Method for detecting foam, reflective foam sensor, and storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a method for detecting foam, a reflective foam sensor and a storage medium. The reflective foam sensor comprises a light emitting source and a receiving member. The receiving member is located in the same plane as the light emitting source and is used for receiving reflected light of a probe light emitted by the light emitting source after being reflected by foam. The reflective foam sensor is installed in a washing device. The method for detecting foam comprises the following steps: detecting reflected light signals in a first preset time length in the washing device; and determining foam information in the washing device according to the detection result.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of cleaning, and particularly relates to a method for detecting foam, a reflective foam sensor and a storage medium. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the improvement of people's living standards, people's requirements and expectations for washing equipment are increasing. Taking a washing machine as an example, from the washing process of the washing machine, the clothes treatment agent contains various effective components, among which the surfactant plays a role in stripping stains from the fibers of the clothes and forming micelles to assist the stains into the water body, and is the core effective component of the clothes treatment agent. The surfactant is also the main component of the foam formed in the washing process. When a small amount of clothes treatment agent encounters a large amount of stains, the surfactant therein will be completely used for cleaning the stains and form droplets, and no foam will be generated. At this moment, due to the lack of clothes treatment agent, the cleaning effect will also be greatly reduced. In the perception of the end user of the washing device, washing without foam also represents the risk of not washing the clothes thoroughly. When a large amount of clothes treatment agent encounters a small amount of stains, a large amount of foam will be generated as the washing process proceeds. The presence of these foams will generate resistance to the operation of the washing device, thereby consuming additional electrical energy and reducing the service life of the washing device. In the most extreme case, the overflow of the foam will cause damage to the washing device and destroy the use scene of the washing device, causing trouble for the user.

[0003] However, in the prior art, due to the limitation of the foam detection device, the foam is only detected in the drainage and dehydration stage, which leads to the inability to detect the foam during the washing process or the high detection cost. SUMMARY

[0004] The present application provides a method for detecting foam, a reflective foam sensor and a storage medium to solve the problem that the foam cannot be detected during the washing process or the detection cost is too high in the prior art.

[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application provides a method for detecting foam, which is used for a reflective foam sensor, the reflective foam sensor comprising a light emitting source and a receiving member, the receiving member and the light emitting source being located in the same plane, and being used for receiving reflected light of a probe light emitted by the light emitting source after being reflected by foam, the reflective foam sensor being installed in a washing device, and the method for detecting foam comprising the following steps:

[0006] detecting the reflected light signal in the washing device within a first preset time period;

[0007] determining the foam information in the washing device according to the detection result.

[0008] Preferably, in the method for detecting the foam, the step of determining the information of the foam in the washing device according to the detection result comprises:

[0009] calculating a first ratio of the reflected light signal to the light signal of the probe light within the first preset time length;

[0010] determining the information of the foam in the washing device according to the first ratio.

[0011] Preferably, in the method for detecting the foam, the step of determining the information of the foam in the washing device according to the first ratio comprises:

[0012] when the first ratio is less than or equal to a first threshold value, determining that only air exists on the surface of the reflective foam sensor without foam water;

[0013] when the first ratio is greater than or equal to the first threshold value and less than a second threshold value, determining that the surface of the reflective foam sensor exists foam-free washing water;

[0014] when the first ratio is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, determining that the surface of the reflective foam sensor exists foam;

[0015] wherein the first threshold value < the second threshold value.

[0016] Preferably, in the method for detecting the foam, the step of determining that the surface of the reflective foam sensor exists foam when the first ratio is greater than or equal to the second threshold value comprises:

[0017] when the first ratio is greater than or equal to the second threshold value and less than a third threshold value, determining that the foam existing on the surface of the reflective foam sensor is large foam and is in a gradually collapsing state;

[0018] when the first ratio is greater than or equal to the third threshold value and less than a fourth threshold value, determining that the foam existing on the surface of the reflective foam sensor is micro-stable foam.

[0019] Preferably, in the method for detecting the foam, the first threshold value is 18%-20%, the second threshold value is 30%-40%, and the third threshold value is 70%-80%.

[0020] Preferably, in the method for detecting the foam, before the step of determining the information of the foam in the washing device according to the detection result, the method further comprises the following step:

[0021] obtaining the installation position of the reflective foam sensor in the washing device, the installation position comprising being installed at the lower edge of the glass door, being installed at the side of the glass door, or being installed at the middle of the glass door;

[0022] Accordingly, the step of determining the information of the foam in the washing device according to the installation position of the reflective foam sensor and the detection result is specifically:

[0023] According to the installation position of the reflective foam sensor and the detection result, the information of the foam in the washing device is determined.

[0024] Preferably, in the method for detecting the foam, the reflective foam sensor is installed at the lower edge of the washing device.

[0025] Accordingly, the step of detecting the reflected light signal in the washing device within the first preset time period is specifically:

[0026] The reflected light signal in the washing device within the first preset time period when the driving motor rotates is detected.

[0027] Accordingly, the step of determining the information of the foam in the washing device according to the installation position of the reflective foam sensor and the detection result is specifically:

[0028] It is determined whether the detected reflected light signal within the first preset time period when the driving motor rotates exceeds a fifth threshold value, wherein the fifth threshold value is determined according to the operating parameter of the driving motor.

[0029] If the determination result is yes, it is determined that there is foam.

[0030] Preferably, in the method for detecting the foam, the reflective foam sensor is installed at the lower edge of the washing device.

[0031] Accordingly, before the step of detecting the reflected light signal in the washing device within the first preset time period, the detection method further comprises:

[0032] Obtaining the liquid level information in the washing device at present:

[0033] Accordingly, the step of determining the information of the foam in the washing device according to the installation position of the reflective foam sensor and the detection result comprises:

[0034] According to the liquid level information and the reflected light signal in the washing device within the first preset time period, the information of the foam in the washing device is determined.

[0035] Preferably, in the method for detecting the foam, the step of detecting the reflected light signal in the washing device within the first preset time period is specifically:

[0036] The reflected light signal in the washing device within the first preset time period when the driving motor rotates and stops is respectively detected.

[0037] Correspondingly, the step of determining the foam information in the washing device according to the liquid level information and the reflected light signal in the first preset time length in the washing device comprises:

[0038] When the liquid level is a low liquid level, the foam information in the washing device is determined according to the reflected light signal in the first preset time length when the driving motor rotates and / or stops;

[0039] When the liquid level is a high liquid level, the foam information in the washing device is determined according to the ratio of the reflected light signal in the first preset time length when the driving motor rotates and stops; or,

[0040] When the liquid level is a high liquid level, the foam information in the washing device is determined according to the change trend of the driving motor in the second preset time length from rotation to stop.

[0041] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application provides a reflective foam sensor, which comprises:

[0042] At least one processor; and,

[0043] The memory is in communication connection with the at least one processor; wherein,

[0044] The memory stores instructions executable by the at least one processor, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to execute the above-mentioned foam detection method.

[0045] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application provides a computer readable storage medium, which stores a computer program, characterized in that the computer program is executed by a processor to realize the above-mentioned foam detection method.

[0046] The technical scheme provided by the present application has the following advantages:

[0047] The present application provides a foam detection method for a reflective foam sensor, which comprises a light emitting source and a receiving member. The receiving member and the light emitting source are located in the same plane and are used to receive reflected light of probe light emitted by the light emitting source after being reflected by foam. The reflective foam sensor is installed in a washing device. The reflected light signal in the first preset time length in the washing device is detected first. Then, the foam information in the washing device is determined according to the detection result. In this way, the information of the foam can be detected in real time, and the problem that the foam cannot be detected during the washing process or the detection cost is too high in the prior art is solved.

[0048] Further, the real-time monitoring of the foam can be carried out during the washing process and the rinsing process, and the presence or absence of the foam can be accurately distinguished, and the actual effect can be determined to match the manual visual perception, which can provide more effective data basis for the intelligent control of the washing process than the detection method of detecting whether the foam overflow is serious only in the dehydration stage.

[0049] Further, compared with other foam detection technologies such as image recognition and heat radiation temperature distribution sensing technology, the distribution of the foam in the inner drum of the washing machine can be accurately analyzed, and the reflective foam sensor can realize the distinction of the presence or absence of the foam at a single position at a lower cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0050] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings needed to be used in the specific embodiments or the prior art description will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor.

[0051] Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the foam detection method of the present application in the first embodiment;

[0052] Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the foam detection method of the present application in the second embodiment;

[0053] Figure 3 The schematic diagram of the foam detection method of the present application in the third embodiment;

[0054] Figure 4 The schematic diagram of the foam detection method of the present application in the fourth embodiment;

[0055] Figure 5 The schematic diagram of the foam detection method of the present application in the fifth embodiment;

[0056] Figure 6 The schematic diagram of the foam detection method of the present application in the sixth embodiment;

[0057] Figure 7 The schematic diagram of the reflective foam sensor of the present application in an embodiment;

[0058] Figure 8 The structural schematic diagram of the reflective foam sensor of the present application in an embodiment;

[0059] Figure 9 The schematic diagram of the reflective foam sensor of the present application in an embodiment; Figure 8 The schematic diagram of the reflective foam sensor of the present application in an embodiment;

[0060] Figure 10A curve diagram of one embodiment of the reflective foam sensor detecting foam according to the present application;

[0061] Figure 11 A curve diagram of another embodiment of the reflective foam sensor detecting foam according to the present application.

[0062] The implementation, functional features and advantages of the present application will be further described with reference to the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] In the embodiments of the present application, the term "and / or" describes the association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B can represent the three cases of A alone, A and B together, and B alone. The character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the front and rear associated objects.

[0064] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", and the like in the specification and claims of the present application and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and do not necessarily have to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0065] In the embodiments of the present application, the term "a plurality of" means two or more, and other quantifiers are similar.

[0066] To make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application more clear, the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art can understand that in the embodiments of the present application, many technical details are proposed in order to make the readers better understand the present application. However, even without these technical details and various changes and modifications based on the following embodiments, the technical solutions claimed by the present application can be implemented. The division of the following embodiments is for the convenience of description, and should not constitute any limitation on the specific implementation of the present application, and the embodiments can be combined and referenced with each other without contradiction.

[0067] The present embodiment relates to a method for detecting foam, which is applied to a washing device, such as a washing machine, a dishwasher, and the like, which are not listed here. Please refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The reflective foam sensor 1 includes a light emitting source 11 and a receiving member 12, the receiving member 12 is located in the same plane as the light emitting source 11, and is used to receive the reflected light of the probe light emitted by the light emitting source 11 through the foam, and the reflective foam sensor 1 is installed in the washing device.

[0068] It should be noted that the reflective foam sensor 1 can adopt the structure of the above-mentioned receiving member 12 to receive the reflected light waves to determine whether there is foam, and can also be a reflective foam sensor 1 with the following structure. Specifically, it includes:

[0069] The signal processing piece 13 is electrically connected with the receiving piece 12; wherein the first preset distance is determined according to the receiving piece 12 being able to receive the light wave emitted by the reflecting surface with the second preset distance above the first plane.

[0070] The reflective foam sensor 1 can be applied to, but is not limited to, a washing machine, but for the convenience of illustration, the following will take the reflective foam sensor 1 applied to a washing machine as an example for illustration.

[0071] Wherein the emitting light source 11 can be any narrow or wide band light from ultraviolet light to near infrared light, and the radiation angle of the light source is stable wide-angle radiation; taking the reflective foam sensor 1 applied to a washing machine as an example, the emitting light source 11 can also be a washing machine inner drum lamp or an ultraviolet sterilization lamp, and the setting of the emitting light source 11 is not specifically limited here. It should be noted that when the emitting light source 11 is an external light source such as a washing machine inner drum lamp or an ultraviolet sterilization lamp, at this time, it can also be considered that the reflective foam sensor 1 only includes the receiving piece 12 and the signal processing piece 13, so that the existing light source can be reused, and the cost of the reflective foam sensor 1 can be reduced.

[0072] The receiving piece 12 can be a full-wavelength response photoelectric conversion device (photoresistor / photodiode, etc.), which is used to convert the light wave reflected back by the emitting light source 11 into an electrical signal. The receiving piece 12 and the emitting light source 11 are arranged in the same plane and are separated by a first preset distance, and the first preset distance is determined according to the intensity and radiation angle of the emitting light source 11. Generally, the receiving piece 12 is arranged in the circular area that can be radiated by the emitting light source 11. The specific position of the receiving piece 12 can also be determined by the following method, and the determination method comprises:

[0073] Step S1, first arrange the receiving piece 12 and the emitting light source 11 on the same horizontal plane;

[0074] Step S2, place a reflecting plate at a second preset distance above the horizontal plane, and the reflecting surface of the reflecting plate is arranged towards the receiving piece 12 and the emitting light source 11;

[0075] Wherein, step S2 can also be placing a glass with a thickness of the second preset distance on the horizontal plane, and placing a reflecting plate on the glass, and the reflecting surface of the reflecting plate is arranged towards the receiving piece 12 and the emitting light source 11.

[0076] In the case of using the reflective foam sensor 1 in a washing machine, the second preset distance is determined according to the glass door of the washing machine. Generally, the second preset distance is equal to the thickness of the glass door. In the embodiment, the second preset distance is 8-9 mm. Preferably, the second preset distance is 8 mm. When the receiving member 12 can receive the light waves emitted by the reflective surface at a second preset distance above the first plane, the maximum distance between the light emitting source 11 and the receiving member 12 is Lmax, and the first preset distance is less than Lmax.

[0077] Step S3: moving the receiving member 12 until the receiving member 12 can receive the light waves reflected by the light emitting source 11.

[0078] It should be understood that when the distance between the receiving member 12 and the light emitting source 11 exceeds the maximum distance at which the emitted light waves can be received, the receiving member 12 will not be able to receive the light waves reflected by the reflective panel. Therefore, the distance between the receiving member 12 and the light emitting source 11 can be as long as it does not exceed the maximum distance.

[0079] The signal processing member 13 is electrically connected to the receiving member 12 and is used to amplify and output the electrical signal converted by the receiving member 12.

[0080] In specific operation, the reflective foam sensor 1 can respond to the presence or absence of foam.

[0081] (1) When only air exists on the surface of the reflective foam sensor 1, most of the light beams of the light source will propagate far away through the air without reflected light, and the light signal received by the receiving member 12 is the side radiation light of the light source. During detection, the reading value is relatively stable, and the reflected light intensity is very weak.

[0082] (2) When no foam washing water exists on the surface of the reflective foam sensor 1, most of the light beams of the light source will propagate far away through the washing water, and only a small amount of turbid substances in the water will scatter a small amount of incident light. The light signal received by the receiving member 12 is the sum of the side radiation light of the light source and the scattered light scattered in the direction of the receiving member 12. During detection, the reading value is relatively stable, and the reflected light intensity is slightly higher than that in the air medium.

[0083] (3) When large non-rigid foam exists on the surface of the reflective foam sensor 1, the light beams of the light source will be reflected by the surface film of the foam, and the reflection angle is related to the existence form of the foam. The light signal received by the receiving member 12 is the sum of the side radiation light of the light source and the reflected light reflected by the foam surface in the direction of the receiving member 12. During detection, the reading value changes with the degradation and displacement of the foam itself, and the overall reading value is higher than that in the condition of no foam washing water medium.

[0084] (4) When the micro-dense foam exists on the surface of the reflective foam sensor 1, most of the light beams of the light source will be reflected by the surface film layer of the foam, and due to the micro-dense of the foam, the reflection position will be closer to the surface of the reflective foam sensor 1, and the reflection direction will be more concentrated, and the light signal received by the receiving member 12 is the sum of the side radiation light of the light source and the reflected light reflected by the surface of the foam to the receiving member 12, and the reflected light intensity will exceed the upper limit of the signal of the receiving member 12, and due to the relative stability of the micro-foam, the reading value is close to the full-scale value and is stable.

[0085] The reflective foam sensor 1 can specifically determine whether the foam exists and the type of the foam, which can be determined by comparing the ratio of the reflected light signal received by the receiving member 12 to the signal of the light source 11 with the set threshold value, and a plurality of known data can be used to fit the specific threshold value, and the threshold value can also be determined according to the power of the driving motor in the washing machine.

[0086] In addition, it should be noted that when the reflective foam sensor 1 is applied to the washing machine, the large foam refers to the foam with a diameter of more than 3 cm, and the small foam can be the foam other than the large foam, which is not limited here.

[0087] Compared with the conventional foam detection scheme (such as the liquid level sensing scheme and the dehydration braking scheme), the reflective foam sensor 1 provided by the present application can monitor the foam in real time during the washing process and the rinsing process, so that the presence or absence of the foam can be accurately distinguished, and the determination effect matches the artificial visual perception.

[0088] Further, compared with the conventional detection method that can only detect whether the overflow is serious in the dehydration stage, the reflective foam sensor 1 provided by the present application can provide effective data basis for intelligent control of the washing process.

[0089] Further, compared with other foam detection technologies such as image recognition and heat radiation temperature distribution sensing technology, the reflective foam sensor 1 can accurately analyze the distribution of the foam in the inner drum of the washing machine at a lower cost.

[0090] The implementation details of the foam detection method of the first embodiment of the present application will be described below. The following content is only provided for the implementation details for the convenience of understanding, and is not necessary for the implementation of the present scheme.

[0091] The specific process of the present embodiment is shown in Figure 1 , which specifically includes:

[0092] Step S100, detecting the reflected light signal in the first preset time in the washing device;

[0093] It should be noted that the execution body of the present application can be but is not limited to the reflective foam sensor 1. In other embodiments, the execution body can also be a washing device which acquires data in the reflective foam sensor 1 to determine the information of the foam, which is not specifically limited here. The reflective foam sensor 1 has a relatively typical signal change trend for the response to the presence or absence of foam and different foams, and the presence or absence of the foam can be distinguished by tracking the reflective light signal response trend in the first preset time length.

[0094] Step S200, according to the detection result, determine the foam information in the washing device.

[0095] It should be understood that the foam information can be no foam, small and dense foam, or large non-rigid foam, etc. Different reflective light signals can correspond to different foam information, please refer to Figure 10 , for example:

[0096] (1) When only air exists on the surface of the reflective foam sensor 1, most of the light beams of the light source will propagate far away through the air without reflected light, the light signal received by the receiver 12 is the side radiation light of the light source, and the reading value is relatively stable during the detection process, and the reflected light intensity is very weak.

[0097] (2) When no foam washing water exists on the surface of the reflective foam sensor 1, most of the light beams of the light source will propagate far away through the washing water, only a small amount of turbidity in the water will scatter a small amount of incident light, the light signal received by the receiver 12 is the sum of the side radiation light of the light source and the small amount of scattered light scattered in the direction of the receiver 12, and the reading value is relatively stable during the detection process, and the reflected light intensity is slightly higher than that in the air medium.

[0098] (3) When large non-rigid foam exists on the surface of the reflective foam sensor 1, the light beams of the light source will be reflected by the foam surface film layer, and the reflection angle is related to the existence form of the foam, the light signal received by the receiver 12 is the sum of the side radiation light of the light source and the reflected light reflected by the foam surface in the direction of the receiver 12, and the reading value changes with the digestion and displacement of the foam itself during the detection process, and the overall reading value is higher than that in the no foam washing water medium.

[0099] (4) When small and dense foam exists on the surface of the reflective foam sensor 1, most of the light beams of the light source will be reflected by the foam surface film layer, and due to the small and dense nature of the foam, the reflection position will be closer to the surface of the reflective foam sensor 1, and the reflection direction will be more concentrated, the light signal received by the receiver 12 is the sum of the side radiation light of the light source and the reflected light reflected by the foam surface in the direction of the receiver 12, and the reflected light intensity will exceed the upper limit of the signal of the receiver 12, and due to the relative stability of the small foam, the reading value is close to the full scale value and is stable.

[0100] The present application provides a method for detecting foam, which is used for a reflective foam sensor 1, the reflective foam sensor 1 comprising a light emitting source 11 and a receiving member 12 which is located in the same plane as the light emitting source 11 and is used for receiving reflected light of probe light emitted by the light emitting source 11 after being reflected by foam, the reflective foam sensor 1 being installed in a washing device, and the method comprising the steps of: first detecting reflected light signals within a first preset time period in the washing device; and then determining foam information in the washing device according to the detection result, so as to facilitate real-time detection of the foam information.

[0101] Further, the real-time monitoring of the foam can be performed during the washing process and the rinsing process, the presence or absence of the foam can be accurately distinguished, and the actual determination effect matches the manual naked-eye perception, which can provide more effective data basis for the intelligent control of the washing process than the detection method of detecting whether the overflow of the foam is serious only in the dehydration stage.

[0102] Further, compared with other foam detection technologies such as image recognition and heat radiation temperature distribution sensing technology, the reflective foam sensor 1 can accurately analyze the distribution of the foam in the inner drum of the washing machine, and the reflective foam sensor 1 realizes the distinction of the presence or absence of the foam at a single position at a lower cost.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 2, the present application provides a second embodiment of the method for detecting foam, and the step S200 comprises: Figure 2

[0104] Step S210, calculating a first ratio of the reflected light signals within the first preset time period to the light signals of the probe light;

[0105] It should be understood that the reflective light type foam sensor has a relatively typical signal change trend for the response of the presence or absence of the foam and different foams. Since the signal intensity of the light emitting source 11 can be changed, the first ratio of the received reflected light signals within the first preset time period to the light signals of the probe light is usually corresponding to the condition of the foam.

[0106] Step S220, determining foam information in the washing device according to the first ratio.

[0107] Specifically, the step S220 comprises:

[0108] Step S221, when the first ratio is less than or equal to a first threshold value, determining that only air exists on the surface of the reflective foam sensor 1 without foam water;

[0109] ​It should be understood that, in this embodiment, the first threshold is 18%-20%. Since the detection results are relatively stable when the reflective foam sensor 1 is only present in the air and the reflected light intensity is very weak, the determination condition that only air exists on the surface of the reflective foam sensor 1 and there is no foam water can be limited to: when the first ratio is between 15% and 19% (in other embodiments, the first ratio can also be 16%-18%), it is considered that it is currently only present in the air.

[0110] Step S222: When the first ratio is greater than or equal to the first threshold and less than the second threshold, it is determined that there is bubble-free washing water on the surface of the reflective foam sensor 1.

[0111] It should be understood that in this embodiment, the second threshold is 30%-40%. Since the surface of the reflective foam sensor 1 contains non-foaming washing water, most of the light beam from the light source will propagate far through the washing water. Only a small amount of turbidity in the water will scatter a small amount of incident light. The light signal received by the receiver 12 is the sum of the side radiation from the light source and the scattered light scattered towards the receiver 12. The reading is relatively stable during the detection process. Therefore, the condition for determining the presence of non-foaming washing water on the surface of the reflective foam sensor 1 can be limited to: when the first ratio is between 20% and 30% (in other embodiments, the first ratio can also be 22%-28%), it is considered that non-foaming washing water is present.

[0112] Step S223: When the first ratio is greater than or equal to the second threshold, it is determined that there is foam on the surface of the reflective foam sensor 1; wherein, the first threshold is less than the second threshold.

[0113] like Figure 3 As shown, in the third embodiment of the foam detection method provided by the present invention, based on the second embodiment, step S223 includes:

[0114] Step S2231: When the first ratio is greater than or equal to the second threshold and less than the third threshold, it is determined that the foam present on the surface of the reflective foam sensor 1 is large foam and is in a state of gradual collapse.

[0115] It should be understood that in this embodiment, the third threshold is 70%-80%. When large, non-rigid foam exists on the surface of the reflective foam sensor 1, the light beam from the light source will be reflected by the foam surface film. The reflection angle is related to the foam's shape. The light signal received by the receiver 12 is the sum of the light radiated from the side of the light source and the reflected light from the foam surface towards the receiver 12. During the detection process, the reading changes with the foam's own dissipation and displacement; that is, the first ratio initially decreases with the foam's dissipation and displacement. Therefore, the condition for determining that the foam present on the surface of the reflective foam sensor 1 is a large foam in a gradually collapsing state can be defined as follows: when the first ratio is between 45% and 70%, the existing foam is considered to be a large foam in a gradually collapsing state, meaning the foam volume is large (usually greater than 3 cm) and easily breaks and disappears in the air.

[0116] Step S2232: When the first ratio is greater than or equal to the third threshold and less than the fourth threshold, it is determined that the foam present on the surface of the reflective foam sensor 1 is a micro-stable foam.

[0117] It should be understood that in this embodiment, the fourth threshold is 100%. When tiny, dense foam exists on the surface of the reflective foam sensor 1, most of the light beam from the light source will be reflected by the foam surface film. Due to the tiny density of the foam, its reflection position will be closer to the sensor surface, and the reflection direction will be more concentrated. The light signal received by the receiver 12 is the sum of the light radiated from the side of the light source and the reflected light reflected from the foam surface towards the receiver 12. The intensity of the reflected light will exceed the upper limit of the signal of the receiver 12. Due to the relative stability of the tiny foam, the reading is close to the full-scale value and remains stable. Therefore, the determination condition for the foam present on the surface of the reflective foam sensor 1 to be tiny, stable foam can be limited to: when the first ratio is between 95% and 100%, the foam currently present is considered to be tiny, stable foam.

[0118] like Figure 4 As shown, in the fourth embodiment of the foam detection method provided by the present invention, before step S200, the detection method further includes the following steps:

[0119] Step S300: Obtain the installation position of the reflective foam sensor 1 in the washing device. The installation position includes installation at the lower edge of the glass door, installation on the side of the glass door, and installation in the middle of the glass door.

[0120] It should be understood that the detection range is different when the reflective foam sensor 1 is installed at different positions. The installation position of the reflective foam sensor 1 can be the position information fed back by the washing device. Step S300 can be before step S100 or before step S200, which is not specifically limited here.

[0121] Accordingly, the step S200 is specifically:

[0122] Step S230, according to the installation position of the reflective foam sensor 1 and the detection result, determines the foam information in the washing device.

[0123] It should be understood that, taking the reflective foam sensor 1 installed at the lower edge of the glass door as an example, when installed at this position, as long as foam is generated during the washing process, the foam flowing with the water will flow to the lower edge of the glass door and stay to be detected by the sensor, and the tracking of the foam generation during the washing process is the most sensitive, that is, as long as the foam is generated in the inner drum, it will be detected. When the reflective foam sensor 1 is installed at the side of the glass door, the foam generated during the foam washing process will reach this position during the process of gradually accumulating at the door seal, and can also be detected when the foam reaches this position. The reflective foam sensor 1 installed at the lower edge of the glass door and installed at the side of the glass door can both avoid signal interference caused by clothes rolling. When the reflective foam sensor 1 is installed at the middle of the glass door, the liquid level is low during the main washing process or the rinsing process, the reflective foam sensor 1 is installed above the liquid level, and the clothes will be attached to the inner side of the glass door by the rolling action of the drum and the generated foam during the washing process, and the reflective foam sensor 1 will be detected. At this time, the result measured by the reflective foam sensor 1 needs to be filtered to remove the interference of the clothes on the foam response.

[0124] Taking the reflective foam sensor 1 installed at the lower edge of the washing device as an example, accordingly, the steps of step S100 are specifically:

[0125] Step S110, detecting the reflected light signal in the first preset time period when the driving motor rotates in the washing device;

[0126] It should be understood that, during the washing process, the driving motor usually rotates for a period of time, then stops for a period of time, then rotates again, and then stops again. In this way, whether there is foam can be determined by the reflected light signal in the time range of the driving motor rotation, and at this time, the first preset time period ≤ one cycle of the driving motor rotation. One cycle of the driving motor rotation is the time range from the start of the driving motor rotation to the end of the driving motor rotation and the switching to the stop before the end of the driving motor rotation.

[0127] Accordingly, step S230 is specifically:

[0128] Step S231, judging whether the reflected light signal in the first preset time length when the driving motor rotates exceeds a fifth threshold value, wherein the fifth threshold value is determined according to the operating parameter of the driving motor;

[0129] It should be understood that, for the convenience of illustration, the first preset time length is taken as an example of one cycle of driving motor rotation, and a plurality of signal points can be obtained in one cycle of driving motor rotation by the reflective foam sensor 1. Whether the average signal, the median value signal, or the average signal after removing abnormal points exceeds the fifth threshold value can be determined by calculating these signal points. The fifth threshold value can be determined according to the rotation frequency and structure of the driving motor of the washing device, for example, the fifth threshold value is 35.6%.

[0130] Step S232, if the result is yes, it is determined that there is foam.

[0131] As shown in Figure 5 and Figure 11 The fifth embodiment of the foam detection method provided by the present application is based on the fourth embodiment, and the reflective foam sensor 1 is installed at the lower edge of the washing device. Accordingly, before the step S100, the detection method further comprises:

[0132] Step S400, obtaining the liquid level information in the current washing device:

[0133] It should be understood that the liquid level information can be detected by a liquid level sensor, and the liquid level information in the current washing device can be obtained by feedback from the control device of the washing device. According to the liquid level information fed back by the washing device, it can be determined whether the washing water in the washing device is at a low liquid level or a high liquid level. When the liquid level in the washing device is parallel to or higher than the installation position of the reflective foam sensor 1, it is considered that the liquid level is high at this time. When the liquid level in the washing device is lower than the installation position of the reflective foam sensor 1, it is considered that the liquid level is low at this time.

[0134] Accordingly, the step S230 comprises:

[0135] Step S233, determining the foam information in the washing device according to the liquid level information and the reflected light signal in the first preset time length in the washing device.

[0136] As shown in Figure 6 The sixth embodiment of the foam detection method provided by the present application is based on the fifth embodiment, and the step S100 is specifically:

[0137] Step S120, respectively detecting the reflected light signal in the first preset time length when the driving motor rotates and stops in the washing device;

[0138] Accordingly, the step S233 comprises:

[0139] Step S2331, when the liquid level is low, according to the reflected light signal within the first preset time length when the driving motor rotates and / or stops, the foam information in the washing device is determined.

[0140] It should be understood that when the washing water in the washing device is at a low liquid level, the reflected type foam sensor 1 has little difference in absolute intensity and less fluctuation in the driving motor rotation period and the stopping period of the washing device, and the absolute intensity of the signal of the reflected type foam sensor 1 is related to the presence or absence of foam.

[0141] In this way, the presence of foam can be determined when the average signal / median value signal / average signal after removing abnormal points obtained by calculating a plurality of signal points through the reflected type sensor during the driving motor rotation period and / or stopping period of the washing device exceeds the threshold value.

[0142] Step S2332, when the liquid level is high, the ratio of the reflected light signal within the first preset time length when the driving motor rotates and stops is determined to determine the foam information in the washing device.

[0143] It should be understood that when the washing water in the washing device is at a high liquid level, when there is foam, the reflected type foam sensor 1 has a large difference in absolute intensity during the driving motor rotation period and the stopping period of the washing device, and when there is no foam, the reflected type foam sensor 1 has little difference in absolute intensity during the driving motor rotation period and the stopping period of the washing device. Therefore, at a high liquid level, the presence or absence of foam can be determined according to the relationship between the signals of the foam sensor during the driving motor rotation period and the stopping period of the washing device.

[0144] For example: the reflected type foam sensor 1 takes a plurality of signal points during one cycle of the driving motor rotation of the washing device, and the average signal / median value signal / average signal after removing abnormal points of the plurality of signal points is taken as the first signal value. The reflected type foam sensor 1 takes a plurality of signal points during one cycle of the driving motor stopping of the washing device, and the average signal / median value signal / average signal after removing abnormal points of the plurality of signal points is taken as the second signal value. If the ratio of the first signal value to the second signal value is greater than or equal to 1.5, it is determined that foam exists, otherwise it is determined that foam does not exist.

[0145] Step S2333, when the liquid level is high, the change trend of the driving motor within the second preset time length from rotation to stopping is determined to determine the foam information in the washing device.

[0146] It should be understood that the change trend of the driving motor in the second preset time length from switching to rotating to stopping can be a decreasing rate, etc.

[0147] For example, the change trend of the foam sensor signal is tracked in 1 second or several seconds during the process of switching the driving motor of the washing device from rotating to stopping, and if the average signal decreasing rate is greater than or equal to 2% / s, it is determined that the foam exists, otherwise it is determined that the foam does not exist.

[0148] To achieve the above object, the present application further provides a reflective foam sensor, as shown in Figure 7 The washing device includes at least one processor 501; and a memory 502 connected with the at least one processor 501; wherein the memory 502 stores instructions executable by the at least one processor 501, and the instructions are executed by the at least one processor 501 to enable the at least one processor 501 to execute the above-mentioned foam detection method.

[0149] The memory 502 and the processor 501 are connected in a bus manner, and the bus can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, and the bus connects one or more processors 501 and various circuits of the memory 502 together. The bus can also connect various other circuits such as peripheral devices, voltage stabilizers, and power management circuits together, which are well known in the art, and therefore, they will not be further described herein. The bus interface provides an interface between the bus and the transceiver. The transceiver can be one element or multiple elements such as multiple receivers and transmitters, which provide units for communicating with various other devices on the transmission medium. The data processed by the processor 501 is transmitted on the wireless medium through the antenna, and further, the antenna also receives data and transmits the data to the processor 501.

[0150] The processor 501 is responsible for managing the bus and general processing, and can also provide various functions including timing, peripheral interface, voltage regulation, power management, and other control functions. And the memory 502 can be used to store the data used by the processor 501 in the execution of the operation.

[0151] To achieve the above object, the present application provides a computer readable storage medium, which stores a computer program, and the computer program is executed by a processor to implement the above-mentioned foam detection method.

[0152] That is, a person skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the steps in the above-mentioned implementation methods can be completed by instructing the relevant hardware through a program stored in a storage medium, including a plurality of instructions for causing a device (which can be a single-chip microcomputer, a chip, etc.) or a processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in various embodiments of the present application. The aforementioned storage medium includes a U disk, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and various media that can store program codes.

[0153] Obviously, the above-described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, a person of ordinary skill in the art can make other different forms of changes or modifications without making creative efforts, and all of them should belong to the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for detecting foam for a reflective foam sensor, the reflective foam sensor comprising a light source for emitting a probe light and a receiver which is located in the same plane as the light source for receiving a reflected light which is reflected by the foam from the probe light emitted by the light source, the reflective foam sensor being installed in a washing device, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: detecting the reflected light signal in the first preset time length in the washing device; determining the foam information in the washing device according to the detection result; wherein the reflective foam sensor is installed at the lower edge of the washing device; Accordingly, before the step of detecting the reflected light signal in the first preset time length in the washing device, the detection method further comprises: obtaining the liquid level information in the washing device at present: The step of detecting the reflected light signal in the first preset time length in the washing device is specifically: respectively detecting the reflected light signal in the first preset time length when the driving motor rotates and stops in the washing device; Accordingly, the step of determining the foam information in the washing device according to the detection result comprises: when the liquid level is low, determining the foam information in the washing device according to the reflected light signal in the first preset time length when the driving motor rotates and / or stops; when the liquid level is high, determining the foam information in the washing device according to the ratio of the reflected light signal in the first preset time length when the driving motor rotates and stops; or when the liquid level is high, determining the foam information in the washing device according to the change trend of the driving motor in the second preset time length from rotating to stopping.

2. The method of detecting foam according to claim 1, wherein The step of determining the foam information in the washing device according to the detection result comprises: calculating the first ratio of the reflected light signal in the first preset time length to the light signal of the probe light; determining the foam information in the washing device according to the first ratio.

3. The method of detecting foam according to claim 2, wherein The step of determining the foam information in the washing device according to the first ratio comprises: when the first ratio is less than or equal to a first threshold value, it is determined that only air exists on the surface of the reflective foam sensor without foam water; when the first ratio is greater than or equal to the first threshold value and less than a second threshold value, it is determined that there is no foam washing water on the surface of the reflective foam sensor; when the first ratio is greater than or equal to the second threshold value, it is determined that there is foam on the surface of the reflective foam sensor; wherein the first threshold value < the second threshold value.

4. A method of detecting foam as claimed in claim 3, wherein, The step of determining the foam on the surface of the reflective foam sensor when the first ratio is greater than or equal to the second threshold value comprises: when the first ratio is greater than or equal to the second threshold value and less than a third threshold value, it is determined that the foam on the surface of the reflective foam sensor is large foam and is in a state of gradual collapse; when the first ratio is greater than or equal to the third threshold value and less than a fourth threshold value, it is determined that the foam on the surface of the reflective foam sensor is a small stable foam.

5. The method of detecting foam according to claim 3, wherein The first threshold value is 18%-20%; the second threshold value is 30%-40%, and the third threshold value is 70%-80%.

6. The method of detecting foam according to claim 1, wherein Before the step of determining the foam information in the washing device according to the detection result, the detection method further comprises the following steps: obtaining the installation position of the reflective foam sensor in the washing device, the installation position comprising being installed at the lower edge of the glass door, being installed at the side of the glass door, and being installed at the middle of the glass door.

7. A reflective foam sensor characterized in that, comprise: at least one processor; and a memory in communication with the at least one processor; wherein the memory has stored instructions executable by the at least one processor, the instructions being executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the method of detecting foam as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A computer readable storage medium storing a computer program, characterized in that, the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the method of detecting foam as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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