Steam generating device, household appliance and control method of steam generating device

Abstract

The application relates to a steam generating device, a household appliance and a control method of the steam generating device. The steam generating device comprises a steam generator, a water tank, a temperature sensor and a controller. The steam generator comprises a steam generating main body and a heating piece for heating the steam generating main body to generate steam. The steam generating main body has a water replenishing opening. The water tank replenishes water to the steam generating main body through the water replenishing opening. The temperature sensor is arranged at the bottom of the steam generating main body and close to one side of the water replenishing opening. The temperature sensor is connected with the controller and used for collecting temperature information and transmitting the temperature information to the controller. The controller is connected with the heating piece and used for judging the residual water amount in the water tank according to the temperature information and controlling the heating piece according to different residual water amounts by using corresponding preset control strategies. The steam generating device provided by the application can be free of a water level sensor, that is, the use of the water level sensor is reduced, so that the cost can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of small household appliances, and in particular to a steam generator, a household appliance, and a control method for the steam generator. Background Technology

[0002] Users often find it difficult to control the amount of water added to the water tank when using steam generators. Adding too much water, especially if not used continuously, can easily lead to bacterial growth; adding too little water can trigger the dry-burning protection, causing an interruption in operation. To prevent these issues, existing technologies typically add a water level sensor to the water tank to detect water shortages in advance and control whether the heating element continues heating. However, these water level sensors are mostly float-type magnetic reed switch or optocoupler sensors, resulting in higher costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a control method for steam generators, household appliances, and steam generators that can reduce the use of water level sensors to lower costs.

[0004] A steam generating device includes a steam generator, a water tank, a temperature sensor, and a controller. The steam generator includes a steam generating body and a heating element for heating the steam generating body to generate steam. The steam generating body has a water inlet, and the water tank supplies water to the steam generating body through the water inlet. The temperature sensor is located on the bottom of the steam generating body near the water inlet. The temperature sensor is connected to the controller for collecting temperature information and transmitting the temperature information to the controller. The controller is connected to the heating element for determining the remaining water level in the water tank based on the temperature information and controlling the heating element using a corresponding preset control strategy based on different remaining water levels.

[0005] The steam generator provided in this application uses a temperature sensor located at the bottom of the main steam generator near the water inlet. Based on the temperature information collected by the sensor, the remaining water level in the tank can be accurately determined. This allows for the application of a pre-defined control strategy to regulate the heating element according to the remaining water level. This provides an early warning to the user whether the water tank needs replenishment, ensuring safety and preventing excessive water residue after use. Consequently, a water level sensor is unnecessary in the tank, reducing its usage and lowering costs. Furthermore, this temperature sensor can also serve as a temperature sensor for dry-burn protection in the steam generator, eliminating the need for a separate temperature sensor and further reducing the number of components used, thus lowering costs.

[0006] In one embodiment, the water inlet penetrates the side wall of the steam generating body, the bottom wall of the steam generating body includes a first region located near the water inlet, the heating element is disposed on the bottom wall of the steam generating body and located outside the first region, the temperature sensor is at least partially disposed in the first region, and at least the temperature measuring portion extends into the steam generating body.

[0007] With this setup, the temperature sensor can accurately detect the water temperature near the water inlet.

[0008] In one embodiment, the distance between the end face of the water inlet facing the inner wall of the steam generator and the central axis of the temperature sensor is S1, and 0 < S1 ≤ 30 mm.

[0009] This ensures the validity of the temperature data collected by the temperature sensor.

[0010] In one embodiment, 5mm ≤ S1 ≤ 10mm.

[0011] In this way, the distance between the temperature sensor and the water inlet is appropriate, ensuring that the temperature collected by the temperature sensor is more accurate and effective.

[0012] In one embodiment, the distance between the central axis of the water inlet and the central axis of the temperature sensor is S2, and -20mm≤S2≤20mm.

[0013] This prevents the temperature sensor from deviating from the water inlet, ensures temperature balance on different sides of the temperature sensor, and thus ensures the validity of the temperature data collected by the temperature sensor.

[0014] A household appliance comprising a steam generator as described above.

[0015] In one embodiment, the steam generating device is a cooking appliance having a cooking cavity, and the steam generated by the steam generating body is supplied to the cooking cavity.

[0016] A control method for a steam generating device, applicable to the steam generating device as described above, the control method comprising:

[0017] Set the working time of the heating element and start the steam generator;

[0018] The temperature information collected by the temperature sensor is obtained, and the remaining water level in the water tank is determined based on the temperature information.

[0019] The heating element is controlled by a corresponding preset control strategy based on different remaining water levels.

[0020] Using the method described above, the remaining water level in the tank can be determined based on the water temperature at the location of the temperature sensor. Then, a corresponding preset control strategy can be applied to control the heating element based on the different remaining water levels. This reduces the need for a water level sensor in the tank, thereby lowering costs.

[0021] In one embodiment, determining the remaining water level in the water tank based on the temperature information includes:

[0022] The temperature collected by the temperature sensor is compared with a preset temperature threshold. If the temperature collected by the temperature sensor is greater than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, it is determined that the remaining water in the water tank is insufficient.

[0023] When the temperature collected by the temperature sensor is lower than a preset temperature threshold, the remaining water level in the water tank is used to calculate the remaining operating time, and the remaining operating time of the heating element is compared with the remaining water level.

[0024] When the remaining water volume's operating time is greater than or equal to the remaining working time of the heating element, it is determined that the remaining water volume in the water tank is sufficient. When the remaining water volume's operating time is less than the remaining working time of the heating element, a first ratio and a preset ratio are compared. The first ratio is the ratio of the remaining water volume's operating time to the remaining working time of the heating element. When the first ratio is greater than or equal to the preset ratio, it is determined that the remaining water volume in the water tank is basically sufficient. When the first ratio is less than the preset ratio, it is determined that the remaining water volume in the water tank is insufficient.

[0025] In one embodiment, controlling the heating element using a corresponding preset control strategy based on different remaining water levels includes:

[0026] When the remaining water in the water tank is insufficient, the heating element is controlled to stop heating and the user is prompted to add water.

[0027] Alternatively, when the remaining water in the water tank is substantially sufficient, the power of the heating element is adjusted to a first ratio multiple of the current power, and it continues to work until the end;

[0028] Alternatively, when there is sufficient water remaining in the water tank, the heating element continues to operate at its current power until the end.

[0029] In one embodiment, the temperature collected by the temperature sensor is compared with a preset temperature threshold at a first time after the heating element starts heating, where the first time is t1, and 0 < t1 ≤ 5 min.

[0030] This ensures that users are notified whether the water tank needs to be replenished at the beginning of the steam generator's operation.

[0031] In one embodiment, 20s ≤ t1 ≤ 60s.

[0032] In this way, while ensuring a dynamic water replenishment process, users are prompted to replenish water as early as possible.

[0033] In one embodiment, the preset temperature threshold is T1, where 70℃≤T1<100℃.

[0034] In this way, the steam generator can maintain a compact structure and avoid dry burning.

[0035] In one embodiment, the preset ratio is n, where 0.7 ≤ n < 1.

[0036] In this way, the steam generator can still produce a sufficient amount of steam after adjusting the input power P. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of this application, with the steam generator at a low water level;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of this application, with the steam generator at a high water level;

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of this application, showing the steam generator in a dynamic water replenishment process;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of a steam generator according to an embodiment of this application;

[0042] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the steam generator shown.

[0043] Figure 6 for Figure 4 Top view of the steam generator shown;

[0044] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a control method for a steam generator according to an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a control method for a steam generator according to an embodiment of this application.

[0046] Reference numerals: 10, Steam generator; 11, Steam generator body; 111, Water inlet; 112, First zone; 12, Heating element; 121, Cold end; 122, Hot end; 20, Water tank; 30, Temperature sensor; 40, Controller; 50, Pipe; 60, Water control valve; 61, Float; 70, Cooking cavity. Detailed Implementation

[0047] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0048] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application's specification are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0049] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0050] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0052] Please see Figures 1 to 3 This application provides a steam generating device, including a steam generator 10 and a water tank 20. The steam generator 10 includes a steam generating body 11 and a heating element 12, which heats the steam generating body 11 to generate steam. The steam generating body 11 has a water inlet 111, through which the water tank 20 replenishes water to the steam generating body 11. It is understood that if water remains in the water tank 20 and the steam generating body 11 for a long time, bacteria can easily grow, and if there is little water, the steam generating body 11 is prone to dry burning. In this application, the steam generating device also includes a temperature sensor 30 and a controller 40. The temperature sensor 30 is located on the bottom of the steam generating body 11 near the water inlet 111. The temperature sensor 30 is connected to the controller 40 to collect temperature information and transmit the temperature information to the controller 40. The controller 40 is connected to the heating element 12 and is used to determine the remaining water level in the water tank 20 based on the temperature information, and to control the heating element 12 according to different remaining water levels using corresponding preset control strategies.

[0053] The steam generator provided in this application uses a temperature sensor 30 located on the bottom of the steam generator body 11 near the water inlet 111. Based on the temperature information collected by the temperature sensor 30, the remaining water level in the water tank 20 can be accurately determined. Therefore, a corresponding preset control strategy is used to control the heating element 12 according to the remaining water level. This allows the user to be alerted whether the water tank 20 needs refilling at the beginning of use, ensuring safety and preventing excessive water residue in the water tank 20 after use. Thus, a water level sensor is not required in the water tank 20, reducing its usage and lowering costs. Furthermore, the temperature sensor 30 can also serve as the temperature sensor 30 used for dry-burn protection of the steam generator 10, eliminating the need for a separate temperature sensor 30 and further reducing the number of components used, thus lowering costs.

[0054] In this application, the water tank 20 and the steam generator 11 are connected by a pipe 50. A water control valve 60 is also provided between the water tank 20 and the steam generator 11, which can automatically control the supply of water from the water tank 20 to the steam generator 11. It is understood that the water control valve 60 can be located on the pipe 50, between the water tank 20 and the pipe 50, or between the pipe 50 and the steam generator 11. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 1 In one embodiment, a water control valve 60 is disposed between the water tank 20 and the pipe 50. This water control valve 60 is a buoyancy-controlled water valve, which can automatically control whether the water tank 20 replenishes water to the steam generator 11 based on the water level in the steam generator 11. The buoyancy-controlled water valve 60 can adopt an existing buoyancy-controlled water valve structure, which will not be described in detail here. Alternatively, the water control valve 60 can be an atmospheric pressure control valve, a solenoid valve, or other water control valve structures, as long as it can automatically control the replenishment of water from the water tank 20 to the steam generator 11.

[0055] Please combine Figures 1 to 3 Taking the buoyancy control valve 60 as an example, the principle of the control valve 60 automatically controlling the water tank 20 to replenish water to the steam generator 11 is briefly described as follows: Initially, when the water level in the steam generator 11 is low, for example, at point A, the control valve 60 opens, and water from the water tank 20 enters the steam generator 11 through the water inlet 111, causing the water level in the steam generator 11 to rise continuously. The float 61 of the buoyancy control valve 60 also rises accordingly. When the water level in the steam generator 11 rises to point B, the control valve 60 closes. At this point, the water tank 20 will no longer replenish water to the steam generator 11, and the water level in the steam generator 11 reaches its maximum. When the heating element 12 starts heating, the water in the steam generating body 11 is vaporized to produce steam. Water is consumed, and the liquid level in the steam generating body 11 drops. The float 61 also drops, thus opening the water control valve 60. The water tank 20 can then continue to replenish water to the steam generating body 11, causing the liquid level to rise until it reaches the maximum level. This cycle continues until heating is complete. In actual continuous heating, water in the steam generating body 11 is continuously lost through evaporation. Therefore, the liquid level in the steam generating body 11 is dynamically controlled at point C, which is lower than point B.

[0056] Please see Figures 4 to 6The water inlet 111 penetrates the side wall of the steam generating body 11. The bottom wall of the steam generating body 11 includes a first region 112 located near the water inlet 111. The heating element 12 is located on the bottom wall of the steam generating body 11 and outside the first region 112. The temperature sensor 30 is at least partially inserted through the first region 112 and at least partially extended into the steam generating body 11. Since the heating element 12 is located outside the first region 112, it does not directly heat the first region 112, making the first region 112 a relatively cold area. Simultaneously, because the first region 112 is close to the water inlet 111, and the temperature sensor 30 is at least partially inserted through the first region 112 and at least partially extended into the steam generating body 11, the water entering the steam generating body 11 from the water inlet 111 will wash and cool the temperature sensor 30. Therefore, when the water tank 20 can replenish water to the steam generating body 11, the temperature collected by the temperature sensor 30 is always lower than the boiling point of the water. Furthermore, the higher the water level in the water tank 20, the greater the water pressure, and the faster the water flow velocity at the water inlet 111. This results in a faster scouring of the temperature sensor 30, leading to a lower temperature reading from the sensor, and vice versa. Therefore, the temperature reading from the temperature sensor 30 reflects the water level in the water tank 20, thus determining whether the tank is short of water. In this embodiment, at least the temperature-measuring portion of the temperature sensor 30 extends into the steam generator 11, enabling the sensor 30 to accurately detect the water temperature near the water inlet 111.

[0057] Furthermore, the cold end 121 of the heating element 12 faces the first region 112, and the hot end 122 of the heating element 12 is away from the first region 112. It can be understood that the cold end 121 of the heating element 12 refers to the portion of the heating element 12 connected to the wires, and the hot end 122 of the heating element 12 refers to the portion of the heating element 12 that generates heat. In this embodiment, the heating element 12 is a heating tube.

[0058] The distance between the end face of the water inlet 111 facing the inner wall of the steam generator 11 and the central axis Y of the temperature sensor 30 is S1, and 0 < S1 ≤ 30 mm. This ensures the effectiveness of the temperature collected by the temperature sensor 30. Specifically, S1 can be 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, 6 mm, 6.5 mm, 7 mm, 7.5 mm, 8 mm, 8.5 mm, 9 mm, 9.5 mm, 10 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 13 mm, 14 mm, 15 mm, 16 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, 20 mm, 22 mm, 23 mm, 25 mm, 28 mm, 30 mm, etc. Preferably, 5 mm ≤ S1 ≤ 10 mm, so that the distance between the temperature sensor 30 and the water inlet 111 is moderate, ensuring that the temperature collected by the temperature sensor 30 is more accurate and effective.

[0059] Please combine Figure 5 and Figure 6 The distance between the central axis X of the water inlet 111 and the central axis Y of the temperature sensor 30 is S2, and -20mm ≤ S2 ≤ 20mm. It can be understood that the central axis Y of the temperature sensor 30 is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the steam generator 11. When S2 ≠ 0, the central axis X of the water inlet 111 and the central axis Y of the temperature sensor 30 are two skew lines; when S2 = 0, the central axis X of the water inlet 111 and the central axis Y of the temperature sensor 30 are two coplanar lines. "-" indicates the opposite direction. Figure 6 For example, if side E of the central axis of the water inlet 111 is positive, then side F of the central axis of the water inlet 111 is negative; if side F of the central axis of the water inlet 111 is positive, then side E of the central axis of the water inlet 111 is negative. In other words, the temperature sensor 30 can be positioned on different sides of the central axis X of the water inlet 111. This prevents the temperature sensor 30 from deviating from the water inlet 111, ensures temperature uniformity on different sides of the temperature sensor 30, and thus ensures the effectiveness of the temperature collected by the temperature sensor 30. Specifically, S2 can be -20mm, -18mm, -16mm, -14mm, -12mm, -10mm, -9mm, -8mm, -7mm, -6mm, -5mm, -4mm, -3mm, -2mm, -1mm, 0mm, 1mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 16mm, 18mm, 20mm, etc. Preferably, S2 = 0mm, that is, the central axis X of the water inlet 111 intersects the central axis Y of the temperature sensor 30.

[0060] This application also provides a household appliance, including the steam generating device described above. This household appliance can be a steam mop, steam iron, or other household appliance, or it can be a steam oven, steam oven, microwave-steam-grill combination appliance, steam pot, grill, or other cooking appliance; this application does not limit the scope of the application. Please see [link to application]. Figure 1 In this embodiment, the steam generating device is a cooking appliance with a cooking cavity 70, and the steam generated by the steam generating body 11 is supplied to the cooking cavity 70.

[0061] Please see Figure 7 This application also provides a control method for a steam generator, applicable to the steam generator described above. The control method for the steam generator includes the following steps:

[0062] Step S1: Set the working time of the heating element 12 and start the steam generator;

[0063] Step S2: Obtain the temperature information collected by the temperature sensor 30, and determine the remaining water volume in the water tank 20 based on the temperature information;

[0064] Step S3: Control the heating element 12 according to the different remaining water volume conditions using the corresponding control strategy.

[0065] Specifically, setting the working time of the heating element 12 refers to setting the time from start to finish of the heating element 12. Starting the steam generator means that the controller 40 controls the heating element 12 to work, heating the steam generating body 11, thereby causing the water in the steam generating body 11 to vaporize and form steam. The user can input commands to the steam generator through the input terminal to set the working time of the heating element 12 and start the steam generator. The input terminal can be a button, knob, touch screen, or other structure that can input commands. After the steam generator is started, the temperature sensor 30 will collect temperature information in real time. The temperature information collected here is related to the setting position of the temperature sensor 30. The temperature sensor 30 is set on the bottom of the steam generating body 11 near the water inlet 111. Because this position is close to the water inlet 111, the water level in the water tank 20 will affect the water temperature at this position. The higher the water level in the water tank 20, the lower the water temperature at this position, and vice versa. Therefore, the remaining water level in the water tank 20 can be determined based on the water temperature at this position, and then the corresponding preset control strategy can be used to control the heating element 12 according to different remaining water levels.

[0066] The above method reduces the need for a water level sensor in the water tank 20, thereby lowering costs. By controlling the heating element 12 using different preset control strategies, it is possible to effectively adapt to different remaining water levels in the water tank 20, preventing dry burning due to insufficient water replenishment and ensuring safe operation.

[0067] Please see Figure 7 and Figure 8 Furthermore, in step S2, determining the remaining water level in the water tank 20 based on the temperature information includes:

[0068] Compare the temperature T collected by the temperature sensor 30 with the preset temperature threshold T1. If the temperature T collected by the temperature sensor 30 is greater than or equal to the preset temperature threshold T1, it is determined that the remaining water in the water tank 20 is insufficient.

[0069] When the temperature T collected by the temperature sensor 30 is less than the preset temperature threshold T1, the remaining water volume in the water tank 20 is used to calculate the remaining operating time based on the temperature collected by the temperature sensor 30, and the remaining operating time of the remaining water volume is compared with the remaining operating time of the heating element 12.

[0070] If the remaining water volume's operating time is greater than or equal to the remaining working time of the heating element 12, it is determined that the remaining water volume in the water tank 20 is sufficient. If the remaining water volume's operating time is less than the remaining working time of the heating element 12, a first ratio and a preset ratio are compared. The first ratio is the ratio of the remaining water volume's operating time to the remaining working time of the heating element 12. If the first ratio is greater than or equal to the preset ratio, it is determined that the remaining water volume in the water tank 20 is basically sufficient. If the first ratio is less than the preset ratio, it is determined that the remaining water volume in the water tank 20 is insufficient.

[0071] Specifically, when the water tank 20 contains water, the more water remaining in the tank, the higher the water level, the greater the water pressure at the water inlet 111, and the greater the water flow rate at the water inlet 111. Consequently, the temperature collected by the temperature sensor 30 is lower, and vice versa. When the water tank 20 is short of water, the flushing and cooling effect at the water inlet 111 almost disappears, and the water above the first area 112 of the steam generator 11 will further increase in temperature due to natural convection. At this time, it is necessary to prompt the user to add water to the water tank 20. Therefore, by setting an appropriate preset temperature threshold T1, it is possible to accurately determine whether the water tank 20 is short of water. If T1 is too small, it means that the volume of the steam generator 11 is large, and the heat transfer of the water in the steam generator 11 is slow. Since the boiling point of water is 100℃, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 30 is ≥100℃, it means that the water volume at the location of the temperature sensor 30 is low or dry burning has occurred. Therefore, T1 should be less than 100℃. In one embodiment, 70°C ≤ T1 < 100°C, thus the steam generator can maintain a compact structure without dry burning. Specifically, T1 can be 70°C, 75°C, 80°C, 85°C, 90°C, 95°C, etc.

[0072] When water tank 20 contains water, the remaining water volume M in water tank 20 and the temperature T collected by temperature sensor 30 satisfy the following relationship: M = Mmax - f(T,P); where M is the remaining water volume in water tank 20, Mmax is the maximum water volume in water tank 20, and f(T,P) is a function of the temperature T collected by temperature sensor 30 and the input power P of steam generator. Although the size of water tank 20 and the input power of each steam generator are designed differently, the input power of the steam generator remains basically constant during operation or operates with a fixed duty cycle in different time periods (i.e., the input power is known in advance). Therefore, the remaining water volume M in water tank 20 is mainly related to the temperature T collected by temperature sensor 30. To obtain the specific relationship M = Mmax - f(T,P), since Mmax and P are known, the relationship can be obtained by calibration and then fitting. First, different remaining water volumes and the temperatures collected by temperature sensor 30 at these times are calibrated: (M1,T1), (M2,T2), (M3,T3)..., (M... n ,Tn Then, based on the above data points, the formula for calculating the remaining water volume M is fitted. The relationship between the remaining water volume M in the water tank 20 and the temperature T collected by the temperature sensor 30 is written into the control program, so that the remaining water volume M in the water tank 20 can be determined by the temperature T collected by the temperature sensor 30.

[0073] When the input power is P, the water consumption per second of the steam generator is m = P / (kc) 水 +r), and thus the remaining water volume's remaining travel time can be obtained as t=M / m=M·(kc) 水 +r) / P, where k is the difference between the boiling point of water and the room temperature, in °C. For example, if the room temperature is 25 °C and the boiling point of water is 100 °C, then k = 75 °C; c 水 Let be the specific heat capacity of water (4.2 kJ / (kg·℃)) and r be the enthalpy of vaporization of water at standard atmospheric pressure (2257 kJ / kg). It is evident that the remaining water volume's operating time (t) has a linear relationship with the input power (P). By reducing the input power (P), the operating time (t) with remaining water volume can be extended. Therefore, whether the remaining water volume (M) can meet the usage requirements depends not only on the amount of remaining water (M) but also on the input power (P). Based on the temperature information collected by temperature sensor 30 and whether the remaining water volume (M) can be adjusted to be sufficient for use, the remaining water volume (M) can be categorized into different cases. When the temperature T collected by temperature sensor 30 is greater than or equal to the preset temperature threshold T1, the water tank 20 is severely short of water, and this situation is judged as insufficient remaining water volume. When the temperature T collected by temperature sensor 30 is less than the preset temperature threshold T1, it is further determined whether the remaining water volume (M) can be adjusted to be sufficient for use. When the remaining water volume's operating time is greater than or equal to the remaining working time of the heating element 12, the remaining water volume M can meet the usage requirements without adjusting the input power P, and this situation is judged as sufficient water volume. When the remaining water volume's operating time is less than the remaining working time of the heating element 12, a first ratio and a preset ratio are further compared. The first ratio is the ratio of the remaining water volume's operating time to the remaining working time of the heating element 12. When the first ratio is greater than or equal to the preset ratio, the remaining water volume M can basically meet the usage requirements by adjusting the input power P, and this situation is judged as basically sufficient remaining water volume. When the first ratio is less than the preset ratio, no matter how the input power P is adjusted, the remaining water volume cannot meet the usage requirements, and this situation is judged as insufficient remaining water volume.

[0074] Since adjusting the input power P to reduce the remaining water volume M to meet usage requirements involves reducing the input power P, the preset ratio should be less than 1. Furthermore, the preset ratio cannot be too small; otherwise, the input power P would need to be adjusted very low, making it difficult to generate a sufficient amount of steam to meet usage requirements. Therefore, in one embodiment, the preset ratio is n, where 0.7 ≤ n < 1, ensuring that the steam generator 10 can still generate sufficient steam after adjusting the input power P. Specifically, n can be 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, etc.

[0075] Different control strategies can be adopted depending on the different amounts of remaining water. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Furthermore, in step S3, the heating element 12 is controlled using a corresponding preset control strategy based on different remaining water levels, including:

[0076] When the remaining water in the water tank 20 is insufficient, the heating element 12 is controlled to stop heating and prompt the user to add water;

[0077] Alternatively, when the remaining water in the water tank 20 is basically sufficient, the power of the heating element 12 is adjusted to a first ratio multiple of the current power, and it continues to work until the end;

[0078] Alternatively, when there is sufficient water remaining in the water tank 20, the heating element 12 continues to operate at its current power until the end.

[0079] Specifically, when the remaining water in the water tank 20 is insufficient, the heating element 12 is controlled to stop heating to prevent dry burning due to the user not replenishing water in time, thus ensuring safe use. The system can prompt the user to replenish water through sound, light, or an app notification.

[0080] When the remaining water in the water tank 20 is basically sufficient, by adjusting the power of the heating element 12 to a first ratio multiple of the current power, the remaining water supply can be extended to be basically the same as the remaining working time of the heating element 12.

[0081] When there is sufficient water remaining in the water tank 20, the heating element 12 can operate until the end without dry burning, while maintaining its current power.

[0082] Immediately after the heating element 12 starts heating, the temperature collected by the temperature sensor 30 is compared with a preset temperature threshold. This first time is t1, where 0 < t1 ≤ 5 min. The purpose of setting this first time is that the water temperature is initially at room temperature, requiring a certain amount of time to heat and generate steam. A dynamic water replenishment process can only begin after steam is generated. Therefore, the first time t1 should be greater than 0. However, if the first time t1 is too large, the user may have already left, and the user cannot be promptly notified to replenish water. Therefore, in this embodiment, 0 < t1 ≤ 5 min ensures that the user is notified whether the water tank 20 needs replenishment at the initial stage of steam generation. Preferably, 20s ≤ t1 ≤ 60s ensures that the user is notified to replenish water as early as possible while ensuring the formation of a dynamic water replenishment process. Specifically, t1 can be 20s, 25s, 30s, 35s, 40s, 45s, 50s, 55s, or 60s.

[0083] Please see Figure 8 In one embodiment, the control method of the steam generator includes: setting the working time t of the heating element 12, starting the steam generator; comparing the temperature T collected by the temperature sensor 30 with a preset temperature threshold T1 at a first time t1; when T≥T1, controlling the heating element 12 to stop heating and prompting the user to add water; when T<T1, the heating element 12 continues to work, and calculating the remaining water time t2 in the water tank 20 based on the temperature T collected by the temperature sensor 30, at which time the remaining working time of the heating element 12 is t-t1; comparing the water tank... The remaining water volume within 20 is used to determine the remaining operating time t2 and the remaining working time t-t1 of the heating element 12. When t2 ≥ t-t1, the heating element 12 continues to work with its current power unchanged until the end. When t2 < t-t1, the first ratio t2 / (t-t1) is compared with the preset ratio n. When t2 / (t-t1) ≥ n, the power of the heating element 12 is adjusted to t2 / (t-t1) times the current power and continues to work until the end. When t2 / (t-t1) < n, the heating element 12 is controlled to stop heating and the user is prompted to add water.

[0084] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0085] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the patent protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A steam generating device, characterized in that, It includes a steam generator (10), a water tank (20), a temperature sensor (30), and a controller (40). The steam generator (10) includes a steam generating body (11) and a heating element (12) for heating the steam generating body (11) to generate steam. The steam generating body (11) has a water inlet (111), and the water tank (20) supplies water to the steam generating body (11) through the water inlet (111). The temperature sensor (30) is located on the bottom of the steam generator (11) near the water inlet (111). The temperature sensor (30) is connected to the controller (40) to collect temperature information and transmit the temperature information to the controller (40). The controller (40) is connected to the heating element (12) and is used to determine the remaining water volume in the water tank (20) based on the temperature information, and to control the heating element (12) according to the corresponding preset control strategy based on different remaining water volumes.

2. The steam generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water inlet (111) penetrates the side wall of the steam generating body (11). The bottom wall of the steam generating body (11) includes a first region (112) located near the water inlet (111). The heating element (12) is located on the bottom wall of the steam generating body (11) and outside the first region (112). The temperature sensor (30) is at least partially inserted through the first region (112), and at least the temperature measuring portion extends into the steam generating body (11).

3. The steam generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The distance between the end face of the water inlet (111) facing the inner wall of the steam generator (11) and the central axis of the temperature sensor (30) is S1, and 0 < S1 ≤ 30 mm.

4. The steam generating apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, 5mm≤S1≤10mm.

5. The steam generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The distance between the central axis of the water inlet (111) and the central axis of the temperature sensor (30) is S2, and -20mm≤S2≤20mm, where "-" indicates the opposite direction.

6. A household appliance, characterized in that, Includes the steam generating apparatus as described in any one of claims 1-5.

7. The household appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that, The steam generating device is a cooking appliance with a cooking cavity (70), and the steam generated by the steam generating body (11) is supplied to the cooking cavity (70).

8. A control method for a steam generator, characterized in that, The control method, applicable to any one of claims 1-5, comprises: Set the working time of the heating element (12) and start the steam generator; The temperature information collected by the temperature sensor (30) is obtained, and the remaining water in the water tank (20) is determined based on the temperature information. The heating element (12) is controlled by a corresponding preset control strategy according to different remaining water conditions.

9. The control method for the steam generator according to claim 8, characterized in that, The step of determining the remaining water level in the water tank (20) based on the temperature information includes: Compare the temperature collected by the temperature sensor (30) with the preset temperature threshold. If the temperature collected by the temperature sensor (30) is greater than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, it is determined that the remaining water in the water tank (20) is insufficient. When the temperature collected by the temperature sensor (30) is lower than a preset temperature threshold, the remaining water in the water tank (20) is used to calculate the remaining operating time based on the temperature collected by the temperature sensor (30), and the remaining operating time of the remaining water is compared with the remaining operating time of the heating element (12). When the remaining water volume's operating time is greater than or equal to the remaining working time of the heating element (12), it is determined that the remaining water volume in the water tank (20) is sufficient; when the remaining water volume's operating time is less than the remaining working time of the heating element (12), a first ratio and a preset ratio are compared, where the first ratio is the ratio of the remaining water volume's operating time to the remaining working time of the heating element (12). When the first ratio is greater than or equal to the preset ratio, it is determined that the remaining water volume in the water tank (20) is basically sufficient; when the first ratio is less than the preset ratio, it is determined that the remaining water volume in the water tank (20) is insufficient.

10. The control method for the steam generator according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control of the heating element (12) based on different remaining water levels using corresponding preset control strategies includes: When the remaining water in the water tank (20) is insufficient, the heating element (12) is controlled to stop heating and prompt the user to add water; Alternatively, when the remaining water in the water tank (20) is substantially sufficient, the power of the heating element (12) is adjusted to a first ratio multiple of the current power, and it continues to work until the end; Alternatively, when there is sufficient remaining water in the water tank (20), the heating element (12) continues to operate at its current power until the end.

11. The control method for the steam generator according to claim 9, characterized in that, Immediately after the heating element (12) begins heating, the temperature collected by the temperature sensor (30) is compared with a preset temperature threshold. The first time is t1, where 0 < t1 ≤ 5 min.

12. The control method for the steam generator according to claim 11, characterized in that, 20s≤t1≤60s.

13. The control method for the steam generator according to claim 9, characterized in that, The preset temperature threshold is T1, where 70℃≤T1<100℃.

14. The control method for the steam generator according to claim 9, characterized in that, The preset ratio is n, where 0.7 ≤ n < 1.

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