Humidity detection structure, cleaning machine and cleaning storage control method thereof

Abstract

A humidity detection structure, a cleaning machine, and a cleaning and storage control method thereof. The humidity detection structure includes an inner container, with an air inlet and an air outlet formed on the side wall of the inner container. A humidity detection assembly is mounted on the outer wall of the inner container. The humidity detection assembly has an air inlet, an air outlet, and a detection channel connecting the air inlet and the air outlet. The air inlet is connected to the air outlet, and the air outlet is connected to the air inlet. A humidity sensor is mounted on the detection channel for detecting the humidity of gas flowing through the detection channel. The humidity detection structure of the cleaning machine is easy to assemble and disassemble, protecting the humidity sensor from operating under high temperature and high humidity conditions, ensuring that the humidity sensor can accurately detect the humidity inside the cleaning machine. The cleaning and storage control method utilizes different dehumidification modes according to the humidity content inside the cleaning machine, intelligently controlling the operating status and operating time of the air inlet fan, exhaust fan, and heating element, thereby ensuring better cleaning and storage effects and extending the service life of the fan and heating element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to cleaning equipment, in particular to a humidity detection structure, a cleaning machine and a cleaning storage control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] After a washing machine such as a dishwasher washes the dishes, the user may directly store the dishes in the washing chamber of the dishwasher. If the humidity in the washing chamber is high, it is easy for bacteria to grow in the washing chamber and on the surface of the dishes. In particular, when there are stains in the washing chamber, harmful substances that affect the health of the user may be produced in an environment with high humidity. Therefore, it is necessary to detect the humidity inside the washing chamber. For example, the Chinese invention patent application "Sink Dishwasher and Washing Control Method Thereof" with application number 201711194314.X (application publication number CN107928585A) discloses such a dishwasher, in which the humidity sensor of the dishwasher is used to detect the humidity in the washing chamber, and the controller is respectively connected to the air inlet device and the humidity sensor. After the sink dishwasher completes washing, the controller controls the air inlet device according to the humidity in the washing chamber. For example, Chinese invention patent No. 201510430771.9 (authorization publication No. CN 105105694 B), "Dishwasher Drying Control Device, Method, and Dishwasher," discloses a dishwasher in which a humidity sensor is installed within the inner tank to detect humidity within the tank, and a humidity communication circuit is used to output the humidity within the tank to a control module. Because humidity sensors cannot come into direct contact with water, installing them inside the tank requires proper waterproofing. Current waterproofing structures fail to achieve both waterproofing and breathability, are complex, and costly. Furthermore, installing the humidity sensor inside the tank makes it difficult to install or remove. Furthermore, if the humidity sensor is placed within the air duct, since the duct is connected to the outside environment, it cannot directly detect humidity within the dishwasher. Therefore, it can only detect humidity when the fan within the duct is turned on. Furthermore, the humidity sensor detects varying humidity levels within the tank, but existing dishwasher control methods are relatively simple, typically simply increasing exhaust when humidity increases and decreasing exhaust when humidity decreases. This lacks intelligent control and requires further improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a humidity detection structure which is easy to assemble and disassemble, waterproof and can directly detect the humidity inside the washing machine in response to the above-mentioned existing technical status.

[0004] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cleaning machine with a humidity detection function in response to the above-mentioned existing technical status.

[0005] The third technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cleaning storage control method for a cleaning machine with a high degree of intelligence and capable of intelligent dehumidification according to the humidity level, in response to the above-mentioned existing technical status.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is: the humidity detection structure includes an inner liner, which is characterized in that: an air inlet and an air outlet are opened on the side wall of the inner liner, and a humidity detection component is installed on the outer wall of the inner liner. The humidity detection component has an air inlet, an air outlet and a detection channel connecting the air inlet and the air outlet, the air inlet is connected to the air outlet, and the air outlet is connected to the air inlet, and a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the gas flowing through the detection channel is installed on the detection channel.

[0007] In order to install the humidity detection component on the inner liner, the humidity detection component also includes a blocking cover, the air inlet is connected to the air outlet through the blocking cover, and the air outlet is connected to the air inlet through the blocking cover.

[0008] To prevent moisture from entering the detection channel and contacting the humidity sensor, the cover has microporous structures that prevent water from entering the inner container. This waterproof cover utilizes the surface tension of water molecules to achieve waterproof and breathable properties, with a simple structure and low cost.

[0009] In order to avoid water leakage and air leakage at the connection between the humidity detection component and the inner tank, the humidity detection component also includes a sealing ring, which is installed between the air inlet and the blocking cover and between the air outlet and the blocking cover.

[0010] The detection channel can have a variety of different structures. Preferably, the detection channel is U-shaped, one end of the detection channel constitutes the air inlet, and the other end constitutes the air outlet, and the humidity sensor is installed in the middle of the detection channel.

[0011] In order to enable the humidity sensor to smoothly detect the humidity in the detection channel, a mounting hole connected to the detection channel is opened in the middle of the detection channel, and the humidity sensor is installed in the mounting hole.

[0012] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned second technical problem is: the cleaning machine is characterized by: a humidity detection structure, an air inlet duct assembly is also installed on the outer wall surface of the inner tank, and an exhaust duct assembly is installed on the inner door body on the front of the inner tank.

[0013] The air intake duct assembly can have various structures. Preferably, the air intake duct assembly includes an air intake fan, a heating element, and an air intake duct. The air intake duct has an air inlet and an air outlet. The air intake fan and the heating element are both installed in the air intake duct. The air intake fan can rotate forward and reverse. An air intake hole connected to the air outlet is opened on the side wall of the inner container. In this way, the forward and reverse rotation of the air intake fan can both serve as an air intake, exhausting external air into the inner container through the air intake duct, and serve as an air exhaust, exhausting the air inside the inner container to the outside through the air intake duct.

[0014] The heating element is preferably a PTC heater.

[0015] The exhaust duct assembly can have a variety of structures. Preferably, the exhaust duct assembly includes an exhaust fan and an exhaust duct, the exhaust duct has an exhaust inlet and an exhaust outlet, the exhaust fan is arranged inside the exhaust duct, and an exhaust hole connected to the exhaust inlet is opened on the inner door body.

[0016] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the third technical problem is: a cleaning storage control method of the cleaning machine, using the above-mentioned cleaning machine, the cleaning storage control method of the cleaning machine includes the following steps:

[0017] S1: The dishwasher enters the cleaning storage stage. The humidity sensor detects the humidity inside the dishwasher and converts it into moisture content Q.

[0018] S2: Determine whether the moisture content Q is higher than a preset value Q1. If so, proceed to step S3; if not, proceed to step S4.

[0019] S3: The air inlet fan and the exhaust fan are both operated at high speed, and the heating element is turned on at the same time to perform hot air drying, and then step S6 is executed;

[0020] S4: Determine whether the moisture content is lower than a preset value Q1 and higher than a preset value Q2. If so, proceed to step S5; if not, proceed to step S8.

[0021] S5: The air inlet fan is reversed, and both the air inlet fan and the exhaust fan are operated at a high speed R1 to quickly remove moisture, and then step S6 is executed;

[0022] S6: Calculate the moisture content change rate V and determine whether the moisture content change rate V is lower than the preset value V1. If so, execute step S7; if not, execute step S6;

[0023] S7: Turn off the heating element, and both the air inlet fan and the exhaust fan run at a low speed R2;

[0024] S8: Determine whether the moisture content Q is lower than the preset value Q2. If so, execute step S9; if not, execute step S7.

[0025] S9: The air inlet fan is turned off, and the exhaust fan runs at a low speed R2 for a time T and then turns off.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are: the humidity detection structure of the cleaning machine installs the humidity detection component on the outer wall of the inner tank, which is relatively convenient for disassembly and assembly, and the detection channel has a waterproof structure to avoid direct contact between water and the humidity sensor, which can protect the humidity sensor from working under high temperature conditions and ensure that the humidity sensor can accurately detect the humidity inside the cleaning machine. The cleaning storage control method adopts different dehumidification modes according to the humidity content inside the cleaning machine, and intelligently controls the working status and working time of the air intake fan, exhaust fan and heating element, which can not only ensure better cleaning and storage effects, but also extend the working life of the fan and heating element, and can also adjust the fan speed according to the rate of change of moisture content, reduce the fan working noise, and thus improve the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a humidity detection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Structural diagram from another angle;

[0029] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the installation structure of the humidity detection component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of a humidity detection component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 4 An exploded schematic diagram of the humidity detection assembly shown;

[0032] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the partial structure of a cleaning machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the installation structure of the air inlet duct assembly and the exhaust duct assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a structural schematic diagram of an air inlet duct assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a schematic structural diagram of an exhaust duct assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a cleaning storage control logic diagram of a cleaning machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 11This is a flow chart of a cleaning storage control method for a cleaning machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the humidity detection structure of this embodiment includes an inner liner 1, with an air inlet 11 and an air outlet 12 formed on the side wall of the inner liner 1. A humidity detection assembly 2 is mounted on the outer wall of the inner liner 1. The humidity detection assembly has an air inlet 21, an air outlet 22, a detection channel 23, a humidity sensor 24, a blocking cover 25, and a sealing ring 26.

[0040] The air inlet 21 is connected to the air outlet 12, the air outlet 22 is connected to the air inlet 11, and the detection channel 23 is connected to the air inlet 21 and the air outlet 22. Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the detection channel 23 of this embodiment is a U-shaped pipe, one end of which constitutes the air inlet 21, and the other end constitutes the air outlet 22. A mounting hole 27 connected to the detection channel is opened in the middle of the detection channel 23, and a humidity sensor 24 is installed in the mounting hole 27. The humidity sensor 24 can detect the humidity of the gas flowing through the detection channel 23. A plugging cover 5 and a sealing ring 6 are installed at the air inlet 21 and the air outlet 22, and the sealing ring 6 is installed on the air inlet 21 and the air outlet 22 so that the air inlet 21 and the air outlet 22 can be sealed with the corresponding plugging cover 5. The air inlet 21 is connected to the air outlet 12 of the inner tank through the plugging cover 25, and the air outlet 22 is connected to the air inlet 11 through the plugging cover 25. The plugging cover 25 plays a locking role, see Figure 2 and Figure 3 .

[0041] In addition, the cover 25 is provided with a microporous structure 251. The pore size of the microporous structure 251 is relatively small. During the cleaning process in a washing machine such as a dishwasher, water splashes onto the surface of the cover 25. Due to the surface tension of the water molecules, the water cannot pass through the microporous structure 251 and enter the detection channel 23. Therefore, the cover 25 provides waterproof protection for the humidity sensor 24. When the dishwasher finishes cleaning and enters the drying stage, the water film on the surface of the cover 25 evaporates, and the interior of the detection channel 23 can circulate with the air inside the dishwasher, allowing the humidity sensor 24 to detect the temperature and humidity inside the dishwasher.

[0042] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the cleaning machine is a dishwasher, and an air inlet duct assembly 3 is installed on the outer wall of the inner tank 1, and an exhaust duct assembly 4 is installed on the inner door body 10 on the front of the inner tank 1.

[0043] like Figure 8As shown, the air inlet duct assembly 3 includes an air inlet fan 31, a heating element 32, and an air inlet duct 33. The air inlet duct 33 has an air inlet 34 and an air outlet 35. The air inlet fan 31 and the heating element 32 are both installed in the air inlet duct 33. The air inlet fan 31 can rotate forward and reverse. An air inlet hole 13 is formed on the side wall of the inner container 1 and communicates with the air outlet 35. The heating element 32 is a PTC heater. When the air inlet fan 31 rotates forward, it blows air into the dishwasher. The PTC heater heats the cold air, thereby drying the interior of the dishwasher with hot air. When the air inlet fan 31 rotates reversely, the air inside the dishwasher is discharged, reducing the humidity inside the dishwasher.

[0044] like Figure 9 As shown, the exhaust duct assembly 4 includes an exhaust fan 41 and an exhaust duct 42. The exhaust duct 42 has an exhaust inlet 43 and an exhaust outlet 44. The exhaust fan 41 is disposed within the exhaust duct 42. The inner door 10 is provided with an exhaust hole 14 connected to the exhaust inlet 43. The exhaust fan 41 is primarily used to exhaust air from the dishwasher to reduce humidity inside the dishwasher.

[0045] like Figure 10 As shown, during the cleaning and storage phase of the dishwasher, humidity sensor 24 detects the humidity inside the dishwasher and converts it into moisture content. Based on the moisture content, the internal humidity of the dishwasher is divided into three humidity environments: high, medium, and low, and different drying methods are used. The fan speed is adjusted based on the rate of change in moisture content, and the fan and PTC heater are controlled to start and stop, thereby keeping the interior of the inner tank 1 dry.

[0046] like Figure 11 As shown, the cleaning storage control method of the cleaning machine includes the following steps:

[0047] S1: The dishwasher enters the cleaning storage stage. The humidity sensor detects the humidity inside the dishwasher and converts it into moisture content Q.

[0048] S2: Determine whether the moisture content Q is higher than a preset value Q1. If so, proceed to step S3; if not, proceed to step S4.

[0049] S3: The air inlet fan 31 and the exhaust fan 31 are both operated at high speed, and the heating element 32 is turned on at the same time to perform hot air drying, and then step S6 is executed;

[0050] S4: Determine whether the moisture content is lower than a preset value Q1 and higher than a preset value Q2. If so, proceed to step S5; if not, proceed to step S8.

[0051] S5: The air inlet fan 31 is reversed, and both the air inlet fan 31 and the exhaust fan 41 run at a high speed R1 to quickly remove moisture, and then step S6 is executed;

[0052] S6: Calculate the moisture content change rate V and determine whether the moisture content change rate V is lower than the preset value V1. If so, execute step S7; if not, execute step S6;

[0053] S7: Turn off the heating element 32, and both the air inlet fan 31 and the exhaust fan 41 operate at a low speed R2;

[0054] S8: Determine whether the moisture content Q is lower than the preset value Q2. If so, execute step S9; if not, execute step S7.

[0055] S9: The air inlet fan 31 is turned off, and the exhaust fan 41 is turned off after running at a low speed R2 for a time T.

[0056] From the above control method, we can see that

[0057] It can be seen from the above control method that the control method can adopt different dehumidification modes according to the moisture content inside the dishwasher. Dehumidification in a high-humidity environment: the air intake fan 31, the exhaust fan 41 and the PTC heater are turned on. Dehumidification in a medium-humidity environment: the air intake fan 31 reverses to dehumidify, the exhaust fan 41 is turned on, and the two fans simultaneously achieve rapid dehumidification. Dehumidification in a low-humidity environment: the exhaust fan 41 works at a low speed to dehumidify. That is, according to the moisture content, the working status and working time of the air intake fan 31, the exhaust fan 41 and the PTC heater are intelligently controlled, which can not only ensure better cleaning and storage effects, but also extend the working life of the fan and the PTC heater. In addition, adjusting the fan speed according to the rate of change of the moisture content can reduce the fan operating noise and improve the user experience.

[0058] The above control method mainly monitors the relative humidity inside the dishwasher through a humidity sensor and converts it into moisture content. The fan speed and PTC opening are controlled according to the moisture content and its change rate to realize the intelligent cleaning storage function.

[0059] The moisture content calculation formula is as follows:

[0060] Absolute humidity: P W =φ·P S , saturated vapor pressure: Moisture content: Q = P W × V. Where φ is the relative humidity, V is the volume, and T is the temperature.

[0061] The cleaning machine in this embodiment is a dishwasher. In addition, in addition to a dishwasher, it can also be other cleaning equipment. Accordingly, the cleaning storage control method can also be applied to other cleaning equipment.

Claims

1. A cleaning storage control method for a cleaning machine, the cleaning machine having a humidity detection structure, the humidity detection structure comprising an inner container (1), an air inlet (11) and an air outlet (12) being provided on the side wall of the inner container (1), a humidity detection component (2) being installed on the outer wall surface of the inner container (1), the humidity detection component (2) having an air inlet (21), an air outlet (22) and a detection channel (23) connecting the air inlet and the air outlet, the air inlet (21) being connected to the air outlet (12), the air outlet (22) being connected to the air inlet (11), a humidity sensor (24) for detecting the humidity of the gas flowing through the detection channel (23) being installed on the detection channel (23), an air inlet duct component (3) being installed on the outer wall surface of the inner container (1), and an exhaust duct being installed on the inner door body (10) on the front of the inner container (1) The air inlet duct assembly (4) comprises an air inlet fan (31), a heating element (32) and an air inlet duct (33), the air inlet duct (33) having an air inlet (34) and an air outlet (35), the air inlet fan (31) and the heating element (32) are both installed in the air inlet duct (33), and the air inlet fan (31) can rotate forward and reverse, an air inlet hole (13) connected to the air outlet (35) is opened on the side wall of the inner tank (1), the exhaust duct assembly (4) comprises an exhaust fan (41) and an exhaust duct (42), the exhaust duct (42) has an exhaust inlet (43) and an exhaust outlet (44), the exhaust fan (41) is arranged inside the exhaust duct (42), and an exhaust hole (14) connected to the exhaust inlet (43) is opened on the inner door body (10), characterized in that: The cleaning storage control method of the cleaning machine includes the following steps: S1: The dishwasher enters the cleaning storage stage. The humidity sensor detects the humidity inside the dishwasher and converts it into moisture content Q. S2: Determine whether the moisture content Q is higher than a preset value Q1. If so, proceed to step S3; if not, proceed to step S4. S3: The air inlet fan (31) and the exhaust fan (41) are both operated at high speed, and the heating element (32) is turned on at the same time to perform hot air drying, and then step S6 is executed; S4: Determine whether the moisture content is lower than a preset value Q1 and higher than a preset value Q2. If so, proceed to step S5; if not, proceed to step S8. S5: The air inlet fan is reversed, and both the air inlet fan (31) and the exhaust fan (41) are operated at a high speed R1 to quickly remove moisture, and then step S6 is executed; S6: Calculate the moisture content change rate V and determine whether the moisture content change rate V is lower than the preset value V1. If so, execute step S7; if not, execute step S6; S7: The heating element (32) is turned off, and both the air inlet fan (31) and the exhaust fan (41) are operated at a low speed R2; S8: Determine whether the moisture content Q is lower than the preset value Q2. If so, execute step S9; if not, execute step S7. S9: The air inlet fan (31) is turned off, and the exhaust fan (41) is turned off after running at a low speed R2 for a time T.

2. The cleaning storage control method of a cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The humidity detection component (2) further comprises a blocking cover (25), the air inlet (21) is connected to the air outlet (12) via the blocking cover (25), and the air outlet (22) is connected to the air inlet (11) via the blocking cover (25).

3. The cleaning storage control method of a cleaning machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The blocking cover (25) is provided with a microporous structure (251) capable of preventing water inside the inner container (1) from entering the detection channel (23).

4. The cleaning storage control method of a cleaning machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: The humidity detection assembly (2) further comprises a sealing ring (26), which is installed between the air inlet (21) and the blocking cover (25) and between the air outlet (22) and the blocking cover (25).

5. The cleaning storage control method of a cleaning machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection channel (23) is U-shaped, one end of the detection channel (23) forms the air inlet (21), and the other end forms the air outlet (22), and the humidity sensor (24) is installed in the middle of the detection channel (23).

6. The cleaning storage control method of a cleaning machine according to claim 5, characterized in that: A mounting hole (27) communicating with the detection channel is provided in the middle of the detection channel (23), and the humidity sensor (24) is mounted in the mounting hole (27).

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