JP7429769B2 - Clothing processing machine and its control method - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention belongs to the field of household appliances, and specifically relates to a clothes processing machine and a method of controlling the same.

In daily life, the processing of clothing by humans involves multiple steps, such as washing, drying, caring for, ironing, folding, and storing clothing. The above process can be realized by corresponding clothes processing equipment, for example washing machines, clothes dryers, washer/dryers, care machines, clothes folding machines, etc., and can be installed at home for better processing of clothes. In some cases, multiple garment processing devices may be installed to accomplish different processing steps. This makes it possible to keep the clothes clean and prevents them from getting damaged. However, in the process of processing clothes, the user needs to take out the washed clothes from the washing machine and put them into the clothes dryer to finally achieve cleaning and smoothing of the clothes. In this process, when transferring from one garment processing device to another, the next processing step cannot be carried out unless the user is involved.

In the prior art, the same clothes processing machine is equipped with two or more types of functions, and there are even integrated machines that can simultaneously wash, dry, fold, etc. clothes. Moreover, the clothing processing machine includes a plurality of processing chambers that are independent from each other during the operation process. Therefore, during the use process, the user still needs to take out the clothes from one room and put them into another room for the next processing step.

During the processing process, the user must manually feed the garments to the next processing device while observing whether each garment processing device has completed processing. In other words, human assistance is indispensable throughout the entire processing process, which not only wastes the user's time but also drains the user's physical strength. In addition, the user must decide for himself which processing device the garment should be placed in and whether the garment has been completely loaded or unloaded, which consumes more power. Further, the processing steps of each garment processing device are independent from each other, and the processing times are different. Therefore, it is necessary to perform appropriate processing based on the operating state of the clothing processing device.

With conventional technology, it has not been possible to realize smartization and automation of the entire flow when performing a process consisting of a plurality of steps on clothing. In view of the above, the present invention is proposed.

The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a clothes processing machine and a method for controlling the same in order to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art.

In order to solve the above technical problems, the basic idea of the technical solution adopted in the present invention is as follows.

The clothes processing machine includes at least two sets of clothes processing devices, a clothes storage device having a clothes storage chamber for storing clothes, and a device for transporting clothes between the clothes processing devices and/or between the clothes storage device and the clothes processing device. including a conveyor device used for

The clothing processing machine includes a first clothing processing device and a second clothing processing device. The clothes storage device is installed between the first clothes processing device and the second clothes processing device. Alternatively, the clothes storage device is installed on one side of the clothes processing machine. Preferably, the first clothes processing device, the second clothes processing device, and the clothes storage device each have an input port located on the same side. The conveyance device includes a drive mechanism and a clamping mechanism, and the drive mechanism moves the clamping mechanism on the input port side.

The first clothes processing device is a washing device for washing clothes, and the second clothes processing device is a clothes drying device for drying clothes. The clothes drying device is located above the washing device. The clothes storage chamber includes a first chamber for putting clothes waiting to be washed, a second room for putting washed clothes waiting to be dried, and/or a second room for putting clothes waiting to be dried. Includes a third chamber for loading.

The clothes storage device includes at least one functional module among a storage module, a disinfection module, an ironing module, a deodorization module, and a clothes folding module. And/or the clothing storage device includes at least one information module of a weighing module, a counting module, and an identification module.

Preferably, the clothing storage chamber is divided into a plurality of sub-chambers. The sub-chamber is installed corresponding to one or more modules.

In the method for controlling a clothes processing machine described above, the clothes processing machine has a main control system. The main control system controls the transport device to transport garments between garment processing devices and/or between a garment storage device and a garment processing device.

The main control system controls the transport device to transport the garments in the garment storage device into the garment processing device. Preferably, the main control system obtains the amount of clothing by communicating with a weighing module and/or a counting module and/or an identification module. When the amount of clothing in the clothing storage device reaches a predetermined amount of clothing, the main control system controls the transport device to transport the clothing into the first/second clothing processing device.

More preferably, the first garment processing device has a maximum capacity M1 and the second garment processing device has a maximum capacity M2. The master control system controls the transport devices to transport no more than their respective maximum capacity of garments into the corresponding garment processing device.

The two sets of garment processing devices perform the same processing on the garments, and the main control system determines whether the garment processing devices are in operation.

When the first clothing processing device is not operating but the second clothing processing device is operating, the main control system controls the transporting device to transport the clothes having an amount of M1 or less into the first clothing processing device. do.

When the first garment processing device is in operation but the second garment processing device is not operating, the main control system causes the transport device to transport the garments having an amount of M2 or less into the second clothing processing device. Control.

When neither the first garment processing device nor the second garment processing device is operating, the main control system performs allocation to the two sets of garment processing devices based on the amount of clothing in the garment storage device.

Preferably, if the amount of clothes≦M1, the main control system controls the conveying device to convey all the clothes into the first clothes processing device.

If M1<the amount of clothing<(M1+M2), the main control system controls the transport device to transport the clothing with the amount of clothing M1 to the first clothing processing device and the remaining clothing to the second clothing processing device. Alternatively, the clothes are controlled to be transported into two sets of clothes processing devices based on the ratio of maximum capacity.

When the amount of clothing≧(M1+M2), the main control system controls the transport device to transport the clothing with the amount of clothing M1 to the first clothing processing device and the amount of clothing M2 to the second clothing processing device. do.

The first clothes processing device is a washing device, and the second clothes processing device is a clothes drying device. The main control system determines whether the clothes drying device is in operation after washing the washing device is completed.

When not in operation, the master control system controls the transport device to transport the clothes in the washing machine into the clothes drying machine.

When in operation, the main control system further determines whether the washing machine needs to wash the next garment. When washing is required, the main control system controls the transport device to transport the clothes in the washing machine into the clothes storage device. Then, after the operation of the clothes drying device is completed, the main control system controls the conveying device to convey the clothes in the clothes storage device into the clothes drying device.

Preferably, if the amount of clothes in the washing machine does not exceed M2, the main control system controls the transport device to transport all the clothes in the washing machine into the clothes drying device.

If the amount of clothes in the washing machine exceeds M2, the main control system causes the conveyance device to transport the clothes in the washing machine with the amount of clothes M2 into the clothes drying device, and the remaining clothes into the clothes storage device. Control the transport.

A weighing module is installed in each of the first clothing processing device and the second clothing processing device. Moreover, the control method is as follows.

When the main control system controls the conveyance device to convey the clothes between garment processing devices and/or between the garment storage device and the garment processing device, the main control system acquires the weight M0 of the clothes in the starting device, and then In the process, the weight M of the clothing inside the target device is acquired in real time. Then, when the difference between M and M0 falls within a predetermined range, the main control system determines that all the clothes have been transported, and controls the transport device to stop transporting.

The main control system determines whether the functional module needs to process the clothing after the first clothing processing device/second clothing processing device completes the processing of the clothing. Then, if necessary, the main control system controls the transport device to transport the garments to a sub-chamber with the appropriate functional module within the garment storage device.

By using the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

(1) The clothing processing machine has a transport device and a clothing storage device, and can automatically transport clothing from one clothing processing device to another. Moreover, it is also possible to transport between a clothing storage device and a clothing processing device. This eliminates the need for user intervention and realizes automation of the garment processing process, thus saving the user's time and energy.

(2) The clothing storage device includes sub-chambers for accommodating clothing at different stages, and may further include sub-chambers having functional modules to perform different processes on the clothing. The clothes storage device can supplement functions that do not exist in the clothes processing device, and can also serve as a relay for transporting clothes. In addition, if an information module is installed together, a smarter clothing processing process will be realized.

(3) The functions of the first clothing processing device and the second clothing processing device may be the same or different. The main control system can allocate clothes based on parameters such as operating status of the device and maximum capacity, thus achieving the objective of saving waiting time and rationally utilizing idle devices.

(4) Garment processing equipment, transport equipment, and clothing storage equipment are arranged rationally. In addition, since the transport device is provided with decorative materials on the outside, it has a beautiful appearance and is suitable for use at home.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail in combination with the drawings.

The drawings are part of the invention and are used for a further understanding of the invention. Moreover, the schematic embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used for the interpretation of the present invention, but are not intended to unduly limit the present invention. Needless to say, the drawings described below are only a part of the embodiments, and those skilled in the art can derive other drawings from these drawings without any creative effort. It is possible.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a clothing processing machine according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the clothing processing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a front view of the internal structure of the conveyance device of the clothing processing machine according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a portion of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the internal structure of the conveying device of the clothing processing machine according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the location of the clothing storage device in the present invention. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the clothing storage device according to the present invention having a plurality of rooms. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a conveyance device of a garment processing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the position of the clothing storage device in the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a clamping mechanism. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a clamping mechanism. FIG. 12 shows a method of controlling a clothes processing machine according to the present invention. FIG. 13 shows a method of controlling a clothing processing machine according to the present invention.

It should be noted that these drawings and written descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive concept in any way, but rather to explain the inventive concept to those skilled in the art with reference to specific embodiments. It is something.

In order to make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more clear, the technical solutions of the embodiments will be clearly and concisely described by combining the drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the following examples are for explaining the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

In the description of the present invention, terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inside", "outside", etc. should be explained. The direction or positional relationship indicated by is a direction or positional relationship based on the illustration, and is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and for simplifying the description. There is no representation or implication that the invention must be constructed or operated in any particular manner. Therefore, it should not be construed as limiting the invention.

In describing the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "attached," "coupled," and "connected" should be interpreted in a broad sense unless otherwise clearly defined and limited. For example, it may be a fixed connection, a removable connection, or an integral connection. Further, the connection may be mechanical or electrical. Furthermore, it may be a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can interpret the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention depending on the specific situation.

After wearing clothing, people need to dispose of it. The present invention relates to a clothing processing machine capable of processing clothing. The processing method can be washing, drying, care, ironing, folding, etc. The clothing processing machine of the present invention includes at least two sets of clothing processing devices. The clothes processing device may be a washing device, a clothes drying device, a deodorizing device, an ironing device, a folding device, a storage device, or any other device that processes clothes. The two sets of garment processing devices can be any of the devices described above. Preferably, the two sets of garment processing devices have different functions.

Preferably, the clothes processing machine includes a washing device and a clothes drying device. In order to save the area occupied by the clothes processing machine, the two sets of clothes processing machines can be stacked one above the other. By making the upper space usable, the occupied area becomes smaller.

In order to realize automation and smartness of the garment processing device of the present invention, the garment processing device of the present invention further includes a conveying device. The role of the transport device is to enable the transport of garments in one garment processing device into another garment processing device. After the garment has been processed by the previous garment processing device, the conveying device automatically conveys the garment to the next garment processing device for further processing. This eliminates the need for the user to manually transfer clothing.

As shown in FIG. 1, the clothing processing machine of the present invention includes a first clothing processing device 1 and a second clothing processing device 2. The first clothing processing device includes a first processing tank, and can process clothing by putting the clothing into the first processing tank. A first door body 11 is provided at the mouth of the first treatment tank. The first door body forms a sealed space in the first processing tank so that clothes can be processed. Correspondingly, the second clothing processing device also includes a second processing tank. A second door body 21 is provided at the mouth of the second treatment tank.

In order to realize automation of the clothes processing machine of the present invention, the first door body/second door body may be of an automatic opening/closing type. The first clothing processing device is provided with a first door opening mechanism that controls opening and closing of the first door body, and the second clothing processing device is provided with a second door opening mechanism that controls opening and closing of the second door body. is provided. By making it possible to open and close the first door body/second door body by the operation of the first door opening mechanism/second door opening mechanism without manual operation by the user, the transport device can open and close the first door body/second door body /It becomes easier to enter the second processing tank and take out clothes.

The clothes processing machine of the present invention can be a device that washes and dries clothes. This satisfies the most basic daily needs. Further, the first clothes processing device may be a washing device, and the second clothes processing device may be a clothes drying device. As shown in FIG. 1, a washing machine and a clothes drying machine are installed one above the other. Laundry equipment requires large amounts of water supply and drainage. Therefore, while the washing device is installed below, the clothes drying device, which has a small volume and does not require a large amount of water supply and drainage, may be installed above. This ensures the stability of the clothes processing machine.

If the clothes processing device is a folding device, storage device or other device, the clothes processing device does not include a processing tank, but may be a corresponding folding platform/storage platform etc. To enable different structures to be installed to process clothing according to different clothing processing methods. The process of folding and storing clothes does not require a sealed space. Therefore, a folding device, storage device, or other device need not necessarily be provided with a door, but may only have an opening or a device that can be pulled out to receive or send out clothes.

As shown in FIG. 1, the transport device 3 of the clothes processing machine is installed on one side of the first clothes processing device/second clothes processing device. Since a portion of the conveying device is located above the clothes processing machine when it is not in operation, it does not affect the daily use of the first clothes processing device/second clothes processing device. Further, during the operation process, the conveying device moves to the clothing entrance/exit of the first clothing processing device/second clothing processing device to take out and take out the clothing.

Since the exterior of the transport device 3 is provided with a decorative board, the user cannot observe the internal structure of the transport device from the outer surface of the clothes processing machine. The decorative board can give the clothes processing machine an attractive appearance, and can also play a role of protecting the conveying device and the user.

2 to 5 show the internal structure of the transport device. The transport device 3 includes a drive mechanism and a clamping mechanism. The drive mechanism allows the clamping mechanism to extend into the first processing tank and/or the second processing tank. The clamping mechanism is openable and closable, and clamps the clothing when closed, and releases the clothing when opened.

Since the transport device needs to take clothes in and out of the first and second processing tanks, the holding mechanism must be moved in multiple dimensions. Therefore, the drive mechanism of the clothing processing machine includes an X-direction drive mechanism, a Y-direction drive mechanism, and a Z-direction drive mechanism. Under the drive of the three-dimensional drive mechanism, the holding mechanism is movable along with the drive mechanism to positions corresponding to the first processing device and the second processing device, and It can extend into the processing tank and hold clothes at different positions.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the X direction is the vertical direction. The X-direction drive mechanism 31 includes a first motor 311 , a first belt 312 , a first moving section 313 , and a first guide rail 314 . The first belt has an annular shape with a leading end and a trailing end connected, and is stretched around two rotating shafts. The rotating shaft at one end is a motor shaft of a first motor, and the first belt can be driven by the first motor. The first moving part 313 is fixed at any position on the first belt. When the first belt rotates, the first moving section moves along with the first belt. In addition, a first guide rail is further provided to ensure stability during the movement process of the first moving part. Both ends of the first guide rail are fixed, and the first moving part is disposed on the first guide rail and moves along the first guide rail. Further, by setting the first guide rail and the first belt in the same installation direction, it is ensured that the driving direction and the movement locus match.

When the first motor is driven, the motor shaft rotates the first belt, and the first moving section moves up and down along the first guide rail. On the other hand, the entire Y-direction moving mechanism is fixed to the first moving section. When the first moving section moves, the entire Y-direction moving mechanism moves downward, thereby realizing position adjustment of the holding mechanism.

The X-direction drive mechanism is used to adjust the vertical position of the clamping mechanism. The holding mechanism needs to move to a position corresponding to the first processing tank, and further needs to move to a position corresponding to the second processing tank. Therefore, the X-direction drive mechanism is installed on one side of the clothes processing machine. The X-direction drive mechanism may be installed on the left or right side, or on both sides to maintain the stability of the mechanism. Also, if you install it symmetrically, it will look even better.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the Y-direction drive mechanism 32 adjusts the holding mechanism in the horizontal direction, specifically in the horizontal left-right direction. Since the first processing tank/second processing tank is horizontally placed in the form of a drum, the clamping mechanism needs to be adjusted in the left-right direction so as to be able to clamp the clothes in the tank. The Y-direction drive mechanism includes a second motor 321, a second belt 322, a second moving part 323, and a second guide rail 324. The entire Y-direction drive mechanism 32 is fixed to the first moving section 313. The second belt has an annular shape with a leading end and a trailing end connected, and is stretched around two rotating shafts. The rotating shaft at one end is a motor shaft of a second motor, and the second belt can be driven by the second motor. The second moving part is fixed at any position on the second belt. When the second belt rotates, the second moving section moves along with the second belt. In addition, a second guide rail is further provided to ensure stability during the movement process of the second moving part. Both ends of the second guide rail are fixed, and the second moving part is disposed on the second guide rail and moves along the second guide rail. Further, by installing the second guide rail and the second belt horizontally, it is ensured that the driving direction and the movement trajectory match.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the Z-direction drive mechanism is extendable and retractable. The clamping mechanism 34 is fixedly connected to one end of the Z-direction drive mechanism. When the Z-direction drive mechanism extends, the holding mechanism 34 moves to enter the first processing tank/second processing tank. On the other hand, when the Z-direction drive mechanism contracts, the holding mechanism 34 exits from the first processing tank/second processing tank. The Z-direction drive mechanism includes a third motor 331 and a telescoping rod 332. The third motor allows the telescopic rod to be extended and contracted. The direction of expansion and contraction is along the axial direction of the first processing tank/second processing tank.

The Z-direction drive mechanism is fixed to the second moving section of the Y-direction drive mechanism, and is movable along with the second moving section. The clamping mechanism is installed at one end of the telescopic rod of the Z-direction drive mechanism, and is capable of moving in the front-rear direction. The entire Z direction drive mechanism is fixed to the second moving part of the Y direction drive mechanism, and can realize movement in the left and right direction. The entire Y-direction drive mechanism is fixed to the first moving part of the X-direction drive mechanism, and is capable of vertical movement. Therefore, the clamping mechanism can achieve movement in multiple dimensions. This allows the clamping mechanism to reliably reach the designated position, thereby realizing clamping of clothing and opening/closing of the door body.

Since the drive mechanism and clamping mechanism of the transport mechanism imitate the motion of human hands, the transport mechanism can also perform door opening/closing operations. If the clothes processing machine is not equipped with an automatic door opening mechanism, or the first door/second door is not opened to a certain angle, the clamping mechanism may enter the first/second processing tank. If this is not possible, opening and closing of the first door body/second door body can be realized by cooperation of the drive mechanism and the clamping mechanism.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first door body 11 is provided with a first clamping part 111, and the second door body 21 is provided with a second clamping part 211. The first clamping part/second clamping part can cooperate with the clamping mechanism. Thereby, the clamping mechanism can realize movement of the door body by clamping the first clamping part/second clamping part. Moreover, the first clamping part and the second clamping part may be handles used by the user so that the user can manually open the first door body/second door body.

In order to be able to guide the operation of the clamping mechanism, the clothes processing machine includes a detection device for detecting the internal state of the first processing tank/second processing tank. The detection device may include an AI camera. The AI camera can intelligently analyze whether the first treatment tank/second treatment tank is in operation and whether there are clothes in the first treatment tank/second treatment tank. The clothing processing machine controls the transport device/first door opening mechanism/second door opening mechanism, etc. based on the analysis result of the detection device.

The detection device may be any other sensor. The sensor may be installed in the conveyance device and move together with the conveyance device to detect the status of the first clothes processing device and the second clothes processing device, respectively, or the sensor may be installed in the first clothes processing device and the second clothes processing device. It is also possible to install them in the respective locations and acquire the status of both.

As shown in FIGS. 2-5, the AI camera needs to identify the status of the first garment processing device and the second garment processing device. The AI camera may be of a type that moves together with the clamping mechanism. When the clamping mechanism moves to the opening position of the first processing tank, the AI camera can acquire clothing information in the first processing tank, and when the clamping mechanism moves to the opening position of the second processing tank, the AI camera The camera is capable of acquiring clothing information in the second processing tank. In addition, the AI camera may be fixed to the Y-direction drive mechanism so that it can move in front of the clothes processing machine, or it may enter the tank together with the Z-direction movement mechanism to acquire the situation inside the tank. good.

Preferably, the first door body 11 and the second door body 21 have transparent observation windows. Thereby, even if the door body is not opened, the AI camera can obtain the situation inside the first processing tank/second processing tank through the observation window. The transparent observation window is also convenient for the user to observe the situation inside the tank.

Since the transport device is provided with an X-direction drive mechanism, a Y-direction drive mechanism, and an X-direction drive mechanism, the holding mechanism can be moved in multiple dimensions. This can ensure that the clamping mechanism clamps all garments within the garment processing device. Furthermore, by guiding the holding mechanism with an AI camera, accuracy in the conveyance process is achieved.

10 and 11 show the clamping mechanism. FIG. 10 is one embodiment of the clamping mechanism, and FIG. 11 is another embodiment of the clamping mechanism.

As shown in FIG. 10, the clamping mechanism includes a fourth motor 341, a first clamping arm 342, and a second clamping arm 343. The clamping mechanism may have a claw-type structure composed of a plurality of clamping arms in order to better clamp the clothing. Therefore, the clamping mechanism includes at least a first clamping arm and a second clamping arm. The role of the fourth motor is to apply a driving force to control the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm so that they can move relative to each other, and to form different opening and closing states of the clamping mechanism.

The clamping mechanism further includes a fixed frame 344. The fourth motor 341 is fixed to a fixed frame, and a motor shaft extends through the fixed frame. The first clamping arm 342 and the second clamping arm 343 are each rotatably connected to the fixed frame via a rotation shaft. The fourth motor 341 directly or indirectly rotates the first clamping arm/second clamping arm. As shown in FIG. 10, one end of the first clamping arm has a tooth-like structure. The second clamping arm is installed symmetrically to the first clamping arm and has a tooth-like structure. Both toothed mechanisms mesh with each other and are movable relative to each other. A driven gear 341 is fixedly connected to the motor shaft of the fourth motor. The driven gear 341 rotates along with the motor shaft. The driven gear also meshes with the toothed structure of the first clamping arm. When the motor shaft rotates, the driven gear rotates in one direction. Further, due to the engagement between the driven gear and the first clamping arm, the first clamping arm rotates along the rotation axis. Since the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm are in mesh with each other and are installed symmetrically, the second clamping arm also simultaneously rotates in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the first clamping arm along the rotation axis. Rotate to. The clamping mechanism realizes opening and closing by forward and reverse rotation of the fourth motor.

As shown in FIG. 11, the clamping mechanism includes a first support arm 348 and a second support arm 349 to ensure that the force acting between the first clamping arm and the second clamping arm is sufficient to clamp the garment. is further provided. The first clamping arm is different from the above embodiments, and the clamping mechanism of this embodiment further includes a first transmission arm 346 and a second transmission arm 347. The first transmission arm/second transmission arm is rotatably connected to the fixed frame 344 via a rotation shaft. The first transmission arm has a tooth-like structure at one end and is rotatably connected to the first clamping arm 342 at the other end. Correspondingly, the second transmission arm has a tooth-like structure at one end and meshes with the tooth-like structure of the first transmission arm, and the other end is rotatable to the second clamping arm 343. It is connected. The first clamping arm has a bent structure and is rotatably connected to one end of the first support arm 348 at the inflection point of the bend. Further, the other end of the first support arm is rotatably connected to the fixed frame 344. Correspondingly, the second clamping arm is arranged symmetrically to the first clamping arm. The second clamping arm has a bent structure and is rotatably connected to one end of the second support arm 349 at the inflection point of the bend. Further, the other end of the second support arm is rotatably connected to the fixed frame and is installed symmetrically to the first support arm. The clamping mechanism of this embodiment can limit the maximum opening angle when opening, and can provide a larger clamping force when closing. This maintains firm grip on the clothes during the process of transporting the clothes and prevents the clothes from falling.

The clothes processing machines shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 have an installation system in which a first clothes processing device and a second clothes processing device are stacked one on top of the other, but the clothes processing machine of the present invention has two sets of clothes processing devices. It may be integrally installed and have an integral unitary housing. In this case, a common water channel, a common computer panel, etc. can be provided between the first clothes processing device and the second clothes processing device inside the housing. Further, on the front side of the clothes processing machine, an integral front panel is provided with a first door body corresponding to the position of the first processing tank and a second door body corresponding to the position of the second processing tank. has. Thereby, the clothes processing machine has a monolithic appearance. Furthermore, only one touch module may be installed on the front panel to realize the control of two sets of garment processing devices.

The garment processing machine of the present invention further includes a main control system. The main control system can be communicatively connected to the first clothing processing device, the second clothing processing device, the conveyance device, the detection device, etc., and realizes control of these devices.

In the above method for controlling a clothes processing machine, the main control system controls the transport device to transport the clothes in one clothing processing machine to another clothing processing machine.

When the clothes processing machine transports the clothes from one clothes processing apparatus to another, the clothes processing machine also determines the operating state of the clothes processing apparatus and the condition of the clothes in the first processing tank and the second processing tank. There is a need to.

After the first garment processing device completes garment processing, the main control system controls the drive mechanism so that the clamping mechanism extends into the first processing tank to clamp the garment and moves the garment into the second processing tank. Control the drive. The clamping mechanism clamps one or more pieces of clothing during one conveyance process. When the clamping arm of the clamping mechanism is large, it is possible to clamp a plurality of clothes during the opening/closing process, so it is possible to transport a plurality of clothes in one transport process, thereby improving transport efficiency.

During the clothing transport process, the main control system needs to determine whether there is any clothing to be transported next in the first processing tank. The main control system obtains the detection results of the detection device. Then, when the detection result obtained by the main control system indicates that there is no clothing in the first processing tank, the main control system controls the transport device to stop transport. On the other hand, if the detection result obtained by the main control system indicates that clothing is present in the first processing tank, the main control system causes the transport device to move the clothing in the first processing tank into the second processing tank. Control the transport.

When the detection device is an AI camera, it guides the clothing transport process by acquiring images inside the first processing tank/second processing tank and analyzing the images.

In another embodiment, a typical garment processing device is equipped with a weighing module. The main control system determines whether or not the loading and unloading of clothes in the clothes processing tank is completed, using the weighing results by the weighing module of the clothes processing device.

The first garment processing device includes a first weighing module and the second garment processing device includes a second weighing module. When no clothes are loaded into the first clothes processing device, the weight measured by the first weighing module at this time is considered to be zero. Further, when the first clothing processing device completes processing of the clothing, the first weighing module weighs the clothing in the first processing tank and obtains the X value. Then, when the transport device transports the clothes in the inner tank and the weight in the first processing tank approaches 0, or the weight measured by the second weighing module in the second processing tank approaches the X value. In this case, it is determined that there are no clothes to be transported in the first processing tank.

The first clothing processing device and the second clothing processing device can individually process clothing. Therefore, when the first clothes processing device is used as a washing device and the second clothes processing device is used as a clothes drying device, when the washing of the clothes is completed and the clothes need to be put into the clothes drying device, only one clothes drying device is used. Since the previous clothes are being processed and the operation cannot be interrupted, the clothes that have been washed this time may not be accepted. Therefore, the main control system needs to determine whether the clothes drying apparatus is in the process of drying clothes after the washing apparatus completes the clothes processing.

When the clothes drying device is in the clothes drying process, the clothes that have been processed by the washing device cannot be accepted. In this case, the conveying device cannot immediately convey the clothes to the clothes drying device, and after the clothes drying device finishes drying the clothes, it takes out the previous garment and then removes the clothes in the first processing tank. It is necessary to transport it into the second processing tank.

If the clothes drying device is not in the clothes drying process, it is possible to accept clothes that have been processed in the washing device. Therefore, the main control system further controls the first door opening mechanism to open the first door body, or controls the clamping mechanism to open the first door body, and removes the clothes from the first processing tank. Prepare for removal.

Further, when the clothes drying device is not in the clothes drying process, it is necessary to determine whether the second door body is opened. When the second door body is in the open state, both the first door body and the second door body are in the open state, so the transport device directly transports the clothes from the first processing tank to the second processing tank, The conveyance process can be completed. On the other hand, when the second door body is in the closed state, the main control system first controls the second door opening mechanism to open the second door body, or controls the clamping mechanism to open the second door body. There is a need. Thereafter, the transport device is controlled to transport the clothes from the first processing tank to the second processing tank until all the clothes located in the first processing tank are transported into the second processing tank.

On the other hand, during use, when the clothes drying device is in the clothes drying process, the clothes in the first processing tank cannot be immediately transported to the second processing tank for processing. However, the user may need to wash the next item of clothing and may want to continue using the washing machine. In this case, the user cannot continue using the washing device because the clothes located in the first processing tank occupy the washing device.

A control method for solving the above problem may be as follows. The main control system determines whether the washing machine needs to wash the next garment. At this time, the user may input a command indicating that cleaning is required. When it is necessary to wash the clothes, the main control system controls the first door opening mechanism to open the first door body, and the transfer device takes out the washed clothes from the first processing tank and transfers them to the next one. Controls the loading of clothing.

Additionally, the main control system determines whether the clothes dryer is capable of accepting washed clothes. When the clothes drying device is in the clothes drying process, it is not possible to accept the clothes. On the other hand, when the clothes drying device is not in the clothes drying process, the clothes can be accepted. When the clothes drying device is able to accept washed clothes, the second door opening mechanism is controlled to open the second door body, and the transfer device is controlled to transfer the clothes into the second processing tank. . On the other hand, if the clothes drying device cannot accept the washed clothes, the transfer device controls the clothes to be taken out before being transferred. Then, when the main control system determines that the clothes drying device can accept the clothes, the main control system controls the second door opening mechanism to open the second door body, and also controls the second door opening mechanism to open the second door body, and transfers the clothes taken out by the transfer device to the second door opening mechanism. Control the transport into the processing tank.

The above-described clothing processing machine does not require user involvement throughout the clothing processing cycle, and realizes automation of the clothing processing process. Therefore, the user can save energy and time. The clothes processing machine has a main control system and a detection device, and can determine the operating state of the first clothes processing device/second clothes processing device and the state of the door body during the process of transporting clothes. In addition, all the clothes can be moved by detection, and the clothes processing process can be made smarter.

As shown in FIG. 6, in this embodiment, a clothing storage device is added based on the above embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, the clothes processing machine includes at least two sets of clothes processing devices, a clothes storage device 5, and a conveying device 3. A clothing storage device is used to store clothing. The clothing storage device includes at least one clothing storage chamber.

The transport device not only allows transport between a first garment processing device and a second garment processing device, but also can be used to transport clothing between a garment storage device and a garment processing device. The transport device is capable of transporting clothing in the clothing storage device into the clothing processing device, and transporting clothing in the clothing processing device into the clothing storage device.

As shown in FIG. 6, the first clothing processing device 1 is installed below, and the second clothing processing device 2 is installed above. Further, the clothes storage device 5 is installed on one side of the clothes processing machine. The clothes storage device 5 may be installed on the left side of the clothes processing machine, or may be installed on the right side of the clothes processing machine. In the first embodiment, part of the structure of the conveying device is installed on one side of the clothes processing machine. Therefore, in FIG. 6, the clothing storage device is installed on the side opposite to the conveyance device in order to avoid the structure of this part.

Preferably, the first clothes processing device 1, the second clothes processing device 2, and the clothes storage device 5 have input ports located on the same side. The conveyance device includes a drive mechanism and a clamping mechanism, and the drive mechanism moves the clamping mechanism on the input port side. Here, reference is made to FIG. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the clothing processing machine of FIG. 6. As is clear from the drawings, in this embodiment, the Y-direction drive mechanism has a longer guide rail, since the transport device has to take the clothes in and out of the clothes storage device. This allows the clamping mechanism of the conveyance device to be moved into the clothing storage device.

The first clothes processing device is a washing device for washing clothes, and the second clothes processing device is a clothes drying device for drying clothes. The clothes drying device is located above the washing device. Washing machines are subject to heavy loads because large amounts of water must enter throughout the clothing processing process. Therefore, the washing device is installed below, and the clothes drying device is installed below.

The capacities of washing machines and clothes drying machines are different, and the washing time and drying time are also different. Therefore, when the clothes have been washed and the clothes are to be transported to the clothes drying device, the clothes drying device may be in operation and cannot accept the washed clothes. Moreover, since the clothes cannot be transported to the clothes drying device in the washing machine, the next clothes cannot be washed. Therefore, the clothes storage device can receive washed clothes waiting to be dried. The clothing storage device has a clothing storage chamber. The transport device is capable of transporting clothing into the clothing storage chamber and transporting clothing within the clothing storage chamber into the clothing processing device.

The clothing storage chamber can also be used to store unwashed clothing. A user can directly put clothing that requires washing after wearing into the clothing storage chamber. When a certain amount of clothes waiting to be washed in the clothes storage chamber reaches a certain amount, the transfer device can directly transfer the clothes from the clothes storage chamber to the washing device, and the user manually puts the clothes into the washing device. There's no need.

Since clothes require storage space even after drying is completed, the clothes storage device may be provided with a room into which the clothes are placed after drying. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the clothes storage chamber includes a first chamber 51 into which clothes waiting to be washed are placed, a second chamber 52 into which clothes which have been washed and are waiting to be dried are placed, and a second chamber 52 into which clothes waiting to be dried are placed. A third chamber 53 may be included for loading the finished garment.

The first chamber 51 is used for loading clothes waiting to be washed, and it is necessary to transport the clothes to the washing machine. Therefore, the first chamber may be installed at the bottom. Since the third chamber 53 is used to put the clothes after drying, it may be installed at a height corresponding to the clothes drying device to facilitate transportation. The second chamber 52 can be used as a relay between the washing device and the clothes drying device, so it may be installed between the first chamber and the third chamber. The function of each room corresponds to its location.

A plurality of functional modules may be installed in the clothing storage device to achieve a corresponding purpose when the clothing is loaded. The clothes storage device includes at least one functional module among a storage module, a disinfection module, an ironing module, a deodorization module, and a clothes folding module. The clothing storage chamber is divided into a plurality of sub-chambers. The sub-chamber is installed corresponding to one or more modules. For example, a disinfection lamp used for disinfecting clothing can be installed in the third room. Alternatively, a deodorizing module is installed in the first room, and by removing foreign odors from clothing in advance, it is possible to prevent the effects on each other when a plurality of clothing items are stacked on top of each other.

The clothes processing machine has a main control system. The control method includes, after the first garment processing device/second garment processing device completes processing of the garment, the main control system determining whether the functional module needs to process the garment. Then, if necessary, the main control system controls the transport device to transport the garments to a sub-chamber with the appropriate functional module within the garment storage device.

The clothing storage device includes at least one information module among a weighing module, a counting module, and an identification module. The information module can be used to obtain clothing information about clothing, such as number of clothing, type of clothing, weight of clothing, etc. The main control system can control the clothing transport process by acquiring the clothing information.

In the above-mentioned method of controlling a clothing processing machine, the main control system controls the transporting device to transport the clothing between the clothing processing devices and/or between the clothing storage device and the clothing processing device.

The main control system controls the transport device to transport the garments in the garment storage device into the garment processing device. The main control system obtains the amount of clothing by communicating with a weighing module and/or a counting module and/or an identification module. When the amount of clothing in the clothing storage device reaches a predetermined amount of clothing, the main control system controls the transport device to transport the clothing into the first/second clothing processing device.

The first garment processing device has a maximum capacity M1 and the second garment processing device has a maximum capacity M2. The main control system transports garments not exceeding their respective maximum capacity into the corresponding garment processing equipment. The predetermined amount of clothing may be set based on the user's needs, or may be set based on the maximum capacity of the first clothing processing device and the second clothing processing device. This ensures that once a certain amount of clothing has been reached, it can be disposed of as quickly as possible without excessive accumulation.

A weighing module is installed in each of the first clothing processing device and the second clothing processing device. Moreover, the control method is as follows.

When the main control system controls the conveyance device to convey the clothes between garment processing devices and/or between the garment storage device and the garment processing device, the main control system acquires the weight M0 of the clothes in the starting device, and then In the process, the weight M of the clothing inside the target device is acquired in real time. Then, when the difference between M and M0 falls within a predetermined range, the main control system determines that all the clothes have been transported.

As shown in FIG. 12, the first clothes processing device is a washing device, and the second clothes processing device is a clothes drying device. The main control system determines whether the clothes drying device is in operation after washing the washing device is completed.

When the clothes dryer is not in operation, the master control system controls the transport device to transport the clothes in the washing machine into the clothes dryer.

When the clothes drying device is in operation, it cannot accept the clothes conveyed by the conveyance device. Therefore, the main control system further determines whether the washing machine needs to wash the next garment.

If there are unwashed clothes in the clothes storage device, the main control system controls the transport device to transport the clothes in the laundry device into the clothes storage device. Then, after the operation of the clothes drying device is completed, the main control system controls the conveying device to convey the clothes in the clothes storage device into the clothes drying device. On the other hand, if there are no unwashed clothes in the clothes storage device, the clothes can be temporarily stored in the washing device and there is no need to transport them.

Since washing machines and clothes drying machines may have different capacities, it is also necessary to consider the amount of clothes when transporting them. If the amount of clothes in the washing machine does not exceed M2, the main control system controls the transport device to transport all the clothes in the washing machine into the clothes drying machine. On the other hand, if the amount of clothes in the washing machine exceeds M2, the main control system causes the conveyance device to transport the clothes with an amount of M2 in the washing machine into the clothes drying device, and transfer the remaining clothes to the clothes storage device. control so that it is transported within the

7. The above control method is for a case where the first clothing processing device and the second clothing processing device have different processing functions. Since the clothes need to be dried after washing, the first clothes processing device and the second clothes processing device have a sequential order. However, the two sets of clothing processing devices included in the clothing processing machine of the present invention may have the same processing function. The control method in this case is as follows. The main control system allocates clothes that do not exceed the maximum storage capacity to each of the two sets of clothes processing devices, and then controls the transfer device to transfer the clothes in the clothes storage device based on the allocation result.

As shown in FIG. 13, when the main control system determines whether the garment processing device is in operation, there are the following three types of situations.

(1) When neither the first clothes processing device nor the second clothes processing device is operating, the main control system performs allocation to the two sets of clothes processing devices based on the amount of clothes in the clothes storage device.

If the amount of clothing≦M1, the main control system controls the transport device to transport all the clothing into the first clothing processing device.

If M1<the amount of clothing<(M1+M2), the main control system controls the transport device to transport the clothing with the amount of clothing M1 to the first clothing processing device and the remaining clothing to the second clothing processing device. Alternatively, the clothes are controlled to be transported into two sets of clothes processing devices based on the ratio of maximum capacity.

When the amount of clothing≧(M1+M2), the main control system controls the transport device to transport the clothing with the amount of clothing M1 to the first clothing processing device and the amount of clothing M2 to the second clothing processing device. do.

(2) When the first clothing processing device is not operating but the second clothing processing device is operating, the main control system transports the clothes having an amount of M1 or less into the first clothing processing device using the transport device. control so that

(3) When the first clothes processing device is in operation but the second clothes processing device is not in operation, the main control system transfers the clothes with an amount of M2 or less into the second clothes processing device using the transport device. Control to transport.

If the clothes processing machine has two sets of clothes processing devices with the same functionality, the main control system can perform a rational allocation based on operating conditions and clothing quantities. This makes it possible to save time and to utilize each device rationally.

As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, the clothing storage device is installed between the first clothing processing device and the second clothing processing device. The second embodiment and the third embodiment may be installed according to the space in which the clothes processing machine is installed in the home. Alternatively, it may be installed above the second clothing processing device so as to move the center of gravity of the entire device downward and make it more stable.

The clothes processing machine of the present invention has a transport device and a clothes storage device, and can automatically transport clothes from one clothes processing device to another. Moreover, it is also possible to transport between a clothing storage device and a clothing processing device. This eliminates the need for user intervention and realizes automation of the garment processing process, thus saving the user's time and energy. The garment storage device includes sub-chambers for accommodating garments at different stages, and may further include sub-chambers having functional modules to perform different processes on the garments. The clothes storage device can supplement functions that do not exist in the clothes processing device, and can also serve as a relay for transporting clothes. Additionally, if an information module is installed together, it will make the clothing processing process smarter. The functions of the first clothing processing device and the second clothing processing device may be the same or different. The main control system can allocate clothes based on parameters such as operating status of the device and maximum capacity, thus achieving the objective of saving waiting time and rationally utilizing idle devices. The clothes processing device, the conveying device and the clothes storage device are arranged rationally. In addition, since the transport device is provided with decorative materials on the outside, it has a beautiful appearance and is suitable for use at home.

The above are only preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above in terms of preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention, slight modifications or supplements that can be implemented by a person skilled in the art using the technical contents presented above are considered equivalent embodiments that are equally modified, and any such modifications or supplements are considered to be equivalent embodiments of the present invention. This does not deviate from the content of the technical plan. In addition, any simple modifications, equivalent variations, and supplements to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention all fall within the scope of the present invention.

1 First clothing processing device 11 First door 111 First clamping section 2 Second clothing processing device 21 Second door 211 Second clamping section 3 Conveyance device 31 X-direction drive mechanism 311 First motor 312 First belt 313 1 moving part 314 1st guide rail 32 Y-direction drive mechanism 321 2nd motor 322 2nd belt 323 2nd moving part 324 2nd guide rail 331 3rd motor 332 Telescoping rod 34 Holding mechanism 341 4th motor 342 1st holding arm 343 Second holding arm 344 Fixed frame 345 Transmission gear 346 First transmission arm 347 Second transmission arm 348 First support arm 349 Second support arm 4 AI camera 5 Clothing storage device 51 First chamber 52 Second chamber 53 Third chamber

Claims (7)

A first clothing processing device and a second clothing processing device;
A clothing storage device having a clothing storage chamber for storing clothing;
a transport device used for transporting clothing between the clothing processing devices and/or between the clothing storage device and the clothing processing device ;
a main control system for controlling the transport device to transport the garments in the garment storage device into the first garment processing device or into the second garment processing device;
When the first garment processing device or the second garment processing device performs the same process, the main control system determines whether or not the first garment processing device and the second garment processing device are in operation. judge,
When the first clothing processing device is not operating but the second clothing processing device is operating, the main control system causes the transport device to transfer the amount of clothing M1 or less into the first clothing processing device. control to transport,
When the first clothing processing device is in operation but the second clothing processing device is not operating, the main control system causes the transport device to transport the clothes having an amount of M2 or less into the second clothing processing device. control to
When both the first clothes processing device and the second clothes processing device are not operating, the main control system operates the first clothes processing device and the second clothes processing device based on the amount of clothes in the clothes storage device. make an assignment to
A method for controlling a clothes processing machine, characterized in that M1 is a maximum load of the first clothes processing apparatus, and M2 is a maximum load of the second clothes processing apparatus. If the amount of clothing≦M1, the main control system controls the transport device to transport all the clothing into the first clothing processing device;
If M1<the amount of clothing<(M1+M2), the main control system controls the transport device to transport the clothing with the amount of clothing M1 to the first clothing processing device and the remaining clothing to the second clothing processing device. or controlling the garments to be conveyed into two sets of garment processing devices based on the ratio of maximum capacity;
When the amount of clothing≧(M1+M2), the main control system controls the transport device to transport the clothing with the amount of clothing M1 to the first clothing processing device and the amount of clothing M2 to the second clothing processing device. The method of controlling a clothes processing machine according to claim 1 , characterized in that: A first clothing processing device and a second clothing processing device;
A clothing storage device having a clothing storage chamber for storing clothing;
a transport device used for transporting clothing between the clothing processing devices and/or between the clothing storage device and the clothing processing device;
a main control system for controlling the transport device to transport the garments in the garment storage device into the first garment processing device or into the second garment processing device;
When the first clothes processing device is a washing device and the second clothes processing device is a clothes drying device, the main control system controls whether the clothes drying device is in operation after washing the washing device is completed. Decide whether or not
When not in operation, the main control system controls the transport device to transport the clothes in the washing machine into the clothes drying machine;
If in operation, the main control system further determines whether the washing device needs to wash the next garment;
In the case of washing , the main control system controls the conveying device to convey the clothes in the washing device into the clothes storage device after the operation of the clothes drying device is completed , and the conveyance device transfers the clothes in the clothes storage device. 1. A method of controlling a clothes processing machine, the method comprising controlling the clothes processing machine so that the clothes therein are transported into a clothes drying apparatus. If the amount of clothes in the washing device does not exceed M2, the main control system controls the conveying device to transfer all the clothes in the washing device into the clothes drying device;
When the amount of clothes in the washing machine exceeds M2, the main control system causes the conveyance device to transport the clothes in the washing machine with an amount of M2 into the clothes drying device, and transfer the remaining clothes to the clothes storage device. 3. The method of controlling a clothes processing machine according to claim 2 , further comprising controlling the clothes processing machine so that the clothes are transported inside the machine. The main control system determines whether or not the functional module needs to process the clothing after the first clothing processing device/second clothing processing device completes the processing of the clothing, and if necessary, the main control system: 5. The method of controlling a clothes processing machine according to claim 1, further comprising controlling the transfer device to transfer the clothes to a sub-chamber having an appropriate functional module in the clothes storage device. A first clothing processing device and a second clothing processing device;
A clothing storage device having a clothing storage chamber for storing clothing;
a transport device used for transporting clothing between the clothing processing devices and/or between the clothing storage device and the clothing processing device;
A method for controlling a clothes processing machine, the method comprising: a main control system for controlling a transport device to transport clothing in a clothing storage device into a first clothing processing device or into a second clothing processing device, the method comprising:
The main control system determines whether or not the functional module needs to process the clothing after the first clothing processing device/second clothing processing device completes the processing of the clothing, and if necessary, the main control system . A method of controlling a clothes processing machine, comprising: controlling a transfer device to transfer clothes to a sub-chamber having an appropriate functional module in a clothes storage device. The clothes storage device includes at least one functional module of a storage module, a disinfection module, an ironing module, a deodorization module, a clothes folding module, and/or the clothes storage device includes a weighing module, a counting module, an identification module. A clothes processing machine according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that it comprises at least one information module of: