Control method of drum washing machine and drum washing machine

Abstract

The present application provides a control method for a drum washing machine and a drum washing machine. The drum washing machine comprises: a housing; a drum; a hanging part; a steam generator; the steam generator comprising: a housing; a heating element; a heating pipe; and an automatic thermostat. The control method comprises: controlling the heating pipe to cycle power on and off to preheat the heating element; after preheating the heating element, controlling the heating pipe to continuously heat the heating element to generate steam, and causing the automatic thermostat to monitor the temperature of the heating element so that steam is ejected through a steam outlet; when the automatic thermostat detects that the temperature of the heating element is a first set temperature, controlling the heating pipe to stop heating and injecting water into the heating element through a water injection port; when the automatic thermostat detects that the heating element has cooled to a second set temperature after water injection, stopping water injection and controlling the heating pipe to continue heating the heating element to cyclically heat the heating element to generate steam. The method solves the problem of the steam generator of the drum washing machine spraying water during use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of drum washing machines, and in particular to a drum washing machine and a method for detecting the water consumption of the drum washing machine. Background Art

[0002] To better treat clothing, the use of steam generators in drum washing machines has become increasingly common. However, the pursuit of ultra-thin, high-capacity drum washing machines leaves very little space for the steam generator, making it easy for water to enter the drum, causing it to occupy a large volume. When heated, the expansion of the water and air, combined with the generated steam, causes a sudden burst of water out of the drum, resulting in a water spray phenomenon. This water spray can easily wet clothing, resulting in uneven wetness on the clothes, significantly reducing wrinkle removal and other care effects, and leaving the user with a poor user experience.

[0003] Therefore, how to make the steam generator used in the drum washing machine only spray steam during use is a problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present application aims to solve the technical problem of how to make a steam generator used in a drum washing machine only spray steam during use.

[0005] hood, the steam generator is used to generate steam and spray steam into the drum to treat the clothes; a hanger is used to fix the steam generator to the inner wall of the housing; the steam generator comprises: a shell, a water inlet and a steam outlet are provided on the shell of the steam generator; a heating body is filled with water through the water inlet connected to the heating body, and the heating body is used to accommodate and heat the water in the heating body; a heating pipe is used to heat the heating body; an automatic thermostat is used to monitor the temperature of the heating body; the steam outlet is connected to the heating body to discharge the steam generated by the heating body to the outside of the shell. Steam; wherein, the automatic temperature controller is installed on the outer surface of the heating body and is located below the water flow out of the water injection port; the control method comprises: controlling the heating tube to perform on-off power cycle to preheat the heating body, and controlling the steam outlet to discharge the steam generated by the heating body during the preheating period; after completing the preheating of the heating body, controlling the heating tube to heat the heating body to generate steam, and enabling the automatic temperature controller to monitor the temperature of the heating body, and the steam is ejected through the steam outlet; when the automatic temperature controller detects that the heating body is at a first set temperature, controlling the heating tube to stop heating and injecting water into the heating body through the water injection port; when the automatic temperature controller detects that the heating body is cooled to a second set temperature after the water injection, stopping the water injection, and controlling the heating tube to continue heating the heating body to circulate the heating to generate steam.

[0006] In an embodiment of the present application, before the heating body is continuously powered on and heated by the heating tube, the heating tube in the steam generator is powered on and off in a cycle to preheat the heating body. The heating body gradually increases its temperature by repeatedly powering on and off the heating tube, and discharges the air and steam that expand inside due to the heat. After the interior is stable, the depyrogenic body is continuously heated by the heating tube, thereby generating stable steam to treat the clothes.

[0007] Furthermore, the water flowing through the water inlet flows directly to the top of the automatic temperature controller, which greatly shortens the time it takes for the heating body to drop from the first temperature to the second temperature, thereby reducing the time it takes to inject water into the heating body, that is, reducing the water in the heating body and avoiding water spraying when heating the heating body.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present application, the heating tube is controlled to perform an on-off cycle to preheat the heating body, and the steam outlet is controlled to discharge the steam generated by the heating body heating the water during the preheating period, including: controlling the heating tube to perform on-off cycles at fixed intervals until a standard time or number of on-off cycles is reached; controlling the steam outlet to discharge the steam in the heating body to complete the preheating of the heating body.

[0009] In this embodiment, the process of preheating the heating element within the steam generator through the heating tube is further considered. Specifically, during the preheating process, the heating element needs to be preheated as quickly as possible so that the steam generator can be put into the process of processing clothes as soon as possible. Therefore, during the preheating process, the steam outlet of the steam generator is not opened to discharge the steam generated during the preheating process. Instead, the steam in the steam generator is discharged after the preheating of the heating element is completed through the on-off cycle of the heating tube. On the one hand, heat loss in the heating element is avoided, and the heat generated by the heating tube is maximized to preheat the heating element within the same preheating time. On the other hand, the steam generated by each on-off cycle of the heating tube fills the heating element and can also heat the air in the heating element, thereby preventing the steam generator from spraying water due to thermal expansion and contraction of the air during subsequent use.

[0010] The steam generator is used to generate steam and spray steam into the drum to treat the clothes; a hanger is used to fix the steam generator to the inner wall of the box; the steam generator comprises: a shell, a water inlet and a steam outlet are provided on the shell of the steam generator; a heating body is filled with water through the water inlet connected to the heating body, and the heating body is used to accommodate and heat the water in the heating body; a heating pipe is used to heat the heating body; an automatic thermostat is used to monitor the temperature of the heating body; the steam outlet is connected to the heating body to discharge the steam generated by the heating body to the outside of the shell; wherein the automatic thermostat is located at the water outlet. below the flow; a controller, the controller being configured as: a preheating unit, for controlling the heating tube to perform an on-off power cycle to preheat the heating body, and controlling the steam outlet to discharge the steam generated by the heating body during the preheating period; a first heating unit, for controlling the heating tube to heat the heating body to generate steam after completing the preheating of the heating body, and enabling the automatic temperature controller to monitor the temperature of the heating body, and the steam is ejected through the steam outlet; a water injection unit, for controlling the heating tube to stop heating when the automatic temperature controller detects that the heating body is at a first set temperature, and injecting water into the heating body through the water injection port; a second heating unit, for stopping water injection when the automatic temperature controller detects that the heating body is cooled to a second set temperature after water injection, and controlling the heating tube to continue heating the heating body, so as to cyclically heat the heating body to generate steam.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present application, before the heating body is continuously powered on and heated by the heating tube, the heating tube in the steam generator is powered on and off in a cycle to preheat the heating body. The heating body gradually increases its temperature by repeatedly powering on and off the heating tube, and discharges the air and steam that expand inside due to the heat. After the interior is stable, the depyrogenic body is continuously heated by the heating tube, thereby generating stable steam to treat the clothes.

[0012] Furthermore, the water flowing through the water inlet flows directly to the top of the automatic temperature controller, which greatly shortens the time it takes for the heating body to drop from the first temperature to the second temperature, thereby reducing the time it takes to inject water into the heating body, that is, reducing the water in the heating body and avoiding water spraying when heating the heating body.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present application, a blowout prevention assembly is installed inside the shell, and the blowout prevention assembly is wrapped by the inner wall of the shell to form a chamber connected to the steam outlet; the steam outlet is opened in the chamber formed by the blowout prevention assembly and the inner wall of the shell, and the side of the chamber close to the heating body is a closed surface, and the closed surface isolates the water in the heating body, and the side of the chamber opposite to the steam outlet is a mesh structure, and the mesh structure allows steam to enter the chamber and discharge from the steam outlet.

[0014] In this embodiment, a blowout preventer assembly is provided in the steam generator to isolate water from the steam outlet, thereby preventing water from spraying out when the steam generator discharges steam. As the heating tube heats the heating element, the temperature of the heating element rises, causing the water in the element to boil and generate steam. Steam mixed with water flows toward the blowout preventer assembly. The blowout preventer assembly, located near the heating element, isolates the steam from the water. The blowout preventer assembly, located on the side facing the steam outlet, allows steam to flow through the cavity formed by the blowout preventer assembly and the inner wall of the housing, toward the steam outlet, and be discharged from the steam outlet. This prevents water and steam from being discharged together from the steam generator.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present application, a heating pipe is embedded in the heating body, and the heating pipe heats the heating body to increase the temperature of the heating body to heat the water.

[0016] In the above embodiment, because the surface temperature of the heating tube is too high, if the water is heated directly, the heating effect will be better for the water around the heating tube, but the heating effect will not be good for the water farther away from the heating tube. In the present application, the heating tube is embedded in the heating body, and by heating the heating body, the heating body is heated to complete the heating of the water, thereby generating steam. The contact area between the heating body and the water is much larger than that of the heating tube, which can heat the water more evenly and evenly. On the one hand, it can generate steam in a uniform amount, and on the other hand, it can prevent the water in the heating body from spraying when the steam generator is operating due to uneven heating.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present application, the automatic temperature controller of the steam generator is installed on the outer surface of the bottom of the heating body.

[0018] In the above embodiment, the automatic thermostat is installed on the outer surface of the bottom of the heating body. The temperature of the heating body is obtained by sensing the temperature of the heating body. According to the temperature of the heating body, the heating tube is controlled to continue heating, so that the heating body always heats the water in the heating body at a temperature within the set temperature range to generate steam, thereby realizing a uniform steam spraying from the steam generator, better treating the clothes, and on the other hand, protecting the heating body from damage due to excessively high temperature.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present application, the water injection port of the steam generator is provided with a water injection pipe; the water flowing out from the water outlet side of the water injection pipe flows to the inner surface of the receiving part of the heating body, and the receiving part is a part of the heating body body, which receives the water flowing to the heating body through the water injection port.

[0020] In the above embodiment, after the heating element reaches the first set temperature, the water inlet valve opens to inject water into the heating element until the temperature of the heating element drops to the second set temperature. Considering that the water injection time is the same as the time it takes for the heating element to drop from the first set temperature to the second set temperature, the water injection time is controlled within a reasonable time to ensure that the water level in the heating element is always maintained below the standard water level, thereby preventing water from spraying out when the steam generator discharges steam due to the water level being too high.

[0021] By installing a water injection pipe in the water inlet to control the direction of water flow, the water flows to the inner surface of the receiving part of the heating element. This makes the receiving part the area where the temperature drops fastest in the heating element, which shortens the time it takes for the automatic thermostat to detect the heating element dropping from the first temperature to the second temperature. This indirectly shortens the water injection time and reduces the amount of water injected.

[0022] Therefore, by setting a water injection pipe in the steam generator to control the direction of water flow, the water flow is made to fall on the inner surface of the receiving part of the heating body. In this way, the receiving part becomes the area in the heating body where the temperature drops the fastest and is also the area with the lowest temperature. The temperature of the areas around the receiving part decreases successively. Then, by controlling the relative position relationship between the automatic thermostat and the receiving part, the time it takes for the automatic thermostat to sense the first temperature of the heating body dropping to the second temperature can be controlled. Finally, the water injection time can be controlled so that the water level in the heating body is always maintained at the standard water level, and the steam generator will not spray water when discharging steam through the steam outlet due to the water level being too high. The standard water level is the critical water level value that will not cause the steam generator to spray water when discharging steam through the steam outlet due to the water level being too high.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present application, the water injection pipe of the steam generator is a curved pipe, which changes the direction of water flow so that the water flows through the water injection pipe and falls to the inner surface of the receiving part.

[0024] In the above embodiment, considering that the water flow velocity will affect the direction of the water flow when water is injected into the heating body through the water injection pipe, the water injection pipe is set as a curved pipe to guide the direction of the water flow so that the water flow can more accurately fall on the inner surface of the receiving part on the heating body.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present application, the automatic temperature controller of the steam generator is installed on the outer surface of the receiving portion.

[0026] In the above embodiment, considering that the water filling time is still too long, resulting in the water level in the heating element being too high, an automatic thermostat is installed on the outer surface of the receiving portion. This allows the automatic thermostat to sense the cooling of the heating element to the second temperature in the shortest possible time, thereby minimizing the water filling time. The water level in the heating element is controlled so as not to exceed the standard water level.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present application, the thickness of the receiving portion is less than the standard thickness of the heating body. When the receiving portion of standard thickness receives water flow for cooling, the receiving portion cools from the first temperature to the second temperature within a standard time.

[0028] In the above embodiment, considering that the wall thickness of the receiving part is too thick, the water flow has no obvious cooling effect on the receiving part, which will affect the time it takes for the receiving part to cool down from the first temperature to the second temperature. Therefore, reducing the thickness of the receiving part will reduce the time it takes for the receiving part to cool down from the first temperature to the second temperature, thereby reducing the water injection time and ensuring that the water level in the heating body is always lower than the standard water level.

[0029] Other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description, or may be learned in part by practice of the present application.

[0030] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely illustrative and are not restrictive of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present application will become more apparent by describing in detail example embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 A structural schematic diagram of a steam generator according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0033] Figure 2 A flow chart of a method for controlling a drum washing machine according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0034] Figure 3 A flowchart of the steps before word segmentation processing of acquired customer conversation data to obtain intent keywords is shown, according to one embodiment of the present application, for controlling the heating tube to perform an on-off power cycle to preheat the heating body, and controlling the steam outlet to discharge steam generated by the heating body heating water during preheating.

[0035] Figure 4 A structural schematic diagram of a steam generator according to another embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0036] Figure 5 The figure shows a structural diagram of a blowout prevention assembly according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0037] Figure 6 A partial schematic diagram of a steam generator according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0038] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing a water injection pipe as a curved pipe according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0039] Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the connection position between an automatic thermostat and a heating element according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0040] Figure 9 A structural diagram of a receiving portion according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0041] The following are the descriptions of the reference numerals:

[0042] 100. Steam generator;

[0043] 1. Hanger: 101; Shell: 102; Water inlet: 1021; Steam outlet: 1022; Heating element: 103; Manual thermostat: 104; Automatic thermostat: 105; Insulation layer: 106; Heating tube: 107;

[0044] Water inlet pipe: 108; pressure relief pipe: 109; steam outlet pipe: 110, steam nozzle: 1101.

[0045] 200, steam generator; shell: 201, steam outlet: 2011, pressure relief port: 2012, water inlet: 2013; heating element: 202, connecting portion: 2021; heating pipe: 203; automatic thermostat: 204; blowout prevention assembly: 205, side of the blowout prevention assembly opposite to the steam outlet: 2051, side of the blowout prevention assembly close to the heating element: 2052; water inlet pipe: 206. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, example embodiments can be implemented in a variety of forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these example embodiments are provided so that the description of this application will be more comprehensive and complete and will fully convey the concepts of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings are merely schematic illustrations of the present application and are not necessarily drawn to scale. Identical reference numerals in the figures indicate identical or similar parts, and thus repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0047] In addition, the described features, structures or characteristics may be combined in one or more example embodiments in any suitable manner. In the following description, many specific details are provided to provide a full understanding of the example embodiments of the present application. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the technical solutions of the present application may be practiced while omitting one or more of the specific details, or other methods, components, steps, etc. may be adopted. In other cases, known structures, methods, implementations or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring the main content and making various aspects of the present application vague.

[0048] Some of the blocks shown in the accompanying drawings are functional entities that do not necessarily correspond to physically or logically independent entities. These functional entities may be implemented in software, in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different networks and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0049] The present application provides a drum washing machine, comprising a housing, an outer tub, a drum, a steam generator, and a hanging rack.

[0050] The cabinet is typically a hollow rectangular parallelepiped structure, serving as the outer shell of the drum washing machine. The cabinet may also have other shapes and can be designed as needed, without limitation. The interior space of the cabinet provides mounting space for components such as the outer tub and drum.

[0051] The outer cylinder is arranged in the installation space in the box body, and the outer cylinder is relatively fixed inside the box body.

[0052] The drum is rotatably arranged in the accommodating space of the outer cylinder.

[0053] The steam generator is fixed to the inner wall of the box through the hanging bracket.

[0054] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a steam generator according to one embodiment of the present application is shown. The drum washing machine also includes a hanger 101, which connects the steam generator 100 to the drum washing machine housing. The steam generator 100 includes a housing 102; a heating element 103; a manual thermostat 104; an automatic thermostat 105; an insulation layer 106; a heating pipe 107; a water inlet pipe 108; a pressure relief pipe 109; a steam outlet pipe 110; and a steam nozzle 1101.

[0055] The housing 102 is provided with a water inlet 1021, a steam outlet 1022, and a pressure relief port 1023 for water intake, steam discharge, and pressure relief, and is connected to a water inlet pipe 108, a pressure relief pipe 109, and a steam outlet pipe 110, respectively. The heating element 103 is used to heat water. A manual thermostat 104 provides protection after the automatic thermostat 105 fails. The automatic thermostat 105 controls the temperature of the heating element and is connected in parallel with the water inlet valve of the steam generator 100 to achieve alternating water intake and heating. An insulation layer 106 is installed around the heating element 103 to provide insulation and avoid affecting surrounding components. A heating pipe 107 is installed in the heating element 103 to heat the heating element 103. A steam outlet pipe 110 is used to transport steam from the steam outlet 1022 to a steam nozzle 1101. The steam nozzle 1101 sprays steam into the drum for clothing care.

[0056] In some embodiments of the present application, the automatic thermostat 105 is installed on the outer surface of the heating body 103 and is located below the water flow out of the water inlet 1021.

[0057] In another embodiment of the present application, a blowout prevention assembly is installed inside the shell 102, and the blowout prevention assembly is wrapped by the inner wall of the shell 102 to form a chamber connected to the steam outlet 1022. The steam outlet 1022 is opened in the chamber formed by the blowout prevention assembly and the inner wall of the shell 102. The side of the chamber close to the heating body 103 is a closed surface, which is used to isolate the water in the heating body 103. The side of the chamber opposite to the steam outlet 1022 is a mesh structure, which allows steam to enter the chamber and be discharged from the steam outlet 1022.

[0058] Based on the above steam generator, such as Figure 2 FIG2 is a flow chart of a method for controlling a drum washing machine according to an embodiment of the present application. The present application provides a method for controlling a drum washing machine including a steam generator, including the following steps:

[0059] Step S210, controlling the heating tube to perform an on-off cycle to preheat the heating element, and controlling the steam outlet to discharge steam generated by the heating element during the preheating period;

[0060] Step S220: After the preheating of the heating element is completed, the heating tube is controlled to heat the heating element to generate steam, and the automatic temperature controller is used to monitor the temperature of the heating element, and the steam is ejected through the steam outlet;

[0061] Step S230, when the automatic thermostat detects that the heating body is at the first set temperature, the heating tube is controlled to stop heating and water is injected into the heating body through the water injection port;

[0062] In step S240, when the automatic temperature controller detects that the heating body is cooled to the second set temperature after water injection, water injection is stopped, and the heating pipe is controlled to continue heating the heating body, so as to circulate and heat the heating body to generate steam.

[0063] The above four steps are described in detail below.

[0064] In step S210, before the heating tube 107 begins operation, water is injected into the heating body 103 through the water inlet 1021. The heating tube 107 is then powered on and off, causing the heating tube 107 to intermittently heat the heating body 103. This gradually increases the temperature of the heating body 103. The heating body 103 then gradually heats the water within it using its own heat, gradually increasing the temperature of the water and air within the interior of the heating body 103. Finally, the air and steam that have expanded due to the heat are expelled, thereby achieving a temperature increase between the low temperature of the water and air within the interior of the heating body 103, thereby achieving a uniform temperature within the interior of the heating body 103.

[0065] Therefore, when the steam generator 100 is used, the volume of air inside the heating body 103 will not expand due to heat, and the pressure inside the heating body 103 will not increase, causing water and steam to be ejected together.

[0066] See also Figure 3 、 Figure 3 According to one embodiment of the present application, a flow chart of controlling a heating tube to perform an on-off power cycle to preheat a heating element, and controlling a steam outlet to discharge steam generated by the heating element heating water during the preheating period is provided. The present embodiment provides a step S210 of controlling a heating tube to perform an on-off power cycle to preheat a heating element, and controlling a steam outlet to discharge steam generated by the heating element heating water during the preheating period, including:

[0067] Step S211, controlling the heating tube to switch on and off at fixed intervals until the set time or number of on and off times is reached;

[0068] Step S212: Control the steam outlet to discharge the steam in the heating body to complete the preheating of the heating body.

[0069] The above two steps are described in detail below.

[0070] In step S211, in order to enable the heating tube 107 to gradually heat the heating body 103, the heating tube 107 is controlled to be powered on and off at fixed intervals to achieve the purpose of gradually heating the heating body 103. For example, the heating tube 107 is powered on for 10s and off for 10s, and then powered on for 10s and off for 10s, with 20s as a cycle, until the set number of cycles are completed, or the duration of the on-off cycle reaches the set time, and then the heating tube 107 is controlled to stop being powered on and off.

[0071] In step S212 , after the on-off cycle of the heating tube 107 is completed, the steam outlet 1022 of the steam generator 100 is opened to discharge the steam inside the heating body 103 , thereby completing the preheating of the heating body 103 .

[0072] In this embodiment, the preheating process of the heating element 103 via the heating tube 107 within the steam generator 100 is further considered. Specifically, during the preheating process, the heating element 103 needs to be preheated as quickly as possible to allow the steam generator 100 to begin processing clothes as quickly as possible. Therefore, during the preheating process, the steam outlet of the steam generator is not opened to discharge the steam generated during the preheating process. Instead, the steam in the steam generator 100 is discharged only after the preheating of the heating element 103 is completed through the on-off cycle of the heating tube 107. On the one hand, heat loss in the heating element 103 is avoided, and the heat generated by the heating tube 107 is maximized to preheat the heating element 103 within the same preheating time. On the other hand, the steam generated by each on-off cycle of the heating tube 107 fills the heating element 103 and also heats the air within the heating element 103, preventing the steam generator from spraying water due to thermal expansion and contraction during subsequent use.

[0073] In step S220, after the preheating of the heating element 103 is completed, the heating tube 107 is controlled to continue heating the heating element 103, so that the heating element 103 heats the water in the heating element 103 to generate steam. The steam flows to the steam outlet through the spray prevention component and is discharged to treat the clothes.

[0074] During this process, the automatic thermostat 105 always monitors the temperature of the heating body 103 to prevent the temperature of the heating body 103 from being too high or too low.

[0075] In some embodiments of the present application, the blowout prevention assembly can be installed inside the housing 102, surrounded by the inner wall of the housing 102 to form a chamber. The steam outlet is located in the chamber formed by the blowout prevention assembly and the inner wall of the housing 102. The side of the chamber close to the heating element 103 is a sealed surface, isolating the water in the heating element 103. The side of the chamber opposite the steam outlet is a mesh structure, allowing steam to enter the chamber and be discharged from the steam outlet. This prevents the steam generator from spraying out steam and water together when in operation.

[0076] In step S230, as the heating tube 107 continues to heat the heating body 103, the temperature of the heating body 103 becomes higher and higher. When the automatic temperature controller 105 detects that the temperature of the heating body 103 rises to the first set temperature, the steam generator 100 controls the heating body 103 to stop heating. At the same time, the water inlet valve of the steam generator 100 is opened, and water is injected into the heating body 103 through the water injection port 1021 to cool the heating body 103.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present application, the automatic thermostat 105 controls the power on and off of the heating tube 107 and is connected in parallel with the steam generator's water inlet valve to achieve alternating water supply and heating. When the automatic thermostat 105 controls the heating tube 107 to start heating, it triggers the water inlet valve to automatically close. When the automatic thermostat 105 controls the heating tube 107 to stop heating, it triggers the water inlet valve to automatically open, allowing water to flow into the heating element 103 through the water inlet.

[0078] In step S240, when the automatic temperature controller 105 detects that the heating body 103 is cooled to the second set temperature after water injection, the water stop valve is closed. At the same time, the heating tube 107 is controlled to continue heating the heating body 103 until the heating body reaches the first set temperature again. The heating is then stopped and water is added, and the process of heating and heating, and water injection and cooling is circulated to generate steam to treat the clothes.

[0079] In the technical solution of the above embodiment, when the steam generator 100 starts working, the heating element 103, which is in a cold state and contains water, is directly heated through the heating pipe 107. By preheating the heating element, the problem of water and air in the steam generator expanding due to heat during the process of changing from cold to hot, causing water and steam to be ejected together, is solved.

[0080] On the one hand, the present application sets a spray-proof component in the steam generator to isolate water from the steam outlet to prevent water from spraying when the steam generator discharges steam. On the other hand, before the heating element 103 is continuously powered on and heated by the heating tube 107, the heating tube 107 in the steam generator 100 is powered on and off to preheat the heating element 103. By repeatedly powering on and off the heating tube 107, the heating element 103 gradually increases its temperature and discharges the air and steam that expands due to the heat inside. After the internal environment stabilizes, the heating element 103 is continuously heated by the heating tube 107, thereby generating stable steam for treating clothes.

[0081] Furthermore, when the steam generator is relatively small (current drum washing machines pursue ultra-thinness and large capacity, resulting in very limited internal space for functional modules and the compression of the individual modules), the water injected into the heating element may fill the entire element or occupy a significant volume. During the next heating cycle, the thermal expansion of the water and air, combined with the generated steam, is ejected from the steam outlet simultaneously, causing water spray. This indicates that the steam generator sprays water because: the single water intake is too large; the single water intake time is too long; and the thermostat recovery time is too long. Therefore, the fundamental reason for the steam generator spraying water is that the thermostat cools too slowly, causing the steam generator to spray water. This application also allows the water flow from the water inlet 1021 to flow directly above the automatic thermostat 105, significantly shortening the time it takes for the heating element 103 to cool from the first temperature to the second temperature. This, in turn, reduces the time it takes to inject water into the heating element, thereby reducing the amount of water in the heating element and preventing water spray during heating.

[0082] To address the above problem, another embodiment of the present application discloses a steam generator 200 to further solve the problem of water spraying by the steam generator. It should be noted that the control method for a drum washing machine applicable to the steam generator 100 is also applicable to the steam generator 200.

[0083] See also Figure 4 , Figure 4 The steam generator 200 includes a housing 201 , a heating element 202 , a heating tube 203 , an automatic temperature controller 204 , and a blowout prevention assembly 205 .

[0084] The shell 201 is designed with a water inlet 2013, a steam outlet 2011, and a pressure relief port 2012 for water intake, steam outlet and pressure relief. A heating pipe 203 is embedded in the heating body 202 for heating, and an automatic thermostat 204 is provided on the outer surface to monitor the temperature of the heating body. The heating pipe 203 is used to heat the heating body 202 inside the heating body; the automatic thermostat 204 controls the power on and off of the heating pipe 203, and is connected in parallel with the water inlet valve of the steam generator 200 to realize alternating water intake and heating; the blowout prevention assembly 205 is installed inside the shell 201 and is wrapped by the inner wall of the shell 102 to form a chamber.

[0085] See also Figure 5 , Figure 5 According to a structural diagram of a blowout prevention assembly according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 5It can be seen that the steam outlet 2011 is located in the chamber formed by the blowout prevention component 205 and the inner wall of the shell 201. The side 2052 of the blowout prevention component close to the heating body is a sealed surface, which isolates the water in the heating body 202. The side 2051 of the blowout prevention component opposite to the steam outlet is a mesh structure, which allows steam to enter the chamber and be discharged from the steam outlet 2011.

[0086] In some embodiments of the present application, the heating tube 203 is installed inside the heating body 202 so that the heating tube 203 does not come into contact with the water in the heating body 202. Since the surface temperature of the heating tube 203 is too high, if the water is heated directly, the heating effect on the water around the heating tube 203 will be better, but the heating effect on the water farther away from the heating tube 203 will not be good. In an embodiment of the present application, the heating tube 203 is embedded in the heating body 202, and the heating body 202 is heated so that the heating body 202 is heated to complete the heating of the water and generate steam. The area of ​​the heating body 202 in contact with the water is much larger than that of the heating tube 203, so that the water can be heated more evenly and evenly. On the one hand, steam can be generated evenly, and on the other hand, it can prevent the water in the heating body from spraying water when the steam generator is working due to uneven heating.

[0087] In some embodiments of the present application, an automatic thermostat 204 is installed on the surface of the heating body 202. When the heating tube 203 starts working, the automatic thermostat 204 monitors the temperature of the heating body 202. The temperature of the heating body 202 continues to rise. When it reaches the first set temperature, the automatic thermostat 204 controls the heating tube 203 to cut off the power to stop heating, and at the same time opens the water inlet valve switch to start water entering the steam generator 200. The temperature of the heating body 202 begins to decrease. When the temperature of the automatic thermostat 204 drops to the second set temperature, the automatic thermostat 204 controls the heating tube 203 to restart heating to generate steam. The above process is repeated to generate steam in a cycle.

[0088] It is preferred that the automatic thermostat 204 is set at the bottom of the heating body 202 so that there is always water on the surface of the area where the automatic thermostat 204 is installed. The connection part between the automatic thermostat 204 and the heating body 202 will not be cooled down due to lack of water, and thus will not exceed the first set temperature, which will cause the heating tube 203 to stop heating and the water inlet valve to open and continue to inject water into the heating body.

[0089] In the above embodiment, the automatic thermostat 204 is mounted on the outer surface of the heating element 202. By sensing the temperature of the heating element 202, it determines the current temperature of the heating element 202. Based on the current temperature of the heating element 202, the heating tube 203 is controlled to determine whether to continue heating. This ensures that the heating element 202 consistently heats the water within the set temperature range to generate steam, thereby achieving a uniform steam injection from the steam generator, providing better treatment for clothing. Furthermore, this protects the heating element 202 from damage due to excessive temperatures.

[0090] See also Figure 6 , Figure 6 A partial schematic diagram of a steam generator according to some embodiments of the present application. Figure 6 As can be seen, in this embodiment of the present application, a water injection pipe 206 can be installed in the water injection port 2013 to guide the injected water flow, so that the water flowing out of the water outlet side of the water injection pipe flows onto the inner surface of the heating body receiving portion 2021. It should be clarified that the receiving portion 2021 is a part of the main body of the heating body 202 and receives the water flowing into the heating body 202 through the water injection port 2013.

[0091] In the above embodiment, after the heating body 202 reaches the first set temperature, the water inlet valve is opened to inject water into the heating body 202 until the temperature of the heating body 202 drops to the second set temperature. Considering that the water injection time is the same as the time it takes for the heating body 202 to drop from the first set temperature to the second set temperature, the water injection time is controlled within a reasonable time so that the water level in the heating body 202 is always maintained below the standard water level, and water spraying when the steam generator 200 discharges steam will not occur due to the water level being too high.

[0092] In this embodiment of the present application, a water injection pipe is provided in the water injection port 2013 to control the direction of water flow, causing the water to flow onto the inner surface of the receiving portion 2021 of the heating element 202. This makes the receiving portion 2021 the area of ​​the heating element 202 where the temperature drops fastest. This shortens the time it takes for the automatic thermostat 204 to detect the temperature drop from the first to the second temperature of the heating element 202, indirectly shortening the water injection time and reducing the amount of water injected.

[0093] In some other embodiments of the present application, the time it takes for the heating body 202 to drop from the first temperature to the second temperature can be controlled by changing the relative position relationship between the automatic temperature controller 204 and the receiving part 2021, so as to control the water injection time, so that the water level in the heating body 202 is always maintained at the standard water level, and the steam generator 200 will not discharge steam through the steam outlet 2011 due to the water level being too high.

[0094] It should be clarified that the standard water level refers to the critical water level at which the steam generator 200 will not spray water due to the water level being too high.

[0095] In some embodiments of this application, please refer to Figure 7 , Figure 7 FIG1 shows a schematic diagram of a water injection pipe as a curved pipe according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 As shown, the water injection pipe 206 of the steam generator can also be a curved pipe to change the direction of water flow so that the water flows through the water injection pipe 206 and falls to the inner surface of the receiving part 2021.

[0096] In the above embodiment, considering that when water is injected into the heating body 202 through the water injection pipe 206, the water flow velocity will affect the characteristics of the water flow direction, the water injection pipe 206 is set as a curved pipe to guide the direction of the water flow, so that the water flow can more accurately fall to the inner surface of the receiving part 2021 on the heating body 202.

[0097] In some embodiments of the present application, the automatic thermostat 204 is installed on the outer surface of the receiving portion 2021. Figure 8 , Figure 8 A schematic diagram showing the connection position of the automatic temperature controller and the heating element according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 8 It can be seen that the automatic thermostat 204 is installed on the outer surface of the receiving portion 2021 .

[0098] In the above embodiment, considering that the water filling time is still too long, resulting in the water level in the heating body 202 being too high, the automatic thermostat 204 is further installed on the outer surface of the receiving portion 2021. This allows the automatic thermostat 204 to sense the cooling of the heating body 202 to the second temperature in the shortest possible time, thereby minimizing the water filling time. The water level in the heating body is controlled not to exceed the standard water level.

[0099] In some embodiments of the present application, the thickness of the receiving portion 2021 of the steam generator 200 is less than the standard thickness. The standard thickness refers to the thickness threshold value at which the time required for the heating element 202 to drop from the first temperature to the second temperature is less than the standard time. The standard time is the time required for the receiving portion 2021 of the standard thickness to drop from the first temperature to the second temperature after receiving the water flow. The standard time refers to the time required for the water level in the heating element 202 to reach the standard water level after water is injected into the heating element 202. Figure 9 , Figure 9 The structure diagram of the receiving portion having a thickness smaller than the standard thickness according to one embodiment of the present application is shown. In one embodiment of the present application, the thickness of the receiving portion is 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0100] In the above embodiment, considering that the wall thickness of the receiving part 2021 is too thick, the water flow has no obvious cooling effect on the receiving part 2021, which will affect the time it takes for the receiving part 2021 to cool down from the first temperature to the second temperature. Therefore, reducing the thickness of the receiving part 2021 will reduce the time it takes for the receiving part 2021 to cool down from the first temperature to the second temperature, thereby reducing the water injection time and ensuring that the water level in the heating body 202 is always lower than the standard water level.

[0101] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the present invention after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present invention that follow the general principles of the present invention and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered merely as exemplary, and the true scope and spirit of the present application are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a drum washing machine, characterized in that: The drum washing machine comprises: The cabinet is constructed as the outer shell of the drum washing machine and provides installation space for the drum and steam generator; The drum provides a processing space for the clothes to be processed; a steam generator, for generating steam and spraying the steam into the drum to treat the clothes; A hanging piece, used for fixing the steam generator to the inner wall of the box; The steam generator comprises: The shell of the steam generator is provided with a water inlet and a steam outlet; a heating body, into which water is injected through a water injection port connected to the heating body, the heating body being used to receive and heat the water in the heating body; A heating tube, used for heating the heating body; Automatic thermostat for monitoring the temperature of the heating body; The steam outlet is connected to the heating body to discharge the steam generated in the heating body to the outside of the shell; Wherein, the automatic temperature controller is installed on the outer surface of the heating body and is located below the water flow out of the water injection port; The control method comprises: Controlling the heating tube to perform an on-off power cycle to preheat the heating body, and controlling the steam outlet to discharge steam generated by the heating body during the preheating period; After preheating the heating body, controlling the heating tube to heat the heating body to generate steam, and causing the automatic temperature controller to monitor the temperature of the heating body, and the steam is ejected through the steam outlet; When the automatic thermostat detects that the heating body is at a first set temperature, it controls the heating tube to stop heating and injects water into the heating body through the water injection port; When the automatic temperature controller detects that the heating body is cooled to the second set temperature after water injection, the water injection is stopped, and the heating pipe is controlled to continue heating the heating body, so as to circulate and heat the heating body to generate steam.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The controlling the heating tube to perform an on-off cycle to preheat the heating element, and controlling the steam outlet to discharge steam generated by the heating element heating water during the preheating period, comprises: Controlling the heating tube to switch on and off at fixed intervals until a set time or number of on and off times is reached; The steam outlet is controlled to discharge the steam in the heating body to complete the preheating of the heating body.

3. A drum washing machine, characterized in that: include: The cabinet is constructed as the outer shell of the drum washing machine and provides installation space for the drum and steam generator; The drum provides a processing space for the clothes to be processed; a steam generator, for generating steam and spraying the steam into the drum to treat the clothes; A hanging piece, used for fixing the steam generator to the inner wall of the box; The steam generator comprises: The shell of the steam generator is provided with a water inlet and a steam outlet; a heating body, into which water is injected through a water injection port connected to the heating body, the heating body being used to receive and heat the water in the heating body; A heating tube, used for heating the heating body; Automatic thermostat for monitoring the temperature of the heating body; The steam outlet is connected to the heating body to discharge the steam generated in the heating body to the outside of the shell; Wherein, the automatic temperature controller is located below the water flow out of the water injection port; A controller configured to: a preheating unit for controlling the heating tube to perform an on-off power cycle to preheat the heating element, and controlling the steam outlet to discharge steam generated by the heating element during the preheating period; a first heating unit, configured to control the heating tube to heat the heating body to generate steam after preheating the heating body, and to enable the automatic thermostat to monitor the temperature of the heating body, and to eject the steam through the steam outlet; a water injection unit, configured to control the heating tube to stop heating and inject water into the heating body through the water injection port when the automatic thermostat detects that the heating body is at a first set temperature; The second heating unit is used to stop water injection when the automatic temperature controller detects that the heating body is cooled to a second set temperature after water injection, and control the heating pipe to continue heating the heating body so as to circulate and heat the heating body to generate steam.

4. The drum washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: A blowout prevention assembly is installed inside the shell, and the blowout prevention assembly is wrapped by the inner wall of the shell to form a chamber connected to the steam outlet; The steam outlet is opened in the chamber formed by the blowout prevention assembly and the inner wall of the shell. The side of the chamber close to the heating body is a sealed surface, and the sealed surface isolates the water in the heating body. The side of the chamber opposite to the steam outlet is a mesh structure, and the mesh structure allows steam to enter the chamber and be discharged from the steam outlet.

5. The drum washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The heating pipe is embedded in the heating body, and the heating pipe heats the heating body to increase the temperature of the heating body and heat the water.

6. The drum washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The automatic temperature controller is mounted on the outer surface of the bottom of the heating body.

7. The drum washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The water injection port is provided with a water injection pipe; The water flowing out from the water outlet side of the water injection pipe flows onto the inner surface of the receiving portion of the heating body. The receiving portion is a part of the heating body body, which receives the water flowing toward the heating body through the water injection port.

8. The drum washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The water injection pipe is a curved pipe to change the direction of water flow so that the water flows through the water injection pipe and falls to the inner surface of the receiving part.

9. The drum washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The automatic temperature controller is installed on the outer surface of the receiving part.

10. The drum washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The thickness of the receiving portion is smaller than the standard thickness of the heating body. When the receiving portion of standard thickness receives water flow for cooling, the receiving portion cools from the first temperature to the second temperature within a standard time.

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