Cleaning reminder method for household appliance and household appliance

Abstract

The application discloses a cleaning reminding method for a household appliance and the household appliance. The household appliance has an air outlet. The cleaning reminding method comprises the following steps: collecting air flow information of the air outlet, which is recorded as original air flow information; and sending cleaning reminding information according to the original air flow information. The application can remind the user to clean the household appliance when the dirt level of the household appliance reaches a proper level, prolong the service life of the household appliance and optimize the user experience by reasonably selecting the reminding time.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Embodiments of the present application relate to the technical field of household appliances, in particular to a cleaning reminding method for a household appliance and the household appliance. BACKGROUND

[0002] Household appliances such as range hoods and washing machines will accumulate dirt during daily use, and if not cleaned in time, it will seriously affect the service life of the household appliances.

[0003] However, the existing household appliances generally do not configure a cleaning reminding function, and the user needs to determine the cleaning time by himself. Even if the cleaning reminding function is configured, the existing household appliances use unreasonable processing logic to determine when to send a cleaning reminder, which may result in that the household appliance is not seriously dirty when the cleaning reminder is sent, or the cleaning reminder is not sent when the household appliance is already very dirty. Unreasonable cleaning reminders will affect the service life of the household appliance and the user experience.

[0004] Therefore, the processing logic of the existing household appliances for cleaning reminders needs to be improved. SUMMARY

[0005] An object of embodiments of the present application is to provide an improved household appliance and a cleaning reminding method for a household appliance.

[0006] Therefore, embodiments of the present application provide a cleaning reminding method for a household appliance, the household appliance having an air outlet, the cleaning reminding method comprising: collecting air flow information of the air outlet, denoted as original air flow information; and sending cleaning reminding information according to the original air flow information.

[0007] By using the embodiment, the cleaning reminder can be sent when the dirt level of the household appliance reaches a more appropriate level, thereby prolonging the service life of the household appliance and optimizing the user experience by rationalizing the timing of sending the cleaning reminder. Specifically, the air flow information of the air outlet can directly reflect the dirt level of the household appliance, so that it is possible to more accurately remind the user to clean the household appliance by measuring the air flow information of the air outlet to determine the timing of sending the cleaning reminder. Thus, it is possible to effectively avoid the user's distress caused by reminding the user to clean the household appliance too early or too late. It is also possible to effectively avoid improper cleaning of the household appliance due to unreasonable timing of the reminder, and thus shorten the service life of the household appliance.

[0008] Optionally, the gas flow information comprises air volume and / or air speed of the gas flowing out of the air outlet, and the sending of the cleaning reminding information according to the original gas flow information comprises: judging whether the air volume and / or the air speed is lower than a corresponding preset threshold; and sending the cleaning reminding information when the judging result indicates that the air volume and / or the air speed is lower than the corresponding preset threshold. Since the air volume and / or the air speed of the gas flowing out of the air outlet is approximately in direct proportion to the clogging degree of the air outlet, the clogging degree of the air outlet can be determined intuitively according to the measured air volume and / or air speed, so that the cleaning reminding information can be sent in time when the clogging of the air outlet accumulates to a degree requiring cleaning.

[0009] Optionally, the preset threshold is determined according to the gas flow information collected at the air outlet after the last cleaning of the household appliance. Thus, the preset threshold is dynamically adjusted, for example, the preset threshold is adjusted according to the natural wear of the household appliance in the daily use process, so that the timing of the cleaning reminding is more in line with the actual situation of the household appliance. Specifically, the components of the household appliance inevitably have natural aging and other problems in the daily use process, which may cause the gas flow information of the air outlet after cleaning to be lower than that of the air outlet at the factory or after the last cleaning. At this time, if a constant preset threshold is used, the cleaning reminding may be sent too frequently. Therefore, the embodiment adjusts the preset threshold according to the current gas flow information of the air outlet after each cleaning, so that the timing of the cleaning reminding is more reasonable.

[0010] Optionally, the cleaning reminding method further comprises: receiving a user confirmation instruction; starting timing from receiving the user confirmation instruction, and collecting the gas flow information of the air outlet again when the timing duration exceeds a preset reminding duration, as updated gas flow information; comparing the updated gas flow information and the original gas flow information; and determining whether to send the cleaning reminding information again according to the comparison result. The user confirmation instruction can be used to indicate that the cleaning reminding information has been received this time, and the household appliance can wait for a suitable duration to give the user enough time to clean the household appliance. After the preset reminding duration is exceeded, the updated gas flow information collected again is compared with the original gas flow information collected before the reminding to determine whether the user has completed the cleaning operation.

[0011] Optionally, the determining whether to send the cleaning prompt information again according to the comparison result comprises: when the comparison result indicates that the change amount of the updated gas flow information compared with the original gas flow information is less than a preset standard amount, the cleaning prompt information is sent again. The change amount less than the preset standard amount indicates that the air volume and / or air speed of the air outlet has not been obviously improved, which means that the user is most likely to not clean the household appliance during the two times of collecting the gas flow information. Therefore, the embodiment sends the cleaning prompt information again to remind the user to clean the household appliance in time when the change amount is less than the preset standard amount.

[0012] Optionally, the cleaning prompt method further comprises: receiving a user reset instruction; and in response to receiving the user reset instruction, collecting gas flow information of the air outlet, which is recorded as standard gas flow information; and updating a preset threshold according to the standard gas flow information, wherein the preset threshold is used to determine whether the gas flow information of the air outlet collected next time triggers the cleaning prompt operation. The user reset instruction can be used to indicate that the cleaning operation has been completed, and then the preset threshold can be updated based on the standard gas flow information collected at present. In theory, the gas flow information of the air outlet at this time represents the lowest dirt level of the household appliance, and therefore, the preset threshold determined according to the standard gas flow information can more reasonably reflect the dirt level of the household appliance when it needs to be cleaned next time, so that the timing of the next cleaning prompt is more reasonable.

[0013] Optionally, the gas flow information is collected based on a sensor, and the sensor is arranged near the air outlet to accurately collect the gas flow information of the air outlet and timely perceive the change of the gas flow of the air outlet.

[0014] Optionally, the sensor at least comprises: a hot-film air flow sensor; and a Hall sensor.

[0015] The embodiment of the application further provides a household appliance, comprising: a body having an air outlet; a sensor arranged at the air outlet and used to collect gas flow information of the air outlet; and a control module coupled with the sensor and used to execute the cleaning prompt method.

[0016] By using the embodiment, the sensor arranged at the air outlet accurately collects the gas flow information of the air outlet, and the dirt level of the household appliance is directly reflected based on the gas flow information, so that the control module can send the cleaning prompt when the dirt level of the household appliance reaches a more appropriate level. Therefore, the service life of the household appliance can be effectively prolonged, and the user experience is also improved. The user's distress caused by the early or late cleaning prompt is avoided, and the improper cleaning of the household appliance caused by the unreasonable timing of the prompt and the shortened service life of the household appliance caused thereby are also avoided.

[0017] Optionally, the household appliance further comprises an interaction module coupled with the control module, configured to display the cleaning reminder information and receive instructions input by the user. Thus, the user can receive the cleaning reminder information in time through interaction with the user. Further, the feedback of the user can also be received in time through the interaction module, so as to determine the corresponding subsequent processing logic according to the feedback.

[0018] Optionally, the household appliance is a washer-dryer, and the washer-dryer comprises an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air duct communicating the air inlet and the air outlet, and the sensor is arranged in the air duct. Thus, the air volume and / or air speed in the air duct can be accurately detected, and when the gas flow condition in the air duct becomes poor, the control module can learn about the situation in time and issue the cleaning reminder information.

[0019] Optionally, the washer-dryer comprises a fan and a filtering device, the fan and the filtering device are arranged in the air duct, the fan is configured to drive the gas to flow in the air duct, and the sensor is arranged behind the fan, and the filtering device is arranged in front of the fan. Thus, the filtering device is arranged in the air duct to clean the lint at the source and avoid the lint repeatedly entering the inner drum of the washer-dryer. Further, the filtering device is arranged in front of the fan, which is beneficial to avoid the fan being blocked by the lint. Further, when the filtering device accumulates a large amount of lint, the air speed and / or air volume of the gas in the air duct decrease correspondingly, and the sensor arranged behind the fan can accurately learn about the change of the gas flow condition and intuitively reflect the blocking degree of the filtering device, so that the control module can issue the cleaning reminder information in time when the blocking condition is serious. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a cleaning reminder method for a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 2 is a flow chart of another cleaning reminder method for a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 3 is a flow chart of still another cleaning reminder method for a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another household appliance according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 6 is Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] In the drawings:

[0027] 1 - household appliance; 10 - body; 11 - air outlet; 12 - sensor; 13 - control module; 14 - interaction module; 2 - range hood; 3 - washer-dryer; 31 - air inlet; 32 - air duct; 33 - fan; 34 - drum; 35 - filtering device; 36 - air outlet; 37 - heating pipe; 38 - condenser; 39 - water inlet valve; 40 - drain pipe; 41 - drain pump. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] As mentioned in the background, existing household appliances generally do not configure cleaning reminder function, or even if the cleaning reminder function is configured, the processing logic is unreasonable, which affects the service life of the household appliance and the user experience.

[0029] The present inventors have found that one of the main reasons for the unreasonable existing cleaning reminder function is that the prior art cannot measure the actual dirt level of the household appliance, resulting in that the existing household appliance can only remind the user to clean the household appliance according to the use frequency of the household appliance.

[0030] Taking the range hood as an example, the processing logic of the existing range hood with cleaning reminder function is generally that the computer board of the range hood records the use frequency of the range hood, and if the use frequency reaches a pre-set threshold, the range hood reminds the user to clean the range hood in some way. However, in actual application, different users' different eating habits will cause different oil smoke conditions, resulting in differences in the dirt level of the range hood under the same use frequency.

[0031] For example, when using the range hood daily, if the amount of oil smoke is relatively large, it is very likely that the range hood needs to be cleaned in advance before the use frequency reaches the pre-set threshold. However, based on the prior art, since the use frequency has not reached the pre-set threshold, the range hood will not remind the user, resulting in the problem of not cleaning in time. Over time, the oil smoke extraction function of the range hood will be seriously affected, the service life of the range hood will be damaged, and the user experience will also be greatly discounted.

[0032] For another example, when using the range hood daily, if the amount of oil smoke is relatively small, it is very likely that the dirt condition of the range hood is still acceptable when the use frequency reaches the pre-set threshold, and it has not reached the cleaning degree. However, based on the prior art, since the pre-set threshold has been reached, the range hood will remind the user, resulting in the problem of reminding the user to clean when the range hood does not need to be cleaned, which causes the user's inconvenience and seriously affects the user's use experience.

[0033] For example, if the clothes washed are prone to lint, the user needs to clean the washer dryer in a short time. However, based on the prior art, the washer dryer will not remind the user because the number of uses may not have reached the pre-set threshold, resulting in the problem of untimely cleaning. Over time, the accumulated lint will clog the washer dryer, reducing the service life of the washer dryer and the user experience.

[0034] For example, if the clothes washed are prone to lint, the user needs to clean the washer dryer in a short time. However, based on the prior art, the washer dryer will not remind the user because the number of uses may not have reached the pre-set threshold, resulting in the problem of untimely cleaning. Over time, the accumulated lint will clog the washer dryer, reducing the service life of the washer dryer and the user experience.

[0035] For example, if the clothes washed are prone to lint, the user needs to clean the washer dryer in a short time. However, based on the prior art, the washer dryer will not remind the user because the number of uses may not have reached the pre-set threshold, resulting in the problem of untimely cleaning. Over time, the accumulated lint will clog the washer dryer, reducing the service life of the washer dryer and the user experience.

[0036] To solve the above technical problems, the embodiment of the present application provides a cleaning reminder method for a household appliance, the household appliance having an air outlet, the cleaning reminder method comprising: collecting air flow information of the air outlet, denoted as original air flow information; and sending cleaning reminder information according to the original air flow information.

[0037] By adopting the embodiment, the cleaning reminder can be sent when the dirt level of the household appliance reaches a suitable level, thereby prolonging the service life of the household appliance and optimizing the user experience by rationalizing the timing of sending the cleaning reminder. Specifically, the air flow information of the air outlet can directly reflect the dirt level of the household appliance, so that the timing of sending the cleaning reminder can be determined by measuring the air flow information of the air outlet, making it possible to more accurately remind the user to clean the household appliance. Thus, the user's inconvenience caused by reminding the user to clean the household appliance too early or too late can be effectively avoided. In addition, improper cleaning of the household appliance caused by an unreasonable timing of the reminder and the shortened service life of the household appliance caused thereby can also be effectively avoided.

[0038] To make the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] To make the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of the present application more obvious and easy to understand, the specific embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.Figure 1 is a flow chart of a cleaning reminding method for a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0040] Specifically, the present embodiment can be applied to household appliances that accumulate dirt with the increase of use time, such as range hood, washer dryer, washing machine, etc. The dirt can include oil stains, lint, fluff, etc.

[0041] The household appliance can include an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air duct connecting the air inlet and the air outlet. A fan can be arranged in the air duct, and the fan is configured to drive the gas to flow in the air duct. The flowing gas flows into the air duct from the air inlet and flows out of the air duct from the air outlet. With the flowing of the gas in the air duct, the dirt can accumulate at any position in the air duct, such as the air outlet.

[0042] More specifically, referring to Figure 1 The cleaning reminding method according to the present embodiment can include the following steps:

[0043] In step S101, the gas flow information of the air outlet is collected, denoted as original gas flow information.

[0044] In step S102, the cleaning reminding information is sent according to the original gas flow information.

[0045] In one embodiment, the gas flow information can be collected based on a sensor. The sensor can be arranged near the air outlet to accurately collect the gas flow information of the air outlet and timely perceive the change of the gas flow of the air outlet.

[0046] In one embodiment, the step S101 can be executed in real time to timely send the cleaning reminding information.

[0047] For example, the gas flow information of the air outlet is collected in real time when the gas flows in the air duct.

[0048] In one embodiment, the step S101 can be executed periodically to balance the timely sending of the cleaning reminding information and the low power consumption.

[0049] In one embodiment, the step S101 can also be executed each time the household appliance is powered on and / or powered off.

[0050] In one embodiment, the gas flow information can include the air volume of the gas flowing out of the air outlet. Specifically, the air volume can directly reflect the actual dirt degree of the household appliance. The higher the dirt degree in the air outlet or the air duct connected thereto, the more the air outlet is blocked, and the air volume of the gas flowing out of the air outlet decreases.

[0051] For example, the sensor can include a hot-film air flow sensor. Specifically, the hot-film air flow sensor includes a thin-plate heating element, the temperature of which is maintained constant, and if the temperature rises, the heating current is reduced to bring the temperature back, and if the temperature falls, the heating current is increased to bring the temperature back. The gas flowing out of the air outlet carries away heat when passing through the hot film (i.e. the thin-plate heating element), and the amount of heat carried away is related to the gas flow.

[0052] Further, the hot-film air flow sensor can be arranged at the air outlet, and by detecting the air volume at the air outlet, the degree of dirt of the household appliance can be inferred.

[0053] In the step S102, it can be judged whether the air volume is lower than a preset threshold value; when the judgment result shows that the air volume is lower than the preset threshold value, the cleaning reminder information is sent. The preset threshold value can be a critical value set in advance, which is used to measure whether the degree of dirt of the household appliance reaches the degree requiring cleaning. In this embodiment, the degree of dirt is represented based on the air volume, and therefore, the preset threshold value is the minimum air volume of the gas flowing out of the air outlet when requiring cleaning, and if the currently collected air volume is lower than this value, the cleaning reminder information is sent.

[0054] In a specific implementation, the gas flow information can include the air speed of the gas flowing out of the air outlet. Specifically, the size of the air speed can directly reflect the actual degree of dirt of the household appliance. For example, the higher the degree of dirt in the air outlet or the air duct connected thereto, the more the air flow is blocked, and the air speed of the gas flowing out of the air outlet is reduced.

[0055] For example, the sensor at least includes a Hall sensor. Further, a impeller can be arranged near the air outlet, and the gas flowing out of the air outlet can push the impeller to rotate. The Hall sensor collects the air speed of the gas flowing out of the air outlet by detecting the rotating speed of the impeller, and further infers the degree of dirt of the household appliance.

[0056] Further, the air volume can be calculated based on the air speed, and further, the cleaning reminder information is sent according to the air volume.

[0057] In the step S102, it can be judged whether the air speed is lower than a preset threshold value; when the judgment result shows that the air speed is lower than the preset threshold value, the cleaning reminder information is sent. The preset threshold value can be a critical value set in advance, which is used to measure whether the degree of dirt of the household appliance reaches the degree requiring cleaning. In this embodiment, the degree of dirt is represented based on the air speed, and therefore, the preset threshold value is the minimum air speed of the gas flowing out of the air outlet when requiring cleaning, and if the currently collected air speed is lower than this value, the cleaning reminder information is sent.

[0058] In one embodiment, the air flow information can include the air speed and the air volume of the air flowing out of the air outlet.

[0059] For example, a hot-film air flow sensor and a Hall sensor can be respectively arranged near the air outlet, and a vane wheel can also be arranged.

[0060] In the step S102, it can be determined whether the air speed is lower than a corresponding preset threshold value and whether the air volume is lower than a corresponding preset threshold value; when the determination result indicates that the air speed is lower than the corresponding preset threshold value and the air volume is also lower than the corresponding preset threshold value, the cleaning reminder information is sent. In this way, the air speed and the air volume of the air flowing out of the air outlet can be simultaneously acquired. Further, more parameters are comprehensively determined to determine whether to send the cleaning reminder information.

[0061] Further, the preset threshold value corresponding to the air speed and the preset threshold value corresponding to the air volume can be the same or different.

[0062] Since the air volume and / or the air speed of the air flowing out of the air outlet are approximately proportional to the degree of blockage of the air outlet, the degree of dirt accumulation of the air outlet can be intuitively determined according to the measured air volume and / or air speed, so that the cleaning reminder information is sent in time when the degree of dirt accumulation of the air outlet reaches a degree that needs to be cleaned.

[0063] Of course, the preset threshold value can also be slightly higher than the critical value to give the user sufficient time to clean.

[0064] In one embodiment, the preset threshold value can be determined according to the air flow information of the air flowing out of the air outlet acquired after the last cleaning of the household appliance. For example, sixty percent of the air speed and / or air volume of the air flowing out of the air outlet acquired after the last cleaning of the household appliance is determined as the preset threshold value. In actual application, the specific proportion can be adjusted as needed.

[0065] In this way, the preset threshold value is dynamically adjusted, for example, the preset threshold value is adjusted according to the natural wear and tear of the household appliance in the daily use process, so that the timing of the cleaning reminder is more in line with the actual situation of the household appliance.

[0066] Specifically, the components of the household appliance inevitably have natural aging and other problems in the daily use process, which can cause the air flow information of the air outlet after cleaning to be lower than the air flow information of the air outlet at the time of factory shipment or after the previous cleaning. At this time, if a constant preset threshold value is used, the cleaning reminder can be sent too frequently. Therefore, the embodiment adjusts the preset threshold value according to the current air flow information of the air outlet after each cleaning, so that the timing of the cleaning reminder is more reasonable.

[0067] Therefore, by adopting the embodiment, the cleaning reminder can be sent when the dirt level of the household appliance reaches a proper level, thereby prolonging the service life of the household appliance and optimizing the user experience by optimizing the timing of sending the cleaning reminder.

[0068] Specifically, the gas flow information of the air outlet can directly reflect the dirt level of the household appliance, and therefore, the timing of sending the cleaning reminder can be determined by measuring the gas flow information of the air outlet, so that the user can be reminded to clean the household appliance more accurately.

[0069] Therefore, the user can be effectively prevented from being disturbed by being reminded to clean the household appliance too early or too late. In addition, the household appliance can be effectively prevented from being improperly cleaned due to improper timing of the reminder, and the service life of the household appliance can be effectively prolonged.

[0070] Figure 2 is a flowchart of another cleaning reminder method for a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0071] Specifically, with reference to Figure 2 the cleaning reminder method according to the embodiment can further include the following steps:

[0072] Step S201, receiving a user confirmation instruction;

[0073] Step S202, starting timing from receiving the user confirmation instruction, and collecting the gas flow information of the air outlet again when the timing duration exceeds a preset reminder duration, which is recorded as updated gas flow information;

[0074] Step S203, comparing the updated gas flow information and the original gas flow information;

[0075] Step S204, determining whether to send the cleaning reminder information again according to the comparison result.

[0076] Further, the step S201 can be performed after the step S102 shown in the above Figure 1 For example, after sending the cleaning reminder information, the user feedback is waited for, and the steps according to the embodiment are performed after receiving the user confirmation instruction.

[0077] In a specific implementation, the user confirmation instruction can be used to indicate that the cleaning reminder information has been received this time, and then the household appliance can wait for a proper duration to give the user enough time to clean the household appliance.

[0078] In a specific implementation, the preset reminder duration can be three days. In actual application, the value can be adjusted as needed.

[0079] In the embodiment, after the preset reminding duration is exceeded, the updated gas flow information re-acquired and the original gas flow information acquired before the reminding are compared to determine whether the user has completed the cleaning operation.

[0080] For details of the step S202 of re-acquiring the gas flow information of the air outlet, refer to the above description of the step S102. Figure 1 For details of the step S202 of re-acquiring the gas flow information of the air outlet, refer to the above description of the step S102.

[0081] In the step S202, the re-acquiring can be performed when the household appliance is powered on (also referred to as powered up) after the timing duration exceeds the preset reminding duration.

[0082] Alternatively, the re-acquiring can be performed immediately after the timing duration exceeds the preset reminding duration. If the household appliance is in a sleep or powered-off state at this time, the household appliance can be controlled to be actively started to acquire the updated gas flow information.

[0083] In one specific implementation, the step S204 can include a step of: when the comparison result indicates that the change amount of the updated gas flow information relative to the original gas flow information is less than a preset standard amount, the cleaning reminding information is re-sent.

[0084] Specifically, the change amount less than the preset standard amount indicates that the air volume and / or air speed of the air outlet has not been significantly improved, meaning that the user is highly likely to have not cleaned the household appliance during the two times of acquiring the gas flow information. Therefore, the embodiment scheme re-sends the cleaning reminding information when the change amount is determined to be less than the preset standard amount, to remind the user to clean the household appliance in a timely manner.

[0085] For example, the preset standard amount can be zero, i.e., if the updated gas flow information has no change relative to the original gas flow information, the cleaning reminding information is re-sent.

[0086] For another example, the preset standard amount can not be zero. At this time, there can be two situations: situation one, the user has performed cleaning but the cleaning is not thorough, resulting in that the dirt condition of the household appliance is still serious and needs to be cleaned again; situation two, the user has not cleaned, and the air speed and / or air volume in the updated gas flow information is less than that in the original gas flow information. When the two situations occur, the cleaning reminding information is re-sent.

[0087] In one specific implementation, when the comparison result indicates that the change amount of the updated gas flow information relative to the original gas flow information is greater than the preset standard amount, it can be determined that the household appliance has been cleaned, and the user is cancelled from being reminded.

[0088] In one specific implementation, when the comparison result shows that the change in the updated gas flow information compared to the original gas flow information is greater than a preset standard amount, it can be further determined whether the wind speed and / or air volume in the updated gas flow information is less than the wind speed and / or air volume in the original gas flow information. If it is determined that the wind speed and / or air volume in the updated gas flow information is less than the wind speed and / or air volume in the original gas flow information, it indicates that the household appliances are still not cleaned and are very dirty, so a cleaning reminder message is sent again.

[0089] If the updated gas flow information shows that the wind speed and / or air volume are below the limit, the household appliances will stop operating. For example, they will not respond to any operating commands issued by the user.

[0090] In one variation, for parts that can be removed (such as...) Figure 6 For household appliances that are cleaned by the filter device 35 shown, steps S201 and S202 can be replaced by: starting the timer immediately after performing step S102 and sending a cleaning reminder message; if the timer exceeds the preset reminder time and the part that needs to be cleaned has not been removed, then sending a cleaning reminder message again.

[0091] Furthermore, after performing step S102 and sending the cleaning reminder message, the cleaning reminder message can be continuously sent until the part that needs cleaning is removed. Furthermore, during this period, the household appliance cannot operate.

[0092] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of another cleaning reminder method for household appliances according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Specifically, refer to Figure 3 The cleaning reminder method described in this embodiment may further include the following steps:

[0094] Step S301: Receive user reset command;

[0095] Step S302: In response to receiving the user reset command, collect the gas flow information of the exhaust vent and record it as standard gas flow information;

[0096] Step S303: Update the preset threshold according to the standard gas flow information, wherein the preset threshold is used to determine whether the gas flow information of the exhaust vent collected in the next step will trigger a cleaning reminder operation.

[0097] Furthermore, step S301 can be performed as described above. Figure 1 This step can be performed after step S102 shown, or it can be performed after the above. Figure 2The step is performed after any of the steps shown. For example, after sending the cleaning reminder information, the user feedback is waited for, and after receiving the user reset instruction, the step described in this embodiment is performed.

[0098] In one specific implementation, the user reset instruction can be used to indicate that the cleaning operation has been completed.

[0099] In this embodiment, in response to receiving the user reset instruction, the preset threshold value can be updated based on the standard gas flow information currently collected. In theory, at this time, the gas flow information of the exhaust port represents the lowest degree of dirtiness of the household appliance, and therefore, the preset threshold value determined according to the standard gas flow information can more reasonably reflect the degree of dirtiness when the household appliance needs to be cleaned next time, so that the timing of the next cleaning reminder is more reasonable.

[0100] For specific contents of collecting the gas flow information of the exhaust port in the step S302, reference can be made to the above Figure 1 The related description about collecting gas flow information in the embodiments shown will not be repeated here.

[0101] In the step S302, the collection action can be performed when the household appliance is powered on again (also referred to as power-on) after receiving the user reset instruction.

[0102] Alternatively, the collection action can be performed immediately after receiving the user reset instruction. If the household appliance is in a hibernation or shutdown state at this time, the household appliance can be controlled to actively start to obtain the standard gas flow information.

[0103] In one specific implementation, a value that is lower than the wind speed and / or the air volume in the standard gas flow information by a specific percentage can be determined as the preset threshold value. For example, the specific percentage can be 60% to 80%.

[0104] In one variant, for a household appliance that can take out part of the components (such as Figure 6 The filter device 35 shown) for cleaning, the user reset instruction can be automatically triggered when the removed components are reinstalled back to the household appliance. In response to detecting that the removed components are installed back to the original positions, the cleaning reminder can be canceled.

[0105] Further, when the household appliance 1 works again, the gas flow information of the exhaust port can be collected first, and if the gas flow information collected this time indicates that the dirtiness has not changed, the cleaning reminder information is sent again.

[0106] Further, if the wind speed and / or the air volume of the gas flow information collected this time is lower than the preset minimum value, the household appliance cannot work.

[0107] If the wind speed and / or the wind volume of the collected gas flow information is higher than the preset threshold value, the household appliance can work normally.

[0108] In the above Figures 1 to 3 In one common variation of the embodiment shown, when the wind speed and / or the wind volume of the collected gas flow information is lower than the preset minimum value, the household appliance can stop using. For example, it does not respond to any operation instruction issued by the user. The preset minimum value refers to the most serious degree of dirt that the household appliance can tolerate, and if the degree of dirt is further intensified, it will cause damage to the household appliance.

[0109] Until a user reset instruction or a user confirmation instruction is received, and the wind speed and / or the wind volume of the collected gas flow information reaches the preset start value. The start value is at least greater than the minimum value. Alternatively, the start value is greater than the preset threshold value.

[0110] For example, if a user confirmation instruction is received, and the wind speed and / or the wind volume of the collected gas flow information exceeds the minimum value, the user is allowed to use the household appliance, and the embodiment shown in Figure 2 is continued to be executed.

[0111] For another example, if a user reset instruction is received, and the wind speed and / or the wind volume of the collected gas flow information exceeds the preset threshold value, the user is allowed to use the household appliance, and the embodiment shown in Figure 3 is continued to be executed.

[0112] In the above Figures 1 to 3 In one common variation of the embodiment shown, after the gas flow information of the exhaust port is collected, the self-detection program can be executed before determining whether to send (or resend) the cleaning reminder information. If the self-detection finds that the wind speed and / or the wind volume of the gas is reduced due to other modules or components of the household appliance, the cleaning reminder information is not sent.

[0113] Further, the self-detection program can be executed every time the household appliance is powered on to reduce the probability of false sending of the cleaning reminder.

[0114] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another household appliance according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present application. In the above Figure 4 is an example of an oil smoke exhaust hood, Figure 5 and Figure 6 is an example of a washer-dryer.

[0115] Specifically, in the embodiment, the household appliance 1 can comprise a body 10, which can have an air outlet 11.

[0116] For example, referring to Figure 4 , the range hood 2 can have the air outlet 11, an air inlet (not shown in the figure), and an air duct (not shown in the figure) connecting the air inlet and the air outlet 11, and a fan (not shown in the figure) arranged in the air duct. The fan is adapted to draw gas from the air inlet into the air duct, and make the gas flow through the air duct and then be discharged from the air outlet. The fan can be a fan.

[0117] For example, referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the washer-dryer 3 can comprise an air inlet 31, an air outlet 36, and an air duct 32 connecting the air inlet 31 and the air outlet 36, and a fan 33 arranged in the air duct 32. The air inlet 31 and the air outlet 36 are connected to a drum 34 of the washer-dryer 3, respectively. Under the driving of the fan 33, the gas cooled by a condenser 38 enters the air duct 32 from the air inlet 31, enters the drum 34 along the air duct 32, and then returns to the condenser 38 from the air outlet 36 to circulate in the body 10 of the washer-dryer 3. The fan 33 can be a fan.

[0118] Further, the washer-dryer 3 can further comprise a water inlet valve 39 for delivering water to the condenser 38.

[0119] Further, a heating pipe 37 can be arranged on the path from the air duct 32 to the drum 34 to heat the gas flowing in the air duct 32 before being delivered into the drum 34.

[0120] The washer-dryer 3 can further comprise a filtering device 35 arranged in the air duct 32. Specifically, the filtering device 35 comprises a filter screen structure, which can filter fluff, making the cleaning of fluff more convenient and effective.

[0121] Further, the filtering device 35 can be arranged in front of the fan 33 along the direction of gas flow.

[0122] For example, the filtering device 35 can be arranged at the air inlet of the fan 33 to avoid the fan 33 being blocked by fluff and clean the fluff from the source to avoid the fluff repeatedly entering the inner drum (i.e., the drum 34) of the washer-dryer 3.

[0123] Further, the filtering device 35 can have a handle portion for a user to pull out to clean the filter screen.

[0124] In one specific implementation, the household appliance 1 can further comprise a sensor 12 arranged at the air outlet 11 and used to collect the gas flow information of the air outlet 11.

[0125] For example, referring to Figure 4The sensor 12 can be arranged at the air outlet of the fan of the range hood 2 to detect the air volume and / or air speed at the air outlet (i.e. the air outlet 11 shown in the figure).

[0126] For example, referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the sensor 12 can be arranged behind the fan 33 in the direction of the gas flow to detect the air volume and / or air speed in the air duct 32. When more lint accumulates on the filter device 35, the air speed and / or air volume of the gas in the air duct 32 decreases accordingly, and the sensor 12 located behind can accurately obtain the change of the gas flow information and intuitively reflect the degree of blockage of the filter device 35, so that the control module 1 can timely send a cleaning reminder when the blockage is more serious. At this time, the air outlet 11 can be the air outlet of the fan 33.

[0127] Alternatively, the sensor 12 can also be arranged at any position in the air duct 32.

[0128] Further, the washing-drying machine 3 can further include a drain pipe 40 connected to the condenser 38 through a drain pump 41 to drain the water accumulated in the condenser 38 under the operation of the drain pump 41. Further, the drain pipe is further connected to the drum 34 through the drain pump 41 to drain the water accumulated in the drum 34 under the operation of the drain pump 41.

[0129] Further, the sensor 12 can include a Hall sensor and can also include a hot-film air flow sensor.

[0130] In a specific implementation, the household appliance 1 can further include a control module 13 coupled to the sensor 12 for performing the cleaning reminder method described above. Figures 1 to 3 with reference to the embodiments shown in the figure.

[0131] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Only the arrangement position of the control module 13 is exemplarily shown, and in actual application, the control module 13 can be arranged at any position of the household appliance 1.

[0132] Alternatively, the control module 13 can also be arranged independently of the household appliance 1. For example, the household appliance 1 can be provided with a communication module (not shown in the figure) for wired or wireless communication with the control module 13 to send the gas flow information collected by the sensor 12 to the control module 13 and receive the control instruction of the control module 13. The control instruction can be used to instruct to send a cleaning reminder.

[0133] By adopting the scheme of the embodiment, the sensor 12 arranged at the air outlet 11 accurately collects the gas flow information of the air outlet 11, and the degree of dirt of the household appliance 1 is intuitively reflected based on the gas flow information, so that the control module 13 can send a cleaning reminder when the degree of dirt of the household appliance 1 reaches a relatively appropriate level.

[0134] Therefore, the service life of the household appliance 1 can be effectively prolonged, and the user experience is improved. The user's troubles caused by the user being reminded to clean the household appliance 1 too early or too late are avoided, and improper cleaning of the household appliance 1 caused by unreasonable reminding time and the shortened service life of the household appliance 1 caused thereby are also avoided.

[0135] In one specific implementation, the household appliance 1 can further include an interaction module 14 coupled with the control module 13, configured to display the cleaning reminder information and receive instructions input by the user. Therefore, the user can receive the cleaning reminder information in time through interaction with the user. Further, the feedback of the user can also be received in time through the interaction module 14 to determine the corresponding subsequent processing logic according to the feedback.

[0136] For example, the interaction module 14 can be arranged on the surface of the body 10, such as the side facing the user during actual use, to facilitate the user to operate.

[0137] The interaction module 14 can be a touch screen, an electronic ink screen, etc.

[0138] When the control module 13 executes the scheme of the above-mentioned Figures 1 to 3 When the control module 13 executes the scheme of the above-mentioned

[0139] Further, the interaction module 14 also provides an input interface and input options, such as a confirmation button, a reset button, etc. When the user clicks the confirmation button, a user confirmation instruction is triggered and sent to the control module 13; when the user clicks the reset button, a user reset instruction is triggered and sent to the control module 13.

[0140] In one specific implementation, the interaction module 14 and the control module 13 can be integrated.

[0141] In one specific implementation, the control module 13 can directly send the cleaning reminder information to the smart terminal of the user, such as the mobile phone, IPAD, other smart household appliances located near the household appliance 1, etc. of the user, so that the user can receive the cleaning reminder information in time.

[0142] In one embodiment, the cleaning reminder information can be a prompt sound, and the household appliance 1 can further comprise a power amplifier unit (not shown in the figure) for emitting the prompt sound to remind the user to clean the household appliance 1 in time.

[0143] In one embodiment, the household appliance 1 can further comprise an indicator light, and the control module 13 can send the cleaning reminder information by controlling the indicator light to flicker. For example, the indicator light can be a light emitting diode (LED).

[0144] In one embodiment, the household appliance 1 can further comprise a storage unit (not shown in the figure) in communication with the control module 13, and the storage unit can be used to store the preset threshold value and the collected gas circulation information.

[0145] For example, after determining the preset threshold value based on the standard gas circulation information, the control module 13 can update the newly determined preset threshold value to the storage unit for next use. Here, the update means replacing the preset threshold value originally stored in the storage unit with the newly determined preset threshold value. Alternatively, the update can mean storing the newly determined preset threshold value and the preset threshold value originally stored in the storage unit in the storage unit in parallel.

[0146] In one embodiment, the household appliance 1 can further comprise a timing unit (not shown in the figure) in communication with the control module 13, and the timing unit can start timing according to the instruction of the control module 13. The control module 13 can call the timing unit to start timing when receiving the user confirmation instruction.

[0147] Although specific embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, even if a single embodiment is described with respect to a particular feature. The feature examples provided in the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting, unless otherwise specified. In the embodiments, one or more technical features of the dependent claims can be combined with the technical features of the independent claims, and the technical features from the corresponding independent claims can be combined by any appropriate means rather than only by the specific combinations listed in the claims.

[0148] Although the present disclosure is disclosed as above, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and the protection scope of the present disclosure should be defined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning reminding method for a household appliance having an air exhaust port, characterized in that, The cleaning reminding method comprises: collecting gas flow information of the air outlet, denoted as original gas flow information; sending a cleaning reminding information according to the original gas flow information; wherein, the gas flow information comprises air volume and / or air speed of the gas flowing out of the air outlet, and the sending of the cleaning reminding information according to the original gas flow information comprises: judging whether the air volume and / or air speed is lower than a corresponding preset threshold value, the preset threshold value being determined according to the gas flow information collected at the air outlet after the last cleaning of the household appliance; and when the judging result indicates that the air volume and / or air speed is lower than the corresponding preset threshold value, the cleaning reminding information is sent.

2. The cleaning reminder method according to claim 1, characterized by, Further comprising: receiving a user confirmation instruction; starting timing from the reception of the user confirmation instruction, and collecting again the gas flow information of the air outlet, denoted as updated gas flow information, when the timing duration exceeds a preset reminding duration; comparing the updated gas flow information and the original gas flow information; determining whether to send the cleaning reminding information again according to the comparison result.

3. The cleaning reminder method according to claim 2, characterized by, The determination of whether to send the cleaning reminding information again according to the comparison result comprises: when the comparison result indicates that the change amount of the updated gas flow information compared with the original gas flow information is less than a preset standard amount, the cleaning reminding information is sent again.

4. The cleaning reminder method of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising: receiving a user reset instruction; in response to the reception of the user reset instruction, collecting the gas flow information of the air outlet, denoted as standard gas flow information; updating the preset threshold value according to the standard gas flow information, wherein the preset threshold value is used to determine whether the gas flow information of the air outlet collected next time triggers a cleaning reminding operation.

5. The cleaning reminder method of claim 1, wherein, The gas flow information is collected based on a sensor, and the sensor is arranged near the air outlet.

6. The cleaning reminder method according to claim 5, characterized by, The sensor at least comprises a hot film air flow sensor and a Hall sensor.

7. A household appliance (1), characterized by Comprising: a body (10) having an air outlet (11); a sensor (12) arranged at the air outlet (11) and used to collect gas flow information of the air outlet (11); a control module (13) coupled with the sensor (12) and used to execute the cleaning reminding method of any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The domestic electrical appliance (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, Further comprising: an interaction module (14) coupled with the control module (13) and used to display the cleaning reminding information and receive a user input instruction.

9. The domestic electrical appliance (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The household appliance (1) comprises a washer-dryer (3), the washer-dryer (3) comprises a fan (33) and a filtering device (35), the fan (33) is used to stimulate gas flow, and the sensor (12) is arranged behind the fan (33) along the direction of gas flow, and the filtering device (35) is arranged in front of the fan (33).

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