensor can be positioned at one end of the hanging location, and the receiver at the other. When no garment is hanging at a location, the receiver can receive the infrared signal emitted by the transmitter and send a first signal to the control unit. When garment is hanging, the receiver cannot receive the infrared signal due to the clothes hanger's obstruction, so a second signal is sent to the control unit. The control unit then determines whether garment is hanging at the corresponding location based on the signal from the infrared sensor. The detection principles of the laser sensor and ultrasonic sensor are similar to those of the infrared sensor, utilizing the effect of the clothes hanger's obstruction on the device's output signal to determine whether garment is hanging at a location. Additionally, when a pressure sensor is positioned at a hanging location, the control unit can determine whether garment is hanging at that location based on the pressure signal fed back by the pressure sensor. The control unit is ultimately able to calculate the number of clothes drying in the main drying area based on the clothing hanging information at each hanging location.

[0047] In this embodiment, the secondary drying area may include the first drying area and the second drying area; of course, it may also include other areas based on the structure design of the clothes drying machine, such as a drying area further extended outside the first drying area.

[0048] In this embodiment, the first drying area is located at both ends of the main drying area. The first drying area includes telescopic rod areas and / or extension areas at both ends of the main drying rod. When there are two main drying rods, the extension areas are located on the ends of the main drying rods and are situated between the main drying rods or between the telescopic rods of the main drying rods. For example, it can be a small horizontal bar area or a drying net area on the ends of the main drying rods. The small horizontal bar is located between the two main drying rods or between the telescopic rods of the two main drying rods. Alternatively, it can be...

[0049] In this embodiment, the second drying area is a drying rod area parallel to the main drying rod, which can be a quilt drying rod area.

[0050] In this embodiment, the control unit is connected to the first drying area via a first drive unit. The first drive unit, in conjunction with a first transmission structure, is connected to the first drying area and can control the first drying area to unfold or retract. The control unit is connected to the second drying area via a second drive unit. The second drive unit, in conjunction with a second transmission structure, is connected to the second drying area and can control the second drying area to unfold or retract. When the control unit determines that the number of clothes drying in the main drying area exceeds a first preset value, the first and second drive units can control both the first and second drying areas to unfold, or one of them to unfold.

[0051] In this embodiment, the second clothing detection unit is connected to the control unit and is used to detect the first clothing drying information in the first drying area and feed it back to the control unit. In this embodiment, when the number of clothes in the main drying area exceeds a first preset value, and the control unit only controls the first drying area to open, the second clothing detection unit can detect the first clothing drying information in the first drying area in real time. The control unit can determine the number of clothes drying in the first drying area based on the first clothing drying information. When the number of clothes drying in the first drying area exceeds a second preset value, the second drive unit can control the second drying area to unfold.

[0052] In this embodiment, the third clothing detection unit is connected to the control unit and is used to detect the second clothing drying information in the second drying area and feed it back to the control unit. In this embodiment, when the number of clothes in the main drying area exceeds a first preset value, and the control unit only controls the second drying area to open, the third clothing detection unit can detect the second clothing drying information in the second drying area in real time. The control unit can determine the number of clothes drying in the second drying area based on the second clothing drying information. When the number of clothes drying in the second drying area exceeds a third preset value, the first drive unit can control the first drying area to unfold.

[0053] In this embodiment, both the second and third clothing detection units can use image acquisition units, infrared sensing units, pressure sensing units, laser sensing units, ultrasonic sensing units, etc. Specifically, the corresponding type can be selected to detect clothing information based on the structural characteristics of the first and second drying areas.

[0054] In this embodiment, the first preset value, the second preset value, and the third preset value can be set according to the maximum drying capacity of each drying area, and can be equal to or less than the maximum drying capacity of each area.

[0055] In this embodiment, the control unit can be a microcontroller chip such as an MCU, or a main controller on the clothes drying rack, or a controller that communicates with the main controller on the clothes drying rack. When the control unit is the main controller on the clothes drying rack, if the clothing detection units are devices installed in the drying area, each clothing detection unit includes a controller. This controller typically communicates with the control unit via a first wireless communication unit to achieve data transmission and signal interaction. When the control unit is another controller that communicates with the main controller on the clothes drying rack, the control unit can be a controller installed on the drying rod. The control unit connects to the main controller inside the clothes drying rack via the first wireless communication unit, and each clothing detection unit can be connected to the control unit via a wired connection. The first wireless communication unit can be a Bluetooth module, a Wi-Fi module, a Zigbee module, etc.

[0056] In this embodiment, the control unit can also connect to an external device via a second wireless communication unit, which can be a Bluetooth module, a Wi-Fi module, a Zigbee module, etc. The external device can be a terminal, such as a mobile phone or a computer. The control unit can obtain information sent by the external terminal, such as the total number of clothes that need to be dried. The external device can also be other associated devices, such as a washing machine. The control unit can directly obtain the total number of clothes that need to be dried through the washing machine. After determining the total number of clothes that need to be dried, it is determined whether the number of clothes to be dried exceeds a first preset value. If so, the secondary drying area is controlled to expand; if not, the expansion control of the secondary drying area is not executed. In this embodiment, after detecting that the number of clothes to be dried in the main drying area exceeds the first preset value, the remaining number of clothes can be determined based on the difference between the total number and the first preset value. Then, based on the remaining number of clothes, one or more drying areas in the secondary drying area are controlled to expand for use, enabling accurate execution of drying control.

[0057] In summary, the control system of this embodiment includes a control unit, a clothing detection unit, and a drive unit. The clothing detection unit detects the main drying area of ​​the clothes dryer and the clothing drying information within that area, feeding this information back to the control unit. The control unit determines the number of clothes to be dried in the main drying area based on this information and compares it with a first preset value. If the quantity exceeds the preset value, the drive unit controls the secondary drying areas to open. Specifically, it can control one or more secondary drying areas to open. When one secondary drying area (either the first or second drying area) is opened, the clothing detection unit monitors the number of clothes drying in that area. If the quantity exceeds the corresponding preset value, it further controls the opening of other secondary drying areas. Therefore, the control system of this embodiment can automatically control the opening of other drying areas outside the main drying area when the amount of clothing to be dried is large, improving the intelligence of the clothes dryer and the user experience.

[0058] Example 2

[0059] This embodiment discloses a clothes drying rack, including a main unit, a drying rod assembly, a power system, and the drying control system described in Embodiment 1. Wherein:

[0060] The main unit of the clothes drying rack is fixed in the installation environment, such as on the ceiling of a balcony. The main unit includes a main controller, a drying module, and a lighting module. The drying rod is used for drying clothes, and the drying rod assembly is located below the main unit via a power system that allows it to move up and down. The power system of the clothes drying rack can include a motor, a reel, a pulley assembly, and a steel wire rope. The main controller is connected to the motor via a motor driver to control the motor's rotation. The reel is driven by the motor's output shaft. One end of the steel wire rope is mounted on the reel, and the other end passes through a pulley in the pulley assembly to change direction (from horizontal to vertical) and is fixedly connected to the drying rod assembly below the main unit. The reel rotates under the motor's power to wind up and unwind the steel wire rope, thereby causing the drying rod assembly on the steel wire rope to move up or down. Additionally, the main controller can connect to functional modules such as the drying module, lighting module, and disinfection module to control their operating status.

[0061] In this embodiment, the clothes drying area can be divided into a main drying area and a secondary drying area. The specific locations of the two can be as shown in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0062] In this embodiment, when the first clothing detection unit, the second clothing detection unit, and the third clothing detection unit in the clothes drying control system are image acquisition devices, they can be directly installed on the clothes drying machine host or directly installed in the clothes drying machine installation environment, such as on the balcony wall or ceiling. They only need to be able to capture image information of the main drying area, the first drying area, and the second drying area, and accurately calculate the number of clothes drying in the corresponding drying area based on the image information. When using the second installation method, the image acquisition device can transmit the acquired image information to the clothes drying machine via wired or wireless means. In the wired method, the image acquisition device can be directly connected to the main controller in the clothes drying machine host via a line. In the wireless method, the image acquisition device can wirelessly connect to the main controller or control unit in the clothes drying machine host via a wireless communication unit.

[0063] In this embodiment, the control unit in the clothes drying control system or the main controller on the clothes drying rack can be connected to external devices via a wireless communication module. When the latter is used and the control unit is a controller mounted on the drying rack, the external device can forward information to the control unit through the main controller. The external device can be a terminal, such as a mobile phone or computer, or other smart home devices, such as a washing machine. Based on this, this embodiment can receive information from external devices or send relevant information to them. For example, it can receive the total amount of clothes to be dried input by the user through a terminal, or the total amount of clothes washed by the washing machine. Based on this, the control unit can determine the total number of clothes to be dried and can reasonably control the expansion of the corresponding drying area based on the total number of clothes to be dried. The specific control principle is shown in Embodiment 1.

[0064] The above description is only an optional implementation method for some implementation scenarios of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, other similar implementation methods based on the technical concept of this application without departing from the technical concept of this application also fall within the protection scope of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A drying control system, characterized in that, Includes a control unit, a first clothing detection unit, and a drive unit; The first clothing detection unit is connected to the control unit and is used to detect clothing drying information in the main drying area and feed it back to the control unit; The control unit is connected to the secondary drying area via a drive unit and is used to determine the number of clothes to be dried in the main drying area based on the clothes drying information. When the number of clothes to be dried in the main drying area exceeds a first preset value, the control unit controls the secondary drying area to expand.

2. The drying control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The secondary drying area includes a first drying area and a second drying area; when the number of clothes drying in the main drying area exceeds a first preset value, the control unit controls the first drying area and / or the second drying area to expand through the drive unit. The main drying area is the main drying rack area of ​​the clothes drying machine; The first drying area is located at both ends of the main drying area; The second drying area is the area of ​​drying rods parallel to the main drying rod.

3. The drying control system according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a second clothing detection unit; The second clothing detection unit is connected to the control unit and is used to detect the first clothing drying information in the first drying area and feed it back to the control unit; The control unit is connected to the second drying area through the second drive unit and is used to determine the number of clothes to be dried in the first drying area based on the first clothes drying information. When the number of clothes to be dried in the first drying area exceeds a second preset value, the second drive unit controls the second drying area to expand.

4. The drying control system according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a third clothing detection unit; The third clothing detection unit is connected to the control unit and is used to detect the second clothing drying information in the second drying area and feed it back to the control unit; The control unit is connected to the first drying area through the first drive unit and is used to determine the number of clothes to be dried in the second drying area based on the second clothes drying information. When the number of clothes to be dried in the second drying area exceeds a third preset value, the first drive unit controls the first drying area to expand.

5. The drying control system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first drying area includes the telescopic rod area and / or extension area at both ends of the main drying rod; when there are two main drying rods, the extension area is located on the end side of the main drying rod and is located between the main drying rods or between the telescopic rods of the main drying rods; The second drying area is the area of ​​the clothes drying rack's quilt drying rod.

6. The drying control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first clothing detection unit is an image acquisition unit; the clothing drying information in the main drying area is image information; The image acquisition unit is connected to the control unit and is used to acquire image information of the main drying area and feed it back to the control unit, so that the control unit can determine the number of clothes to be dried in the main drying area based on the received image information.

7. The drying control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first clothing detection unit includes one or more of the following: an infrared sensing unit, a pressure sensing unit, a laser sensing unit, and an ultrasonic sensing unit. The first clothing detection unit is set along each hanging position in the main drying area to detect the clothing hanging information at each hanging position, so that the control unit can determine the number of clothes drying in the main drying area based on the clothing hanging information at each hanging position in the main drying area.

8. The drying control system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is connected to the main controller of the clothes drying machine via a first wireless communication module.

9. The drying control system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The control unit is connected to external devices via a second wireless communication unit.

10. A clothes drying rack, characterized in that, The drying control system includes any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images