Optical plasma module and garment processing machine

Abstract

The present invention provides an optical plasma module, a clothes treating machine, a clothes treating machine with a clothes drying function, a control method for the clothes treating machine, and a clothes treating machine using the control method. The air in the space of the optical plasma irradiation module forms a sterilizing gas. The space of the module is connected to a clothes treating tank via a connecting pipe, and the optical plasma generator is controlled to supply the sterilizing gas to the inside of the clothes treating machine, thereby achieving a sterilizing and deodorizing effect on the clothes and / or the inside of the clothes treating tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of clothing treatment machines, and specifically relates to a clothing treatment machine equipped with a sterilization and deodorization function, and particularly to an optical plasma module applied to a clothing treatment machine.

Background Art

[0002] After the operation of the program, moisture remains in the clothing treatment tank of the clothing treatment machine, so bacteria may multiply in the clothing treatment tank or strange odors may occur. However, even if ventilation or air exchange is performed in the clothing treatment tank, bacteria and the like in the clothing treatment tank cannot be completely removed. Furthermore, strange odors of clothing cannot be removed by the airflow during ventilation or air exchange, but rather the diffusion of strange odors inside the clothing treatment tank is accelerated.

[0003] To solve the above problems, usually, a clothing treatment machine sterilizes by means such as ultraviolet rays, silver ions, high temperature, ozone, etc. Among these, ultraviolet rays can pass through the air to sterilize clothing. However, ultraviolet rays are likely to damage human eyes and skin. In addition, silver ions can suppress the growth of mold and deodorize, but there is a risk of causing lesions if absorbed by the internal organs of the human body. Also, high-temperature treatment can deactivate bacteria, but it is easy to deform clothing made of non-heat-resistant materials. In addition, excessive ozone strongly stimulates the human airway, causing symptoms such as swelling and pain in the throat, shortness of breath, and coughing.

[0004] On the other hand, optical plasma is a gas containing ions and free electrons generated by an optical tube. Optical plasma and ion clusters decompose oxygen gas and water molecules into hydroxide ions, free oxygen atoms, superoxide ions, and other oxidants. These molecules are extremely unstable and decompose harmful impurities in the air into inert compounds such as carbon dioxide and water. Also, the rate of destroying organic tissue is 180 times faster than that of ultraviolet rays and 2000 times faster than that of ozone.

[0005] In view of the above, the present invention is proposed.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a light plasma module and a garment processing machine that achieve the objective of giving garment processing machines sterilization and deodorization functions in order to eliminate the defects of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows.

[0008] The optical plasma module includes a housing that has an internally connected air intake space and an air supply space. A fan is installed in the air intake space to draw in external airflow from an air intake port at the bottom of the space. An optical plasma tube is installed in the air supply space. The upper part of the air supply space is in communication with the air intake space, and the lower part is in communication with the outside via an air intake port.

[0009] Furthermore, one end of the upper space in the air supply area is connected via a path to the outlet of a fan in the air intake space. An optical plasma tube is installed in the central space of the air supply area, inserted horizontally from one side. An air inlet is provided in the bottom wall of the lower space in the air supply area.

[0010] Furthermore, the lower part of the air supply space is in the shape of an inverted cone or inverted frustum, with its radial size gradually contracting from top to bottom, and the air supply port is provided at the lowest point of the inverted cone or inverted frustum. Preferably, the lower part of the air supply space is in the shape of an inverted isosceles triangle, with both the left and right sides gradually sloping towards the center, and the air supply port is provided at the lowest point of the inverted isosceles triangle.

[0011] Furthermore, the optical plasma tube is installed coaxially with the air supply space, and the opposing sides of the air supply space in the axial direction are the side that communicates with the air supply space via a path and the side into which the optical plasma tube is inserted, respectively.

[0012] Furthermore, the fan is installed horizontally within the air intake space. The fan inlet is located in the center and opens downwards. The air intake port of the air intake space is located at the bottom of the space and opens coaxially opposite to the fan inlet. The fan outlet extends horizontally along the tangential direction of the fan and communicates with the upper space of the air supply space via a horizontally extending path. Preferably, the path is provided coaxially with the air supply space.

[0013] Furthermore, the enclosure includes a tank and an upper cover. The upper cover engages with and is fixedly mounted to the ceiling of the tank, and together defines an air supply space and an air delivery space that communicate with each other through a pathway. A fan is mounted to the upper cover. The optical plasma tube is inserted from one side of the tank to correspond to the air delivery space and is fixedly mounted to the tank. Preferably, a driver board is mounted on the outer wall of the tank.

[0014] The present invention further discloses a garment processing machine, which includes a housing and a garment processing tank mounted within the housing. The housing is provided with an optical plasma module as described above. The air intake and air outlet of the optical plasma module are each connected to the garment processing tank via a conduit.

[0015] Furthermore, the optical plasma module's housing is permanently attached to the housing. The optical plasma module is located on the underside of the housing's ceiling and above the garment processing tank.

[0016] Furthermore, the housing includes a forward upper transverse beam located at the front of the ceiling, and the housing of the optical plasma module is fixedly attached to the underside of the forward upper transverse beam. The air supply and air delivery spaces for the optical plasma module are provided side by side within the housing.

[0017] Furthermore, a door seal is connected between the opening of the garment processing tank and the front panel of the housing. The door seal is equipped with an air supply joint and an air outlet joint that allow the garment processing tank to communicate with the outside. The air supply port of the optical plasma module communicates with the air supply joint provided on the door seal via an air supply pipe, and the air outlet of the optical plasma module communicates with the air outlet joint provided on the door seal via an air supply pipe.

[0018] By employing the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared to the prior art.

[0019] 1. In this invention, the air within the space of the photoplasma irradiation module forms a sterilizing gas. Furthermore, by establishing communication between the module space and the garment processing tank via a connecting pipeline and controlling the photoplasma generator to supply the sterilizing gas inside the garment processing machine, a sterilization and deodorizing effect is achieved on the clothing and / or inside the garment processing tank.

[0020] 2. In the present invention, the photoplasma generator has a photocatalytic excitation layer. Under the catalytic action of multiple types of specific nanoscale noble metal media, the broad-frequency ultraviolet tube, when irradiated onto air, generates a large amount of hydroxide ions, superoxide ions, hydrogen peroxide, and pure negative oxygen ions, thereby improving the sterilization effect.

[0021] 3. In this invention, the gas in the module's space is irradiated by the photoplasma tube to form a sterilizing gas, which is then blown into the garment processing tank through a pipeline. This not only sterilizes the inside of the garment processing tank but also sterilizes the clothes inside the tank, and has a particularly good sterilizing effect on clothes that cannot withstand high temperatures.

[0022] The technical problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a garment processing machine that eliminates the shortcomings of the prior art and further improves the sterilization efficiency of the garment processing machine. Another objective of this invention is to provide a garment processing machine that removes unpleasant odors from clothing.

[0023] To solve the above technical problems, the basic idea of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows.

[0024] The clothing treatment machine includes a clothing treatment tank and a drying duct whose air supply end communicates with the clothing treatment tank and is used to send air flow into the clothing treatment tank. A photo plasma tube for irradiating and sterilizing the air flow flowing into the clothing treatment tank is provided at the air supply end of the drying duct.

[0025] Furthermore, the tank opening of the clothing treatment tank is connected to the housing of the clothing treatment machine through a door seal. A joint is provided on the door seal. The air supply end of the drying duct communicates with the inside of the clothing treatment tank through the joint provided on the door seal. The photo plasma tube is provided in the joint and irradiates and sterilizes the air flow flowing into the clothing treatment tank through the joint. The photo plasma tube is attached to the door seal and / or the air supply end of the drying duct and / or the clothing treatment tank.

[0026] Furthermore, the photo plasma tube is fixedly attached to the door seal and includes a base whose internal cavity constitutes an installation space, and a photo plasma tube that is used to generate sterilizing light and is installed in the installation space of the base. The base is provided with a light-transmitting area for passing the sterilizing light generated by the photo plasma tube. The light-transmitting area is provided facing the inside of the joint.

[0027] Furthermore, the base is columnar. A notch is provided on one side wall of the columnar base. The notch communicates the inside and outside of the columnar base to form a light-transmitting area. The photo plasma tube provided inside the columnar base extends along the axis of the columnar base and at least a part thereof overlaps with the notch.

[0028] Furthermore, a glass cover is provided in the installation space of the columnar base. The glass cover is cylindrical and is covered outside the photo plasma tube. The cylindrical glass cover covers at least the notch provided on the side wall of the columnar base.

[0029] Furthermore, the columnar base of the optical plasma tube is inserted from the air supply end of the joint and extends to the air delivery end of the joint. The optical plasma tube is provided on one side of the joint. The light-transmitting region provided on one side of the columnar base of the optical plasma tube is opened in the direction of the central axis of the joint.

[0030] Furthermore, the axial direction of the optical plasma tube is inclined by a certain included angle with respect to the axial direction of the joint. The insertion end of the optical plasma tube is inclined toward the side separated from the joint rather than the extension end. The light-transmitting region provided on one side of the columnar base of the optical plasma tube is all located inside the joint.

[0031] Furthermore, one end of the columnar base of the optical plasma tube is closed and located inside the joint, and the other end is open and located outside the joint. A fixing cap is removably attached to the open end located outside the joint of the columnar base. The fixing cap is used to fixedly attach the optical plasma tube within the attachment space inside the base.

[0032] Furthermore, fixing protrusions protruding in the radial direction are provided on the outer periphery of the columnar base of the optical plasma tube. The fixing protrusions are provided between the light-transmitting region and the fixing cap on the columnar base. The fixing cap and the fixing protrusions are respectively located on both the inner and outer sides of the door seal and are used to fixedly attach the optical plasma tube to the door seal.

[0033] Furthermore, the fixing cap is annular. The inner peripheral side size of the annular fixing cap is smaller than the radial size of the optical plasma tube. The optical plasma tube and the glass cover are position-regulated by the fixing cap and are attached within the attachment space of the columnar base.

[0034] Furthermore, a cylindrical glass cover is provided coaxially within the columnar base, covering the outside of the optical plasma tube. A first vibration damping washer is sandwiched between one end of the cylindrical glass cover and the sealed end of the base. A second vibration damping washer is sandwiched between the other end of the cylindrical glass cover and the fixing cap of the base. Preferably, the outer circumference of the second vibration damping washer is sandwiched between the fixing cap and the glass cover, and the inner circumference is sandwiched between the optical plasma tube and the fixing cap.

[0035] By employing the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared to the prior art.

[0036] 1. In this invention, the photoplasma tube irradiates the hot air in the drying duct, thereby creating hot air with sterilization and deodorization functions within the drying duct. The hot air with sterilization and deodorization functions rapidly diffuses into the inside of the garment processing tank through the drying duct. In this way, the efficiency of hot air utilization is improved by performing sterilization and deodorization processes on the clothes while ensuring the clothes drying function of the garment processing machine.

[0037] 2. In this invention, the photoplasma tube is installed at the point where the drying duct and the garment processing tank are connected. As a result, the photoplasma tube directly irradiates the airflow returning to the garment processing tank, increasing the amount of irradiated gas flowing into the garment processing tank and improving the sterilization and deodorization effect of the garment processing machine.

[0038] 3. In the present invention, the photoplasma tube has UVC ultraviolet light and / or UVD ultraviolet light. The UVD wavelength ultraviolet light efficiently excites oxygen gas and water in the air, enabling the generation of photoplasma clusters. In addition, the UVC wavelength ultraviolet light has a high sterilization effect, so it completely kills microorganisms attached to the clothing processing tank and the clothing inside it.

[0039] The technical problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a garment processing machine that improves the sterilization efficiency of garment processing machines in order to eliminate the shortcomings of the prior art. Another objective of this invention is to provide a garment processing machine that removes unpleasant odors from clothing.

[0040] To solve the above technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows.

[0041] A garment processing machine equipped with a clothes drying function includes a garment processing tank and a drying duct for supplying airflow to the garment processing tank. A light irradiation space is provided within the drying duct, and at least a portion of the airflow enters the garment processing tank via the light irradiation space. A photoplasma tube is provided within the light irradiation space to irradiate and sterilize the airflow flowing into the garment processing tank.

[0042] Furthermore, the drying duct has a disc-shaped air supply space. Partition ribs are provided within the air supply space. The partition ribs divide the disc-shaped air supply space into two parts, with the first part, which has a smaller cross-sectional area, constituting the light irradiation space. An optical plasma tube is provided on the outer periphery of the light irradiation space, which is inserted radially into the light irradiation space.

[0043] Furthermore, an annular compartmental rib is provided in the center of the disc-shaped air supply space. On the outer circumference of the annular compartmental rib, a first compartmental rib and a second compartmental rib are provided, spaced apart from each other and at an angle, with the area between the first and second compartmental ribs constituting the light irradiation space. The first compartmental rib is provided with a notch for introducing airflow into the light irradiation space. The optical plasma tube is provided in close proximity to the second compartmental rib.

[0044] In addition, the drying duct further includes an air intake space where a fan is provided. The air intake space communicates directly with a second portion of the air supply space via a connecting space that extends to slope diagonally upward. A first compartment rib separates the connecting space from the light irradiation space. The first compartment rib is provided with a notch that connects both sides. At least some of the airflow that flows into the air intake space flows into the light irradiation space through the notch. The notch is located closer to the center of the annular air supply space than the optical plasma tube.

[0045] Furthermore, a heater is provided within the second portion of the annular air supply space. The heater is positioned directly opposite the air supply end of the connection space and is used to directly heat the incoming airflow. Another heater is positioned close to the notch in the first compartment rib and is used to heat the airflow flowing into the light-irradiated space.

[0046] Furthermore, the optical plasma tube is columnar in shape. At the end of the columnar optical plasma tube, a mounting base is provided, which is located outside the drying duct and at least a portion of it protrudes radially. The radially protruding portion of the mounting base is fixed to the outer wall of the drying duct.

[0047] Furthermore, fixing ribs that protrude radially outward are provided on both radially opposing sides of the mounting base. Both fixing ribs are in close contact with the outer wall of the drying duct. Through holes are provided in each fixing rib, and screws are inserted through these holes and fixed to the drying duct, thereby permanently attaching the mounting base to the drying duct.

[0048] Furthermore, vibration-damping washers are fitted around the outer circumference of the columnar optical plasma tube. The vibration-damping washers are sandwiched between the fixed base and the drying duct.

[0049] Furthermore, multiple air inlets are provided on one side of the annular air supply space. At least one air inlet is a first air inlet communicating with the light irradiation space, and the remaining air inlets are second air inlets communicating with the second section. The first air inlets are opened so as to face at least a portion of the columnar optical plasma tube in the light irradiation space.

[0050] Furthermore, the second compartment rib is provided with a curved portion that protrudes outward in the area close to the outer circumference of the annular air supply space. The columnar optical plasma tube is provided within the region surrounded by the curved portion. The first air supply port is a round opening provided corresponding to one side of the region surrounded by the curved portion.

[0051] By employing the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared to the prior art.

[0052] 1. In this invention, the photoplasma tube irradiates the hot air in the drying duct, thereby creating hot air with sterilization and deodorization functions within the drying duct. The hot air with sterilization and deodorization functions rapidly diffuses into the inside of the garment processing tank through the drying duct. In this way, the efficiency of hot air utilization is improved by performing sterilization and deodorization processes on the clothes while ensuring the clothes drying function of the garment processing machine.

[0053] 2. In the present invention, since the photoplasma tube is installed in an independent space within the drying duct, light irradiation of a portion of the airflow flowing into the garment processing tank is achieved. As a result, the power consumption of the photoplasma tube is reduced and the effect of photo-irradiation sterilization on the airflow is improved, so the sterilization and deodorization efficiency of the garment processing tank by the photoplasma tube is significantly improved.

[0054] 3. In the present invention, the photoplasma tube has UVC ultraviolet light and / or UVD ultraviolet light. The UVD wavelength ultraviolet light efficiently excites oxygen gas and water in the air, enabling the generation of photoplasma clusters. In addition, the UVC wavelength ultraviolet light has a high sterilization effect, so it completely kills microorganisms attached to the clothing processing tank and the clothing inside it.

[0055] The technical problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a control method for a garment processing machine that eliminates the shortcomings of the prior art and further improves the deodorizing and sterilizing efficiency of the garment processing machine.

[0056] To solve the above technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows.

[0057] The control method for the garment processing machine includes supplying air into the garment processing tank, obtaining the temperature inside the garment processing tank, determining whether the obtained temperature inside the garment processing tank satisfies predetermined startup conditions, and if so, activating the photoplasma generator to irradiate the air supplied into the garment processing tank with germicidal light.

[0058] In addition, before supplying air into the garment processing tub, the process further includes proceeding to a laundry care program, activating a heating device in the duct, and controlling the fan in the duct to rotate, thereby causing the gas in the duct to flow towards the air intake of the garment processing tub.

[0059] Furthermore, determining whether the acquired temperature inside the garment processing tank satisfies the predetermined startup conditions includes determining whether the acquired temperature inside the garment processing tank is below a predetermined temperature, and if it is below a predetermined temperature, starting the photoplasma generator.

[0060] In addition, activating the heating device in the duct further includes setting a target period t for the heating device to operate and starting the timer.

[0061] In addition, obtaining the temperature inside the garment processing tank further includes determining whether the heating device has operated for the target period t, turning off the heating device if it has operated for the target period t, and, if it has not operated for the target period t, comparing the obtained temperature inside the garment processing tank with a predetermined temperature threshold range, and controlling whether the heating device is turned on or off based on the comparison result.

[0062] Furthermore, controlling the on / off status of the heating device based on the above comparison results specifically includes turning off the heating device if the acquired temperature inside the garment processing tank is within a predetermined temperature threshold range, turning off the heating device if the acquired temperature inside the garment processing tank is greater than the maximum value of the predetermined temperature threshold range, and maintaining or turning on the heating device if the acquired temperature inside the garment processing tank is less than the minimum value of the predetermined temperature threshold range.

[0063] Furthermore, the predetermined startup condition is that the temperature inside the garment processing tank is less than or equal to the maximum value of a predetermined temperature threshold range.

[0064] Another object of the present invention is to provide a garment processing machine that uses any of the control methods described above. The garment processing machine includes a garment processing tank provided with an air intake port and an air outlet port, a duct having a fan and a heating device inside and an air outlet port, the air outlet end of which communicates with the air intake port in order to bring the internal gas into the garment processing tank, and a photoplasma generator for irradiating the gas flowing into the garment processing tank from the duct.

[0065] Furthermore, a clothing input port is provided at the front end of the clothing processing tank. A window gasket is provided at the clothing input port. The top portion of the window gasket is connected to the air supply end of the duct. The photoplasma generator includes a photoplasma tube assembly. The photoplasma tube assembly is attached to the side of the window gasket that is closer to the air supply port, or to the side of the duct that is closer to the air supply end of the duct.

[0066] In addition, it further includes a back plate and a rear cover plate provided behind the back plate. The garment processing tank is rotatably supported on the back plate. The rear cover plate and the back plate define a duct that communicates with the air intake. The photoplasma generator includes a photoplasma tube assembly, which is mounted within the duct.

[0067] By employing the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared to the prior art.

[0068] 1. In this invention, the heating device heats the gas, which is advantageous for volatilizing odor-causing substances attached to clothing. Furthermore, the system determines whether or not to activate the photoplasma generator based on the air supply temperature. This helps decompose odor-causing substances with strongly oxidative active substances formed by the irradiation of the gas by the photoplasma generator. In addition, since the strongly oxidative active substances are not decomposed at high temperatures, the deodorizing and sterilizing efficiency of the clothing processing machine is improved.

[0069] 2. In the present invention, the photoplasma tube assembly irradiates the hot air in the duct, thereby giving the hot air sterilization and deodorization functions, and rapidly diffusing it into the inside of the garment processing tank. In this way, the efficiency of hot air utilization is improved by performing sterilization and deodorization processes on the clothes while ensuring the clothes drying function of the garment processing machine.

[0070] 3. In the present invention, the photoplasma tube assembly is attached to a window packing or duct. As a result, the highly oxidative active substance formed by the photoplasma generator irradiating the gas passes quickly through the air intake of the garment processing tank and flows into the inside of the garment processing tank, thereby reducing the decay rate of the oxidative active substance.

[0071] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below, with reference to the drawings.

[0072] The drawings are provided as part of the present invention for a further understanding of the invention. The schematic embodiments and descriptions of the present invention are used for interpretation of the invention, but do not unduly limit the invention. Needless to say, the drawings described below are only a part of the embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings from these drawings without requiring any creative work. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0073] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a garment processing machine at one angle in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a garment processing machine from a different angle in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the optical plasma module at one angle in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the optical plasma module in one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a different angle. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic structural diagram of an optical plasma module in one embodiment of the present invention, shown at one angle of decomposition. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic structural diagram of an optical plasma module in one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a different angle during disassembly. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a garment processing machine at one angle in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic structural diagram of a garment processing machine from a different angle in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a part of the structure of a garment processing machine in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic structural diagram of the AA cross-section in Figure 9 in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of portion B of Figure 10 in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the optical plasma tube in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the optical plasma tube during disassembly in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic block diagram of a garment processing machine in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the rear drying duct portion of a garment processing machine in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram of the disassembled drying duct section at the rear of the garment processing machine in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the drying duct portion at the rear of the garment processing machine in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the drying duct section at the rear of a garment processing machine in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram of another cross-section of the drying duct at the rear of the garment processing machine in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing an enlarged view of portion A of Figure 19 in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a schematic flowchart of a control method for a garment processing machine in a further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a logic block diagram of a control method for a garment processing machine in a further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a washing and drying machine in a further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a schematic exploded view of the rear drying duct portion of a clothes dryer in a further embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0074] It should be noted that these drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to explain the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments.

[0075] To clarify the purpose, technical solution, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention, the technical solution of the embodiments will be described clearly and concisely below, with reference to the drawings of the embodiments. Note that the following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0076] In describing the present invention, directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," "right," "vertical," "inside," and "outside" are directions or positional relationships based on the illustrations and are merely for the convenience and simplification of the description of the present invention. They do not explicitly or implicitly suggest that the device or component in question has a specific direction or must be configured and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0077] In describing this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined and limited, the terms “attach,” “connect,” and “connect” should be interpreted broadly. For example, a connection may be fixed, removable, or integral. It may also be mechanical or electrical. Furthermore, it may be a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention depending on the specific circumstances. [Examples]

[0078] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, an embodiment of the present invention provides an optical plasma module 6 including a housing 60 having an internally connected air supply space 61 and air supply space 62. A fan 9 is installed in the air supply space 61 to draw in external airflow from an air supply port 65 at the bottom of the space. An optical plasma tube 3 is installed in the air supply space 62, which is inserted horizontally from one side. The upper part of the air supply space 62 is in communication with the air supply space 61, and the lower part is in communication with the outside via an air supply port 66.

[0079] In this invention, the air inside the optical plasma irradiation module 6 forms a sterilizing gas. Furthermore, by establishing communication between the module's space and the garment processing tank 2 via a connecting pipeline and controlling the optical plasma generation module 6 to supply the sterilizing gas inside the garment processing machine, a sterilization and deodorizing effect is achieved on the clothing and / or inside the garment processing tank 2.

[0080] In this embodiment, the photoplasma tube 3 irradiates the gas in the internal space of the housing 60, thereby completely killing the microorganisms contained in the gas. The photoplasma tube 3 is capable of delivering photoplasma and ion clusters, and the emitted photoplasma and ion cluster light decomposes the oxygen gas and water molecules in the gas in the space into hydroxide ions, free oxygen atoms, superoxide ions, and other oxidizing agents. As a result, odor-causing substances contained in the gas in the space are decomposed and transformed into inert compounds such as carbon dioxide and water.

[0081] In this embodiment, the gas in the space irradiated by the photoplasma tube 3 forms a sterilizing gas which is then introduced into the garment processing tank 2. This gas can not only sterilize the inside of the garment processing tank 2, but also sterilize the clothes inside the tank, and has a particularly good sterilizing effect on clothes that cannot withstand high temperatures. In addition, unpleasant odors in the clothes are removed quickly and easily.

[0082] In this embodiment, the upper space 621 of the air supply space 62 of the optical plasma module 6 is elongated, and one end of the elongated upper space 621 communicates with the outlet of the fan 9 in the air supply space 61 via a path 63. An optical plasma tube 3 is installed in the central space 622 of the air supply space 62, inserted horizontally from one side. An air outlet 66 is provided in the bottom wall of the lower space 623 of the air supply space 62. By providing the air supply space 62 in an elongated shape, the optical plasma tube 3 is extended coaxially with the elongated space, so that the light emitted from the optical plasma tube 3 can cover the entire area of ​​the air supply space 62. This improves the irradiation effect of the optical plasma tube.

[0083] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in this embodiment, the side wall of the housing 60 is provided with an opening that communicates with the central space 622 of the air supply space 62, and the optical plasma tube 3 is inserted horizontally into the air supply space 62 through the opening. The optical plasma tube 3 has a connection terminal 301 located outside the housing 60. The radial size of the connection terminal 301 is larger than the radial size of the opening provided in the side wall of the housing 60. As a result, after the optical plasma tube 3 is inserted into the air supply space 62 of the housing 60 through the opening and reaches a predetermined position, the connection terminal 301 contacts the outer circumference of the opening to achieve positioning. Preferably, a slot 610 is provided in the side wall of the housing 60, and an opening is provided at the bottom of the slot 610. The size of the peripheral wall of the slot 610 is larger than the size of the opening and contacts the outer circumference of the connection terminal 301 so as to be in close contact. As a result, radial positioning is achieved after the optical plasma tube 3 is inserted into the slot 610.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a removable shielding plate 611 is attached to the outside of the side wall of the housing 60. The shielding plate 611 abuts against the connection terminal 301 of the optical plasma tube 3 inserted into the housing 60, and sandwiches the connection terminal 301 of the optical plasma tube 3 between the shielding plate 611 and the slot 610. In addition, there is a gap between the shielding plate 611 and the outer wall of the housing 60. This allows the wires connected to the connection terminal 301 to be pulled out through the gap and connected to the control device 10, etc.

[0085] In this embodiment, protruding ribs 612 are provided on the outside of the side wall of the housing 60, extending parallel to each other on both the upper and lower sides of the opening. Each extended end of the protruding rib 612 is provided with abutment edges 613 that protrude in directions toward each other. Thus, the two protruding ribs 612 define a sliding path. In addition, strip-shaped grooves 614 extending along the outer circumference are provided on both the upper and lower sides of the shield plate 611. The shield plate 611 is attached to the housing 60 so as to be horizontally slidable and detachable by inserting the grooves 614 on both the upper and lower sides of the shield plate 611 corresponding to the abutment edges 613. Preferably, in order to position and stop the shield plate 611, a protruding rib 612 is also provided on the outside of the side wall of the housing 60 on one side of the opening. The upper and lower ends of the side protruding ribs 612 are connected to the corresponding side protruding ribs 612, respectively, thereby defining a rectangular arrangement of protruding ribs 612 with a notch on one side.

[0086] In this embodiment, the side of the air supply space 62 that communicates with the air intake space 61 and the side of the air supply space 62 into which the optical plasma tube 3 is inserted are provided opposite each other. By providing different structures in opposite directions of the housing 60 in this way, the overall strength of the housing 60 is improved. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end of the optical plasma tube 3 that is inserted into the air supply space 62 is provided in a hanging manner and is close to or in direct contact with the inner wall of the air supply space 62. As a result, the optical plasma tube 3 covers the entire width of the cross-section of the air supply space 62, further improving the irradiation effect of the optical plasma tube 3 on the airflow. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a fixing base is provided on the portion of the optical plasma tube 3 located outside the air supply space 62, protruding radially from the insertion hole. The radially protruding portion of the fixing base is fixed to the outer wall of the housing 60 with screws, thereby achieving attachment and fixing of the optical plasma tube to the housing.

[0087] In this embodiment, the lower space 623 of the air supply space 62 is in the shape of an inverted cone or inverted frustum, with its radial size gradually contracting from top to bottom, and the air supply port 66 is provided at the lowest point of the inverted cone or inverted frustum. Preferably, as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the lower space 623 of the air supply space 62 is in the shape of an inverted isosceles triangle, with both the left and right sides gradually sloping toward the center, and the air supply port 66 is provided at the lowest point of the inverted isosceles triangle. By providing the above configuration, an airflow vortex is formed at the air supply port, which increases the time that the airflow in the air supply space remains in the central part of the air supply space, resulting in an even longer irradiation time of the optical plasma tube to the passing airflow.

[0088] In this embodiment, the fan 9 is horizontally mounted within the air supply space 61. The inlet of the fan 9 is located in the center and opens downwards. The air intake port 65 of the air supply space 61 is located at the bottom of the space and opens coaxially opposite to the inlet of the fan 9. The outlet of the fan 9 extends horizontally along the tangential direction of the fan 9 and communicates with the upper space 621 of the air supply space 62 via a horizontally extending path 63. This enables the mounting of a centrifugal fan to the module and provides the effect of applying pressurized force to the passing airflow. Furthermore, since the air intake port 66 has a conical shape in which the radial size gradually increases from bottom to top, the air supply efficiency of the module is improved.

[0089] In this embodiment, the air supply space 61 is provided to be higher than the photoplasma tube 3, and preferably, the air supply port 65 is provided to be higher than the photoplasma tube 3. This further improves the irradiation effect of the photoplasma tube 3 within the air supply space 62. Furthermore, the air supply port 65 of the photoplasma module 6 is provided to be higher than the air supply port 66 in order to improve the fluidity of the airflow within the internal space of the module.

[0090] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, in this embodiment, the housing 60 includes a tank 69 and an upper cover 64. The upper cover 64 engages with and is fixedly attached to the ceiling of the tank 69 and together defines an air supply space 61 and an air delivery space 62 that communicate with each other via a path 63. A fan 9 is attached to the upper cover 64. The optical plasma tube 3 is inserted from one side of the tank 69 so as to correspond to the air delivery space 62 and is fixedly attached to the tank 69.

[0091] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, this embodiment further describes a garment processing machine that includes a housing 1 and a garment processing tank 2 installed inside the housing 1. The housing 1 is provided with the above-mentioned optical plasma module 6. The air inlet 65 and air outlet 66 of the optical plasma module 6 are in communication with the garment processing tank 2 via conduits.

[0092] In this embodiment, the housing 60 of the optical plasma module 6 is fixedly attached to the housing 1. The optical plasma module 6 is located below the ceiling surface of the housing 1 and above the garment processing tank 2.

[0093] In this embodiment, the housing 1 includes a front upper horizontal beam 101 located on the front side of the ceiling. The housing 60 of the optical plasma module 6 is fixedly attached to the underside of the front upper horizontal beam 101. The air supply space 61 and air supply space 62 of the optical plasma module 6 are provided side by side within the housing 1. The air supply port 65 and air supply port 66 of the optical plasma module 6 are both opened facing downwards and communicate with the inside of the garment processing tank 2 via conduits.

[0094] In this embodiment, the garment processing tank 2 is located inside the housing 1 of the garment processing machine. A door seal 8 is provided between the housing 1 and the flange of the garment processing tank 2. The door seal 8 is equipped with an air supply joint 83 and an air supply joint 84 that allow the garment processing tank 2 to communicate with the outside. The air supply port 65 of the optical plasma module 6 communicates with the air supply joint 83 provided on the door seal 8 via an air supply pipe 67. The air supply port 66 of the optical plasma module 6 communicates with the air supply joint 84 provided on the door seal 8 via an air supply pipe 68.

[0095] In this embodiment, valve bodies may be added to the air supply pipe 67 and / or air delivery pipe 68 to control their opening and closing, and used to control the passage / blockage of circulating airflow between the garment processing tank 2 and the optical plasma module 6 (not shown in the figure).

[0096] In this embodiment, the door seal 8 is cylindrical in shape, which is foldable and expandable. Both ends of the cylindrical door seal are sealed to the flange of the garment processing tank 2 and the front panel of the housing 1, respectively. Furthermore, the tank opening provided on the flange of the garment processing tank 2 and the garment input opening provided on the front panel of the housing 1 are both located inside the cylindrical door seal 8, forming a path for loading and unloading clothes. In addition, the front panel of the housing 1 in the garment processing machine is provided with a main door that can be flipped outwards to open and close the garment input opening. By allowing the main door to appropriately open or close the garment processing opening, the objective of controllingly communicating / blocking the garment loading / unloading path, which is formed by the door seal, from the outside is achieved.

[0097] In this embodiment, the radial size of the air supply pipe 67 is slightly larger than the radial size of the air delivery pipe 68, which is advantageous for rapidly flowing the circulating airflow. As a result, the airflow in the air supply pipe 67 is rapidly introduced into the space of the photoplasma module 6, and the airflow from inside the garment processing tank 2 is sterilized and deodorized by irradiation using the photoplasma tube 3 provided inside the photoplasma module 6. After the airflow returns to the garment processing tank, sterilization and deodorization treatment can be performed on the clothes and / or the tank body inside the tank.

[0098] In this embodiment, the photoplasma tube 3 may be an ultraviolet tube having at least two wavelength bands: UVC ultraviolet light and UVD ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light can be classified by wavelength into vacuum ultraviolet light (very low frequency, UVD), short-wavelength sterilizing ultraviolet light (low frequency, UVC), medium-wavelength erythematous ultraviolet light (medium frequency, UVB), and long-wavelength tanspot-causing ultraviolet light (high frequency, UVA). Of these, the UVC wavelength band of ultraviolet light has wavelengths of 200 to 275 nm, and ultraviolet light in the 253.7 nm UVC wavelength band has a high germicidal effect. In addition, the UVD wavelength band of ultraviolet light has wavelengths of 100 to 200 nm, and UVD ultraviolet light at 185 nm can excite oxygen gas and water in the air to generate photoplasma clusters.

[0099] In this embodiment, a control device 10 is further included. The control device 10 is connected to the optical plasma tube 3 and controls the optical plasma tube 3 to irradiate the airflow within the module. The control device 10 includes a driver board mounted on the outer wall of the housing 60. The control device 10 may be provided independently or integrated into the control board of the garment processing machine.

[0100] In this embodiment, a photoplasma concentration detection device is provided in the space of the photoplasma module 6 or inside the garment processing tank 2. The photoplasma concentration detection device is used to detect whether the photoplasma concentration inside the photoplasma module or inside the garment processing tank 2 into which the sterilizing gas is introduced satisfies the sterilization requirements. The photoplasma concentration detection device is a concentration sensor (not explicitly shown in the figure).

[0101] In this embodiment, an odor detection device is provided inside the garment processing tank 2. The odor detection device is used to detect the odor concentration and smell concentration of the garment processing tank 2 or the clothes inside it in order to accurately control the operation of the photoplasma generation module.

[0102] In this embodiment, the photoplasma concentration detection device and the odor detection device are connected to the control device 10, respectively. The control device 10 receives the photoplasma concentration detected by the photoplasma concentration detection device and the odor concentration and odor concentration values ​​detected by the odor detection device. Based on the acquired photoplasma concentration, odor concentration and odor concentration values, the control device 10 controls the operating time of the photoplasma tube 3 to ensure that the photoplasma concentration in the clothing processing tank satisfies the sterilization and deodorization requirements.

[0103] According to the garment processing machine described above, the photoplasma tube 3 has UVC ultraviolet light and / or UVD ultraviolet light. The UVD wavelength ultraviolet light efficiently excites oxygen gas and water in the air, enabling the generation of photoplasma clusters. In addition, the UVC wavelength ultraviolet light has a high sterilization effect, completely killing microorganisms attached to the garment processing tank 2 and the clothes inside it.

[0104] In this embodiment, the optical plasma tube 3 may be a wide-amplitude optical tube. The wide-amplitude optical tube emits energy-balanced light in a specific wavelength band. The wavelength is 100 to 300 nm.

[0105] In this embodiment, the inner wall of the space within the optical plasma module is coated with a photocatalytic layer. The wide-amplitude phototube is provided on the photocatalytic net side. Alternatively, the photocatalytic layer is provided inside the wide-amplitude phototube. The photocatalytic layer is composed of nanoscale noble metal catalyst material. Under the catalytic action of multiple types of specific nanoscale noble metal media, the wide-amplitude phototube irradiates air, generating a large amount of hydroxide ions, superoxide ions, hydrogen peroxide, and pure negative oxygen ions to form photohydrogen ions. These photohydrogen ions can rapidly and effectively kill more than 99% of bacteria, viruses, and mold in the air, and eliminate unpleasant odors in the air, thus achieving an air purification effect.

[0106] In this embodiment, the wide-amplitude phototube may be a wide-frequency ultraviolet tube. Compared to the case where an ultraviolet tube having the wavelength bands of UVC ultraviolet and / or UVD ultraviolet irradiates air, a wide-frequency ultraviolet tube, under the catalytic action of a specific nano-level multiple type of noble metal medium, can generate a large amount of hydroxide ions, superoxide ions, hydrogen peroxide, and pure negative oxygen ions when irradiated onto air, thereby improving the sterilization effect. [Examples]

[0107] As shown in Figures 7 to 13, an embodiment of the present invention provides a garment processing machine that includes a garment processing tank 2 and a drying duct 4 for supplying hot air to the inside of the garment processing tank 2, and is equipped with a garment drying function. Both ends of the drying duct 4 are connected to the front and rear ends of the garment processing tank 2, respectively. A photoplasma tube 3 is provided inside the drying duct 4 for irradiating the hot air inside the drying duct 4.

[0108] In this embodiment, a fan 9 is provided inside the drying duct 4. The fan 9 is used to create a circulating airflow between the air in the drying duct 4 and the air inside the garment processing tank 2. The drying duct 4 is further equipped with a condenser that condenses the passing airflow to separate water from the circulating airflow. The drying duct 4 is also equipped with a heater 5 that heats the passing airflow to create a high-temperature drying airflow, which is returned to the garment processing tank 2 to dry the clothes inside the tank.

[0109] In this embodiment, the air inside the garment processing tank 2 flows into the drying duct 4 and is then irradiated by a light-plasma tube 3 installed inside the drying duct 4, thereby forming an airflow with sterilization and deodorizing functions within the drying duct 4. This airflow diffuses into the garment processing tank 2 and is used to disinfect and deodorize the clothes inside the tank.

[0110] In this embodiment, the photoplasma tube 3 is capable of discharging photoplasma and ion clusters. The photoplasma tube 3 irradiates the hot air in the drying duct 4. The discharged photoplasma and ion cluster light decomposes oxygen gas and water molecules in the air into hydroxide ions, free oxygen atoms, superoxide ions, and other oxidizing agents, thereby forming sterilized air. This sterilizes the clothing and decomposes harmful impurities in the air inside the clothing processing tank 2 into inert compounds such as carbon dioxide and water. In this way, unpleasant odors in the clothing are removed quickly and easily.

[0111] As shown in Figures 7 to 13, in this embodiment, the air supply end of the drying duct 4 is connected to the opening of the garment processing tank 2. The photoplasma tube 3 is installed at the point where the drying duct 4 and the opening of the garment processing tank 2 are connected, and directly irradiates the airflow returning to the garment processing tank. As a result, the sterilized and deodorized airflow formed by the irradiation of the photoplasma tube 3 can return directly to the tank, reducing the amount of sterilized and deodorized airflow that diffuses within the drying duct 4, and improving the sterilization and deodorization efficiency of the photoplasma tube.

[0112] In this embodiment, the garment processing machine further includes a housing 1, and a garment processing tank 2 is provided inside the housing 1. A door seal 8 is provided between the housing 1 and the flange of the garment processing tank 2. The air supply end of the drying duct 4 is connected to and communicates with a joint 80 provided on the door seal 8. As a result, the airflow that has been irradiated by the optical plasma tube 3 inside the drying duct 4 is blown into the inside of the garment processing tank 2 via the joint 80.

[0113] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, in this embodiment, the door seal 8 is a foldable and expandable cylindrical shape. Both ends of the cylindrical door seal 8 are sealedly connected to the flange of the garment processing tank 2 and the front panel of the housing 1, respectively. Furthermore, the tank opening provided on the flange of the garment processing tank 2 and the garment input opening provided on the front panel of the housing 1 are both located inside the cylindrical door seal 8, forming a path for loading and unloading clothes. In addition, the front panel of the housing 1 in the garment processing machine is provided with a main door that can be flipped outwards to open and close the garment input opening. By allowing the main door to appropriately open or close the garment processing opening, the objective of controllingly communicating / blocking the garment loading / unloading path, which is formed by the door seal 8, from the outside is achieved.

[0114] In this embodiment, the joint 80 extends outward from the top of the cylindrical door seal 8. The joint 80 may be provided integrally with the door seal 8 or as a separate component. Preferably, the joint 80 is provided integrally with the cylindrical door seal 8 radially outward and extends to protrude. The extended end of the joint 80 and the air supply end of the drying duct 4 are inserted into each other and communicate.

[0115] As shown in Figures 9 to 11, in this embodiment, an opening is provided at the connection point between the joint 80 and the door seal 8, which connects the internal path of the cylindrical door seal 8 and the internal path 81 of the joint 80. The opening is opened toward the inside of the garment processing tank 2 and is used to guide the airflow into the garment processing tank 2.

[0116] In this embodiment, the photoplasma tube 3 is installed inside the joint 80. The photoplasma tube 3 irradiates the airflow that passes through the joint 80 and flows into the garment processing tank 2. When the airflow passes through the joint 80 where the photoplasma tube 3 is located, the photoplasma and ion clusters emitted from the photoplasma tube 3 decompose oxygen gas and water molecules in the air into hydroxide ions, free oxygen atoms, superoxide ions, and other oxidizing agents, while also generating a certain amount of ozone. However, if the passing airflow has a certain amount of heat, the ozone is easily decomposed by the heat, so the environmental space inside the garment processing tank 2 in the garment processing machine can be disinfected and sterilized by photoplasma with a low ozone concentration.

[0117] In this embodiment, the internal path 81 of the joint 80 is elongated, and the photoplasma tube 3 is provided on one side of the elongated path 81. By irradiating light into the elongated path 81 with the photoplasma tube 3, all of the airflow passing through the joint 80 is irradiated with light, thereby effectively improving sterilization and deodorization efficiency. In this embodiment, the ion cluster generated by the photoplasma tube 3 converts particles in the air into oxidized forms. When it encounters harmful substances, the photo-ion cluster becomes fully activated as a whole, so in the same polluted environment, the rate at which it destroys organic matter is 180 times faster than ultraviolet light and 2000 times faster than ozone. In this way, by removing biological pollutants from the air (killing and destroying bacteria, viruses, and mold in the air and on object surfaces), the transmission of airborne pathogens is reduced.

[0118] In this embodiment, the fan 9 moves the air inside the drying duct 4 and the garment processing tank 2 to form a circulating airflow. As the air flows through the drying duct 4, the photoplasma tube 3 irradiates the air to form sterilized air containing an oxidizing agent, thereby sterilizing the garment processing machine.

[0119] In this embodiment, a heater 5 is further provided inside the drying duct 4. The heater 5 is located between the fan 9 and the photoplasma tube 3. As a result, the air inside the garment processing tank 2 flows into the drying duct 4, is first heated by the heater 5 to form dry hot air, and then the dry hot air flows towards the photoplasma tube 3. This is advantageous for reducing the ozone concentration in the sterilized air.

[0120] In this embodiment, the photoplasma and ion cluster light emitted from the photoplasma tube 3 decompose oxygen gas and water molecules in the air into hydroxide ions, free oxygen atoms, superoxide ions, and other oxidizing agents, thereby generating ozone. Excessive ozone strongly irritates the human respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as sore throat, shortness of breath, and cough. However, the ozone is decomposed by the heat from the hot air in the drying duct 4, effectively reducing the ozone concentration in the circulating airflow.

[0121] As shown in Figures 7 to 13, in this embodiment, the joint 80 is provided extending from the ceiling portion of the annular door seal 8 toward one side. The optical plasma tube 3 is provided on the lower side of the joint 80. Furthermore, the optical plasma tube 3 irradiates light toward the internal path 81 of the upper joint 80.

[0122] In this embodiment, a projection 82 is provided on the lower side of the joint 80, projecting outward. The internal space of the projection 82 constitutes a cavity for mounting the photoplasma tube 3. The cavity is also in communication with the internal path 81 of the joint 80. This allows light generated by the photoplasma tube mounted inside the projection 82 to be directly irradiated into the path and act on the airflow passing through the path, thereby forming a sterilizing and deodorizing airflow.

[0123] As shown in Figures 11 to 13, in this embodiment, the photoplasma tube 3 includes a base 31 which is fixedly attached to the door seal 8 and whose internal cavity constitutes a mounting space, and a photoplasma tube 30 which is used to generate germicidal light and is mounted within the mounting space of the base 31.

[0124] The base 31 is provided with a light-transmitting region that allows germicidal light generated by the photoplasma tube 30 to pass through. The light-transmitting region is provided facing the inside of the joint 80.

[0125] In this embodiment, the base 31 is columnar. A notch 36 is provided in one side wall of the columnar base 31. The notch 36 connects the inside and outside of the columnar base 31, forming a light-transmitting region.

[0126] The notch 36 extends along the axis of the columnar base 31, and its radial width is equal to the diameter of the columnar base 31.

[0127] The optical plasma tube 30, which is installed inside the columnar base 31, extends along the axis of the columnar base 31 and overlaps with at least the notch 36.

[0128] In this embodiment, a glass cover 32 is provided within the mounting space of the columnar base 31. The glass cover 32 is cylindrical and covers the outside of the optical plasma tube 30. The cylindrical glass cover 32 covers at least the notch 36 provided in the side wall of the columnar base 31. The glass cover 32 is made of translucent glass that allows light emitted from the optical plasma tube 30 to pass through. As a result, the light emitted from the optical plasma tube 30 can be emitted from the notch 36 provided in the side wall of the columnar base 31 and irradiated by the airflow passing through the path 81 in the joint 80.

[0129] As shown in Figures 11 to 13, in this embodiment, the columnar base 31 of the optical plasma tube 3 is closed at one end and located inside the joint 80, while the other end is open and located outside the joint 80. A fixing cap 33 is removably attached to the open end of the columnar base 31 that is located outside the joint. The fixing cap 33 is used to fix the optical plasma tube 30 and the glass cover 32 within the mounting space inside the base 31. In this embodiment, the fixing cap 33 is annular. The radial size of the inner circumference of the annular fixing cap 33 is smaller than the radial size of the optical plasma tube 30, and the radial size of the outer circumference is larger than the radial size of the outer circumference of the columnar base 31. This allows the optical plasma tube 30 to be confined within the internal space of the base 31 by the fixing cap 33. In addition, two hooks 331 protruding to one side are provided on the outer circumference of the annular fixing cap 33. Furthermore, the outer circumference of the columnar base 31 is provided with engaging projections 332 that protrude radially and are arranged to correspond one-to-one with the hooks. The annular fixing cap 33 can be detachably attached to the columnar base 31 by fitting the hook 331 and the engaging projections 332 together and engaging.

[0130] In this embodiment, a cylindrical glass cover 32 is provided coaxially within the mounting space of the columnar base 31 and covers the outside of the optical plasma tube 30. The radial size of the cylindrical glass cover 32 is set to be equal to the radial size of the mounting space inside the columnar base 31 so that the glass cover 32 is in close contact with the inner wall of the base 31. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a first vibration damping washer is sandwiched between one end of the cylindrical glass cover 32 and the sealed end of the base 31. In addition, a second vibration damping washer is sandwiched between the other end of the cylindrical glass cover 32 and the fixing cap 33 of the base 31. Preferably, the outer circumference of the second vibration damping washer is sandwiched between the fixing cap 33 and the glass cover 32, and the inner circumference is sandwiched between the optical plasma tube 30 and the fixing cap 33 (not explicitly shown in the figure).

[0131] In this embodiment, fixing protrusions 35 projecting radially are provided on the outer circumference of the side wall of the columnar base 31 of the optical plasma tube 3. The fixing protrusions 35 are provided between the light-transmitting region of the columnar base 31 and the fixing cap 33, and are used for engagement and fixing with the through hole provided in the joint 80 of the door seal 8. In this embodiment, the radial projection length of the fixing protrusions 35 and the outer circumference size of the fixing cap 33 are approximately equal, and both are larger than the diameter of the insertion hole in the joint 80 for inserting the columnar base 31 of the optical plasma tube 3. As a result, the columnar base 31 of the optical plasma tube 3 can be clamped by the fixing protrusions 35 and the fixing cap 33 on both sides of the joint 80, thereby achieving fixed attachment of the optical plasma tube 3 to the joint 80. Preferably, a gasket 34 made of rubber material is sandwiched between the columnar base 31 of the optical plasma tube 3 and the joint 80 to block the effect of vibrations from the garment processing machine on the optical plasma tube.

[0132] In this embodiment, the columnar base 31 of the optical plasma tube 3 is inserted from the air supply end of the joint 80 and extends to the air supply end of the joint 80. The optical plasma tube 3 is provided on one side of the joint 80. Furthermore, the light-transmitting region provided on one side of the columnar base 34 of the optical plasma tube 3 is opened in the direction of the central axis of the rectangular joint 80.

[0133] As shown in Figures 7 to 11, in this embodiment, the axial direction of the photoplasma tube 3 is inclined by a certain angle with respect to the axial direction of the joint 80. The insertion end of the photoplasma tube 3 is inclined further away from the joint 80 than the extended end. By offsetting the photoplasma tube 3 and the joint 80 by a certain angle in this way, the coverage area of ​​irradiation from the photoplasma tube into the joint is increased. Preferably, the axes of the photoplasma tube 3 and the joint 80 are extended along different radial directions of the clothing processing tank 2, respectively, so that the extended lengths of the joint 80 and the photoplasma tube 3 are as long as possible. This improves the irradiation efficiency of the photoplasma tube 3 to the airflow passing through the path 81 inside the joint 80.

[0134] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the light-transmitting region provided on one side of the columnar base 31 of the optical plasma tube 3 is entirely located inside the joint 80. This allows all the light generated by the optical plasma tube 3 to be irradiated into the path 81 inside the joint 80, further improving the light irradiation effect. Moreover, in this embodiment, the light-transmitting region provided on one side of the columnar base 31 of the optical plasma tube 3 has a constant extension length in the axial direction of the optical plasma tube 3. Preferably, the light-transmitting region extends from the insertion portion in contact with the joint 80 of the optical plasma tube 3 to the end.

[0135] In this embodiment, the photoplasma tube 3 may be an ultraviolet tube having at least two wavelength bands, UVC ultraviolet and UVD ultraviolet.

[0136] Ultraviolet (UV) light can be classified into vacuum UV (very low frequency, UVD), short-wavelength sterilizing UV (low frequency, UVC), medium-wavelength erythematous UV (medium frequency, UVB), and long-wavelength tanspot-causing UV (high frequency, UVA). Of these, the UVC wavelength band has wavelengths of 200-275 nm, with UVC at 253.7 nm exhibiting high germicidal effect. The UVD wavelength band has wavelengths of 100-200 nm, and UVD at 185 nm can excite oxygen gas and water in the air, enabling the generation of photoplasma clusters.

[0137] In this embodiment, a control device is further included. The control device is connected to the photoplasma tube 3 and controls the photoplasma tube 3 to irradiate the airflow in the drying duct 4. The control device 10 may be provided independently, attached to the housing 1, the garment processing tank 2, or the drying duct 4, or directly integrated into the control board of the garment processing machine.

[0138] In this embodiment, a photoplasma concentration detection device is provided inside the drying duct 4 or the garment processing tank 2. The photoplasma concentration detection device is used to detect whether the photoplasma concentration inside the drying duct 4 or the photoplasma concentration inside the garment processing tank 2 into which the sterilizing gas is introduced satisfies the sterilization requirements. The photoplasma concentration detection device is a concentration sensor (not shown).

[0139] In this embodiment, an odor detection device is provided inside the garment processing tank 2. The odor detection device is used to detect the odor concentration and smell concentration of the garment processing tank 2 or the clothes inside it in order to accurately control the operation of the photoplasma generation module.

[0140] In this embodiment, the photoplasma concentration detection device and the odor detection device are connected to the control device, respectively. The control device receives the photoplasma concentration detected by the photoplasma concentration detection device and the odor concentration and odor concentration values ​​detected by the odor detection device. Based on the acquired photoplasma concentration, odor concentration and odor concentration values, the control device controls the operating time of the photoplasma tube 3 to ensure that the photoplasma concentration in the drying duct 4 satisfies the sterilization and deodorization requirements.

[0141] According to the above garment processing machine, the photoplasma tube emits UVC ultraviolet light and / or UVD ultraviolet light. The UVD wavelength ultraviolet light efficiently excites oxygen gas and water in the air, enabling the generation of photoplasma clusters. In addition, the UVC wavelength ultraviolet light has a high sterilization effect, completely killing microorganisms attached to the garment processing tank and the clothes inside it.

[0142] In this embodiment, the optical plasma tube 3 may be a wide-amplitude optical tube. The wide-amplitude optical tube emits energy-balanced light in a specific wavelength band. The wavelength is 100 to 300 nm.

[0143] In this embodiment, a photocatalytic layer is provided inside the drying duct 4. The wide-amplitude light tube is provided on the photocatalytic net side. Alternatively, the photocatalytic layer is provided inside the wide-amplitude light tube. The photocatalytic layer is composed of nano-level precious metal catalyst material. Under the catalytic action of multiple types of specific nano-level precious metal media, the wide-amplitude light tube irradiates air, generating a large amount of hydroxide ions, superoxide ions, hydrogen peroxide, and pure negative oxygen ions to form photohydrogen ions. These photohydrogen ions can quickly and effectively kill more than 99% of bacteria, viruses, and mold in the air, and can also eliminate unpleasant odors in the air, thus achieving an air purification effect.

[0144] In this embodiment, the wide-amplitude phototube may be a wide-frequency ultraviolet tube. Compared to the case where an ultraviolet tube having the wavelength bands of UVC ultraviolet and / or UVD ultraviolet irradiates air, a wide-frequency ultraviolet tube, under the catalytic action of a specific nano-level multiple type of noble metal medium, can generate a large amount of hydroxide ions, superoxide ions, hydrogen peroxide, and pure negative oxygen ions when irradiated onto air, thereby improving the sterilization effect. [Examples]

[0145] As shown in Figures 14 to 20, an embodiment of the present invention provides a garment processing machine equipped with a garment drying function, which includes a housing 1 in which a garment processing tank 2 is installed, and a drying duct 4 for supplying hot air to the inside of the garment processing tank 2. The air supply end of the drying duct 4 is connected to the rear of the garment processing tank 2. A photoplasma tube 3 is provided inside the drying duct 4 for irradiating the hot air inside the drying duct 4.

[0146] In this embodiment, a fan 9 is provided inside the drying duct 4. The fan 9 is used to blow air so that the airflow passes through the drying duct 4 and goes into the inside of the garment processing tank 2. Furthermore, a heater 5 is provided inside the drying duct 4 to heat the passing airflow to form a high-temperature drying airflow, which is returned to the garment processing tank 2 to dry the clothes inside the tank. In this embodiment, the garment processing machine may be a direct-discharge type clothes dryer or a circulating condensation type clothes dryer, etc., but in this embodiment of the present invention, a direct-discharge type clothes dryer will be used as an example for explanation.

[0147] As shown in Figures 14 to 18, in this embodiment, the air inside the garment processing tank 2 flows into the drying duct 4 and is then irradiated by a light plasma tube 3 installed inside the drying duct 4, thereby forming an airflow with sterilization and deodorizing functions inside the drying duct 4. This airflow diffuses into the inside of the garment processing tank 2 and is used to disinfect and deodorize the clothes inside the tank.

[0148] In this embodiment, the photoplasma tube 3 is capable of discharging photoplasma and ion clusters. The photoplasma tube 3 irradiates the hot air in the drying duct 4. The discharged photoplasma and ion cluster light decomposes oxygen gas and water molecules in the air into hydroxide ions, free oxygen atoms, superoxide ions, and other oxidizing agents, thereby forming sterilized air. This sterilizes the clothing and decomposes harmful impurities in the air inside the clothing processing tank 2 into inert compounds such as carbon dioxide and water. In this way, unpleasant odors in the clothing are removed quickly and easily.

[0149] As shown in Figures 14 to 18, in this embodiment, the photoplasma tube 3 is installed in a light irradiation space 44 partitioned within the air supply space 42 of the drying duct 4. This allows the photoplasma tube 3 to irradiate a portion of the airflow returning to the garment processing tank 2 with light. When the airflow passes through the light irradiation space 44 where the photoplasma tube 3 is located, the photoplasma and ion clusters emitted from the photoplasma tube 3 decompose oxygen gas and water molecules in the air into hydroxide ions, free oxygen atoms, superoxide ions, and other oxidizing agents, while also generating a certain amount of ozone. However, if the passing airflow has a certain amount of heat, the ozone is easily decomposed by the heat, so the environmental space inside the garment processing tank 2 in the garment processing machine can be disinfected and sterilized by the photoplasma with a low ozone concentration.

[0150] In this embodiment, a portion of the air supply space 42 is partitioned into a light irradiation space 44 by partition ribs 45, and a photoplasma tube 3 is provided within the light irradiation space 44. An air supply port and an air outlet are provided on opposite sides of the light irradiation space 44. The photoplasma tube 3 is provided either close to the air outlet or directly at the air outlet. As a result, the photoplasma tube 3 irradiates light into the interior of the light irradiation space 44, so that all of the airflow passing through the light irradiation space 44 is irradiated with light, thereby effectively improving sterilization and deodorization efficiency. In this embodiment, the ion cluster generated by the photoplasma tube 3 transforms particles in the air into oxidized forms. When it encounters harmful substances, the photo-ion cluster becomes fully activated as a whole, so in the same polluted environment, the rate at which it destroys organic matter is 180 times faster than ultraviolet light and 2000 times faster than ozone. In this way, by removing biological pollutants from the air (killing and destroying bacteria, viruses, and fungi in the air and on surface objects), the transmission of airborne pathogens is reduced.

[0151] In this embodiment, the drying duct 4 has a supply air space 40, a connection space 41, and a delivery air space 42 that are connected in sequence. A fan 9 is installed in the supply air space 40. The fan 9 draws outside air into the drying duct 4 and imparts a flowing force to the supplied airflow.

[0152] In this embodiment, the connection space of the drying duct 4 connects the supply air space 40 and the discharge air space 42, allowing the airflow drawn in by the fan 9 to enter the discharge air space 42. A heater 5 is provided inside the discharge air space 42. The heater 5 heats the airflow flowing into the discharge air space 42 to form a high-temperature airflow. The high-temperature airflow flows into the garment processing tank 2 from the opening at the rear of the tank, performing high-temperature drying on the clothes inside the garment processing tank 2. In addition, the airflow flowing into the garment processing tank 2 is directly irradiated. As a result, the sterilizing and deodorizing airflow formed by irradiation of the photoplasma tube 3 can return directly into the tank, reducing the amount of sterilizing and deodorizing airflow that diffuses within the drying duct, and improving the sterilization and deodorization efficiency of the photoplasma tube.

[0153] In this embodiment, the fan 9 creates an airflow by circulating the air inside the drying duct 4 and the garment processing tank 2. As the air flows through the drying duct 4, the photoplasma tube 3 irradiates the air to form sterilized air containing an oxidizing agent, thereby sterilizing the garment processing machine.

[0154] In this embodiment, the heater 5 installed in the drying duct 4 is positioned close to the photoplasma tube 3. This allows the heater 5 to heat the space near the photoplasma tube 3, which is advantageous for reducing the ozone concentration in the germicidal air.

[0155] In this embodiment, the photoplasma and ion cluster light emitted from the photoplasma tube 3 decompose oxygen gas and water molecules in the air into hydroxide ions, free oxygen atoms, superoxide ions, and other oxidizing agents, thereby generating ozone. Excessive ozone strongly irritates the human respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as sore throat, shortness of breath, and cough. However, the ozone is decomposed by the heat from the hot air in the drying duct 4, effectively reducing the ozone concentration in the circulating airflow.

[0156] As shown in Figures 14 to 18, this embodiment describes a garment processing machine equipped with a garment drying function, which includes a garment processing tank 2 and a drying duct 4 for supplying airflow to the garment processing tank 2. A light irradiation space 44 is provided inside the drying duct 4, and at least a portion of the airflow enters the garment processing tank 2 via the light irradiation space 44. A photoplasma tube 3 is provided inside the light irradiation space 44 to irradiate and sterilize the airflow flowing into the garment processing tank 2.

[0157] In this embodiment, the drying duct 4 is formed by a space between two vertical plate materials located at the rear of the garment processing machine. The two vertical plate materials are a rear back plate 102 and a rear cover plate 103, respectively. Between the rear back plate 102 and the rear cover plate 103, a gasket 104 made of rubber material is provided to seal the drying duct formed by these materials. In addition, block ribs are provided in the gap space between the rear back plate 102 and the rear cover plate 103 to partition the gap space between the two plate materials and form the drying duct 4 which is provided vertically from top to bottom. The drying duct 4 has an air supply space 40 at the bottom, an air supply space 42 at the top, and a connection space 41 in the middle. Furthermore, an air supply port 48 is provided in the rear back plate 102 on the front side of the lower part of the drying duct 4 for sending outside air to the drying duct 4 via a fan 9. Furthermore, the rear back plate 102 on the front side of the upper part of the drying duct 4 has multiple air outlets 43 for sending the airflow from the air supply space 42 into the garment processing tank 2.

[0158] As shown in Figures 15 to 18, in this embodiment, the drying duct 4 has a disc-shaped air supply space 42. Within the annular air supply space 42, there are partition ribs 45 that extend in the radial direction. The partition ribs 45 divide the disc-shaped air supply space 42 into two sector-shaped regions. Of these, the first portion 421 constitutes a light irradiation space 44. In addition, a light plasma tube 3 is provided on the outer peripheral side wall of the disc-shaped air supply space 42, which is inserted radially into the light irradiation space 44.

[0159] Preferably, the circumferential size of the first portion 421 is much smaller than the circumferential size of the second portion 422. This improves the light irradiation effect on the airflow passing through the first portion 421, as the optical plasma tube 3 irradiates only the smaller first portion 421.

[0160] As shown in Figures 14 to 18, in this embodiment, an annular partition rib 453 is provided in the center of the disc-shaped air supply space 42. On the outer periphery of the annular partition rib 453, a first partition rib 451 and a second partition rib 452 are provided, spaced apart from each other and at an angle. The sector-shaped portion between the first partition rib 451 and the second partition rib 452 constitutes the light irradiation space 44. That is, the first partition rib 451, the second partition rib 452, the annular partition rib 453, and the outer side wall of the air supply space 42 jointly define two sector-shaped regions of different sizes. These are the first portion 421 and the second portion 422, respectively, and of these, the smaller first portion 421 becomes the light irradiation space 44.

[0161] In this embodiment, the first compartment rib 451 is provided with a notch 46 that communicates with the air supply space 40 via a connecting space 41. As a result, the air supply port of the light irradiation space 44 is located on the side of the first compartment rib 451. Furthermore, in order to improve the light irradiation efficiency within the light irradiation space 44, the photoplasma tube 3 is provided close to the second compartment rib 452. As a result, the airflow flowing into the light irradiation space 44 is sufficiently irradiated by the photoplasma tube 3, thereby improving the light irradiation effect.

[0162] In this embodiment, the drying duct 4 further includes an air supply space 40 in which a fan 9 is provided. The air supply space 40 communicates directly with a second portion 422 of the air supply space 42 via a connecting space 41 that extends to be inclined diagonally upward. A first compartment rib 451 separates the connecting space 41 from the light irradiation space 44. The first compartment rib 451 is provided with a notch 46 that connects both sides, and at least a portion of the airflow that flows into the air supply space 40 flows into the light irradiation space 44 via the notch 46. As a result, the air supply space 40 and the first portion 421, which is a branch of the air supply space 42, communicate via the notch 46. The notch 46 is provided closer to the center of the annular air supply space 42 than the optical plasma tube 3.

[0163] Preferably, as shown in Figures 14 to 18, in this embodiment, the first partition rib 451 extends to the air supply space 40 along the substantially tangential direction of the annular partition rib 453. This creates a connecting space 41 that extends along the common tangent of the air supply space 40 and the air delivery space 42.

[0164] In this embodiment, a heater 5 is provided in the second portion 422 of the annular air supply space 42. The heater 5 faces the air supply end of the connection space 41 and is used to directly heat the incoming airflow. Furthermore, since the heater 5 is provided close to the notch 46, it is possible to heat the airflow flowing into the light irradiation space 44 and raise the temperature of the airflow passing through the light irradiation space 44.

[0165] As shown in Figures 14 to 18, in this embodiment, the second compartment rib 452 extends to the outer circumference of the annular air supply space 42 along the wavy lines that curve toward both sides. In this embodiment, two curved portions 47 are provided in the second compartment rib 452 at locations close to the outer circumference of the annular air supply space 42, each protruding outwards and concave inwards. The columnar optical plasma tube 3 is provided within the region surrounded by the curved portions 47. By providing the optical plasma tube 3 in the curved portions 47, the curved portions 47 guide the airflow in the light irradiation space 44, making it possible to form a vortex near the optical plasma tube 3. This extends the residence time of the airflow at this location, further improving the light irradiation effect.

[0166] As shown in Figures 14 to 20, in this embodiment, a plurality of air inlets 43 are provided on one side of the annular air supply space 42. Each air inlet 43 is used to introduce the airflow in the air supply space 42 into the garment processing tank 2. At least one air inlet 43 in the annular air supply space 42 is a first air inlet 431 communicating with the light irradiation space 44, and the remaining air inlets 43 are second air inlets 432 communicating with the second section 422. The first air inlet 431 is opened so as to face at least a portion of the columnar photoplasma tube 3 in the light irradiation space 44. As a result, the columnar photoplasma tube 3 can irradiate the area of ​​the first air inlet 431, so that all of the airflow flowing into the garment processing tank 2 is irradiated by the photoplasma tube 3. In this way, the amount of gas after light irradiation in the garment processing tank 2 increases, thus achieving the objective of improving the sterilization and deodorization effect.

[0167] In this embodiment, the first air inlet 431 is located on the side offset from the notch and is closer to the center of the air supply space 42 than the notch. Furthermore, both the first air inlet 431 and the notch 46 are located on the same side of the optical plasma tube 3. This improves the irradiation effect of the optical plasma tube on the airflow passing through the light irradiation space 44.

[0168] Preferably, the first air inlet 431 may be positioned to overlap with the columnar photoplasma tube 3. This ensures that the air inlet of the light irradiation space 44 is located furthest from the air supply inlet, thereby increasing the airflow distance within the light irradiation space 44 and improving the light irradiation effect. Furthermore, by opening the second air inlet 432 in the photoplasma tube 3 portion, all of the airflow flowing into the garment processing tank 2 can be irradiated by the photoplasma tube 3. This further increases the amount of gas in the garment processing tank 2 after light irradiation, thus achieving the objective of improving the sterilization and deodorization effect (not explicitly shown in the figure).

[0169] In this embodiment, the first air inlet 431 is a round opening provided corresponding to one side of the region enclosed by the curved portion 47. The cross-sectional area of ​​the round opening is smaller than that of the second air inlet 432. The radial size of the first air inlet 431, which is composed of a round opening, is less than or equal to the width of the notch 46 and is approximately equal to the extended length of the optical plasma tube 3 in the light irradiation space 44.

[0170] As shown in Figures 14 to 20, in this embodiment, the optical plasma tube 3 is columnar. At the end of the columnar optical plasma tube 3, a mounting base 321 is provided, which is located outside the drying duct 4 and at least a portion of it protrudes radially. The radially protruding portion of the mounting base 321 is fixed to the outer wall of the drying duct 4. In this embodiment, fixing ribs 323 that protrude radially outward are provided on both radially opposing sides of the mounting base 321. Both fixing ribs 323 are in close contact with the outer wall of the drying duct 4. Through holes are provided in each fixing rib 323, and the mounting base 321 is fixedly attached to the drying duct 4 by inserting screws through the through holes and fixing them to the drying duct 4.

[0171] Preferably, a mounting groove is provided on the outer wall of the drying duct 4. A through hole is provided at the bottom of the mounting groove for inserting a columnar optical plasma tube 3. The mounting base is provided with a position regulating portion that protrudes radially from the through hole and contacts the inner wall of the mounting groove. A vibration damping washer 322 made of an elastic material is covered on the outer circumference of the position regulating portion. The vibration damping washer 322 is sandwiched between the fixed base 321 and the outer wall of the drying duct 4.

[0172] The vibration-damping washer 322 is cylindrical and passes coaxially through a through-hole in the side wall of the drying duct 4, and the optical plasma tube 3 is located inside the vibration-damping washer 322. The outer wall of the vibration-damping washer 4 is provided with a notched groove 324 that is inserted opposite to the side wall of the drying duct 4 on the outer circumference of the through-hole. This enables fixed mounting of the vibration-damping washer 322 and the drying duct 4 in the axial direction. The outer wall of the mounting base 321 is provided with a protruding rib 326 that is inserted into an annular position-regulating groove 325 provided on the inner circumferential wall of the cylindrical vibration-damping washer 322. This enables fixed mounting of the optical plasma tube 3 and the vibration-damping washer 322 in the axial direction.

[0173] In this embodiment, the photoplasma tube 3 may be an ultraviolet tube having at least two wavelength bands, UVC ultraviolet and UVD ultraviolet.

[0174] Ultraviolet (UV) light can be classified into vacuum UV (very low frequency, UVD), short-wavelength sterilizing UV (low frequency, UVC), medium-wavelength erythematous UV (medium frequency, UVB), and long-wavelength tanspot-causing UV (high frequency, UVA). Of these, the UVC wavelength band has wavelengths of 200-275 nm, with UVC at 253.7 nm exhibiting high germicidal effect. The UVD wavelength band has wavelengths of 100-200 nm, and UVD at 185 nm can excite oxygen gas and water in the air, enabling the generation of photoplasma clusters.

[0175] In this embodiment, a control device 10 is further included. The control device 10 is connected to the photoplasma tube 3 and controls the photoplasma tube 3 to irradiate the airflow in the drying duct 4. The control device 10 may be independently mounted on the outer wall of the drying duct 4, or it may be integrated into the control board of the garment processing machine.

[0176] In this embodiment, a photoplasma concentration detection device is provided inside the drying duct 4 or the garment processing tank 2. The photoplasma concentration detection device is used to detect whether the photoplasma concentration inside the drying duct 4 or the photoplasma concentration inside the garment processing tank 2 into which the sterilizing gas is introduced satisfies the sterilization requirements. The photoplasma concentration detection device is a concentration sensor (not explicitly shown in the figure).

[0177] In this embodiment, an odor detection device is provided inside the garment processing tank 2. The odor detection device is used to detect the odor concentration and smell concentration of the garment processing tank 2 or the clothes inside it in order to accurately control the operation of the photoplasma generation module.

[0178] In this embodiment, the photoplasma concentration detection device and the odor detection device are connected to the control device 10, respectively. The control device 10 receives the photoplasma concentration detected by the photoplasma concentration detection device and the odor concentration and odor concentration values ​​detected by the odor detection device. Based on the acquired photoplasma concentration, odor concentration and odor concentration values, the control device 10 controls the operating time of the photoplasma tube 3 to ensure that the photoplasma concentration in the drying duct 4 satisfies the sterilization and deodorization requirements.

[0179] According to the garment processing machine described above, the photoplasma tube 3 has UVC ultraviolet light and / or UVD ultraviolet light. The UVD wavelength ultraviolet light efficiently excites oxygen gas and water in the air, enabling the generation of photoplasma clusters. In addition, the UVC wavelength ultraviolet light has a high sterilization effect, completely killing microorganisms attached to the garment processing tank 2 and the clothes inside it.

[0180] In this embodiment, the optical plasma tube 3 may be a wide-amplitude optical tube. The wide-amplitude optical tube emits energy-balanced light in a specific wavelength band. The wavelength is 100 to 300 nm.

[0181] In this embodiment, a photocatalytic layer is provided inside the drying duct 4. The wide-amplitude light tube is provided on the photocatalytic net side. Alternatively, the photocatalytic layer is provided inside the wide-amplitude light tube. The photocatalytic layer is composed of nano-level precious metal catalyst material. Under the catalytic action of multiple types of specific nano-level precious metal media, the wide-amplitude light tube irradiates air, generating a large amount of hydroxide ions, superoxide ions, hydrogen peroxide, and pure negative oxygen ions to form photohydrogen ions. These photohydrogen ions can quickly and effectively kill more than 99% of bacteria, viruses, and mold in the air, and can also eliminate unpleasant odors in the air, thus achieving an air purification effect.

[0182] In this embodiment, the wide-amplitude phototube may be a wide-frequency ultraviolet tube. Compared to the case where an ultraviolet tube having the wavelength bands of UVC ultraviolet and / or UVD ultraviolet irradiates air, a wide-frequency ultraviolet tube, under the catalytic action of a specific nano-level multiple type of noble metal medium, can generate a large amount of hydroxide ions, superoxide ions, hydrogen peroxide, and pure negative oxygen ions when irradiated onto air, thereby improving the sterilization effect. [Examples]

[0183] As shown in Figures 21 to 24, the present invention provides a method for controlling a garment processing machine. The method includes the following:

[0184] Step S1: Supply air into the garment processing tank 100.

[0185] Step S2: Obtain the temperature inside the garment processing tank 100.

[0186] Step S3: Determine whether the acquired temperature inside the garment processing tank 100 meets the predetermined activation conditions. If it does, activate the photoplasma generator 300 and irradiate the air supplied to the garment processing tank 100 with germicidal light.

[0187] According to the above-described control method for the garment processing machine, the operation of the photoplasma generator 300 is controlled based on the temperature inside the garment processing tank 100. This prevents a situation where the temperature inside the garment processing tank 100 is too high, causing the highly oxidizing substances generated after irradiation to decompose at high temperatures. Furthermore, controlling the temperature inside the garment processing tank 100 is advantageous for volatilizing odor-causing substances on the clothes, thus improving the deodorizing and sterilizing efficiency of the garment processing machine.

[0188] As shown in Figure 22, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for controlling a garment processing machine. The method further includes the following before step S1, which involves supplying air into the garment processing tank 100.

[0189] Step S01: Proceed to the laundry care program.

[0190] Step S02: Start the heating device 800 inside the duct 200.

[0191] Step S03: Control the fan 700 inside the duct 200 to rotate, causing the gas inside the duct 200 to flow towards the air intake of the clothing processing tank 100.

[0192] In this embodiment, the heating device 800 heats the gas in the duct 200 to form hot air. The hot air flowing into the clothing processing tank 100 helps to volatilize odor-causing substances attached to the clothing. In particular, formaldehyde-based substances, which are often found in new clothing, generally volatilize rapidly at 20-60°C. Furthermore, as the temperature rises, the Brownian motion of gas molecules in the air accelerates, and as a result of accelerating contact between the gas molecules and the oxidatively active substances formed after irradiation of the gas by the photoplasma generator 300, the reaction process can be accelerated.

[0193] In this embodiment, the decision to activate the photoplasma generator 300 is made based on the air supply temperature. This helps to decompose odor-causing substances with strongly oxidative active substances formed by the irradiation of the gas by the photoplasma generator 300. Furthermore, since the strongly oxidative active substances are not decomposed at high temperatures, the deodorizing and sterilizing efficiency of the garment processing machine is improved. Photoplasma is a gas containing ions and free electrons generated in the nanophototube. Photoplasma and ion clusters decompose oxygen gas and water molecules into hydroxide ions, free oxygen atoms, superoxide ions, and other oxidizing agents. These molecules are extremely unstable and decompose harmful impurities in the air, breaking down harmful substances into inert compounds such as carbon dioxide and water, while also killing microorganisms, thereby achieving sterilization and deodorizing effects.

[0194] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, in this embodiment, the garment processing machine includes a photoplasma generator 300 and a duct 200 that communicates with the garment processing tank 100. The photoplasma generator 300 is used to irradiate the gas flowing into the garment processing tank 100 from the duct 200.

[0195] As shown in Figure 22, in this embodiment, step S3, which determines whether the acquired temperature inside the garment processing tank 100 satisfies predetermined startup conditions, includes determining whether the acquired temperature inside the garment processing tank 100 is below a predetermined temperature, and if the acquired temperature inside the garment processing tank 100 is below a predetermined temperature, starting the photoplasma generator 300.

[0196] In this embodiment, when the temperature inside the garment processing tank 100 is below a predetermined temperature, the photoplasma generator 300 is activated and irradiated with gas flowing into the garment processing tank 100 from the duct 200, thereby forming hydroxide ions, free oxygen atoms, superoxide ions, and other oxidizing agents. This prevents the decomposition of the strongly oxidizing active substances by heat, and thus sterilization and deodorization are performed on the garment processing tank 100 and the clothes inside it by the strongly oxidizing active substances.

[0197] As shown in Figure 22, in this embodiment, step S02, which starts the heating device 800 in the duct 200, further includes step S02a, which sets a target period t for the operation of the heating device 800 and starts timing.

[0198] In this embodiment, the heating device 800 is controlled to operate for a target period, thereby heating the clothing processing tank 100 and the clothing inside it to accelerate the volatilization of odor-causing substances attached to the clothing. This brings the odor-causing substances into contact with a strong oxidizing agent, accelerating the reaction process.

[0199] As shown in Figure 22, in this embodiment, after step S03, which controls the fan 700 in the duct 200 to rotate, the method further includes step S03a, which controls the clothes processing tub 100 to rotate at a predetermined rotational speed and a predetermined rotation / stop ratio.

[0200] In this embodiment, the garment processing tank 100 is controlled to rotate at a predetermined rotation speed and a predetermined rotation / stop ratio, thereby making the heat received by the clothes inside the garment processing tank 100 more uniform and promoting sufficient volatilization of odor-causing substances. During the heating process, the garment processing tank 100 is controlled to operate at a low speed, with the rotation speed set to 50 revolutions per minute and the rotation / stop ratio set to 30:5. Preferably, the temperature inside the garment processing tank 100 is the temperature of the air supplied at the air supply port of the garment processing tank 100. As the airflow moves from the air supply port to the air supply port of the garment processing tank 100, the temperature inside the garment processing tank 100 becomes more stable, and the supplied air temperature reacts to the overall temperature change inside the garment processing tank 100. According to the above control method for the garment processing machine, the heating device 800 heats the gas, which is advantageous for volatilizing odor-causing substances attached to the clothes. In addition, the decision of whether or not to start the photoplasma generator 300 is made based on the supplied air temperature. This helps decompose odor-causing substances with highly oxidative substances formed by the irradiation of gas by the photoplasma generator 300. Furthermore, since the highly oxidative substances are not subjected to high-temperature decomposition, the deodorizing and sterilizing efficiency of the garment processing machine is improved.

[0201] As shown in Figures 21 to 24, in this embodiment, step S3, which is the step of obtaining the temperature inside the garment processing tank 100, further includes the following:

[0202] Step S3a: Determine whether the heating device 800 has operated for the target period t. If it has operated for the target period t, turn off the heating device 800. If it has not operated for the target period t, compare the acquired temperature inside the garment processing tank 100 with a predetermined temperature threshold range, and control whether to turn the heating device 800 on or off based on the comparison result.

[0203] As shown in Figure 22, step S3a, which controls whether the heating device 800 is turned on or off based on the above comparison results, specifically includes the following:

[0204] Step S3a1: If the temperature inside the garment processing tank 100 obtained is within a predetermined temperature threshold range, the heating device 800 is turned off.

[0205] Step S3a2: If the acquired temperature inside the garment processing tank 100 is greater than the maximum value of a predetermined temperature threshold range, the heating device 800 is turned off.

[0206] Step S3a3: If the acquired temperature inside the garment processing tank 100 is less than the minimum value of a predetermined temperature threshold range, the operation of the heating device 800 is maintained or turned on.

[0207] In this embodiment, the heating device 800 must be turned off when the temperature inside the garment processing tank 100 is greater than the maximum value of a predetermined temperature threshold range. This prevents garments containing non-heat-resistant materials such as silk and wool from becoming easily deformed. Furthermore, if the temperature inside the garment processing tank 100 is less than the minimum value of a predetermined temperature threshold range, odor-causing substances attached to the garments cannot be rapidly volatilized to form gaseous molecules, which impairs the deodorizing efficiency of the garment processing machine.

[0208] In this embodiment, after proceeding to the laundry care program, the heating device 800 is activated to heat the gas in the duct 200. This raises the temperature inside the garment processing tub 100 from room temperature to a range of 30-35°C, improving the volatilization efficiency of odor-causing substances. Furthermore, when the heating device 800 in the duct 200 is turned off, the temperature inside the garment processing tub 100 can drop to below 30°C, thus avoiding the influence of highly oxidative active substances on the decomposition of odor-causing substances.

[0209] In this embodiment, the predetermined startup condition is that the temperature inside the garment processing tank is less than or equal to the maximum value of a predetermined temperature threshold range. That is, the sterilization efficiency of the garment processing machine is guaranteed when the predetermined temperature is less than or equal to the maximum value of a predetermined temperature threshold range.

[0210] As shown in Figure 23, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a garment processing machine using the above-described control method. The garment processing machine includes a garment processing tank 100 provided with an air intake port and an air outlet, a duct 200 having a fan 700 and a heating device 800 inside, the air outlet end of which communicates with the air intake port in order to bring the internal gas into the garment processing tank 100, and a photoplasma generator 300 for irradiating the gas flowing into the garment processing tank 100 from the duct 200.

[0211] In this embodiment, the hot air blown into the garment processing tank 100 helps to volatilize odor-causing substances on the clothes. In addition, the photoplasma generator 300 irradiates the gas flowing into the garment processing tank 100 from the duct 200, thereby improving the deodorizing and sterilizing efficiency of the garment processing machine with strongly oxidizing substances.

[0212] As shown in Figure 23, in this embodiment, a clothing input port 101 is provided at the front end of the clothing processing tank 100. A window packing 400 is provided at the clothing input port 101. The top portion of the window packing 400 is connected to the air supply end of the duct 200. The photoplasma generator 300 includes a photoplasma tube assembly 301. The photoplasma tube assembly 301 is attached to the side of the window packing 400 that is close to the air supply port, or to the side of the duct 200 that is close to the air supply end of the duct 200.

[0213] In this embodiment, the garment processing machine may be an all-in-one washing and drying machine. The photoplasma tube assembly 301 is attached to the side of the window packing 400 closest to the air intake port, or to the duct 200. As a result, the oxidatively active substance formed by the photoplasma generator 300 irradiating the gas passes quickly through the air intake port of the garment processing tank 100 and flows into the inside of the garment processing tank 100, thereby reducing the decay rate of the strongly oxidatively active substance.

[0214] As shown in Figure 24, in this embodiment, the garment processing machine further includes a back plate 500 and a rear cover plate 600 provided behind the back plate 500. The garment processing tank 100 is rotatably supported on the back plate 500. The rear cover plate 600 and the back plate 500 define a duct 200 that communicates with the air intake. The photoplasma generator 300 includes a photoplasma tube assembly 301. The photoplasma tube assembly 301 is installed inside the duct 200.

[0215] In this embodiment, the garment processing machine may be a clothes dryer. In this case, the fan 700 is a drying fan 700. The clothes dryer circulates air using the drying fan 700. Because the drying fan 700 has a large airflow, the operation of the drying fan 700 blows the odorous gases in the tank to the area around the photoplasma tube. The special wavelength of light emitted from the photoplasma tube can generate ion plasma in the air. The ion plasma can purify the air transported by the fan 700, and finally, by blowing the purified air into the tank, a sterilization and deodorizing effect is achieved on the tank and the clothes.

[0216] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the present invention in any way. The present invention has been disclosed as described above by preferred embodiments, but this does not limit the present invention. Minor modifications or additions that a person skilled in the art can implement using the technical content presented above, without departing from the technical solution of the present invention, are equivalent modified embodiments, but none of them depart from the content of the technical solution of the present invention. Furthermore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and additions made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention are all within the scope of the solution of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0217] 1 Housing 2. Clothes processing tank 3. Photoplasma tube 4. Drying duct 5 Heater 6. Optical Plasma Module 8 Door Seals 9 Fans 10 Control device 60 cabinets 61 Air supply space 62 Air supply space 621 Upper space 622 Central space 623 Lower space 63 routes 64 Top cover 65 Air supply port 66 Air Inlet 67 Air intake pipe 68 Air supply tube 69 tanks 610 slots 611 Shielding board 612 Protruding Rib 613 Contact side 614 groove 30 Photoplasma tubes 31 Base 32 Glass cover 33 Fixing cap 34 Gasket 35 Fixed protrusion 36 Notches 301 Connection terminals 331 Hook 332 Engagement protrusion 80 fittings 81 routes 82 Protrusion 83 Air supply fitting 84. Air supply fittings 101 Front upper side beam 102 Rear back plate 103 Rear cover plate 104 Gasket 2. Clothes processing tank 3. Photoplasma tube 321 Mounting base 322 Seismic damping washer 323 Fixing Rib 324 Notched groove 325 Positioning groove 326 Protruding Ribs 4. Drying duct 40 Air supply space 41 Connection Space 42 Air supply space 421 Part 1 422 Part 2 43 Air Inlet 431 First air supply port 432 Second air supply port 44 Light-Irradiated Space 45 compartment ribs 451 Section 1 Rib 452 Second Section Rib 453 Annular partition ribs 46 Notches 47 Curved section 48 Air supply port 100 Garment Processing Tanks 101 Clothes input slot 200 duct 300 Photoplasma Generator 301 Optical Plasma Tube Assembly 400 Window gasket 500 Rear back plate 600 Rear cover plate 700 fans 800 Heating device

Claims

1. A garment processing machine including a garment processing tank and a drying duct, The opening of the garment processing tub is connected to the housing of the garment processing machine via a door seal. The door seal has a joint. The air supply end of the drying duct communicates with the inside of the garment processing tank via a fitting opened in the door seal, and sends airflow into the inside of the garment processing tank. The photoplasma tube is installed inside the fitting and sterilizes the airflow flowing into the garment processing tank via the fitting with light irradiation, and the photoplasma tube is attached to the door seal and / or the air supply end of the drying duct and / or the garment processing tank, The photoplasma tube includes a base that is fixedly attached to a door seal and whose internal cavity forms a mounting space, and a photoplasma tube that is used to generate germicidal light and is mounted within the mounting space of the base. The base is provided with a light-transmitting region that allows germicidal light generated by the photoplasma tube to pass through, and the light-transmitting region is provided facing the inside of the joint. The base is columnar, and a notch is provided in one side wall of the columnar base. The notch connects the inside and outside of the columnar base, forming a light-transmitting region. The optical plasma tube, located inside the columnar base, extends along the axis of the columnar base, and at least a portion of it overlaps with the notch. A garment processing machine characterized in that a glass cover is provided within the mounting space of a columnar base, the glass cover is cylindrical and covers the outside of the optical plasma tube, and the cylindrical glass cover at least covers a notch provided in the side wall of the columnar base.

2. The garment processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the columnar base of the optical plasma tube is inserted from the air supply end of the joint and extends to the air supply end of the joint, the optical plasma tube is provided on one side of the joint, and the light-transmitting region provided on one side of the columnar base of the optical plasma tube is opened in the direction of the central axis of the joint.

3. The garment processing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the axial direction of the optical plasma tube is inclined by a certain angle with respect to the axial direction of the joint, the insertion end of the optical plasma tube is inclined further away from the joint than the extension end, and the light-transmitting region provided on one side of the columnar base of the optical plasma tube is entirely located inside the joint.

4. The garment processing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the columnar base in the optical plasma tube has one end closed and located inside the joint, and the other end open and located outside the joint, and a fixing cap is removably attached to the open end of the columnar base located outside the joint, and the fixing cap is used to fix the optical plasma tube in the mounting space inside the base.

5. The garment processing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the outer circumference of the columnar base of the optical plasma tube is provided with radially projecting fixing protrusions, the fixing protrusions are provided between the light-transmitting region of the columnar base and the fixing cap, and the fixing cap and fixing protrusions are located on both the inside and outside sides of the door seal, respectively, and are used to fix the optical plasma tube to the door seal.

6. The garment processing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the fixing cap is annular in shape, the inner circumference of the annular fixing cap is smaller than the radial size of the optical plasma tube, and the optical plasma tube and glass cover are positioned by the fixing cap and mounted within the mounting space of a columnar base.

7. A garment processing machine including a garment processing tank and a drying duct, The air supply end of the drying air duct is connected to the garment processing tank and sends airflow into the garment processing tank. A garment processing machine characterized in that the drying duct has a disc-shaped air supply space, and partition ribs are provided within the air supply space, which divide the disc-shaped air supply space into two parts, with the smaller volume first part constituting a light irradiation space, and a light plasma tube is provided on the outer circumference of the light irradiation space to irradiate and sterilize the airflow that is inserted radially into the light irradiation space and flows into the garment processing tank, so that at least a portion of the airflow enters the garment processing tank via the light irradiation space.

8. The garment processing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that an annular partition rib is provided in the center of the disc-shaped air supply space, a first partition rib and a second partition rib are provided on the outer circumference of the annular partition rib, spaced apart from each other and at an angle, the portion between the first partition rib and the second partition rib constitutes a light irradiation space, the first partition rib is provided with a notch for introducing airflow into the light irradiation space, and the light plasma tube is provided in close proximity to the second partition rib.

9. The garment processing machine according to claim 7, wherein the drying duct further includes an air supply space where a fan is provided, the air supply space is in direct communication with a second portion of the air supply space via a connecting space that extends to be inclined diagonally upward, a first compartment rib separates the connecting space from the light irradiation space, the first compartment rib is provided with a notch that connects both sides, at least a portion of the airflow that flows into the air supply space flows into the light irradiation space via the notch, and the notch is provided closer to the center of the annular air supply space than the light plasma tube.

10. The garment processing machine according to claim 9, characterized in that a heater is provided in the second portion of the annular air supply space, the heater is positioned directly opposite the air supply end of the connection space and used to directly heat the incoming airflow, and the heater is provided in close proximity to the notch of the first compartment rib and used to heat the airflow flowing into the light irradiation space.

11. The garment processing machine according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the optical plasma tube is columnar, and a mounting base is provided at the end of the columnar optical plasma tube, located outside the drying duct and having at least a portion of it protruding radially, and the radially protruding portion of the mounting base is fixed to the outer wall of the drying duct.

12. The garment processing machine according to claim 11, characterized in that the mounting base is fixedly attached to the drying duct by inserting screws through the through holes and fixing them to the drying duct, with both fixing ribs being provided on both radially opposing sides of the mounting base, each of which is provided with fixing ribs that project radially outward, and both fixing ribs are in close contact with the outer wall of the drying duct, and each fixing rib is provided with through holes, and the mounting base is fixed to the drying duct by inserting screws through the through holes and fixing them to the drying duct.

13. The garment processing machine according to claim 11, characterized in that a vibration-damping washer is installed on the outer circumference of a columnar optical plasma tube, and the vibration-damping washer is sandwiched between the mounting base and the drying duct.

14. The garment processing machine according to claim 13, characterized in that the vibration damping washer is cylindrical in shape and passes coaxially through a through hole in the side wall of the drying duct, the optical plasma tube is located inside the vibration damping washer, the outer wall of the vibration damping washer is provided with a notch that is inserted in opposition to the side wall of the drying duct on the outer circumference of the through hole, and the outer wall of the mounting base is provided with a protruding rib that is inserted in correspondence with an annular position regulating groove provided in the inner circumferential wall of the cylindrical vibration damping washer.

15. A garment processing machine according to any one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that a plurality of air outlets are provided on one side of the annular air supply space, at least one of which is a first air outlet communicating with the light irradiation space, and the remaining air outlets are second air outlets communicating with the second portion, and the first air outlet is opened so as to face at least a portion of the columnar optical plasma tube in the light irradiation space.

16. The garment processing machine according to claim 15, characterized in that a curved portion protruding outward is provided in the second compartment rib at a location close to the outer circumference of the annular air supply space, the columnar optical plasma tube is provided within the region surrounded by the curved portion, and the first air supply port is a round opening provided corresponding to one side of the region surrounded by the curved portion.

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