Method for controlling the fragrance of clothing and clothing processing equipment

Abstract

A method for controlling the fragrance of clothing includes the steps of: S1 receiving a fragrance control command selected by a user; and S2 performing a fragrance operation on clothing at a corresponding clothing processing stage based on the fragrance control command, wherein the corresponding clothing processing stage includes a final rinse stage, a spin-drying stage, a post-spin-drying loosening stage, and a cooling stage in the drying process. This method can satisfy the user's fragrance needs at different stages in the clothing processing process and has a good fragrance effect. The present invention further relates to clothing processing equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202310819764.2, titled "Clothing Fragrancing Control Method, Storage Medium and Washing Machine for Washing Machine", filed on July 5, 2023. All the contents of the above patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202310791350.3, titled "Spray Fragrancing Control Method, Storage Medium and Washing Machine for Washing Machine", filed on June 30, 2023. All the contents of the above patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202310797277.0, titled "Atomization Fragrancing Control Method, Storage Medium and Washing Machine for Washing Machine", filed on June 30, 2023. All the contents of the above patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202310793858.7, titled "Clothing Fragrancing Control Method and Clothing Dryer for Clothing Dryer", filed on June 30, 2023. All the contents of the above patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] The present invention relates to the technical field of clothing treatment, and specifically provides a clothing fragrancing control method and clothing treatment equipment.

Background Art

[0006] People always have a special attachment to items that emit fragrance. With the improvement of people's living standards, it is necessary to realize the clothing fragrancing function in the process of clothing treatment.

[0007] In practical applications, users may choose different stages in the garment processing process to add fragrance to their clothes, and conventional control methods often fail to adequately meet user needs. Furthermore, conventional fragrance functions are often simple, fail to achieve the ideal fragrance effect, and negatively impact the user experience.

[0008] In response to the problems of the prior art described above, those skilled in the art need a clothing fragrance control method and clothing processing equipment to meet the user's need to apply fragrance at different stages in the clothing processing process and to achieve a good fragrance effect.

[0009] The information disclosed in this background art is intended solely to enhance understanding of the background art of this application and therefore may include prior art known to those skilled in the art. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, namely, to satisfy the user's need to add fragrance at different stages in the garment processing process, and to solve the problem of conventional garment fragrance control methods that have poor fragrance-adding effects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for controlling the fragrance of clothing, the method comprising: step S1 receiving a fragrance control command selected by a user; and step S2 performing a fragrance operation on clothing in a corresponding clothing processing stage based on the fragrance control command, the corresponding clothing processing stage comprising a final rinse stage, a spin-drying stage, a post-spin-drying loosening stage, and a cooling stage in the drying process.

[0012] Furthermore, if the corresponding garment processing step includes a final rinse step, step S2 specifically includes step S21 of adding and impregnating a fragrance agent during the final rinse process.

[0013] Furthermore, if the corresponding garment processing step includes a dehydration step, step S2 specifically includes step S22, which involves performing a fragrance application operation on the garment using a spray method during the dehydration step.

[0014] Furthermore, if the corresponding garment processing step includes a post-dehydration loosening step, step S2 specifically includes step S23, in which a fragrance application operation is performed on the garment using an atomization method during the post-dehydration loosening step.

[0015] Furthermore, if the corresponding garment processing step includes a cooling step in the drying process, step S2 specifically includes step S24, in which a fragrance agent is added during the cooling step in the drying process to perform a fragrance application operation on the garment.

[0016] Furthermore, step S21 specifically includes washing the fragrance agent that needs to be added in the final rinse process into the outer drum, and completing the infusion fragrance as the rinsing process progresses.

[0017] Furthermore, the method further includes the step of determining the amount of fragrance agent to be added and the required immersion time based on clothing parameters and the fragrance control command.

[0018] Furthermore, the step of "washing the fragrance agent that needs to be added during the final rinse process into the external drum" specifically includes the step of washing the fragrance agent that needs to be added into the external drum at the same time as the final rinse water supply, or the step of washing the fragrance agent that needs to be added into the external drum after the final rinse water supply has been completed and the rinse operation has started.

[0019] Furthermore, the step of "rinsing the fragrance agent that needs to be added into the external drum" specifically includes the steps of determining the number of times the fragrance agent needs to be added and the corresponding amount of rinse water for each single addition based on the amount of fragrance agent that needs to be added, and rinsing the fragrance agent that needs to be added into the external drum according to the number of additions and the amount of rinse water for each single addition.

[0020] Furthermore, the method further includes the steps of obtaining the water supply temperature, obtaining a corresponding volatilization temperature based on the type of fragrance agent, determining whether the water supply temperature is equal to or greater than a preset immersion temperature, and, if not, heating the water supply so that the water supply temperature after heating is equal to or greater than the preset immersion temperature and less than the volatilization temperature.

[0021] Furthermore, step S22 includes the steps of performing a preliminary dehydration step, a spray fragrance step, and a final dehydration step.

[0022] Furthermore, prior to the step of "performing a pre-dehydration step," the method further includes the steps of determining whether the water absorption saturation of the garment is below a predetermined threshold, and if so, performing a spray fragrance step, and otherwise, performing a pre-dehydration step.

[0023] Furthermore, the step of “performing a pre-dehydration step” specifically includes the steps of determining the dehydration rotation speed and dehydration time based on the material and / or weight of the garment, controlling the drive motor to pre-dehydrate the garment according to the determined dehydration rotation speed and dehydration time, and re-determining whether the water absorption saturation of the garment is below the preset threshold.

[0024] Furthermore, the step of "performing a spray scenting step" specifically includes a step of determining the amount of scenting agent solution required for spray scenting based on the clothing material and / or weight, a step of spraying the scenting agent solution onto the clothing surface by a spraying device, and a step of controlling a drive motor to rotate during the spraying process.

[0025] Furthermore, step S23 specifically includes a step of atomizing the scenting agent solution into a gas by an atomizing module provided in the washing machine during the loosening stage after dehydration, and a step of the atomizing module ejecting the gas to perform atomized scenting on the clothing as the loosening process progresses.

[0026] Furthermore, the method further includes a step of determining whether the atomized scenting operation has been completed, and if so, a step of transmitting prompting information to the user.

[0027] Furthermore, the method further includes a step of the atomizing module adjusting the atomizing speed and / or injection direction as the loosening process progresses.

[0028] Furthermore, the step of "determining whether the atomized scenting operation has been completed" specifically includes setting a corresponding atomized scenting time based on the material and / or weight of the clothing and determining whether the atomized scenting time has elapsed, and / or detecting the water absorption rate of the clothing during the atomized scenting process and determining whether the water absorption rate of the clothing has reached a preset threshold.

[0029] Furthermore, step S24 specifically includes a step of adding a scenting agent solution to scent the clothing when a corresponding temperature is reached during the temperature reduction stage of the drying process, and a step of evaporating the scenting agent solution using the residual heat as the drying process progresses.

[0030] Furthermore, the step of "adding a fragrance solution to the clothing when the corresponding temperature is reached" specifically includes the step of adding a fragrance solution directly to the clothing when the temperature reaches a first temperature in the range of 70-55°C to impart fragrance to the clothing.

[0031] Furthermore, the step of "adding a fragrance solution to the clothing when the corresponding temperature is reached" specifically includes the step of vaporizing the fragrance solution using an atomizing module to impart fragrance to the clothing when the second temperature in the range of 50-40°C is reached.

[0032] Furthermore, the step of "vaporizing the fragrance solution using an atomizing module to apply fragrance to clothing" specifically includes the step of controlling the drive motor to loosen the clothing, and the step of using the atomizing module to atomize the fragrance solution into a gas using an ultrasonic atomizing method during the loosening process to apply fragrance to the clothing.

[0033] Furthermore, the step of "using residual heat to evaporate the fragrance solution as the drying process progresses" specifically includes the steps of closing the ventilation pipe and using residual heat to evaporate the fragrance solution as the drying process progresses, and after the set fragrance application time has elapsed, opening and maintaining the ventilation pipe until the drying process is complete.

[0034] Furthermore, step S1 specifically includes the steps of determining whether the user has selected a fragrance control command, if the determination result is NO, presenting to the user whether or not it is necessary to select a fragrance control command, and if the determination result is YES, further determining whether or not the amount of fragrance agent in the fragrance agent dispensing chamber is equal to or greater than the required amount of fragrance agent to be used.

[0035] According to a second aspect, the present invention further provides a garment processing device that uses the above-described garment fragrance control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0036] If the above technical proposal is adopted, the effects of the present invention are as follows.

[0037] (1) The present invention can perform a fragrance application operation on clothing at the corresponding garment processing stage based on a fragrance control command selected by the user, specifically the final rinse stage, the spin-drying stage, the post-spin-drying loosening stage, and the cooling stage during the drying process, thereby satisfying the user's need to selectively apply fragrance at different stages of the garment processing process and improving the user experience.

[0038] (2) If the user chooses to add fragrance to the clothes during the final rinse, and the fragrance agent is specifically added and impregnated during the final rinse, the timing of the fragrance agent addition may be set, a method of rinsing and adding the fragrance agent multiple times may be chosen, or the water temperature may be adjusted in order to achieve a better fragrance effect.

[0039] (3) If the user chooses to add fragrance to the clothes during the spin-drying stage, and specifically if a spray method is used to add fragrance to the clothes during the spin-drying stage, the clothes are pre-spinned to reduce their water absorption saturation to below a predetermined threshold, a fragrance solution of a certain concentration is sprayed onto the surface of the clothes, the internal drum is rotated to ensure the fragrance solution is evenly sprayed onto the surface of the clothes and penetrates into the clothes, achieving a uniform fragrance effect, and then the final spin-drying step is performed.

[0040] (4) If the user chooses to add fragrance to the clothes during the loosening stage after spinning, and specifically uses an atomization method to apply fragrance to the clothes during the loosening stage after spinning, an ultrasonic atomization method may be used with an atomization module to improve the fragrance effect, and the atomization speed and direction may be controlled. In addition, to avoid the problem of high humidity in the clothes after atomization affecting the user experience, the end of the atomization fragrance operation may be determined based on the water absorption rate of the clothes and the set atomization fragrance time during the atomization fragrance process.

[0041] (5) If the user chooses to add fragrance to the clothes during the cooling stage of the drying process, and specifically adds a fragrance agent during the cooling stage of the drying process to perform the fragrance application on the clothes, in order to achieve the fragrance application on the clothes using the residual heat in the later stages of the drying program, i.e., the cooling stage, a method of directly adding the fragrance agent may be adopted, or a method of adding an atomized fragrance agent may be adopted. Furthermore, by adopting different addition methods, the corresponding temperature ranges will differ, and as the drying stage progresses, the residual heat in the cooling stage will be used to evaporate the fragrance agent solution, thereby achieving rapid fragrance application on the clothes and improving the user experience.

[0042] The most preferred embodiments of the invention will be described below in conjunction with the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0043] [Figure 1] This is a flowchart of the main steps of the control method of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a specific step flowchart for adding fragrance during the final rinse stage of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a specific step flowchart for adding fragrance during the dehydration stage according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This invention provides a specific step flowchart for adding fragrance during the loosening stage after dehydration. [Figure 5] This is a specific step flowchart for adding fragrance during the cooling stage of the drying process according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0044] The principles and features of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings, but the embodiments provided are merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For example, although the steps of the method of the present invention have been described in a specific order in this application, these orders are not limiting, and those skilled in the art may perform them in a different order without departing from the basic principles of the present invention.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the embodiments of the present invention disclose a method for controlling the fragrance of clothing, as shown in Figure 1, Step S1 receives a fragrance control command selected by the user, The process includes step S2, which performs a fragrance application operation on the garment at the corresponding garment processing stage based on a fragrance control command.

[0046] However, the control method of the present invention can selectively perform a fragrance application operation on clothing at a corresponding clothing processing stage based on a fragrance application control command. The clothing processing stage corresponding to the fragrance application control command selected by the user may be the final rinse stage, the spin-drying stage, the loosening stage after spin-drying, or the cooling stage of the drying process. This allows the user to select different stages in the clothing processing process according to the actual situation and perform a fragrance application operation on the clothing.

[0047] In one preferred embodiment, step S1 specifically includes the steps of: determining whether the user has selected a fragrance control command; if the determination result is NO, indicating to the user whether it is necessary to select a fragrance control command; and if the determination result is YES, further determining whether the amount of fragrance in the fragrance agent input chamber is equal to or greater than the required amount of fragrance agent to be used, and if not, indicating to the user that it is necessary to add fragrance agent.

[0048] In this invention, the amount of fragrance agent can be determined based on the level of fragrance agent in the fragrance agent dispensing chamber, and the user can be alerted to add fragrance agent if the amount in the dispensing chamber is insufficient, based on the amount of fragrance agent that needs to be added. Thus, this invention has both automatic detection and voluntary alert functions, making it more human-like and improving the user experience. A reed switch level meter or other detection device can be used to detect the level of the fragrance agent, and this invention is not specifically limited.

[0049] The fragrance control commands of the present invention may correspond to different levels of fragrance, and include, but are not limited to, fragrance control commands for a very low fragrance mode, a light fragrance mode, and a strong fragrance mode. Furthermore, the fragrance agent of the present invention includes one or more of the following: a fragrance agent having a fragrance function, a fabric softener having a fragrance function, and a disinfectant having a fragrance function.

[0050] Example 1 In this embodiment, the garment processing step corresponding to the fragrance control command selected by the user is the final rinse step. As shown in Figure 2, specifically, step S21 includes adding and impregnating a fragrance agent during the final rinse process.

[0051] A laundry program generally includes washing, rinsing, and spinning steps, with two rinses being typical. In this embodiment, the rinse process specifically involves one final rinse.

[0052] Specifically, step S21 includes washing the fragrance agent that needs to be added in the final rinse process into the outer drum, and completing the infusion fragrance as the rinsing process progresses.

[0053] However, in this embodiment, by employing a method of impregnating and adding fragrance during the final rinse stage, it is possible to adjust according to the different fragrance needs of users. For example, the concentration of the fragrance solution, the amount added, and the impregnation fragrance time may be adjusted to ensure a fragrance effect and improve the user experience. Preferably, to achieve a better fragrance effect by lowering the impregnation water level and longer impregnation fragrance time, the water level for the final rinse impregnation fragrance may be lower than the normal rinse water level, and the impregnation fragrance time may be longer than the normal rinse time.

[0054] In one preferred embodiment, the garment fragrance control method of this embodiment further includes the step of determining the amount of fragrance agent to be added and the required infusion fragrance time based on garment parameters and a fragrance control command selected by the user.

[0055] Clothing parameters may include the weight and / or material of the clothing, and the fragrance control command is a fragrance mode command corresponding to different levels of fragrance, and accordingly, the amount of fragrance agent to be added and the required immersion fragrance time are determined based on the clothing material, clothing weight and fragrance mode command.

[0056] In one preferred embodiment, the step of “adding and impregnating the fragrance agent during the final rinse process” specifically includes the step of washing the fragrance agent that needs to be added during the final rinse process into the outer drum and completing the impregnation fragrance process as the rinsing operation progresses.

[0057] However, in this invention, there are two ways to determine when the infusion fragrance process is complete. The first is to complete the infusion fragrance process upon completion of the rinsing step. The second is to complete the infusion fragrance process after reaching the required infusion fragrance time, based on the required infusion fragrance time. In the second case, if the rinsing step is completed but the required infusion fragrance time has not been reached, the rinsing step time needs to be extended to reach the required infusion fragrance time. On the other hand, if the required infusion fragrance time has been reached but the rinsing step is not finished, the infusion fragrance process needs to be completed upon completion of the rinsing step. In this invention, the rinsing step time may be set based on the required infusion fragrance time.

[0058] In one preferred embodiment, the step of "rinsing the fragrance agent that needs to be added during the final rinse into the external drum of the washing machine" specifically includes the step of rinsing the fragrance agent that needs to be added into the external drum at the same time as the final rinse water supply.

[0059] In this embodiment, the fragrance effect is achieved by washing the fragrance agent into the external drum at the same time as the final rinse water supply. This reduces the time required for rinse-infusion fragrance application, and because the fragrance agent solution is already sufficiently dissolved during the process of being washed into the drum, the fragrance effect on the clothes is more uniform.

[0060] In one preferred technical proposal, the step of "washing the fragrance agent that needs to be added in the final rinse process into the external drum" specifically includes the step of washing the fragrance agent that needs to be added into the external drum after the final rinse water supply is completed and the rinse operation has started.

[0061] In this embodiment, after the final rinse water supply is completed and the rinsing operation has started, the fragrance agent solution is washed out and added, and the concentration of the fragrance agent solution in the drum gradually reaches the concentration of the fragrance agent solution corresponding to the fragrance control command as the fragrance agent solution is washed out and added. By adopting this method of washing out and adding the fragrance agent, a fragrance step can be added after the final rinse water supply is completed, satisfying the user's needs.

[0062] This invention employs a rinsing method, which allows the fragrance agent to dissolve sufficiently before contact with the clothing, ensuring uniform fragrance distribution and a good fragrance effect. Furthermore, the motor rotation can be controlled during each rinsing process of the fragrance agent. That is, as the rinsing operation progresses, the clothes in the internal drum are rotated and uniformly mixed with the rinsed fragrance agent solution to achieve immersive fragrance distribution.

[0063] In one preferred embodiment, the step of "rinsing the fragrance agent to be added into the external drum" specifically includes the steps of determining the number of times the fragrance agent is added and the corresponding single rinse water volume based on the amount of fragrance agent to be added, and rinsing the required fragrance agent into the external drum according to the number of times it is added and the single rinse water volume.

[0064] In one preferred embodiment, the step of "determining the number of times to add a fragrance agent and the corresponding single-time rinse water volume based on the amount of fragrance agent to be added" includes the steps of: obtaining the corresponding single-time rinse water volume based on a preset single-time fragrance agent volume, a preset single-time fragrance agent volume, and the concentration of the fragrance agent solution; and calculating the number of times to be added based on the amount of fragrance agent to be added and a preset single-time fragrance agent volume, wherein the concentration of the single-time fragrance agent solution obtained based on the single-time rinse water volume and the preset single-time fragrance agent volume is equal to the set concentration of the fragrance agent solution.

[0065] However, in the present invention, there are no restrictions on the control structure for the amount of fragrance agent dispensed in a single batch, and those skilled in the art can install it as needed. For example, to achieve quantitative dispensing of fragrance agent in a single batch, the amount of fragrance agent dispensed in a single batch may be controlled by a valve, or a single-batch fragrance agent dispensing chamber may be added and a siphon structure may be provided within the single-batch fragrance agent dispensing chamber.

[0066] In one preferred embodiment, the step of "washing the fragrance to be added into the external drum" includes the step of washing the fragrance to be added into the external drum by a wash channel.

[0067] The present invention may employ a method of adding the fragrance agent after rinsing it multiple times. When there are many garments that require fragrance, the method of adding the fragrance agent after rinsing multiple times is adopted, and the concentration of the fragrance agent solution added and rinsed once is the same as the concentration of the set fragrance agent solution, thereby ensuring that the fragrance agent is more uniform during the application process and that the fragrance effect is better. Furthermore, the structure and shape of the rinse channel may be specifically defined, and the rinse path may be extended. For example, the rinse channel may be provided in a spiral structure so that the fragrance agent solution dissolves sufficiently during the rinse process, or it may consist of multiple rinse channels with different degrees of inclination connected together.

[0068] In one preferred embodiment, the method of this embodiment further includes the steps of obtaining the water supply temperature of a washing machine, obtaining a corresponding volatilization temperature based on the type of fragrance agent, and determining whether or not it is necessary to heat the rinse water based on the water supply temperature and the volatilization temperature.

[0069] The step of "determining whether or not it is necessary to heat the rinse water based on the water supply temperature and the volatilization temperature" includes determining whether the water supply temperature is equal to or greater than a preset immersion temperature, and if not, heating the water supply to the washing machine so that the heated water supply temperature is equal to or greater than the preset immersion temperature and less than the volatilization temperature.

[0070] In this invention, the temperature of the rinse water into which the fragrance agent is added and rinsed is detected and adjusted. An increase in the temperature of the rinse water into which the fragrance agent is added is advantageous for the fragrance agent to diffuse and adhere to the clothing fibers during the immersion process. At the same time, it avoids the problem of excessively high temperatures causing a large amount of fragrance agent solvent molecules to volatilize and affect the final fragrance effect. Thus, in this invention, the fragrance effect can be improved by controlling the temperature of the rinse water into which the fragrance agent is added and rinsed.

[0071] Example 2 In this embodiment, the garment processing step corresponding to the fragrance control command selected by the user is the dehydration step. As shown in Figure 3, specifically, step S22 includes performing a fragrance application operation on the clothes using a spray method during the dehydration stage.

[0072] In one preferred technical proposal, step S22 specifically includes the steps of performing a preliminary dehydration step, performing a spray fragrance step, and performing a final dehydration step.

[0073] Furthermore, prior to the step of "performing the pre-dehydration step," the control method of this embodiment further includes the step of determining whether the water absorption saturation of the clothing is below a preset threshold, and if so, directly performing the spray fragrance step; otherwise, performing the pre-dehydration step, and then, if the water absorption saturation of the clothing after pre-dehydration is below a preset threshold, performing the spray fragrance step.

[0074] In this embodiment, a technique is adopted in which fragrance is applied by spraying during the dehydration stage. By controlling the water absorption saturation, i.e., water absorption rate, of the clothing and spraying a fragrance solution with adjusted concentration onto the clothing, the fragrance molecules can be uniformly attached to the clothing fibers, achieving a uniform fragrance effect. In addition, this embodiment may also employ a method of spraying while dehydrating. The fragrance solution is sprayed onto the clothing and then dehydrated and drained. In this process, the fragrance molecules are attached to the clothing fibers, achieving a uniform fragrance effect, a short fragrance application time, and rapid fragrance application. The fragrance solution after dehydration may be reused or directly drained.

[0075] In one preferred embodiment, the step of "determining whether the water absorption saturation of the garment is below a preset threshold" specifically includes the steps of detecting the dry weight of the garment and the weight after the last rinse and drainage, and thereby calculating the water absorption saturation of the garment, and determining whether the calculated water absorption saturation of the garment is below a preset threshold.

[0076] To understand this, different fragrance control commands correspond to different concentrations of fragrance solution. The higher the water absorption saturation of the clothing, the higher the water content of the clothing, and the water content of the clothing reduces the concentration of the sprayed fragrance solution. To achieve the desired fragrance effect for the user, it is necessary to reduce the water absorption saturation of the clothing and minimize its influence on the concentration of the fragrance solution.

[0077] In one preferred embodiment, the step of “performing a pre-dehydration step” specifically includes the steps of determining a dehydration rotation speed and dehydration time based on the material and / or weight of the garment, controlling a drive motor to pre-dehydrate the garment according to the determined dehydration rotation speed and dehydration time, and re-determining whether the water absorption saturation of the garment is below a preset threshold.

[0078] To make it easier to understand, when there is a large amount of clothing or the material is difficult to dehydrate, it is necessary to increase the rotation speed of the pre-dehydration and extend the pre-dehydration time so that the water absorption saturation of the clothing after pre-dehydration falls below a preset threshold. In this invention, the purpose of pre-dehydration is to avoid the effect of high clothing water content on the fragrance effect of the clothing. In order to achieve the fragrance effect desired by the user, the concentration of the fragrance agent solution can be appropriately increased, and after spraying clothing with a certain amount of water content using the increased concentration fragrance agent solution, the desired fragrance effect can be achieved by the user.

[0079] In one preferred embodiment, the step of “performing a spray fragrance step” specifically includes the steps of determining the amount of fragrance solution required for spray fragrance based on the material and / or weight of the garment, spraying the fragrance solution onto the surface of the garment using a spray device, and controlling a drive motor to rotate during the spraying process.

[0080] In this invention, by controlling the rotation of the internal drum during the spraying process, the spraying effect can be made more uniform, and the spray wetting effect on clothing can be promoted. However, this invention does not specifically limit the structure of the spraying device; it is sufficient if the fragrance solution can be sprayed onto the surface of clothing.

[0081] In one preferred embodiment, when performing spray fragrance application, the corresponding spray fragrance application time is set based on the weight and / or material of the garment. As can be understood, different spray fragrance application times are set for different garment weights and different garment materials to achieve the corresponding fragrance effect.

[0082] However, the larger the measured value corresponding to the weight of the clothing, the larger the amount of fragrance agent solution required and the longer the required spraying time. In this invention, standard values ​​may be set in advance. For example, the amount of fragrance agent solution required to spray until the clothing is completely wet, and the spraying time required to reach the desired level of fragrance for the user, are determined for a standard weight of clothing. Then, the actual amount of fragrance agent solution and spraying time required are obtained based on the ratio of the actual weight of the clothing to the standard weight. Similarly, the required amount of fragrance agent solution and spraying time may be adjusted depending on the water absorption of the clothing material.

[0083] Furthermore, the present invention may employ a method of spraying while rotating, which allows for more uniform application of the fragrance solution sprayed onto the clothing during the rotation process, ensuring a more uniform final fragrance effect. At high rotation speeds, this process may also be understood as a method of dehydrating while spraying; that is, the fragrance solution sprayed onto the clothing is shaken out by rotation after soaking the clothing, and in this process, the fragrance molecules adhere to the surface of the clothing. By employing a technique of dehydrating while spraying, the fragrance process of clothing can be accelerated, the time required for spray fragrance application can be reduced, and the fragrance effect on clothing can be made more uniform.

[0084] Furthermore, the present invention may employ a method in which the spraying and the rotation of the internal drum occur alternately. During spraying, the fragrance solution wets the clothing and gradually penetrates it, and as the internal drum rotates, the position of the clothing changes, ensuring uniformity of the sprayed fragrance.

[0085] In one preferred embodiment, the step of “performing a final dehydration step” further includes controlling the drive motor to perform a final dehydration step on the garments according to a dehydration curve after the spray fragrance operation has been completed, and discharging the final dehydration fragrance solution through a drain pipe.

[0086] After the set spray fragrance application time, the clothes achieve the user-selected fragrance effect, and at this point, they undergo final spin-drying according to a spin-drying curve. This step is a normal step in a laundry program, in which the drive motor rotates the internal drum and the clothes inside it at high speed, achieving spin-drying by centrifugal force. Those skilled in the art can set the spin-drying speed and spin-drying time of the final spin-drying step as needed.

[0087] In this invention, clothes may be dewatered according to a dewatering curve during the dewatering stage after rinsing. A spray fragrance application operation may be performed in the early or middle stages of dewatering, and the fragrance application may be completed after dewatering is finished. Alternatively, the normal dewatering time may be appropriately extended to ensure the effect of the spray fragrance and the final degree of dryness after dewatering.

[0088] Example 3 In this embodiment, the garment processing step corresponding to the fragrance control command selected by the user is the loosening step after dehydration. As shown in Figure 4, specifically, step S23 includes a step in which a fragrance application operation is performed on the clothes by employing an atomization method during the loosening stage after dehydration.

[0089] However, the loosening stage of the laundry program is performed after the final spin cycle of the laundry program. In this invention, when atomizing fragrance onto clothing based on a fragrance control command selected by the user during the loosening stage, a fragrance solution that can be directly atomized may be used for atomization, or the fragrance solution may be diluted to the appropriate concentration before atomization. Furthermore, in this invention, atomizing fragrance may be performed immediately after the start of loosening, or during an intermediate stage of loosening. The clothing is pre-loosened after the initial loosening stage, at which time the fragrance effect is more uniform. Furthermore, in this invention, atomizing fragrance may be performed simultaneously with loosening, or loosening and atomizing fragrance may be performed alternately.

[0090] In one preferred embodiment, the method of this embodiment further includes the step of determining whether the atomizing fragrance operation has been completed, and if so, transmitting information to the user.

[0091] However, the completion time of the atomization fragrance application operation and the completion time of the loosening stage of the present invention may be the same; that is, the atomization fragrance application operation may be stopped at the end of the loosening stage, or the atomization fragrance application may be completed after the loosening process is finished, or the loosening process may be completed after the atomization fragrance application is finished. Information is sent to the user after both the atomization fragrance application and loosening steps are completed.

[0092] In one preferred embodiment, the step of "performing a fragrance application operation on clothing by employing an atomization method during the loosening stage after dehydration" specifically includes the steps of: during the loosening stage after dehydration, the atomization module atomizes the corresponding fragrance solution into a gas; and as the loosening process progresses, the atomization module sprays gas to atomize the fragrance onto the clothing.

[0093] In this invention, before the atomizing module atomizes the fragrance solution, the fragrance solution is already adjusted to a concentration corresponding to the fragrance control command selected by the user, thereby enabling the user to achieve the desired fragrance effect after atomization.

[0094] However, the atomizing module of the present invention includes an atomizing nozzle that sprays a fragrance solution, and the present invention does not limit the specific range of atomization. For example, the atomizing module may atomize and spray uniformly over the entire area inside the washing drum, or it may atomize and spray within a certain range. Specifically, it can be set based on the position of the clothes and the actual fragrance effect, as long as a uniform fragrance effect is achieved on all clothes by atomization.

[0095] In one preferred embodiment, the step of “determining whether the atomizing fragrance operation is complete” specifically includes the steps of setting a corresponding atomizing fragrance time based on the material and / or weight of the garment, and determining whether the set atomizing fragrance time has elapsed.

[0096] In one preferred embodiment, the step of "determining whether the atomizing fragrance operation is complete" specifically includes the steps of detecting the water absorption rate of the garment during the atomizing fragrance process and determining whether the water absorption rate of the garment has reached a preset threshold.

[0097] The atomization fragrance application process is determined to be complete when either the atomization fragrance application time or the moisture absorption rate of the clothing reaches a set condition. To make it clear, in this invention, a threshold for the moisture absorption rate of the clothing is set in advance, where the moisture absorption rate of the clothing is calculated based on the dry weight of the clothing and the wet weight after atomization fragrance application. In one possible case, if the clothing has gone through the set atomization fragrance application time and the moisture absorption rate of the clothing has not reached the set threshold, the atomization fragrance application is determined to be complete. In another possible case, if the moisture absorption rate of the clothing has reached the set threshold, but the set atomization fragrance application time has not yet been reached, the atomization fragrance application is determined to be complete. After reaching the set atomization fragrance application time, it may be necessary to modify the set atomization fragrance application time to ensure that the clothing does not become too damp.

[0098] In one preferred embodiment, the step of "setting a corresponding atomization fragrance time based on the material and / or weight of the garment" specifically includes the steps of determining the amount of fragrance solution required for atomization based on the material and / or weight of the garment, and calculating a corresponding atomization fragrance time based on the required amount of fragrance solution and a preset atomization rate.

[0099] In one preferred embodiment, the step of "atomizing the fragrance solution into a gas using an atomizing module" specifically includes the step of atomizing the corresponding fragrance solution into a gas using an atomizing module employing an ultrasonic atomization method.

[0100] In one preferred embodiment, the control method of this embodiment further includes the step of adjusting the atomization rate and / or spray direction of the atomizing module as the loosening process progresses.

[0101] However, by controlling the drive motor to rotate periodically in forward and reverse directions during the process of loosening the clothes, the position of the clothes changes under the influence of the clothes' inertia and gravity, thereby achieving loosening and improving the condition of the clothes sticking to the drum and the condition of the clothes being wrapped around after dewatering. In this invention, the atomization direction is adjusted according to the change in the position of the clothes during the loosening process, and the atomization direction of the atomizing nozzle is always directed toward the clothes, thereby improving the effect of atomized fragrance. For example, as the loosening operation progresses, the atomization direction of the atomizing nozzle periodically changes from the direction in which the clothes adhere to the drum wall to the direction in which the clothes adhere to the bottom of the drum. Specifically, during the process from rotation to stopping in the loosening stage, the atomization direction of the atomizing nozzle gradually changes from the direction in which the clothes adhere to the drum wall to the direction in which the clothes adhere to the bottom of the drum. During the process from stopping in the loosening stage to rotation, the atomization direction of the atomizing nozzle gradually changes from the direction in which the clothes adhere to the bottom of the drum to the direction in which the clothes adhere to the drum wall.

[0102] The atomizing nozzle of the present invention may employ different atomizing speeds as the loosening process progresses. A high atomizing speed is required at the initial stage of loosening, while a low atomizing speed is required when loosening is almost complete. This allows the humidity level of the air inside the laundry drum to be controlled within a certain range after atomization is complete, preventing the user experience from being affected by high humidity inside the drum when the user removes the clothes. Specifically, the atomizing speed of the controlled atomizing nozzle can be controlled to gradually decrease throughout the process from the start to the end of loosening.

[0103] Example 4 In this embodiment, the garment processing stage corresponding to the fragrance control command selected by the user is the drying stage, specifically the cooling stage of the drying process. As shown in Figure 5, the process specifically includes step S24, in which a fragrance agent is added during the cooling stage of the drying process to perform a fragrance application operation on the clothing.

[0104] However, the temperature change curve of the drying process of a clothes dryer includes a heating phase and a cooling phase. The heating phase is the phase from the start of the drying process to the maximum temperature, and the cooling phase is the phase from the maximum temperature to the end of the drying process. In this invention, adding a fragrance agent during the cooling phase of the drying process to scent the clothes should be understood as adding the fragrance agent within the phase from the maximum temperature to the end of the drying process to scent the clothes. To make this clear, the temperature of the cooling phase of the drying process differs depending on the different addition methods, thereby ensuring that both the drying and scenting steps of the clothes are completed upon the end of the drying process, and that the user achieves the desired scenting effect.

[0105] In one preferred embodiment, the step of "adding a fragrance agent during the cooling phase of the drying process to perform a fragrance operation on the garment" specifically includes the steps of adding a fragrance agent solution to the garment when the corresponding temperature is reached during the cooling phase of the drying process to fragrance the garment, and as the drying process progresses, using residual heat to evaporate the fragrance agent solution, thereby allowing the fragrance agent molecules to adhere to the garment fibers and completing the fragrance operation on the garment.

[0106] However, the added fragrance solution is allowed to penetrate the clothing fibers to achieve complete and uniform fragrance distribution. Here, the fragrance solution contains corresponding solvent molecules and solute molecules. As the drying process progresses, under the action of residual heat, the solvent molecules (i.e., water molecules) of the fragrance solution evaporate, and the solute molecules (i.e., fragrance molecules) adhere to the clothing fibers. The fragrance effect of the clothing is then specifically realized by these fragrance molecules. Here, residual heat refers to the heat within the temperature range from the time the fragrance is added until the drying process is completed.

[0107] In one preferred embodiment, the step of "adding a fragrance solution to the garment when a corresponding temperature is reached" specifically includes the step of adding a fragrance solution directly to the garment when a corresponding temperature is reached, thereby fragrance the garment. Here, the corresponding temperature range is 70-55°C, preferably 65-60°C. Within this temperature range, the fragrance solution added directly to the garment gradually dries the garment as the drying process progresses, and the fragrance molecules adhere to the garment fibers, thereby achieving fragrance in the garment.

[0108] In one preferred embodiment, the step of "adding a fragrance solution to the garment when a corresponding temperature is reached" specifically includes the step of vaporizing the fragrance solution using an atomizing module to fragrance the garment when a corresponding temperature is reached. Here, the temperature range corresponding to the atomizing input method is 50-40°C, preferably 50-45°C. At this temperature, the garment is atomized and added, and upon completion of the drying process, both the garment drying and fragrance steps are completed.

[0109] In one preferred embodiment, the step of "vaporizing a fragrance solution with an atomizing module to fragrance the clothing" specifically includes the step of controlling a drive motor to loosen the clothing, and during the loosening process, atomizing the fragrance solution into a gas using an ultrasonic atomizing method with the atomizing module to fragrance the clothing.

[0110] However, by improving the adhesion and winding of the clothing to the drum during the loosening process, and by changing the position of the clothing as the loosening process progresses, and by performing atomized fragrance application as the loosening process progresses, the fragrance can be applied completely and uniformly to the clothing. Furthermore, the present invention may employ other atomized fragrance application methods.

[0111] In one preferred embodiment, the step of "using residual heat to evaporate the fragrance solution as the drying process progresses" specifically includes the steps of closing the ventilation pipe and using residual heat to evaporate the fragrance solution as the drying process progresses, thereby allowing the fragrance molecules to adhere to the garment fibers, and opening the ventilation pipe after a set fragrance time has elapsed, thereby completing the fragrance treatment of the garment as the drying process ends.

[0112] However, the fragrance effect of the fragrance agent is achieved by attaching fragrance agent molecules to the clothing, and after people wear the clothing, the fragrance agent molecules slowly volatilize to achieve the fragrance effect. In the drying process, in order to avoid excessive volatilization of fragrance agent molecules during the evaporation of the fragrance agent solution using residual heat affecting the fragrance effect, the ventilation pipe can be closed for a while after the fragrance agent solution is added to infuse the clothing with fragrance. After this, the ventilation pipe is opened to expel moisture, and the drying process is completed, completing the fragrance infusing and drying steps for the clothing. Furthermore, the steps of closing the pipe and opening the pipe in this invention may be performed alternately, or in a fixed cycle, or the time spent infusing with fragrance by closing the pipe may be increased in the earlier stage, and the time spent exhausting with the pipe open may be increased in the later stage, as long as it is ensured that both the fragrance infusing effect and the drying of the clothing are completed as the drying process progresses.

[0113] In this invention, fragrance is imparted to clothing during the drying process. Specifically, the fragrance is imparted to clothing by adding a fragrance agent at the stage when the drying process has reached its maximum temperature and is complete. As can be understood, while fragrance can be imparted to clothing by adding the fragrance agent when the drying process has reached its maximum temperature, it is necessary to avoid excessive temperature increases during the heating process that negatively affect the fragrance effect. Adding the fragrance agent during the cooling phase of the drying process, when the clothing has already been dried in the early stages of the drying process and its humidity has already decreased, is advantageous in three ways: firstly, it is convenient for temperature control; secondly, it provides a better fragrance effect; and thirdly, the fragrance imparted time during the drying process is too long, causing a large amount of fragrance agent molecules to volatilize and affecting the final fragrance effect.

[0114] In one possible case, the maximum temperature during the drying process is low, i.e., within a suitable temperature range for adding the fragrance agent. In this case, the fragrance agent can be added during either the heating or cooling phase of the drying process, and of course, adding it during the cooling phase will result in a better fragrance effect. In another possible case, if there is a large amount of clothing in the clothes dryer drum, the required fragrance time is longer, allowing the fragrance agent to be added earlier at an appropriate stage of the drying process, while ensuring that the maximum temperature does not affect the fragrance effect.

[0115] In this invention, different fragrance agent application methods correspond to different application occasions. When a direct application method is used, the temperature during the cooling stage of the corresponding drying process is high. When an atomizing application method is used, the temperature during the cooling stage of the corresponding drying process is low. To make it clear, in this invention, other fragrance agent application methods may be used, for example, a spraying application method, and the temperature during the cooling stage of the drying process corresponding to this method is between the temperatures corresponding to the two methods described above.

[0116] In this invention, the degree of dryness of the clothes and the humidity of the air inside the clothes drying drum may be detected after drying is complete. If the detection results do not meet the requirements, the drying process time is increased appropriately, and if the detection results meet the requirements, it is determined that the drying and fragrance application process is complete.

[0117] In the present invention, the temperature change from the time the fragrance agent is added during the cooling stage until drying is completed may be a gradual decrease in temperature as the cooling stage progresses, or there may be a stage in which a constant temperature is maintained. In other words, the cooling stage of the drying process in the present invention is the stage from when the maximum temperature is reached until drying is completed, and the cooling stage of the drying process may include a constant temperature stage after the temperature has risen to the maximum temperature, and a cooling stage after the constant temperature.

[0118] Embodiments of the present invention further provide a storage medium on which a computer program is stored, and the computer program executes the above-described clothing fragrance control method by a processor.

[0119] Embodiments of the present invention further provide a garment processing device that uses the above-described garment fragrance control method. The garment processing device here may be a combined dryer, washing machine, or clothes dryer, etc.

[0120] Although the technical proposals of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with preferred embodiments shown in the drawings, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of the present invention is not clearly limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make equivalent modifications or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and all such modified or substituted technical proposals will fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the fragrance of clothing, Step S1 involves receiving a fragrance control command selected by the user, The process includes step S2, in which a fragrance application operation is performed on the garment at the corresponding garment processing stage based on the fragrance application control command, A method for controlling the fragrance of clothing, characterized in that the corresponding clothing processing steps include a final rinse step, a dewatering step, a post-dewatering loosening step, and a cooling step in the drying process.

2. If the corresponding garment processing step includes a final rinse step, step S2 specifically means: The method for controlling the fragrance of clothing according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes step S21 of adding and impregnating a fragrance agent during the final rinse process.

3. If the corresponding garment processing step includes a dewatering step, step S2 specifically means: The clothing fragrance control method according to claim 1, characterized by including step S22, which involves performing a fragrance application operation on clothing using a spray method during the dehydration stage.

4. If the corresponding garment processing step includes a loosening step after dehydration, step S2 specifically means: The clothing fragrance control method according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes step S23, in which a fragrance application operation is performed on the clothing by employing an atomization method during the loosening stage after dehydration.

5. If the corresponding garment processing step includes a cooling step in the drying process, step S2 specifically means: The clothing fragrance control method according to claim 1, characterized by including step S24, which involves adding a fragrance agent during the cooling stage of the drying process to perform a fragrance application operation on the clothing.

6. Specifically, step S21 is: The clothing fragrance control method according to claim 2, characterized in that it includes a step of washing away the fragrance agent that needs to be added into the outer drum during the final rinse process, and completing the infusion fragrance as the rinsing operation progresses.

7. The aforementioned method, The clothing fragrance control method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of determining the amount of fragrance agent to be added and the required immersion fragrance time based on clothing parameters and the fragrance control command.

8. The step of "rinsing the fragrance agent that needs to be added into the outer drum during the final rinse process" specifically refers to: The final rinse and water supply simultaneously involves a step to flush out any necessary fragrance additives into the external drum, or The clothing fragrance control method according to claim 6, characterized in that it includes the step of washing the fragrance agent that needs to be added into the external drum after the final rinse water supply is completed and the rinsing operation has started.

9. The step of "rinsing the necessary fragrance agents into the external drum" specifically means: The steps include determining the number of times to add the fragrance agent and the corresponding amount of rinse water to use for each single application, based on the amount of fragrance agent that needs to be added, The clothing fragrance control method according to claim 6, further comprising the step of rinsing the fragrance agent that needs to be added into an external drum according to the number of times it is added and the amount of water used for a single rinse.

10. The aforementioned method, Steps to obtain the water supply temperature, A step to obtain the corresponding volatilization temperature based on the type of fragrance agent, The steps include determining whether the water supply temperature is above a predetermined immersion temperature, If not, the method for controlling the fragrance of clothing according to claim 6 further includes the step of heating the water supply so that the water supply temperature after heating is equal to or greater than the preset immersion temperature and less than the volatilization temperature.

11. Specifically, step S22 is: The steps include performing a preliminary dehydration step, The steps to perform the spray fragrance step, The clothing fragrance control method according to claim 3, further comprising the step of performing a final dehydration step.

12. Before the step of "performing a preliminary dehydration step", the method, A step of determining whether the water absorption saturation level of the clothing is below a predetermined threshold, If so, the step of performing the spray fragrance step, The clothing fragrance control method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of performing a pre-dehydration step if otherwise.

13. The step of "performing a pre-dehydration step" specifically means: A step of determining the spinning speed and spinning time based on the material and / or weight of the clothing, The steps include controlling the drive motor to pre-dry the clothes according to the determined spin-drying speed and spin-drying time, The method for controlling the fragrance of clothing according to claim 12, further comprising the step of re-determining whether the water absorption saturation level of the clothing is below a predetermined threshold.

14. The "perform the spray fragrance step" specifically means: A step of determining the amount of fragrance solution required for spray fragrance application based on the material and / or weight of the clothing, The steps include: spraying a fragrance solution onto the surface of clothing using a spray device; A method for controlling the fragrance of clothing according to claim 11, characterized by comprising the step of controlling a drive motor to rotate during the spraying process.

15. Specifically, step S23 is: In the loosening stage after dehydration, the fragrance solution is atomized into a gas using an atomizing module. The clothing fragrance control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, as the loosening process progresses, the atomizing module ejects the gas to atomize and fragrance the clothing.

16. The aforementioned method, A step to determine whether the atomization and fragrance application process has been completed, If so, the method for controlling the fragrance of clothing according to claim 4, further comprising the step of transmitting information to the user.

17. The aforementioned method, The clothing fragrance control method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of adjusting the atomization speed and / or spray direction of the atomizing module as the loosening process progresses.

18. The step of "determining whether the atomization and fragrance application process has been completed" specifically means: A step of setting a corresponding atomization fragrance application time based on the material and / or weight of the clothing, and determining whether or not the atomization fragrance application time has elapsed, and / or The clothing fragrance control method according to claim 16, characterized in that it includes the step of detecting the water absorption rate of the clothing during the atomization fragrance application process and determining whether or not the water absorption rate of the clothing has reached a preset threshold.

19. Specifically, step S24 is: During the cooling stage of the drying process, once the corresponding temperature is reached, a fragrance solution is added to impart fragrance to the clothing. The clothing fragrance control method according to claim 5, characterized in that it includes the step of using residual heat to evaporate the fragrance solution as the drying process progresses.

20. The step of "adding the fragrance solution to the clothing once the appropriate temperature is reached" specifically means: The clothing fragrance control method according to claim 19, characterized in that when the range reaches a first temperature of 70-55°C, a fragrance agent solution is directly added to the clothing to impart fragrance to the clothing.

21. The step of "adding the fragrance solution to the clothing once the appropriate temperature is reached" specifically means: The clothing fragrance control method according to claim 19, characterized in that when the range reaches a second temperature of 50-40°C, a fragrance module vaporizes the fragrance solution to impart fragrance to the clothing.

22. The step of "vaporizing the fragrance solution using an atomizing module to impart fragrance to clothing" specifically involves: A step of controlling the drive motor to loosen the clothes, The clothing fragrance control method according to claim 19, characterized in that it includes the step of atomizing a fragrance agent solution into a gas using an ultrasonic atomization method with an atomization module during the loosening process to apply fragrance to the clothing.

23. The step of "using residual heat to evaporate the fragrance solution as the drying process progresses" specifically means: As the drying process progresses, the ventilation pipe is closed and the residual heat is used to evaporate the fragrance solution. A method for controlling the fragrance of clothing according to claim 19, characterized by comprising the step of opening and maintaining the ventilation pipe after a set fragrance application time has elapsed until the drying process is completed.

24. Specifically, step S1 is: A step to determine whether the user has selected a scent control command, If the result is NO, the user is presented with the question of whether or not it is necessary to select a fragrance control command. The clothing fragrance control method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of determining whether the amount of fragrance in the fragrance dispenser chamber is equal to or greater than the required amount of fragrance to be used, if the determination result is YES.

25. A garment processing apparatus characterized by using the garment fragrance control method described in any one of claims 1-24.

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