Steam cleaner and method for operating a steam cleaner

Abstract

This application provides a steam cleaner and a method for controlling its operation. In this embodiment, when using the steam cleaner, the liquid injection delay is determined by considering both the temperature rise characteristics of the steam generator and the residual heat from the previous use. When the liquid injection delay is reached, the liquid storage device is controlled to inject liquid into the steam generator, causing the steam generator to release steam onto the work surface based on the injected liquid to perform the work task. By considering both the temperature rise characteristics of the steam generator and the residual heat from the previous use when determining the liquid injection delay, liquid can be injected into the steam generator at a more reasonable time. This avoids excessive dry burning of the steam generator and reduces dripping caused by insufficient heating, facilitating the timely and stable release of steam required for the work task. This reduces the waiting time for users in steam operation mode, thereby improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of artificial intelligence technology, and in particular to a steam cleaner and an operation control method for the steam cleaner. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of artificial intelligence technology, steam cleaners are gradually entering people's daily lives. The steam system is the core component of a steam cleaner, and its control directly affects the user experience. However, because a steam system is a relatively typical inertial system, the heating and cooling of the steam generator both require time. If water is supplied immediately after the steam generator starts heating, the water may not be fully atomized, resulting in dripping. On the other hand, if the steam generator is allowed to dry-burn for sufficient heating to avoid dripping, it may damage the steam generator and its surrounding components. Furthermore, there may be issues with untimely steam output, leading to excessively long waiting times for users and reducing the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a steam cleaner and an operation control method for the steam cleaner, which reduces dripping while timely and stable steam output, reduces waiting time for users when using steam operation mode, and improves user experience.

[0004] This application provides an operation control method for a steam cleaner, the steam cleaner including a steam generator and a liquid storage device, the steam generator being connected to the liquid storage device, the method including:

[0005] In response to the current operation command indicating the adoption of steam operation mode, the steam generator is turned on to start heating; the time interval between the last time the steam generator was turned off when steam operation mode was adopted and the current time when steam operation mode is adopted is obtained; based on the time interval and combined with the pre-obtained temperature rise characteristics of the steam generator, the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator is determined; when the liquid injection delay is reached, the liquid storage device is controlled to inject liquid into the steam generator, so that the steam generator releases steam to the work surface based on the liquid to perform the operation task.

[0006] This application provides an operation control method for a steam cleaner, the steam cleaner including a steam generator and a liquid storage device, the method including:

[0007] In response to the current operation command indicating the adoption of steam operation mode, the steam generator is turned on to start heating; the time interval between the last time the steam generator was turned off when steam operation mode was adopted and the current time the steam generator is turned on when steam operation mode is adopted is obtained; if the time interval is less than the interval threshold, the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator is determined based on the time interval, and the liquid injection delay is less than the marked liquid injection delay; when the liquid injection delay is reached, the liquid storage device is controlled to inject liquid into the steam generator so that the steam generator releases steam to the work surface based on the liquid to perform the operation task.

[0008] This application embodiment also provides a steam cleaner, including: a cleaner body, on which a controller, a steam generator, and a liquid storage device are disposed; the liquid storage device is used to store liquid and inject liquid into the steam generator under the control of the controller; the steam generator is used to heat the injected liquid under the control of the controller to generate steam required for the operation task and release steam to the work surface; the controller is used to respond to the current operation command indicating the adoption of steam operation mode, to turn on the steam generator so that the steam generator starts heating, and to obtain the time interval between the last time the steam generator was turned off when the steam operation mode was adopted and the current time when the steam generator is turned on when the steam operation mode is adopted; based on the time interval and combined with the pre-obtained temperature rise characteristics of the steam generator, to determine the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator this time; when the liquid injection delay is reached, to control the liquid storage device to inject liquid into the steam generator so that the steam generator releases steam to the work surface based on the liquid to perform the operation task.

[0009] In the technical solution provided in this application embodiment, each time steam is generated using a steam generator, the liquid injection delay is determined by considering both the temperature rise characteristics of the steam generator and the residual heat effect from the previous use. Upon the arrival of the injection delay, the liquid storage device is controlled to inject liquid into the steam generator, allowing the steam generator to release steam onto the work surface based on the injected liquid to perform the work task. By considering both the temperature rise characteristics of the steam generator and the residual heat effect from the previous use when determining the injection delay, liquid can be injected into the steam generator at a more reasonable time. This avoids excessive dry burning of the steam generator and reduces dripping caused by insufficient heating, facilitating the timely and stable release of steam required for the work task. This reduces the waiting time for users in steam operation mode, thereby improving the user experience.

[0010] In another technical solution provided in this application embodiment, when using a steam generator to heat and generate steam each time, if the time interval between shutting down the steam generator during the previous steam operation mode and turning it on during the current steam operation mode is less than an interval threshold, then based on the residual temperature of the steam generator from the previous use, a liquid injection delay is determined for injecting liquid into the steam generator. When the liquid injection delay is reached, the liquid storage device is controlled to inject liquid into the steam generator, so that the steam generator releases steam onto the work surface based on the injected liquid to perform the work task. By considering the residual temperature of the steam generator from the previous use when determining the liquid injection delay, liquid can be injected into the steam generator at a more reasonable time. This avoids excessive dry burning of the steam generator and reduces dripping caused by insufficient heating, facilitating the timely and stable release of steam required for performing the work task. This reduces the user's waiting time when using the steam operation mode, thereby improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0012] Figure 1 A schematic flowchart of an operation control method for a steam cleaner provided as an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0013] Figure 2 A schematic flowchart of another operation control method for a steam cleaner provided as an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0014] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the control circuit of a steam cleaner provided in an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0015] Figure 4 A schematic flowchart of another operation control method for a steam cleaner provided as an exemplary embodiment of this application;

[0016] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a steam cleaner provided as an exemplary embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0018] A cleaning machine is a cleaning device capable of cleaning various work surfaces using cleaning components. This includes cleaning machines for cleaning surfaces such as floors, tabletops, and walls, such as household cleaning machines, as well as cleaning machines for cleaning various workpiece surfaces, such as industrial cleaning machines. This application focuses on cleaning machines for cleaning surfaces such as floors, tabletops, and walls, but is not limited to these. In practical applications, some stubborn stains cannot be directly removed by the cleaning components of a cleaning machine. To facilitate the cleaning of stubborn stains, steam cleaners have been proposed. A steam cleaner generates steam at high temperatures and sprays it onto the work surface to accelerate the movement of molecules in stubborn dirt, thereby breaking down their binding forces. Combined with the cleaning components, this achieves rapid removal of various stubborn stains. Furthermore, the high temperature of the steam emitted by the steam cleaner can also eliminate various bacteria, mites, microorganisms, and pathogens attached to the work surface.

[0019] To generate the steam required for the operation, the steam cleaner includes: a main body, on which a controller, a steam generator, and a liquid storage device are mounted. The steam generator and the liquid storage device are connected by a controllable connecting component, such as a valve or a water pump. The liquid storage device stores liquid, such as clean water or a cleaning liquid with added cleaning agent. Additionally, the liquid storage device can inject liquid into the steam generator under the control of the controller. The steam generator, under the control of the controller, heats the injected liquid to generate the steam required for the operation and releases the steam onto the work surface. The controller can be a CPU, MCU, etc., and is not limited thereto.

[0020] The steam generator is an inertial device, meaning that both heating and cooling require time. If liquid is injected into the generator before it has fully heated up, or before it has been fully heated, dripping will occur because the liquid is not fully atomized due to the low temperature. These unatomized water droplets flowing onto the work surface will affect the work instructions and may even damage the work surface. If liquid is injected into the generator after it has been fully heated, dripping can be largely avoided. However, during the full heating process, the generator is in a dry-burning state, which may damage the generator and its surrounding components. In addition, waiting for full heating increases the waiting time for steam operation and reduces the user experience.

[0021] To address the aforementioned technical problems faced by steam cleaners, this application provides an operation control method for steam cleaners. The main principle of this method is as follows: each time steam is generated using a steam generator, the temperature rise characteristics of the steam generator and the residual heat after the previous use are considered to reasonably determine the liquid injection delay for this use. This liquid injection delay refers to the time interval required from the start of heating the steam generator to the injection of liquid into the steam generator. Then, when the liquid injection delay is reached, liquid is injected into the steam generator. This ensures that the steam generator does not overheat and that the injected liquid is completely atomized. While ensuring that the steam generator can spray steam in a timely and stable manner, it also reduces the occurrence of dripping, reduces the waiting time for users when using the steam operation mode, improves the efficiency of steam operation, and thus improves the user experience.

[0022] The technical solutions provided by the various embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of an application for a method of controlling the operation of a steam cleaner. Figure 1 As shown, the method includes:

[0024] Step 101: In response to the current operation command indicating the use of steam operation mode, start the steam generator to begin heating;

[0025] Step 102: Obtain the time interval between the last time the steam generator was turned off when the steam operation mode was used and the current time the steam generator is turned on when the steam operation mode is used;

[0026] Step 103: Based on the time interval and the pre-obtained temperature rise characteristics of the steam generator, determine the liquid injection delay for this injection into the steam generator;

[0027] Step 104: When the liquid injection delay arrives, control the liquid storage device to inject liquid into the steam generator so that the steam generator releases steam onto the work surface based on the liquid to perform the work task.

[0028] In this embodiment, the steam cleaner supports at least a steam operation mode. The steam operation mode is a mode where steam is released onto the work surface through steam nozzles, suitable for work scenarios with stubborn stains. In this embodiment, when using the steam cleaner to perform a work task, when facing work scenarios such as floors, tabletops, and walls with stubborn stains, the steam operation mode can be switched. Optionally, the user can instruct the steam cleaner to switch to the steam operation mode using any of the following methods.

[0029] Method 1: If the steam cleaner supports voice input, the user can instruct the steam cleaner to switch to steam mode via voice. For example, if the user says "Use steam mode," the steam cleaner will switch from its current non-steam operation mode to steam operation mode after receiving the user's voice message.

[0030] Method 2: The steam cleaner has a display screen with mode switching controls. The user can instruct the steam cleaner to switch to steam mode by touching the virtual switching control corresponding to the steam mode. The steam cleaner responds to the touch operation and switches from the current operation mode to the steam operation mode if it is not in the current operation mode.

[0031] Method 3: The steam cleaner has a handle or operating table with physical controls for users to switch modes. Users can press the physical control corresponding to the steam mode to instruct the steam cleaner to switch to steam mode. The steam cleaner responds to the press operation and switches from the current operating mode to the steam operating mode if it is not in the current steam operation mode.

[0032] Furthermore, the steam cleaner in this embodiment can also support other operating modes, such as sweeping mode, mopping mode, or combined sweeping and mopping mode, or a hybrid sweeping and mopping mode with steam, etc. This embodiment does not specifically limit the operating mode of the steam cleaner. The sweeping mode refers to cleaning the work surface using the cleaning components when the work surface is dry. The mopping mode refers to controlling the liquid storage device to spray cleaning liquid onto the work surface, and cleaning the work surface using the cleaning components when the work surface is wet. The combined sweeping and mopping mode is an operating mode that combines sweeping and mopping modes. In this mode, the steam cleaner includes two cleaning components, positioned opposite each other based on the direction of travel of the steam cleaner during the cleaning task. The first cleaning component, positioned in front, first cleans the work surface when it is dry. Then, the liquid storage device sprays cleaning liquid onto the work surface, and the second cleaning component, positioned behind, performs a second cleaning when the work surface is wet. The combined sweeping and mopping mode with steam refers to a mode that combines sweeping, mopping, and steam cleaning. In this mode, users can use the two cleaning components to perform a first and second cleaning cycle. If steam cleaning is required during the first or second cleaning cycle, the steam cleaner can be switched to steam cleaning mode. After completing the steam cleaning task, the system can switch back to the original mode, either sweeping or mopping.

[0033] In actual operation, when the steam cleaner needs to perform the task in steam mode, the user can issue an instruction to the steam cleaner to use steam mode. In response to this instruction, the steam cleaner first controls the steam generator to begin heating. To ensure that the steam generator does not overheat and burns dry while still producing steam in a timely manner, liquid needs to be injected promptly after a reasonable heating time.

[0034] In this embodiment, on the one hand, it is considered that the residual heat of the steam generator after the previous use of the steam operation mode may affect the current use of the steam mode. If the time interval between two steam operation modes is short, the steam generator will still have residual heat when the next steam operation mode is used, which will affect the heating rate of the steam generator and thus the atomization time of the liquid. Therefore, when responding to the current operation command, the time interval between shutting down the steam generator when the steam operation mode was last used and turning it on when the steam operation mode is used this time is obtained. This time interval can reflect whether the previous use of the steam operation mode will affect the current use of the steam operation mode. On the other hand, it is considered that different steam generators have different structures and materials, resulting in different temperature rise characteristics. Temperature rise characteristics refer to the rate at which the temperature of the steam generator rises after heating. Due to factors such as structure and materials, steam generators with different structures and materials will have different temperatures rising under the same heating conditions; some will rise more slowly, while others will rise more quickly, which will also affect the liquid atomization time. Therefore, in this embodiment, when determining the liquid injection delay, both the temperature rise characteristics of the steam generator and the residual heat effect of the steam generator from the previous use are considered, which allows for a more reasonable liquid injection delay. When the liquid injection delay, which takes into account at least the temperature rise characteristics of the steam generator and the residual heat effect of the steam generator from the previous use, is reached, liquid is injected into the steam generator. This avoids excessive dry burning of the steam generator and reduces dripping caused by insufficient heating, facilitating the timely and stable release of steam required for the operation, reducing the user's waiting time in steam operation mode, and thus improving the user experience.

[0035] In the above embodiments, step 103 is not limited to determining the specific implementation method of the liquid injection delay for this steam generator injection based on the time interval and the pre-obtained temperature rise characteristics of the steam generator. In an optional embodiment, the temperature rise characteristics of the steam generator can be reflected by the steam progress growth rate corresponding to the steam generator and the reference steam progress. Based on this, the liquid injection delay for this injection of liquid into the steam generator can be determined according to the time interval, the steam progress growth rate corresponding to the steam generator, and the reference steam progress.

[0036] In this embodiment, the temperature rise state of the steam generator is defined to include at least a cooling state and a stable steam release state. The cooling state refers to a state where the temperature in the steam generator is the same as or close to the ambient temperature, and in this state, the liquid injected into the steam generator will not atomize. The stable steam release state is a state in which stable steam is released after liquid is injected into the steam generator. Based on the cooling state and the stable steam release state of the steam generator, a suitable steam progress range can be defined, which can be represented as T1-T2. T1 refers to the steam progress value when the steam generator is in the cooling state, and T2 refers to the steam progress value when the steam generator is in the stable steam release state. As the steam generator transitions from the cooling state to the stable steam release state, the steam progress value of the steam generator will gradually increase from T1 to T2. In this embodiment, the values ​​of T1 and T2 are not limited. Optionally, T1 = 0, T2 = 100, but not limited to this. For example, it can also be T1 = 10, T2 = 90; or T1 = 10, T2 = 110. Based on the definitions of the cooling state and the stable steam release state of the steam generator, the steam progress growth rate R can be defined. P R is the ratio of the maximum steam progress T2 to the stable steam time T0 required for the steam generator to gradually transition from a cooling state to a stable steam release state. With the steam generator fixed, the steam progress growth rate R... P It is a fixed value, which can be represented as: R P =T2 / T0. Where T0 can be obtained through experimental measurement.

[0037] It should be noted that the aforementioned steam progress growth rate R P This measurement was taken under the condition that the steam generator gradually transitioned from a cooling state to a stable steam release state. If the initial state of the steam generator was not a cooling state, it indicates that the steam generator still has residual heat. In this case, the steam progress growth rate R obtained above when the steam generator was initially in a cooling state can be used as a reference. P After correction, the corrected steam progress growth rate is obtained when the steam generator is not in a cooling state in its initial state. The corrected steam progress growth rate when the steam generator is not in a cooling state can be expressed as the steam progress growth rate R obtained when the steam generator is initially in a cooling state. P The product of the correction factor and the product can be expressed as: f(t) α )*R P ,f(t) α ) represents the correction factor, t αThis indicates the time interval between the last time the steam generator was shut down when the steam operation mode was used and the current time the steam generator is turned on when the steam operation mode is used. This time interval can reflect the current temperature rise (or heating) state of the steam generator to a certain extent. This temperature rise or heating state also reflects the residual temperature of the steam generator from the last use of the steam operation mode.

[0038] In addition to defining the steam progress growth rate R of the steam generator P In addition, the baseline steam rate P of the steam generator can be defined. d Baseline steam progress P d This refers to the minimum steam progress value at which the steam generator, starting from a cooled state and heating, stops producing water droplets after liquid is injected into the steam generator. This baseline steam progress P... d It can, to some extent, represent the minimum delay required for a steam generator to start heating from a cooled state until liquid is injected into the steam generator to prevent the formation of water droplets.

[0039] Based on the above definitions of the cooling state and the stable steam release state, if the time interval between two consecutive uses of the steam generator is long, the steam generator will slowly cool down to the cooling state. At this time, the residual temperature of the steam generator from the previous use has a negligible impact on the current use, or it can be considered that the steam generator has no residual temperature or almost no residual temperature at the time of the current use. However, if the time interval between two consecutive uses of the steam generator is short, and the steam generator has not reached the cooling state after the previous use, but is in a temperature rise state between the cooling state and the stable steam release state, then the steam generator still has residual temperature. This residual temperature will affect the current use of the steam generator, which will affect the liquid atomization rate and indirectly affect the delay in injecting liquid into the steam generator.

[0040] Based on the above analysis, in this embodiment of the application, when determining the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator based on the time interval between two consecutive steam operation modes, the steam progress growth rate corresponding to the steam generator, and the baseline steam progress, the liquid injection delay can be calculated based on whether the time interval is greater than a set interval threshold. Specifically, if the time interval is greater than the interval threshold, the steam generator has cooled down to a cooling state. In this case, the temperature rise characteristics of the steam generator can be considered separately, that is, the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator can be calculated separately based on the steam progress growth rate and the baseline steam progress. If the time interval is less than the interval threshold, the steam generator is in a temperature rise state between a cooling state and a stable steam release state. In this case, the influence of the residual heat of the steam generator from the previous use needs to be considered. Therefore, the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator can be calculated by simultaneously considering the temperature rise characteristics of the steam generator and the influence of the residual heat of the steam generator from the previous use. Specifically, a correction coefficient for the steam progress growth rate can be calculated based on the time interval and the cooling characteristics of the steam generator. Then, based on the correction coefficient, the steam progress growth rate, and the baseline steam progress, the injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator can be calculated. The temperature rise characteristics and interval thresholds of the steam generator can be obtained through multiple experimental measurements and stored in the steam cleaner's storage module for direct retrieval when needed.

[0041] In this application embodiment, the specific implementation method for calculating the liquid injection delay of the current injection into the steam generator based on the steam progress growth rate and the reference steam progress is not limited. In an optional embodiment, the liquid injection delay of the current injection into the steam generator can be calculated with the goal that the product of the steam progress growth rate and the liquid injection delay of the current injection into the steam generator is greater than or equal to the reference steam progress. Wherein, when the product of the steam progress growth rate and the liquid injection delay of the current injection into the steam generator equals the reference steam progress, the steam generator has just reached a state where it can release stable steam, and the user's waiting time is the shortest. Therefore, preferably, the liquid injection delay of the current injection into the steam generator is calculated with the goal that the product of the steam progress growth rate and the liquid injection delay of the current injection into the steam generator equals the reference steam progress. Accordingly, the calculation of the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator based on the aforementioned correction coefficient, steam progress growth rate, and reference steam progress can also be performed with the goal of ensuring that the product of the correction coefficient, steam progress growth rate, and the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator is greater than or equal to the reference steam progress. Similarly, when the product of the correction coefficient, steam progress growth rate, and the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator equals the reference steam progress, the steam generator has just reached a state where it can release stable steam, and the user's waiting time is the shortest. Therefore, preferably, the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator is calculated with the goal of ensuring that the product of the correction coefficient, steam progress growth rate, and the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator equals the reference steam progress.

[0042] In this embodiment, the specific implementation of "calculating the correction coefficient for the steam progress growth rate by combining the cooling characteristics of the steam generator" is not limited. In an optional embodiment, a monotonically decreasing function adapted to the cooling characteristics of the steam generator can be used to numerically calculate the time interval mentioned above to obtain the correction coefficient for the steam progress growth rate. The monotonically decreasing function can be expressed as: function f(t) α The value range of ) is [1, m], where m is a value greater than 1. The meaning of this monotonically decreasing function is: when the time interval is less than the time threshold T... out At that time, the correction factor for the steam progress growth rate is f(t) α ); when the time interval is greater than or equal to the time threshold T out When the steam progress growth rate is 1, it means that no correction is needed for the steam progress growth rate. This is because the residual heat effect after the last use of the steam operation mode or the steam generator is no longer present or can be basically ignored.

[0043] In this embodiment, before controlling the steam cleaner to perform the operation task using the above-mentioned operation control method, relevant parameters such as the temperature rise characteristics of the steam generator are obtained. Specifically, an experimental method can be used to obtain the heating time required for the steam generator to heat from a cooling state to a stable steam release state, and the reference delay when no water droplets are generated during the process of heating from a cooling state to a stable steam release state; based on the heating time and the set steam progress range, the steam progress growth rate is determined, wherein the steam progress range corresponds to the cooling state to the stable steam release state; furthermore, based on the maximum steam progress in the steam progress range, the heating time, and the reference delay, the reference steam progress is determined. For detailed implementation methods of determining the steam progress growth rate and the reference steam progress, please refer to the definitions of steam progress growth rate and reference steam progress mentioned above, which will not be repeated here. It should be noted that the reference delay is the minimum heating time from when the steam generator is in a cooling state to when water droplets no longer form during water injection; the liquid injection delay is the heating time from when the steam generator starts heating until water droplets no longer form during water injection. The steam generator may not be in a cooling state when heating begins, so the liquid injection delay for this injection may not be the same as the reference delay. If the steam generator is in a cooling state when heating begins, then the reference delay equals the liquid injection delay; if the steam generator is in a temperature rise state between cooling and stable steam release when heating begins, then the liquid injection delay is less than the reference delay.

[0044] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the operation control method for the steam cleaner, after step 104, further includes:

[0045] 105. Monitor the heating status of the steam generator. When the steam generator is in a stable steam release state or the duration of stable steam release exceeds the set duration, turn off the steam generator to stop heating.

[0046] Furthermore, in the above embodiments of this application, it is necessary to control the steam generator to start heating or turn off, but the implementation method of controlling the steam generator to turn on or off is not limited, and can be determined according to the electrical connection structure between the controller and the steam generator. In an optional embodiment, the steam cleaner further includes: a drive circuit corresponding to the steam generator, and the electrical connection relationship between the drive circuit and the controller and the steam generator is as follows: Figure 3As shown, the drive circuit includes a power supply port 11, a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) 12, and an optocoupler assembly 17; wherein, the power supply port 11 is used to connect to a power supply. Based on this electrical connection structure, the steam generator 14 is electrically connected to the power supply system through the SCR 12. When the steam generator 14 is turned on, an on signal can be sent to the SCR 12, causing the SCR 12 to connect the power supply system to the steam generator 14, and the power supply system supplies power to the steam generator 14. After the power supply system supplies power to the steam generator 14, the steam generator 14 begins to heat.

[0047] To facilitate understanding of the above-mentioned operation control method for steam cleaners, specific examples will be used to illustrate it below.

[0048] For a certain steam cleaner, which employs a steam generator structure, before the steam cleaner leaves the factory, the steam generator's heating characteristics, cooling characteristics, reference delay, and interval threshold are measured experimentally, and the measured data are stored in the steam cleaner's MCU. Assuming the measured time T0 for the steam generator to heat from a cooling state to a stable steam release is 30s, and the reference delay from a cooling state to the point where dripping no longer occurs is T... d =10s, the shortest time required from stable steam release to cooling to a cooled state is 300s, and this shortest time is used as the time threshold mentioned above; the steam progress P ranges from 0 to 100 (0 represents the steam progress in the cooled state, and 100 represents the steam progress when the steam is stably released); the water pump spray rate is 0.5g / s; the monotonically decreasing continuous function constructed based on the cooling characteristics of the steam generator to correct the steam progress growth rate is: The function's range is [1, 6]. Therefore, the corrected steam progress growth rate is: f(t) α )*R P The steam progress at time t is: P = f(t) α )*R P *t.

[0049] After purchase, users can use the steam cleaner to clean floors in bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, as well as surfaces such as sofas, beds, walls, and windows. Taking floor cleaning as an example, when there are no stubborn stains, the user can instruct the steam cleaner to activate the normal operating mode via the handle, touch buttons on the control panel, or voice input. Once activated, the controller controls the cleaning components to clean the floor. When encountering areas with stubborn stains, the user can switch the operating mode from normal to steam mode via the handle, touch buttons on the control panel, or voice input. The steam cleaner's controller responds to the instruction to use steam mode by activating the steam generator to begin heating. The controller then retrieves the time interval since the last steam operation mode was used and, based on this time interval and the pre-defined temperature rise characteristics of the steam generator, determines the liquid injection delay for this operation. When the liquid injection delay is reached, the controller injects liquid into the steam generator, causing the generator to release stable steam onto the floor to clean stubborn stains. The steam progress growth rate of this steam cleaner when the steam generator is turned on in a cooled state is: R P =P max / T0 = 3.33; Baseline steam progress P d =100T d When / T0 = 33.3, water is pumped into the steam generator when the steam progress is greater than or equal to the reference steam progress; once the steam begins to be released stably, the pumping stops and the steam generator is shut down. At the same time, a timer is started. If the timer exceeds 300 seconds, the steam generator is cooled to a cooling state, and the next use of the steam generator will start from the cooling state.

[0050] Assuming the user uses the steam generator for the second time 6 minutes after the previous use, the steam generator will have cooled down. Therefore, after 10 seconds of heating (the injection delay equals the baseline delay), the controller will activate the water pump to begin pumping water into the steam generator. After another 20 seconds of heating, when the steam progress exceeds 33.3%, the controller will release steam through the steam nozzle. After cleaning stubborn stains, if further cleaning is needed, the user can switch to normal operating mode via the handle, touch buttons on the control panel, or voice input. During this switch, the controller will shut off the water pump, stopping water injection into the steam generator. If further cleaning is not needed, the user can switch to power-off mode via the handle, touch buttons on the control panel, or voice input. Simultaneously, the controller will shut off the water pump, stopping water injection into the steam generator.

[0051] Figure 4An exemplary embodiment of this application provides a method for controlling the operation of a steam cleaner, the cleaner including a steam generator and a liquid storage device. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the method includes:

[0052] 201. In response to the instruction to use the steam operation mode for this operation, start the steam generator to begin heating;

[0053] 202. Obtain the time interval between the last time the steam generator was shut down when the steam operation mode was used and the current time the steam generator is turned on when the steam operation mode is used;

[0054] 203. When the time interval is less than the interval threshold, the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator shall be determined based on the time interval, and the liquid injection delay shall be less than the reference delay.

[0055] 204. When the liquid injection delay arrives, control the liquid storage device to inject liquid into the steam generator so that the steam generator releases steam onto the work surface based on the liquid to perform the work task.

[0056] Alternatively, the injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator can be determined based on the time interval and the cooling characteristics of the steam generator.

[0057] Furthermore, based on the time interval and the cooling characteristics of the steam generator, the liquid injection delay for this injection into the steam generator is determined, including: calculating a correction coefficient for the steam progress growth rate based on the time interval and the cooling characteristics of the steam generator; and calculating the liquid injection delay for this injection into the steam generator based on the correction coefficient, the steam progress growth rate, and the baseline steam progress. The concepts and specific implementation methods of each step mentioned above are described in the foregoing embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0058] Optionally, the method further includes: if the time interval is greater than or equal to an interval threshold, calculating the liquid injection delay for this injection of liquid into the steam generator based on the steam progress growth rate and the baseline steam progress. For a detailed implementation of this step, please refer to the foregoing embodiments for the concepts and specific implementation methods of each step, and they will not be repeated here.

[0059] In the technical solution provided in this application embodiment, each time steam is generated using a steam generator, if the time interval between shutting down the steam generator during the previous steam operation mode and turning it on during the current steam operation mode is less than an interval threshold, then the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator is determined based on the residual temperature of the steam generator from the previous use. Upon the arrival of the liquid injection delay, the liquid storage device is controlled to inject liquid into the steam generator, allowing the steam generator to release steam onto the work surface based on the injected liquid to perform the work task. By considering the residual temperature of the steam generator during the previous use when determining the liquid injection delay, liquid can be injected into the steam generator at a more reasonable time. This avoids excessive dry burning of the steam generator and reduces dripping caused by insufficient heating, facilitating the timely and stable release of steam required for the work task. This reduces the user's waiting time when using the steam operation mode, thereby improving the user experience.

[0060] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a steam cleaner provided as an exemplary embodiment of this application. Figure 5 As shown, the steam generator includes: a main body 1 of the cleaning machine, on which a controller 13, a steam generator 14, and a liquid storage device 15 are installed. Figure 5 In the diagram, controller 13 is shown as an MCU, but it is not limited to this. Controller 13 can also be a processor, microcontroller, etc.

[0061] The liquid storage device 14 is used to store liquid and inject liquid into the steam generator 14 under the control of the controller 1313. The steam generator 14 is used to heat the injected liquid to generate steam required for the operation task under the control of the controller 1313 and release steam to the work surface. The controller 1313 is used to turn on the steam generator 14 in response to the current operation command indicating the use of steam operation mode, so that the steam generator 14 starts heating, and to obtain the time interval between the last time the steam operation mode was used and the current time the steam generator 14 was turned on. Based on the time interval and combined with the pre-obtained temperature rise characteristics of the steam generator 14, the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator 14 is determined. When the liquid injection delay is reached, the liquid storage device 14 is controlled to inject liquid into the steam generator 14 so that the steam generator 14 releases steam to the work surface based on the liquid to perform the operation task.

[0062] Furthermore, the steam cleaner also includes: a cleaning base, the bottom of which is provided with a steam nozzle, which is connected to a steam generator 14; the steam generator 14 is specifically used to: release steam to the working surface through the steam nozzle.

[0063] Furthermore, the main body 1 of the cleaning machine is also provided with a grip or operating table, and the grip or operating table is provided with a mode switching button for users to select the steam operation mode. The mode switching button is electrically connected to the controller 1313.

[0064] Furthermore, the main body 1 of the cleaning machine is also equipped with a display screen, and the controller 1313 is also used to control the display screen to display at least one of the following information when the steam generator 14 is in the heating state: the start heating time of the steam generator 14, the heating time, the current heating temperature, the status prompt of whether liquid has been injected, the liquid injection delay of injecting liquid into the steam generator 14 this time, and the countdown of the liquid injection delay.

[0065] Furthermore, the steam cleaner also includes a drive circuit for the steam generator 14, which includes a power supply port 11, a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) 12, and an optocoupler assembly. The power supply port 11 is used to connect to a power supply, and the power supply port 11 is electrically connected to the steam generator 14 via the SCR 12. The SCR 12 is electrically connected between the steam generator 14 and the optocoupler assembly, and the optocoupler assembly is electrically connected to the controller 1313. The controller 1313 outputs an electrical signal to control the on / off state of the SCR 12, thereby controlling the heating of the steam generator 14. The electrical signal is isolated by the optocoupler assembly before reaching the SCR 12.

[0066] For details on how the controller 1313 determines the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator 14 based on the time interval and the pre-obtained temperature rise characteristics of the steam generator 14, please refer to the description in the above method embodiment, which will not be repeated here.

[0067] One embodiment of this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer instructions, which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the following steps:

[0068] In response to the current operation command indicating the adoption of steam operation mode, the steam generator is turned on to start heating; the time interval between the last time the steam generator was turned off when steam operation mode was adopted and the current time when steam operation mode is adopted is obtained; based on the time interval and combined with the pre-obtained temperature rise characteristics of the steam generator, the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator is determined; when the liquid injection delay is reached, the liquid storage device is controlled to inject liquid into the steam generator, so that the steam generator releases steam to the work surface based on the liquid to perform the operation task.

[0069] Furthermore, when the processor determines the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator based on the time interval and the pre-obtained temperature rise characteristics of the steam generator, it specifically determines the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator based on the time interval, the steam progress growth rate corresponding to the steam generator, and the reference steam progress; wherein, the reference steam progress refers to the minimum steam progress corresponding to the steam generator from the start of heating until no water droplets are generated.

[0070] Furthermore, when the processor determines the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator based on the time interval, the steam progress growth rate corresponding to the steam generator, and the reference steam progress, it specifically performs the following: determining whether the time interval is greater than a set interval threshold, wherein the interval threshold is greater than or equal to the time required for the steam generator to recover from a stable steam release state to a cooling state; if the time interval is greater than the interval threshold, calculating the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator based on the steam progress growth rate and the reference steam progress; if the time interval is less than or equal to the interval threshold, calculating a correction coefficient for the steam progress growth rate based on the time interval and the cooling characteristics of the steam generator; and calculating the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator based on the correction coefficient, the steam progress growth rate, and the reference steam progress.

[0071] Furthermore, when the processor calculates the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator based on the steam progress growth rate and the reference steam progress, it specifically calculates the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator with the objective that the product of the steam progress growth rate and the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator is greater than or equal to the reference steam progress. Correspondingly, calculating the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator based on the correction coefficient, the steam progress growth rate, and the reference steam progress includes: calculating the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator with the objective that the product of the correction coefficient, the steam progress growth rate, and the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator is greater than or equal to the reference steam progress.

[0072] Furthermore, when the processor calculates the correction coefficient for the steam progress growth rate based on the time interval and the cooling characteristics of the steam generator, it specifically uses a monotonically decreasing function adapted to the cooling characteristics of the steam generator to perform numerical calculations on the time interval to obtain the correction coefficient for the steam progress growth rate.

[0073] Furthermore, the processor is also used to: experimentally obtain the heating time required for the steam generator to heat from a cooling state to a stable steam release state, and the reference delay when no water droplets are generated during the process of heating from a cooling state to a stable steam release state; determine the steam progress growth rate based on the heating time and the set steam progress range, wherein the steam progress range corresponds to the cooling state to the stable steam release state; and determine the reference steam progress based on the maximum steam progress in the steam progress range, the heating time, and the reference delay.

[0074] Furthermore, the processor is also used to: monitor the heating status of the steam generator, and shut down the steam generator when the steam generator is in a stable steam release state or when the duration of the stable steam release state exceeds a set duration, so that the steam generator stops heating.

[0075] Furthermore, since the steam generator is electrically connected to the power supply system via a thyristor, when the processor is used to turn on the steam generator, it specifically sends an activation signal to the thyristor so that the thyristor connects the power supply system to the steam generator, and the power supply system supplies power to the steam generator.

[0076] In addition to the operation control method described above for steam cleaners, the steam cleaner can also be operated according to the following processing logic. Specifically, the processor executes the following steps:

[0077] In response to the current work instruction indicating the use of steam operation mode, start the steam generator to begin heating.

[0078] Obtain the time interval between the last time the steam generator was shut down when the steam operation mode was used and the current time the steam generator is turned on when the steam operation mode is used;

[0079] When the time interval is less than the interval threshold, the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator should be determined based on the time interval, and the liquid injection delay should be less than the reference delay.

[0080] When the liquid injection delay arrives, the control liquid storage device injects liquid into the steam generator, so that the steam generator releases steam onto the work surface based on the liquid to perform the work task.

[0081] Alternatively, the processor is also configured to determine the injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator this time, based on the time interval and the cooling characteristics of the steam generator.

[0082] Furthermore, when the processor determines the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator based on the time interval and the cooling characteristics of the steam generator, it specifically performs the following steps: calculating a correction coefficient for the steam progress growth rate based on the time interval and the cooling characteristics of the steam generator; and calculating the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator based on the correction coefficient, the steam progress growth rate, and the baseline steam progress. The concepts and specific implementation methods of each step mentioned above are described in the foregoing embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0083] Optionally, the processor is further configured to: calculate the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator this time, based on the steam progress growth rate and the baseline steam progress, if the time interval is greater than or equal to the interval threshold. For a detailed implementation of this step, please refer to the foregoing embodiments for the concepts and specific implementation methods of each step, and they will not be repeated here.

[0084] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this application can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this application can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this application can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0085] This application is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this application. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, generate instructions for implementing the flowchart... Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 A device that provides the functions specified in one or more boxes.

[0086] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means, which are implemented in a process Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The function specified in one or more boxes.

[0087] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable equipment to produce a computer-implemented process, thereby providing instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable equipment for implementing the process. Figure 1 One or more processes and / or boxes Figure 1 The steps of the function specified in one or more boxes.

[0088] In a typical configuration, a computing device includes one or more processors (CPU), input / output interfaces, network interfaces, and memory.

[0089] Memory may include non-persistent storage in computer-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM) or flash RAM. Memory is an example of computer-readable media.

[0090] Computer-readable media includes both permanent and non-permanent, removable and non-removable media that can store information using any method or technology. Information can be computer-readable instructions, data structures, modules of programs, or other data. Examples of computer storage media include, but are not limited to, phase-change memory (PRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), other types of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile optical disc (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic tape, magnetic magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transferable medium that can be used to store information accessible by a computing device. As defined herein, computer-readable media does not include transient computer-readable media, such as modulated data signals and carrier waves.

[0091] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0092] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A work control method for a steam cleaning machine including a steam generator and a liquid storage device, characterized by, The method includes: In response to the current operation command indicating the use of steam operation mode, the steam generator is turned on to start heating. Obtain the time interval between the last time the steam generator was shut down when the steam operation mode was used and the current time the steam generator is turned on when the steam operation mode is used; If the time interval is less than or equal to a set interval threshold, then based on the time interval and the pre-obtained temperature rise characteristics of the steam generator, a correction coefficient for the steam progress growth rate corresponding to the steam generator is calculated; based on the correction coefficient, the steam progress growth rate, and the baseline steam progress, the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator this time is calculated; the baseline steam progress refers to the minimum steam progress corresponding to the steam generator from the start of heating to the point where no water droplets are generated; the interval threshold is greater than or equal to the time required for the steam generator to recover from a stable steam release state to a cooling state. When the liquid injection delay arrives, the liquid storage device is controlled to inject liquid into the steam generator, so that the steam generator releases steam onto the work surface based on the liquid to perform the work task.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, Also includes: If the time interval is greater than the interval threshold, the injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator this time is calculated based on the steam progress growth rate and the reference steam progress.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein, Based on the steam progress growth rate and the reference steam progress, calculate the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator this time, including: calculating the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator this time with the goal that the product of the steam progress growth rate and the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator this time is greater than or equal to the reference steam progress. Accordingly, based on the correction coefficient, the steam progress growth rate, and the reference steam progress, the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator this time is calculated, including: with the goal of the product of the correction coefficient, the steam progress growth rate, and the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator this time being greater than or equal to the reference steam progress, the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator this time is calculated.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein, Based on the time interval and combined with the pre-obtained cooling characteristics of the steam generator, a correction coefficient for the steam progress growth rate corresponding to the steam generator is calculated, including: A monotonically decreasing function adapted to the cooling characteristics of the steam generator is used to numerically calculate the time interval to obtain the correction coefficient of the steam progress growth rate; the value range of the monotonically decreasing function is [1, m], where m is a value greater than 1.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, Also includes: The heating time required for the steam generator to heat from a cooled state to a stable steam release state was obtained experimentally, as well as the reference delay when no water droplets were generated during the process of heating from a cooled state to a stable steam release state. The steam progress growth rate is determined based on the heating time and the set steam progress range, and the steam progress range corresponds to the cooling state to the stable steam release state. The reference steam progress is determined based on the maximum steam progress within the steam progress range, the heating time, and the reference delay.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein, Also includes: Monitor the heating status of the steam generator. When the steam generator is in a stable steam release state or the duration of stable steam release is longer than a set duration, shut down the steam generator to stop heating.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, The steam generator is electrically connected to the power supply system via a thyristor, and turning on the steam generator includes: An enable signal is sent to the thyristor to connect the power supply system to the steam generator, and the power supply system supplies power to the steam generator.

8. A steam cleaner characterized by, include: The main body of the cleaning machine is equipped with a controller, a steam generator, and a liquid storage device. The liquid storage device is used to store liquid and inject liquid into the steam generator under the control of the controller. The steam generator is used to heat the injected liquid under the control of the controller to generate steam required for the operation and release the steam to the work surface. The controller is configured to, in response to a current operation command indicating the adoption of a steam operation mode, activate the steam generator to begin heating, and acquire the time interval between the last time the steam generator was shut down when the steam operation mode was adopted and the current time the steam generator is activated when the steam operation mode is adopted. If the time interval is less than or equal to a set interval threshold, a correction coefficient for the steam progress growth rate of the steam generator is calculated based on the time interval and the pre-obtained temperature rise characteristics of the steam generator. Based on the correction coefficient, the steam progress growth rate, and the baseline steam progress, the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator is calculated. When the liquid injection delay is reached, the controller controls the liquid storage device to inject liquid into the steam generator, so that the steam generator releases steam onto the work surface based on the liquid to perform the operation task. The baseline steam progress refers to the minimum steam progress corresponding to the steam generator from the start of heating to the point where no water droplets are generated. The interval threshold is greater than or equal to the time required for the steam generator to recover from a stable steam release state to a cooling state.

9. The steam cleaner of claim 8, wherein, Also includes: A cleaning base is provided with a steam nozzle at its bottom, which is connected to a steam generator; the steam generator is specifically used to release steam onto the work surface through the steam nozzle.

10. The steam cleaner of claim 8, wherein, The main body of the cleaning machine is also provided with a grip or operating table, and the grip or operating table is provided with a mode switching button for users to select the steam operation mode. The mode switching button is electrically connected to the controller.

11. The steam cleaner of claim 8, wherein, The main body of the cleaning machine is also equipped with a display screen, and the controller is further used to control the display screen to display at least one of the following information when the steam generator is in the heating state: The steam generator's start heating time, heating duration, current temperature, liquid injection status indication, liquid injection delay for this injection into the steam generator, and countdown timer for the liquid injection delay.

12. The steam cleaner of any one of claims 8-10, wherein, Also includes: The drive circuit of the steam generator includes: a power supply port, a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR), and an optocoupler assembly; wherein, the power supply port is used to connect to a power supply, and the power supply port is electrically connected to the steam generator via the SCR, the SCR is electrically connected between the steam generator and the optocoupler assembly, and the optocoupler assembly is electrically connected to the controller; The controller outputs an electrical signal to control the on / off state of the thyristor, thereby controlling the heating of the steam generator. The electrical signal is isolated by the optocoupler before reaching the thyristor.

13. A work control method for a steam cleaning machine including a steam generator and a liquid storage device, characterized by, The method includes: In response to the current operation command indicating the use of steam operation mode, the steam generator is turned on to start heating. Obtain the time interval between the last time the steam generator was shut down when the steam operation mode was used and the current time the steam generator is turned on when the steam operation mode is used; If the time interval is greater than the set interval threshold, then the liquid injection delay for injecting liquid into the steam generator is determined based on the steam progress growth rate corresponding to the steam generator and the reference steam progress, wherein the liquid injection delay is less than the reference delay; the reference steam progress refers to the minimum steam progress corresponding to the steam generator from the start of heating to the point where no water droplets are generated; the interval threshold is greater than or equal to the time required for the steam generator to recover from a stable steam release state to a cooling state. When the liquid injection delay arrives, the liquid storage device is controlled to inject liquid into the steam generator, so that the steam generator releases steam onto the work surface based on the liquid to perform the work task.

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