Clothes treatment device

Abstract

A clothes treatment device, comprising a clothes treatment drum (10), a fluid supply device (30), a dispensing system (40) and a controller; the fluid supply device comprises a liquid storage tank (31), and the liquid storage tank is provided with at least one of a water storage chamber (311) and a functional formulation chamber (312); the dispensing system comprises at least two power devices (41), and the controller is electrically connected to the power devices; the controller is configured to control the power devices to dispense a fluid in at least one of the water storage chamber and the functional formulation chamber into the clothes treatment drum. The controller can control different power devices to operate, such that the clothes treatment device has different modes, and users can switch between the different modes on the basis of cleaning requirements of clothes, thereby realizing mode diversification of the clothes treatment device.

Description

Clothing processing device

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2025103636106, filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on March 25, 2025, entitled “Clothing Processing Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of clothing processing technology, and more specifically, to a clothing processing device. Background Technology

[0003] Clothing treatment equipment is a device capable of washing, rinsing, dehydrating, and drying clothes. In related technologies, clothing treatment equipment typically uses a steam generator to spray steam or functional agents to achieve functions such as wrinkle removal and stain removal. However, this method of using only steam or functional agents results in a limited range of functions, failing to meet the diverse needs of users. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a clothing processing device, which aims to diversify the modes of clothing processing devices.

[0005] This application provides a garment processing device, which includes a garment processing cylinder, a fluid supply device, a dispensing system, and a controller. The fluid supply device includes at least one liquid storage tank, which has a water storage chamber and / or a functional preparation chamber. The dispensing system includes at least two power units, and the controller is electrically connected to the power units. The controller is configured to control the power units to dispense fluid from the water storage chamber and / or the functional preparation chamber into the garment processing cylinder.

[0006] In some embodiments, the power unit includes at least one of a water pump, an air pump, and a steam generator.

[0007] In some embodiments, the power unit includes a water pump and a steam generator. The outlet of the water pump is connected to the clothing processing cylinder, one end of the steam generator is connected to the clothing processing cylinder, and the other end of the steam generator is connected to the water storage chamber. The dispensing system further includes a first on-off valve and a second on-off valve. The inlet of the first on-off valve is connected to the water storage chamber, and the outlet of the first on-off valve is connected to the inlet of the water pump. The inlet of the second on-off valve is connected to the functional preparation chamber, and the outlet of the second on-off valve is connected to the inlet of the water pump.

[0008] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to have a first mode, the first mode including controlling the steam generator to operate such that the steam generator draws fluid from the water storage chamber and generates steam to be released into the clothing processing drum.

[0009] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to have a second mode, the second mode including controlling the water pump to operate, with the first on / off valve open and the second on / off valve closed, such that the water pump draws fluid from the water storage chamber and delivers it into the clothing processing drum.

[0010] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to have a third mode, the third mode including controlling the water pump to operate, the second on / off valve being open and the first on / off valve being closed, such that the water pump draws fluid from the functional preparation chamber and delivers it into the clothing treatment drum.

[0011] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to have a fourth mode, the fourth mode including controlling both the steam generator and the water pump to operate such that the steam generator draws fluid from the water storage chamber and generates steam to be released into the clothing processing drum, and controlling the first on-off valve to open and the second on-off valve to close such that the water pump draws fluid from the water storage chamber and releases it into the clothing processing drum.

[0012] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to have a fifth mode, the fifth mode including controlling both the steam generator and the water pump to operate such that the steam generator draws fluid from the water storage chamber and generates steam to be released into the clothing processing drum, and controlling the second on / off valve to open and the first on / off valve to close such that the water pump draws fluid from the functional preparation chamber and releases it into the clothing processing drum.

[0013] In some embodiments, the dispensing system further includes a third on / off valve and a fourth on / off valve. The inlet of the third on / off valve is connected to the water storage chamber, and the outlet of the third on / off valve is connected to the path from one end of the steam generator to the clothing processing drum. The inlet of the fourth on / off valve is connected to the functional preparation chamber, and the outlet of the fourth on / off valve is connected to the path from one end of the steam generator to the clothing processing drum.

[0014] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to have a sixth mode, which includes controlling the water pump to be off, the steam generator to be on, and both the third and fourth on / off valves to be closed, so that the steam generator draws fluid from the water storage chamber and generates steam to be released into the clothing processing drum.

[0015] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to have a seventh mode, which includes controlling the water pump to be off, the steam generator to be on, the third on / off valve to be on, and the fourth on / off valve to be off, such that the steam generator draws fluid from the water storage chamber and generates steam, and is able to extract fluid from the liquid storage chamber to deliver a mixture of steam and water mist into the clothing treatment drum.

[0016] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to have an eighth mode, which includes controlling the water pump to be off, the steam generator to be on, the fourth on / off valve to be on, and the third on / off valve to be off, such that the steam generator draws fluid from the water storage chamber and generates steam, and is able to extract fluid from the functional preparation to deliver a mixture of steam and care mist into the garment treatment drum.

[0017] In some embodiments, the power unit further includes an air pump connected to the garment handling drum, and the steam generator is not activated when the air pump is in operation.

[0018] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to have a ninth mode, which includes controlling the water pump and the steam generator to be inactive, the air pump to be active, the third on / off valve to be open and the fourth on / off valve to be closed, so that the fluid in the water storage chamber is drawn in by the air pump and delivered into the clothing processing drum.

[0019] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to have a tenth mode, which includes controlling the water pump and the steam generator to be inactive, the air pump to be active, the fourth on / off valve to be open and the third on / off valve to be closed, so that the fluid in the functional preparation chamber is drawn in by the air pump and delivered into the clothing treatment drum.

[0020] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to have an eleventh mode, which includes controlling the steam generator to be inactive, the water pump and the air pump to be active, the first on-off valve and the fourth on-off valve to be open, and the second on-off valve and the third on-off valve to be closed, so that the fluid in the water storage chamber is drawn in by the air pump, the fluid in the functional preparation chamber is drawn in by the water pump, and the water mist and care water mist are both released into the clothing treatment drum.

[0021] In some embodiments, the controller is configured to have a twelfth mode, which includes controlling the steam generator to be inactive, the water pump and the air pump to be active, the second on-off valve and the third on-off valve to be open, and the first on-off valve and the fourth on-off valve to be closed, so that the fluid in the functional preparation chamber is drawn in by the air pump, the fluid in the water storage chamber is drawn in by the water pump, and the water mist and care mist are both released into the garment treatment drum.

[0022] In some embodiments, the controller controls the steam generator and the water pump to operate, while the air pump is not operating. The controller is configured to have a thirteenth mode, which includes controlling both the first and fourth on / off valves to open, and both the second and third on / off valves to close. This allows the steam generator to draw fluid from the water storage chamber and generate steam, and to extract the fluid from the water storage chamber to form a mixture of steam and water mist. Simultaneously, the water pump extracts fluid from the functional preparation chamber and mixes the steam and water mist. Both the product and the care mist are placed into the garment processing drum; or, the controller is configured to have a fourteenth mode, the fourteenth mode including controlling the second and third on-off valves to be open, and the first and fourth on-off valves to be closed, so that the steam generator draws the fluid in the water storage chamber and generates steam, and can draw out the fluid in the functional preparation chamber to form a mixture of steam and care mist, while the water pump draws out the fluid in the water storage chamber and places the mixture of steam and care mist, as well as the mist, into the garment processing drum.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first on / off valve and the second on / off valve are integrally formed as a first three-way valve; or, the first on / off valve and the second on / off valve are different on / off valves; or, the third on / off valve and the fourth on / off valve are integrally formed as a second three-way valve; or, the third on / off valve and the fourth on / off valve are different on / off valves.

[0024] In some embodiments, the dispensing system further includes a first nozzle and a second nozzle. The water outlet of the first nozzle is connected to the clothing processing cylinder, the air inlet of the first nozzle is connected to the air pump or the steam generator, and the water inlet of the first nozzle is connected to the third on / off valve or the fourth on / off valve. The water outlet of the second nozzle is connected to the clothing processing cylinder, and the water inlet of the second nozzle is connected to the water outlet of the water pump.

[0025] In some embodiments, the water storage chamber and the functional formulation chamber have different volumes.

[0026] In some embodiments, the volume of the water storage chamber is larger than the volume of the functional formulation chamber.

[0027] In some embodiments, the volume ratio of the water storage chamber to the functional preparation chamber is not greater than 3 and not less than 2.

[0028] This embodiment of the application sets up a dispensing system including at least two power units. The controller can operate different power units, allowing the dispensing system to deliver one or more of the following products into the garment processing drum: steam, water mist, and conditioning mist. This enables the garment processing device to operate in different modes, allowing users to switch between modes according to the cleaning needs of their garments. This diversifies the garment processing device's operation. Furthermore, the garments in the processing drum can be treated with products of various modes, enhancing the device's conditioning capabilities. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a clothing processing device in one embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 2 is a partial structural schematic diagram of a clothing processing device in one embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the modular structure of a clothing processing device in one embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 4 is a partial structural schematic diagram of the clothing processing device in one embodiment of this application from another perspective.

[0033] Figure 5 is a magnified view of the structure at point A in Figure 4;

[0034] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a fluid supply device in one embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along BB in Figure 6.

[0036] Reference numerals: 1-Clothing handling device; 10-Clothing handling cylinder; 101-Clothing inlet; 20-Outer shell; 30-Fluid supply device; 31-Storage tank; 311-Water storage chamber; 312-Functional preparation chamber; 40-Dispensing system; 41-Power unit; 411-Water pump; 412-Air pump; 413-Steam generator; 42-First three-way valve; 421-First on / off valve; 422-Second on / off valve; 43-Second three-way valve; 431-Third on / off valve; 432-Fourth on / off valve; 44-First nozzle; 45-Second nozzle.

[0037] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this application will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiments of the present invention

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Where the following description relates to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0040] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0041] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0042] Please refer to Figures 1-3. This application embodiment provides a clothing processing device 1. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the functions that the clothing processing device 1 should have. For example, the clothing processing device 1 may have a drying function, which can be set to dry clothes; the clothing processing device 1 may also have a washing function, which can be set to wash clothes. Common clothing processing devices 1 include washing machines, dryers, washer-dryer combos, etc.

[0043] Please refer to Figures 1-3. The garment processing device 1 may include a housing 20, a garment processing cylinder 10, and a fluid supply device 30.

[0044] Specifically, the outer casing 20 is roughly hexahedral in shape, commonly a cuboid, for ease of placement and use. The casing 20 is made of engineering plastic or metal, providing good insulation and impact resistance. The front of the casing typically features a control panel for user operation, integrating a touchscreen display and multiple operation buttons. The touchscreen display offers an intuitive and user-friendly interface, allowing users to easily select various garment processing programs, such as drying, steam care, and quick drying, to meet the needs of different garment materials and processing requirements. The operation buttons serve as auxiliary operation methods; users can press or rotate different buttons to start, pause, and adjust the operating time of the garment processing device 1.

[0045] The garment processing drum 10 can be installed inside the outer casing 20, allowing the outer casing 20 to protect the garment processing drum 10. Furthermore, due to the high strength and corrosion resistance of stainless steel, it can withstand the strong centrifugal force generated by the high rotation during garment processing, ensuring that the garment processing drum 10 will not deform or be damaged due to stress during long-term use. This guarantees the stability and reliability of the garment processing device 1. Therefore, the garment processing drum 10 can be made of stainless steel. The garment processing drum 10 is roughly hollow and cylindrical, and its internal space can be rationally arranged according to the actual needs of the garments to accommodate different volumes and types of clothing. Moreover, the outer casing 20 also has a garment inlet 101, and the inner cavity of the garment processing drum 10 is connected to the garment inlet 101, allowing the user to place the garments to be processed into the garment processing drum 10 through the garment inlet 101.

[0046] During the garment processing, the garment processing drum 10 can rotate. When the drum 10 rotates, the garments move from the bottom to the top along with the rotation of the drum wall, and then fall back down under the influence of gravity, repeating this cycle. Under the combined action of the rotation of the garment processing drum 10 and gravity, the garments are fully dispersed, shaken, and their posture changed. This movement ensures that the garments are evenly distributed within the garment processing drum 10, thereby ensuring that all parts of the garments are evenly heated and dried, avoiding localized overheating or uneven drying, greatly improving drying efficiency and effectiveness. It also helps reduce wrinkles in the garments, making them smoother after drying.

[0047] The fluid supply device 30 includes at least one reservoir 31. The reservoir 31 is typically made of materials such as plastic, stainless steel, or special alloys, which are durable and corrosion-resistant to ensure long-term stable storage and delivery of liquids. The internal space of the reservoir 31 can be configured to hold at least one of water and functional formulation liquids; that is, the reservoir 31 has at least one of a water storage chamber 311 and a functional formulation chamber 312. It is understood that the fluid supply device 30 may include two reservoirs 31, with one reservoir 31 having a water storage chamber 311 for holding water and the other reservoir 31 having a functional formulation chamber 312 for holding functional formulations; or, the fluid supply device 30 includes a reservoir 31, the internal space of which is divided into two chambers by a partition, such that the reservoir 31 has a water storage chamber 311 and a functional formulation chamber 312, with the water storage chamber 311 for holding water and the functional formulation chamber 312 for holding functional formulations.

[0048] Referring to Figure 3, the garment processing device 1 further includes a dispensing system 40 and a controller. The dispensing system 40 includes at least two power units 41, and the controller is electrically connected to the power units 41. The controller is configured to control the power units 41 to dispense at least one fluid from the water storage chamber 311 and the functional preparation chamber 312 into the garment processing cylinder 10. It is understood that the dispensing system 40 is connected to the garment processing cylinder 10; the power unit 41 refers to a device that provides power to change the flow rate and direction of at least one fluid from the water storage chamber 311 and the functional preparation chamber 312. That is, under the action of different power units 41, the product dispensed by the dispensing system 40 into the garment processing cylinder 10 can be any one or more of steam, water mist, and conditioning water mist. Thus, when the controller is configured to control the operation of the power units 41, the controller can control the operation of different power units 41 so that the dispensing system 40 can dispense different products into the garment processing cylinder 10, thereby enabling the garment processing device 1 to have different modes. Furthermore, users can operate the control panel to switch between different modes of the garment processing device 1. In this way, users can select the corresponding mode according to the material of the garment and their needs to improve the care function of the garment processing device 1.

[0049] It should be noted that the fluid in the water storage chamber 311 can be water. The fluid in the functional preparation chamber 312 is a functional preparation liquid, which may include, but is not limited to, detergent, fabric softener, and fragrance. The detergent is used to clean clothes and includes, but is not limited to, dry cleaning agents. Dry cleaning agents are preparations that can effectively remove dirt under waterless or slightly watery conditions. Dry cleaning agents can be organic solvents, which dissolve and adsorb dirt to remove it from the clothes, thus achieving cleaning. Fabric softener serves to soften, fluff, and eliminate static electricity in clothes. Fragrance enhancer is used to add fragrance to clothes.

[0050] This embodiment of the application sets the dispensing system 40 to include at least two power units 41. The controller can control the operation of different power units 41. Under the action of different power units 41, the product dispensed by the dispensing system 40 into the garment processing drum 10 can be any one or more of steam, water mist, and conditioning water mist, so that the garment processing device 1 has different modes. In this way, the user can switch between different modes according to the cleaning needs of the garments, thus realizing the diversification of the modes of the garment processing device 1. In addition, the garments in the garment processing drum 10 can be treated by products of multiple modes, thereby improving the care function of the garment processing device 1.

[0051] Referring further to Figure 3, the power unit 41 includes at least one of a water pump 411, an air pump 412, and a steam generator 413. It is understood that the types of power units 41 can be the same or different; that is, the power unit 41 includes a water pump 411 and an air pump 412; or, the power unit 41 includes a water pump 411 and a steam generator 413; or, the power unit 41 includes an air pump 412 and a steam generator 413; or, the power unit 41 includes a water pump 411, an air pump 412, and a steam generator 413; or, the power unit 41 includes two water pumps 411; or, the power unit 41 includes two air pumps 412. This application does not specifically limit this aspect.

[0052] Please continue to refer to Figure 3. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the dispensing system 40 also includes a first nozzle 44 and a second nozzle 45.

[0053] Specifically, the water outlet of the first nozzle 44 is connected to the clothing treatment cylinder 10, the air inlet of the first nozzle 44 is connected to the air pump 412 or the steam generator 413, and the water inlet of the first nozzle 44 is connected to the water storage chamber 311 or the functional preparation chamber 312. Exemplarily, the first nozzle 44 may include a main body, a first connector, and a second connector. The main body is the core part of the first nozzle 44, and it has an internal dispensing channel. The downstream portion of the dispensing channel forms a Venturi channel with a spray nozzle. A Venturi channel is a special fluid acceleration structure that utilizes the changes in fluid velocity and pressure at different pipe diameters to achieve efficient mixing and spraying of fluids and liquids. The first connector is connected to the main body, and the connection method can be welding, integral molding, etc. The first connector has a first dispensing channel, which is connected to the air pump 412 or the steam generator 413. The second connector is also connected to the main body, and the connection method can be welding, integral molding, etc. The second connector has a second flow channel that communicates with the Venturi channel, and the second flow channel is connected to the water storage chamber 311 or the functional preparation chamber 312.

[0054] It is understandable that, taking the connection between the air inlet of the first nozzle 44 and the steam generator 413 as an example, when the steam generator 413 is working, the steam generator 413 can send steam into the first flow channel; and when the water inlet of the first nozzle 44 is connected to the water storage chamber 311, under the action of the venturi channel, a pressure difference is formed at the connection between the second flow channel and the venturi channel, thereby drawing the fluid in the water storage chamber 311 from the second flow channel into the venturi channel, and mixing it with the steam in the venturi channel. Furthermore, because the spray nozzle forms the first low-pressure zone, the fluid in the water storage chamber 311 is drawn towards the low-pressure zone and dispersed into tiny droplets under the shearing action of the high-speed airflow, thus forming a water mist. At this time, the mixture of steam and water mist is then evenly sprayed into the clothes in the clothes treatment drum 10 through the spray nozzle of the first nozzle 44 in a mist form. That is, the first nozzle 44 utilizes the Venturi effect to draw the fluid in the water storage chamber 311 into the first nozzle 44 through the third on / off valve 431 and generate water mist, thereby facilitating the mixing of steam and water mist within the first nozzle 44. This mist spraying method allows the mixture of steam and water mist to fully cover the surface of the clothes, ensuring that every part of the clothes comes into contact with steam and water mist, thereby achieving a better care effect.

[0055] The water outlet of the second nozzle 45 is connected to the clothes treatment cylinder 10, and the water inlet of the second nozzle 45 is connected to the water outlet of the water pump 411. That is, the second nozzle 45 is a single-pass nozzle, and the second nozzle 45 has only one flow channel connected to the water pump 411. In this way, the fluid pumped by the water pump 411 will be formed into a care mist or water mist through the second nozzle 45 and then put into the clothes treatment cylinder 10 to achieve the care of clothes.

[0056] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the spray nozzle is located downstream of the Venturi channel, and is the final outlet of the garment processing drum 10 after the mixed fluid is sprayed. Furthermore, this embodiment does not specifically limit the size of the spray nozzle diameter. A larger nozzle diameter allows the mixed fluid to be sprayed into the garment processing drum 10 at a relatively low speed and with a larger coverage area after leaving the Venturi channel. This avoids excessively high spray speeds due to a small nozzle diameter, which could lead to uneven spraying or excessive localized impact on the garments. Simultaneously, it ensures that the fully mixed fluid and liquid can evenly cover the garment surface, improving the garment processing effect. Therefore, the nozzle diameter can be designed according to the actual application.

[0057] In some embodiments, when the power unit 41 includes a water pump 411 and a steam generator 413, one end of the steam generator 413 is connected to the garment processing drum 10, and the other end of the steam generator 413 is connected to the water storage chamber 311. That is, the steam generator 413 uses electrical energy to heat the fluid in the storage chamber to a boiling state and generate steam. This steam is transported into the garment processing drum 10 to achieve wrinkle removal and care effects on the garments. The steam can include hot steam and cold steam. Hot steam is a high-temperature vaporous state generated by the steam generator 413 after heating, with a temperature higher than 100°C. Cold steam is a misty state at room temperature or low temperature after the fluid is dispersed. Room temperature refers to a temperature between 20°C and 40°C, and low temperature refers to a temperature below 20°C.

[0058] Please refer to Figure 3. Further, the outlet of the water pump 411 is connected to the clothing handling cylinder 10; the dispensing system 40 also includes a first on-off valve 421 and a second on-off valve 422. The inlet of the first on-off valve 421 is connected to the water storage chamber 311, and the outlet of the first on-off valve 421 is connected to the inlet of the water pump 411; the inlet of the second on-off valve 422 is connected to the functional preparation chamber 312, and the outlet of the second on-off valve 422 is connected to the inlet of the water pump 411.

[0059] It should be noted that the first on-off valve 421 and the second on-off valve 422 are collectively the first three-way valve 42; or, the first on-off valve 421 and the second on-off valve 422 are different on-off valves. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0060] For example, when the first on-off valve 421 and the second on-off valve 422 are combined into a first three-way valve 42, the outlet of the first three-way valve 42 is connected to the clothes processing cylinder 10, the first inlet of the first three-way valve 42 is connected to the water storage chamber 311, and the second inlet of the first three-way valve 42 is connected to the functional preparation chamber 312. By controlling the three-way valve, the first three-way valve 42 can be connected only to the water storage chamber 311 or only to the functional preparation chamber 312. Furthermore, by setting up a first three-way valve 42, the manufacturing cost of the clothes processing device 1 can be saved.

[0061] For example, the first on / off valve 421 and the second on / off valve 422 are different on / off valves. When it is necessary to release the fluid in the water storage chamber 311 into the clothing processing drum 10, the first on / off valve 421 is opened, and the fluid in the water storage chamber 311 is released into the clothing processing drum 10 under the action of the water pump 411. When it is necessary to release the fluid in the functional preparation chamber 312 into the clothing processing drum 10, the second on / off valve 422 is opened, and the fluid in the functional preparation chamber 312 is released into the clothing processing drum 10 under the action of the water pump 411. This avoids the mixing of the fluid in the water storage chamber 311 and the fluid in the functional preparation chamber 312.

[0062] The different modes that the garment handling device 1 can have when the power unit 41 includes a water pump 411 and a steam generator 413, and the dispensing system 40 includes a first on / off valve 421 and a second on / off valve 422, will be described below.

[0063] The controller can be configured to have a first mode. Understandably, the first mode includes controlling the steam generator 413 to operate. In this mode, the water pump 411 is not operating, and the steam generator 413 is set to draw water from the water storage chamber 311 and generate steam. One end of the steam generator 413 is connected to the clothes treatment drum 10, so the steam generated by the steam generator 413 can be released into the clothes treatment drum 10 and cover the surface of the clothes to remove wrinkles, thereby achieving a good steam care effect.

[0064] The controller can be configured to have a second mode. Understandably, the second mode includes controlling the steam generator 413 to not work, the water pump 411 to work, the first on / off valve 421 to be open and the second on / off valve 422 to be closed. At this time, the water inlet of the water pump 411 is connected to the water storage chamber 311. The water pump 411 can draw the fluid in the water storage chamber into the water pump 411 and flow to the second nozzle 45 through the water outlet of the water pump 411. After water mist is formed in the second nozzle 45, it is released into the clothes treatment drum 10 so that the surface of the clothes in the clothes treatment drum 10 is covered with water mist, thereby achieving the wrinkle removal and ironing effect of the clothes.

[0065] It should be noted that the water mist mentioned above refers to mist-like droplets; that is, the water in the water storage cavity 311 is in the form of granular droplets. For example, the diameter of the mist-like droplets may not exceed 50 μm (micrometers). This is only an example diameter of the mist-like droplets.

[0066] The controller can be configured to have a third mode. Understandably, the third mode includes controlling the steam generator 413 to be inactive, the water pump 411 to be operational, the second on-off valve 422 to be open, and the first on-off valve 421 to be closed. In this mode, the inlet of the water pump 411 is connected to the functional preparation chamber 312. The water pump 411 can extract fluid from the functional preparation chamber 312 and direct it through the outlet to the second nozzle 45. After forming a conditioning mist in the second nozzle 45, the mist is released into the garment treatment cylinder 10, covering the surface of the garments in the garment treatment cylinder 10, thereby achieving a better conditioning effect. For example, when the fluid in the functional preparation chamber 312 is fabric softener, the softening mist covers the surface of the garments, making them softer and improving their softness.

[0067] It should be noted that the above-mentioned nursing water mist refers to nursing mist droplets; that is, the fluid in the functional preparation cavity 312 is in the form of particulate droplets.

[0068] The controller can be configured to have a fourth mode. Understandably, the fourth mode includes controlling both the steam generator 413 and the water pump 411 to operate. The steam generator 413 draws fluid from the water storage chamber 311 to generate steam, which is then released into the garment processing drum 10. Simultaneously, the fourth mode also includes controlling the first on / off valve 421 to open and the second on / off valve 422 to close, connecting the water inlet of the water pump 411 to the water storage chamber 311. This allows the water pump 411 to draw fluid from the water storage chamber 311 and, under the action of the second nozzle 45, generate water mist which is then released into the garment processing drum 10. This achieves wrinkle removal from the garments. Furthermore, the steam and water mist can slightly moisten the garments, humidifying and cooling them to a certain extent, achieving the effect of ironing. This effectively improves problems such as increased wrinkles and deeper creases caused by excessively rapid drying.

[0069] The controller can be configured to have a fifth mode. Understandably, the fifth mode includes controlling both the steam generator 413 and the water pump 411 to operate. The steam generator 413 draws fluid from the water storage chamber 311 to generate steam, which is then released into the garment treatment drum 10. Simultaneously, the fifth mode also includes controlling the second on-off valve 422 to open, the first on-off valve 421 to close, and the water inlet of the water pump 411 to connect with the functional preparation chamber 312. This allows the water pump 411 to draw fluid from the functional preparation chamber 312 and, under the action of the second nozzle 45, generate a conditioning mist which is then released into the garment treatment drum 10. Taking water vapor as the steam and dry cleaning agent mist as the conditioning mist as an example, both water vapor and dry cleaning agent mist can clean the garments. The dry cleaning agent mist can penetrate the fibers of the garments, and the water vapor can slightly moisten the garments, improving the cleaning efficiency.

[0070] Please refer to Figure 3. In some embodiments, the dispensing system 40 further includes a third shut-off valve 431 and a fourth shut-off valve 432. The inlet of the third shut-off valve 431 is connected to the water storage chamber 311, and the outlet of the third shut-off valve 431 is connected to the path from one end of the steam generator 413 to the clothing processing drum 10. The inlet of the fourth shut-off valve 432 is connected to the functional preparation chamber 312, and the outlet of the fourth shut-off valve 432 is connected to the path from one end of the steam generator 413 to the clothing processing drum 10.

[0071] It should be noted that the third on-off valve 431 and the fourth on-off valve 432 are collectively the second three-way valve 43; or, the third on-off valve 431 and the fourth on-off valve 432 are different on-off valves. This application does not specifically limit this.

[0072] The dispensing system 40 also includes a third shut-off valve 431 and a fourth shut-off valve 432, and the controller is configured to have a sixth mode. The sixth mode includes controlling the water pump 411 to not work, the steam generator 413 to work, and the third shut-off valve 431 and the fourth shut-off valve 432 to be closed. At this time, the steam generator 413 is connected to the clothes processing cylinder 10 and the water storage chamber 311, and draws the fluid in the water storage chamber 311 to generate steam, which is then dispensed into the clothes processing cylinder 10 and covers the surface of the clothes to remove wrinkles, thereby achieving a good steam care effect.

[0073] The controller is configured to have a seventh mode; that is, the seventh mode includes controlling the water pump 411 to not work, the steam generator 413 to work, the third shut-off valve 431 to be open and the fourth shut-off valve 432 to be closed. At this time, the steam generator 413 draws out the fluid in the water storage chamber 311 and generates steam. Since the third shut-off valve 431 is open, the steam generator 413 can also draw out the fluid in the water storage chamber 311 and generate water mist under the action of the first nozzle 44. In this way, a mixture of steam and water mist can be formed, and the mixture of steam and water mist is sprayed into the clothes processing drum 10 through the first nozzle 44. Therefore, the steam at this time carries water mist. On the basis of removing wrinkles from clothes with steam, the steam carrying water mist can moisten the clothes to achieve the effect of ironing clothes.

[0074] The controller is configured to have an eighth mode; that is, the eighth mode includes controlling the water pump 411 to not work, the steam generator 413 to work, the fourth shut-off valve 432 to be open and the third shut-off valve 431 to be closed. At this time, the steam generator 413 extracts the fluid in the water storage chamber 311 and generates steam. Since the fourth shut-off valve 432 is open, the steam generator 413 can also extract the fluid in the functional preparation chamber 312 and generate care water mist under the action of the first nozzle 44. In this way, a mixture of steam and care water mist can be formed, and the mixture of steam and care water mist is sprayed into the garment treatment cylinder 10 through the first nozzle 44. Therefore, the steam at this time carries care water mist. In addition to removing wrinkles from the clothes, the steam carrying care water mist can also perform softening, sterilization, and stain removal functions on the clothes according to the type of functional preparation contained in the functional preparation chamber 312, so as to effectively improve the care effect of the clothes.

[0075] Please continue referring to Figure 3. In some embodiments, the power unit 41 may also include an air pump 412. That is, the power unit 41 in this embodiment includes a water pump 411, a steam generator 413, and an air pump 412. The air pump 412 is connected to the garment processing drum 10, and the steam generator 413 is not working when the air pump 412 is working. It is understood that the dispensing system 40 generally uses a nozzle structure to dispense the generated products into the garment processing drum 10, and the nozzle structure in the related technology is usually a three-way nozzle. This facilitates the control of the dispensing system 40 of the garment processing device 1. Therefore, when the air pump 412 is working and connected to the three-way nozzle, the steam generator 413 is not connected to the three-way nozzle.

[0076] The power unit 41 also includes an air pump 412, and the controller is configured to have a ninth mode; that is, the ninth mode includes controlling the water pump 411 and the steam generator 413 to not work. At this time, the first on-off valve 421 and the second on-off valve 422 are both closed, the air pump 412 is working, the third on-off valve 431 is open and the fourth on-off valve 432 is closed. Since the third on-off valve 431 is connected to the water storage chamber 311, the fluid in the water storage chamber 311 is drawn out of the pipeline connecting the water storage chamber 311 and the clothes treatment cylinder 10 under the action of the air pump 412, and water mist is generated under the action of the first nozzle 44 and injected into the clothes treatment cylinder 10 to achieve the effect of cleaning stains on the surface of clothes and clothes.

[0077] The controller is configured to have a tenth mode, in which the water pump 411 and steam generator 413 are both not working. In this mode, the first shut-off valve 421 and the second shut-off valve 422 are both closed, the air pump 412 is working, the fourth shut-off valve 432 is open and the third shut-off valve 431 is closed. Since the fourth shut-off valve 432 is connected to the functional preparation chamber 312, the fluid in the functional preparation chamber 312 is drawn out by the air pump 412 from the pipeline connecting the functional preparation chamber 312 and the clothing treatment cylinder 10, and is generated by the first nozzle 44 to produce a care mist that is delivered into the clothing treatment cylinder 10 to achieve the effect of caring for clothes.

[0078] The controller is configured with an eleventh mode; that is, the eleventh mode includes controlling the steam generator 413 to not work, the water pump 411 and the air pump 412 to work, and the first shut-off valve 421 and the fourth shut-off valve 432 to be open, while the second shut-off valve 422 and the third shut-off valve 431 to be closed. At this time, the fluid in the water storage chamber 311 is drawn out of the pipeline connecting the water storage chamber 311 and the clothes treatment cylinder 10 under the action of the air pump 412, and water mist is generated and released into the clothes treatment cylinder 10 under the action of the first nozzle 44. Furthermore, the fluid in the functional preparation chamber 312 is drawn into the pipeline connecting the functional preparation chamber 312 and the clothes treatment cylinder 10 under the action of the water pump 411, and care water mist is generated under the action of the second nozzle 45. At this time, both water mist and care water mist are released into the clothes treatment cylinder 10 so that the surface of the clothes in the clothes treatment cylinder 10 can be covered with water mist and care water mist, thereby realizing the cleaning, wrinkle removal and other care functions of the clothes.

[0079] The controller is configured to have a twelfth mode; that is, the twelfth mode includes controlling the steam generator 413 to not work, the water pump 411 and the air pump 412 to work, and the second shut-off valve 422 and the third shut-off valve 431 to be open, while the first shut-off valve 421 and the fourth shut-off valve 432 to be closed. At this time, the fluid in the functional preparation chamber 312 is drawn into the pipeline connecting the functional preparation chamber 312 and the garment treatment cylinder 10 under the action of the air pump 412, and generates a care mist under the action of the first nozzle 44; furthermore, the fluid in the water storage chamber 311 is drawn out of the pipeline connecting the water storage chamber 311 and the garment treatment cylinder 10 under the action of the water pump 411, and generates a mist under the action of the second nozzle 45 and is released into the garment treatment cylinder 10. At this time, both the mist and the care mist are released into the garment treatment cylinder 10 so that the surface of the garments in the garment treatment cylinder 10 can be covered with the mist and care mist, thereby realizing the cleaning, wrinkle removal and other care functions of the garments.

[0080] In other embodiments, the controller may be configured to operate both the steam generator 413 and the water pump 411, but to prevent the air pump 412 from operating.

[0081] For example, the controller is configured to have a thirteenth mode, which includes controlling the first on-off valve 421 and the fourth on-off valve 432 to be open, and the second on-off valve 422 and the third on-off valve 431 to be closed. In this mode, the steam generator 413 generates steam by drawing fluid from the water storage chamber 311, and at the same time, it can also draw the fluid from the water storage chamber 311 to the pipeline connecting the water storage chamber 311 and the clothes treatment drum 10, and generate water mist under the action of the first nozzle 44, forming a mixture of steam and water mist before being released into the clothes treatment drum 10. In addition, the water pump 411 also operates to draw fluid from the functional preparation chamber 312 and generate conditioning water mist under the action of the second nozzle 45. In this way, the mixture of steam and water mist and the conditioning water mist are all released into the clothes treatment drum 10, so that the clothes can receive the spray of steam, water mist and conditioning water mist, thereby achieving a good conditioning effect.

[0082] For example, the controller is configured to have a fourteenth mode, which includes controlling the second on-off valve 422 and the third on-off valve 431 to be open, and the first on-off valve 421 and the fourth on-off valve 432 to be closed. In this mode, the steam generator 413 generates steam by drawing fluid from the water storage chamber 311, and at the same time, it can also draw fluid from the functional preparation chamber 312 to the pipeline connecting the functional preparation chamber 312 and the garment treatment drum 10, and generate conditioning water mist under the action of the first nozzle 44, forming a mixture of steam and conditioning water mist before being released into the garment treatment drum 10. In addition, the water pump 411 also operates to draw fluid from the water storage chamber 311 and generate water mist under the action of the second nozzle 45. In this way, the mixture of steam and conditioning water mist, as well as the water mist, are released into the garment treatment drum 10, so that the garments can receive the spray of steam, water mist, and conditioning water mist, thereby achieving a good conditioning effect.

[0083] It should be noted that the controller can also adjust the proportion of the product fed into the garment processing drum 10 by controlling the power unit 41 and different on / off valves, so as to meet the care and cleaning needs of different garments.

[0084] In addition, users can adjust the feeding parameters of the product into the garment processing cylinder 10 appropriately through the control panel based on experience or the prompts from the garment processing device 1, so that users can operate the equipment more precisely according to the different materials and processing needs of the garments, and achieve the best garment processing effect.

[0085] In related technologies, the liquid storage tank 31 in the garment processing device 1 is usually set to two to separate the fluid in the liquid storage tank 31. However, this requires the garment processing device 1 to reserve a large installation space to accommodate the installation of the two liquid storage tanks 31 on the garment processing device 1, which increases the production cost of the garment processing device 1.

[0086] Please refer to Figures 4 and 5. In order to solve the above problems, the embodiments of this application can save the production cost of the clothing treatment device 1 by setting a liquid storage tank 31, which has a water storage chamber 311 and a functional preparation chamber 312.

[0087] Furthermore, the volumes of the water storage chamber 311 and the functional preparation chamber 312 are different; that is, the volume of the water storage chamber 311 can be larger than the volume of the functional preparation chamber 312, or the volume of the functional preparation chamber 312 can be larger than the volume of the water storage chamber 311. In this way, it can be set according to the actual situation to meet the needs of users.

[0088] Please refer to Figures 6 and 7. Further, when the fluid contained in the water storage chamber 311 is water, the water in the water storage chamber 311 will directly participate in the drying process of the clothes and the condensation process to remove moisture from the clothes. The fluid in the functional preparation chamber 312 is mainly set for the additional care and maintenance of the clothes and does not participate in the moisture treatment process. Therefore, the water in the water storage chamber 311 is generally consumed faster. Therefore, in some embodiments, the volume of the water storage chamber 311 is larger than the volume of the functional preparation chamber 312. In this way, the water in the water storage chamber 311 can be replaced more frequently.

[0089] Please refer to Figures 6 and 7. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the volume ratio of the water storage chamber 311 to the functional preparation chamber 312 is no greater than 3 and no less than 2. This allows water and functional preparations to be used in a suitable ratio, while reducing the likelihood of one being used first. In other embodiments, the fluid in the functional preparation chamber 312 can be used via a reversing valve. That is, when the reversing valve is not energized, it is normally connected to the water storage chamber 311 to facilitate the condensation process and the removal of moisture from the clothing. When additional care and maintenance of the clothing is required, the reversing valve is energized, switching it to connect with the functional preparation chamber 312. Under the action of the power unit 41, the fluid in the functional preparation chamber 312 is drawn into the clothing treatment cylinder 10, thereby achieving clothing care.

[0090] In the accompanying drawings of this embodiment, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the accompanying drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this patent. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0091] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A laundry treating apparatus, wherein, The garment processing device includes: Clothing handling drum; A fluid supply device, comprising at least one liquid storage tank, the liquid storage tank having a water storage chamber and / or a functional preparation chamber; The delivery system includes at least two power units; and, A controller, electrically connected to the power unit, is configured to control the power unit to deliver fluid from the water storage chamber and / or the functional preparation chamber into the clothing treatment drum.

2. The garment processing apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein, The power unit includes at least one of a water pump, an air pump, and a steam generator.

3. The garment processing apparatus as described in claim 2, wherein, The power unit includes a water pump and a steam generator. The outlet of the water pump is connected to the clothes processing drum, and one end of the steam generator is connected to the clothes processing drum and the other end is connected to the water storage chamber. The delivery system also includes: The first on / off valve has its inlet end connected to the water storage chamber and its outlet end connected to the inlet end of the water pump. The second on / off valve has its inlet end connected to the functional preparation chamber and its outlet end connected to the inlet end of the water pump.

4. The garment processing apparatus as described in claim 3, wherein, The controller is configured to have a first mode, the first mode including controlling the steam generator to operate so that the steam generator draws fluid from the water storage chamber and generates steam to be released into the clothing processing drum.

5. The garment processing apparatus as described in claim 3, wherein, The controller is configured to have a second mode, the second mode including controlling the water pump to operate, the first on / off valve being open and the second on / off valve being closed, so that the water pump draws fluid from the water storage chamber and delivers it into the clothing processing drum. 6.The laundry treating apparatus of claim 3, wherein, The controller is configured to have a third mode, which includes controlling the water pump to operate, with the second on / off valve open and the first on / off valve closed, so that the water pump draws fluid from the functional preparation chamber and delivers it into the clothing treatment drum. 7.The laundry treating apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first and second openings are formed in the first and second surfaces, respectively. The controller is configured to have a fourth mode, which includes controlling both the steam generator and the water pump to operate, such that the steam generator draws fluid from the water storage chamber and generates steam to be released into the clothing processing drum, and controls the first on / off valve to be open and the second on / off valve to be closed, such that the water pump draws fluid from the water storage chamber and releases it into the clothing processing drum.

8. The garment processing apparatus as described in claim 3, wherein, The controller is configured to have a fifth mode, which includes controlling both the steam generator and the water pump to operate, such that the steam generator draws fluid from the water storage chamber and generates steam to be released into the clothing processing drum, and controls the second on / off valve to open and the first on / off valve to close, such that the water pump draws fluid from the functional preparation chamber and releases it into the clothing processing drum. 9.The laundry treating apparatus of any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein, The delivery system also includes: The third shut-off valve has its inlet connected to the water storage chamber and its outlet connected to the path from one end of the steam generator to the clothing treatment drum; and... The fourth shut-off valve has its inlet end connected to the functional preparation chamber and its outlet end connected to the path from one end of the steam generator to the clothing treatment drum. 10.The laundry treating apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first and second openings are formed in the first and second surfaces, respectively. The controller is configured to have a sixth mode, which includes controlling the water pump to not work, the steam generator to work, and both the third and fourth on / off valves to be closed, so that the steam generator draws fluid from the water storage chamber and generates steam to be released into the clothing processing drum. 11.The laundry treating apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first and second openings are formed in the first and second surfaces, respectively. The controller is configured to have a seventh mode, which includes controlling the water pump to not work, the steam generator to work, the third on / off valve to be open and the fourth on / off valve to be closed, so that the steam generator draws fluid from the water storage chamber and generates steam, and can extract fluid from the liquid storage chamber to deliver a mixture of steam and water mist into the clothing treatment drum.

12. The garment processing apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The controller is configured to have an eighth mode, which includes controlling the water pump to not work, the steam generator to work, the fourth on / off valve to be open and the third on / off valve to be closed, so that the steam generator draws fluid from the water storage chamber and generates steam, and can extract fluid from the functional preparation chamber to deliver a mixture of steam and care mist into the garment treatment drum. 13.The laundry treating apparatus of any one of claims 9-12, wherein, The power unit also includes an air pump, which is connected to the clothing processing drum, and the steam generator does not work when the air pump is working. 14.The laundry treating apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The controller is configured to have a ninth mode, which includes controlling the water pump and the steam generator to be inactive, the air pump to be active, the third on / off valve to be open and the fourth on / off valve to be closed, so that the fluid in the water storage chamber is drawn in by the air pump and delivered into the clothing processing drum.

15. The garment handling apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The controller is configured to have a tenth mode, which includes controlling the water pump and the steam generator to be inactive, the air pump to be active, the fourth on / off valve to be open and the third on / off valve to be closed, so that the fluid in the functional preparation chamber is drawn in by the air pump and delivered into the clothing treatment drum.

16. The garment handling apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The controller is configured to have an eleventh mode, which includes controlling the steam generator to not work, the water pump and the air pump to work, the first on-off valve and the fourth on-off valve to be open, and the second on-off valve and the third on-off valve to be closed, so that the fluid in the water storage chamber is drawn in by the air pump, the fluid in the functional preparation chamber is drawn in by the water pump, and the water mist and care water mist are both released into the clothing treatment drum. 17.The laundry treating apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The controller is configured to have a twelfth mode, which includes controlling the steam generator to not work, the water pump and the air pump to work, the second on-off valve and the third on-off valve to be open, and the first on-off valve and the fourth on-off valve to be closed, so that the fluid in the functional preparation chamber is drawn in by the air pump, the fluid in the water storage chamber is drawn in by the water pump, and the water mist and care water mist are both released into the clothing treatment drum.

18. The garment handling apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The controller controls the operation of the steam generator and the water pump, while the air pump is not operating. The controller is configured to have a thirteenth mode, which includes controlling both the first and fourth on / off valves to open, and both the second and third on / off valves to close. This allows the steam generator to draw fluid from the water storage chamber and generate steam, and to extract the fluid from the water storage chamber to form a mixture of steam and water mist. Simultaneously, the water pump extracts fluid from the functional preparation chamber and releases the mixture of steam and water mist, along with the care mist, into the garment treatment drum. Alternatively... The controller is configured to have a fourteenth mode, which includes controlling the second and third on / off valves to be open, and the first and fourth on / off valves to be closed, so that the steam generator draws fluid from the water storage chamber and generates steam, and can draw out the fluid from the functional preparation chamber to form a mixture of steam and care mist. At the same time, the water pump draws out the fluid from the water storage chamber and releases the mixture of steam and care mist, as well as the mist, into the clothing treatment drum.

19. The garment handling apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The first on / off valve and the second on / off valve together constitute a first three-way valve; or... The first on / off valve and the second on / off valve are different on / off valves; or... The third on / off valve and the fourth on / off valve together constitute a second three-way valve; or... The third on / off valve and the fourth on / off valve are different on / off valves.

20. The garment processing apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein, The delivery system also includes: The first nozzle has a water outlet connected to the clothing treatment cylinder, an air inlet connected to the air pump or the steam generator, and a water inlet connected to the third or fourth on / off valve; and... The second nozzle has its outlet end connected to the clothing treatment cylinder and its inlet end connected to the outlet end of the water pump.

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