State detection method for steam generator of washing machine and washing machine

Abstract

The invention discloses a state detection method for a steam generator of a washing machine and the washing machine, and the steam generator comprises a detection module which is used for detecting the internal pressure of the steam generator; the pressure relief module is used for enabling the interior of the steam generator to be communicated with the exterior when the pressure in the steam generator is larger than first preset pressure; the method comprises the steps that in the running process of the steam generator, the current pressure in the steam generator is detected through a detection module; when the current pressure is larger than the first preset pressure, the pressure change amount of the interior of the steam generator within the set duration is detected; and when the pressure variation reaches a preset pressure threshold value, determining that a pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state, namely, the interior of the steam generator is communicated with the exterior. Through the method provided by the invention, the fault of the pressure relief module can be detected in time, the steam generator is prevented from working when the pressure relief module is in a fault state, and the safety problem caused by continuous ejection of steam from the pressure relief module is prevented.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of washing machines, and in particular, relates to a state detection method of a steam generator of a washing machine and a washing machine. Background Art

[0002] The steam generator in the current washing machine is small in size, and the tap water used by users for washing clothes is hard. After the washing machine has been used for a period of time, the outlet of the steam generator is easily blocked, resulting in excessive pressure in the steam generator, causing problems such as pipe bursting, pipe clamp collapse, upper and lower cover seal leakage, or hot steam splashing. Therefore, a pressure relief plug is set on the steam generator. When the pressure is high, the pressure relief plug collapses to reduce the pressure in the steam generator. However, after the pressure relief plug collapses, it cannot be determined that the pressure relief plug has collapsed. If the steam generator continues to produce hot water and steam, it is easy to cause safety problems.

[0003] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the above background technology section is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of the present application, and therefore may include information that does not constitute the prior art known to ordinary technicians in the field. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for detecting the state of a steam generator of a washing machine and a washing machine, so as to solve the problem that the state of the steam generator of the washing machine cannot be detected.

[0005] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a method for detecting the state of a steam generator of a washing machine is provided, wherein the steam generator comprises: a detection module for detecting the pressure inside the steam generator; and a pressure relief module for connecting the inside of the steam generator with the outside when the pressure inside the steam generator is greater than a first preset pressure; the method comprises:

[0006] During the operation of the steam generator, the current pressure inside the steam generator is detected by the detection module;

[0007] When the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure, detecting the pressure change in the steam generator within a set time period;

[0008] When the pressure change reaches a preset pressure threshold, it is determined that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present application, detecting the current pressure inside the steam generator includes: detecting the current temperature inside the steam generator; and determining the current pressure corresponding to the current temperature based on a mapping relationship between temperature and pressure.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present application, after detecting the current pressure inside the steam generator, the method further includes: when the current pressure is greater than a second preset pressure, controlling the steam generator to stop generating steam; the second preset pressure is less than the first preset pressure.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present application, after detecting the current pressure inside the steam generator, the method also includes: when the current pressure is less than a third preset pressure, detecting a first duration that the current pressure is less than the third preset pressure; when the first duration is greater than a first preset time length, determining that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a faulty state, and controlling the steam generator to stop generating steam; the third preset pressure is less than the first preset pressure.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present application, after detecting that the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure, the method further includes: detecting a second duration that the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure; when the second duration is greater than a second preset time length, determining that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state.

[0013] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a state detection device for a steam generator of a washing machine is provided, the steam generator comprising:

[0014] A detection module, used for detecting the pressure inside the steam generator;

[0015] A pressure relief module, used for connecting the inside of the steam generator with the outside when the pressure inside the steam generator is greater than a first preset pressure;

[0016] The device includes:

[0017] A pressure detection module is used to detect the current pressure inside the steam generator through the detection module during the operation of the steam generator;

[0018] A change detection module, used for detecting the pressure change in the steam generator within a set time period when the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure;

[0019] The state determination module is used to determine that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state when the pressure change reaches a preset pressure threshold.

[0020] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, there is provided a washing machine, comprising:

[0021] An inner drum for containing clothes;

[0022] a steam generator connected to the inner drum and used for generating steam;

[0023] A control module is used to implement any one of the methods for detecting the state of a steam generator of a washing machine provided in the present application.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present application, a steam generator includes: an upper cover, used to form a chamber for containing water and steam with a heating body; a water inlet, arranged at the bottom of the upper cover; a heating body, arranged below the upper cover, the heating body being used to heat water; a steam outlet, arranged at the top of the upper cover; a pressure relief module, arranged on the upper cover, used to connect the inside of the steam generator with the outside when the pressure inside the steam generator is greater than a first preset pressure; a detection module, arranged on the upper cover, the detection module being used to detect the pressure inside the steam generator.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present application, the detection module includes: a mounting bracket, a sealing ring and a temperature probe; the mounting bracket is arranged on the upper cover and is used to fix the temperature probe; one end of the temperature probe extends into the interior of the steam generator, and the temperature probe is used to detect the temperature inside the steam generator; the sealing ring is arranged between the mounting bracket and the upper cover.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present application, the portion where the temperature probe passes through the upper cover is wrapped by a mounting bracket.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present application, the pressure relief module includes: a pressure relief port and a pressure relief plugging cover; the pressure relief plugging cover is sleeved on the pressure relief port; when the pressure relief plugging cover is opened, the inside and outside of the steam generator are connected through the pressure relief port.

[0028] In the technical solution of the present application, during the operation of the steam generator, the current pressure inside the steam generator is detected by a detection module; when the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure, the pressure change inside the steam generator within a set time period is detected; when the pressure change reaches the preset pressure threshold, it is determined that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a faulty state, that is, the inside of the steam generator is connected to the outside. When the steam generator remains closed and continues to generate steam, the pressure inside the steam generator will slowly rise, and if the pressure relief module is in a faulty state, the pressure change inside the steam generator within the set time period will be large, that is, the pressure inside the steam generator changes instantaneously. Therefore, the method provided in the present application can be used to timely detect the failure of the pressure relief module, avoid the steam generator from operating when the pressure relief module is in a faulty state, and prevent steam from continuously spraying out of the pressure relief module to cause safety problems.

[0029] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The drawings herein are incorporated into the specification and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application, and together with the specification are used to explain the principles of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application, and for ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0031] Figure 1 The structural diagram of a steam generator provided in one embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0032] Figure 2 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a steam generator provided in an embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0033] Figure 3 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of a steam generator provided in an embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0034] Figure 4 The flowchart of the method for detecting the state of the steam generator of a washing machine provided in one embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0035] Figure 5 The structural block diagram of a state detection device for a steam generator of a washing machine provided in one embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0036] Figure 6 The structural diagram of a washing machine provided in one embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0037] Figure 7 The structure block diagram of a computer system for implementing the washing machine of the embodiment of the present application is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] 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 embodiments are provided so that this application will be more comprehensive and complete and fully convey the concept of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0039] like Figure 1As shown, the steam generator of the washing machine in the present application includes: an upper cover 110, a water inlet 120 is provided at the bottom of the upper cover 110, and a steam outlet 130 is provided at the top of the side edge of the upper cover 110. A heating body 140 is provided below the upper cover, and the heating body 140 is used to heat water to convert water into steam. Steam is discharged from the steam generator from the steam outlet 130, but part of the steam will condense into water at the steam outlet 130. If the water is hard water, then after the washing machine is used for a period of time, the position of the steam outlet 130 is prone to scale, resulting in the steam outlet 130 being blocked. Therefore, the upper cover 110 is provided with a pressure relief module 150, such as the pressure relief module 150 is provided in the middle of the side edge of the upper cover 110, and the pressure relief module 150 is used to connect the inside of the steam generator with the outside when the pressure inside the steam generator is greater than the first preset pressure, so as to prevent the pressure inside the steam generator from being too high and causing an explosion. For example, the pressure relief module includes: a pressure relief port and a pressure relief plugging cover; the pressure relief plugging cover is sleeved on the pressure relief port; when the pressure relief plugging cover is opened, the inside of the steam generator is connected to the outside through the pressure relief port. When the pressure relief plugging cover of the pressure relief module 150 is broken open, the steam generator continues to generate steam, causing steam to spray out from the pressure relief port, which may easily cause safety problems. Therefore, the steam generator in the present application also includes: a detection module 160, which is arranged on the top of the upper cover 110, and the detection module 160 is used to detect the pressure inside the steam generator, and determine whether the pressure relief module 170 fails according to the pressure inside the steam generator.

[0040] like Figure 2 As shown, the heating body 140 in the steam generator is arranged below the upper cover 110, and a chamber 141 is formed between the upper cover 110 and the heating body 140. The heating body 140 includes a heating tube and a thermostat, the heating tube is used to heat water, and the thermostat is used to control the heating temperature of the heating tube. Water enters the chamber 141 from the water inlet 120, and is heated into steam by the heating tube in the heating body 140, and is discharged from the steam generator from the steam outlet 130. In addition, the heating body 140 can be wrapped with a heat preservation layer 170 to reduce the temperature loss of the heating body 140.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the detection module includes: a mounting bracket 161, a sealing ring 162 and a temperature probe 163; the mounting bracket 161 is arranged on the upper cover 110, and is used to fix the temperature probe 163; the temperature probe 163 is used to detect the temperature inside the steam generator, and one end of the temperature probe 163 extends into the steam generator, so that the temperature probe can more accurately measure the temperature inside the steam generator; the sealing ring 162 is arranged between the mounting bracket 161 and the upper cover 110 to prevent steam from being discharged to the outside through the gap between the mounting bracket 161 and the upper cover 110.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present application, the portion where the temperature probe 163 passes through the upper cover 110 is wrapped by the mounting bracket 161. Since the upper cover 110 may be made of metal, heat-resistant plastic or other high-temperature resistant materials, these materials may cause the temperature of the upper cover 110 to be different from the temperature inside the steam generator, so the temperature probe 163 is wrapped by the mounting bracket 161 to prevent the temperature probe 163 from directly touching the upper cover 110, resulting in an error in the temperature detected by the temperature probe 163.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the present application also provides a state detection method of a steam generator of a washing machine, the steam generator comprising: a detection module, used to detect the pressure inside the steam generator; a pressure relief module, used to connect the inside of the steam generator with the outside when the pressure inside the steam generator is greater than a first preset pressure; the method comprises S410 to S430:

[0044] S410: During the operation of the steam generator, the current pressure inside the steam generator is detected by a detection module.

[0045] Specifically, the current pressure is the pressure inside the steam generator at the current moment. Steam is continuously generated during the operation of the steam generator, and under normal circumstances, the steam inside the steam generator is discharged to the outside from the steam outlet. If the steam outlet is blocked, the pressure inside the steam generator will gradually increase. Therefore, the current pressure inside the steam generator is detected in real time through the detection module to provide data basis for the subsequent steps of determining the status of the pressure relief module.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present application, detecting the current pressure inside the steam generator includes: detecting the current temperature inside the steam generator; and determining the current pressure corresponding to the current temperature based on a mapping relationship between temperature and pressure.

[0047] Specifically, according to the relationship between gas pressure and temperature, it can be known that when the temperature rises, the gas pressure will also rise. Therefore, the mapping relationship between steam pressure and temperature can be determined in advance. For example, when the temperature of the steam is T1, the pressure inside the steam generator is determined to be P1; when the temperature of the steam is T2, the pressure inside the steam generator is determined to be P2; through the mapping relationship between temperature and pressure, the current pressure corresponding to the current temperature inside the steam generator can be quickly determined.

[0048] S420: When the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure, detect the pressure change inside the steam generator within a set time period.

[0049] Specifically, the first preset pressure is the pressure that causes the pressure relief module to open. For example, if the first preset pressure is 101.5 kPa, when the pressure inside the steam generator is greater than 101.5 kPa, the inside and outside of the steam generator are connected, and then steam will be ejected from the pressure relief module to the outside of the steam generator, causing the pressure inside the steam generator to drop rapidly in a short time. Therefore, in order to determine whether the inside and outside of the steam generator are connected, the pressure change within a set time period can be detected from when the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure.

[0050] S430: When the pressure change reaches a preset pressure threshold, it is determined that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state.

[0051] Specifically, when the pressure relief module can be opened normally, the relationship between the pressure change inside the steam generator and time is detected multiple times when the pressure inside the steam generator is greater than the first preset pressure, so as to determine the preset pressure threshold. The pressure relief module is in a faulty state, which means that the components inside and outside the steam generator are opened in the pressure relief module, and the inside and outside of the steam generator are connected. If the pressure change does not reach the preset pressure threshold, it can be determined that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is not working properly, and the steam can only be discharged slowly from the pressure relief port; even if the pressure change is zero, it means that the pressure relief plug cannot be opened, so it is determined that the steam generator has an explosion risk at this time.

[0052] In the technical solution of the present application, during the operation of the steam generator, the current pressure inside the steam generator is detected by a detection module; when the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure, the pressure change inside the steam generator within a set time period is detected; when the pressure change reaches the preset pressure threshold, it is determined that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a faulty state, that is, the inside of the steam generator is connected to the outside. When the steam generator remains closed and continues to generate steam, the pressure inside the steam generator will slowly rise, and if the pressure relief module is in a faulty state, the pressure change inside the steam generator within the set time period will be large, that is, the pressure inside the steam generator changes instantaneously. Therefore, the method provided in the present application can be used to timely detect the failure of the pressure relief module, avoid the steam generator from operating when the pressure relief module is in a faulty state, and prevent steam from continuously spraying out of the pressure relief module to cause safety problems.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present application, after detecting the current pressure inside the steam generator, the method provided by the present application also includes: when the current pressure is greater than a second preset pressure, controlling the steam generator to stop generating steam; the second preset pressure is less than the first preset pressure.

[0054] Specifically, the second preset pressure can be preset to a pressure value close to the first preset pressure, for example, if the first preset pressure is 101.5 kPa, then the second preset pressure is 101.3 kPa. When the current pressure is greater than 101.3 kPa, the steam generator is controlled to stop generating steam to prevent the residual heat of the heating pipe from causing the temperature inside the steam generator to continue to rise. If the temperature inside the steam generator continues to rise, the pressure inside the steam generator also continues to rise, which may trigger the pressure relief module to change to a fault state.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present application, the method provided by the present application also includes: when it is detected that the current pressure is greater than the second preset pressure, recording the number of times the current pressure is greater than the second preset pressure; when the number is greater than the preset number, determining that the steam outlet of the steam generator is blocked.

[0056] Specifically, the preset number of times excludes the situation where the current pressure is greater than the second preset pressure due to the temperature control error of the steam generator causing the internal temperature and pressure to rise. If it is detected that the current pressure is greater than the second preset pressure for multiple times, it means that the steam generator discharges steam slowly, so it can be determined that the steam outlet is blocked. At this time, a reminder message can be sent to the user through the communication module of the washing machine to remind the user to clean the steam generator in time to prevent accidents.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present application, after detecting the current pressure inside the steam generator, the method provided by the present application also includes: when the current pressure is less than a third preset pressure, detecting a first duration that the current pressure is less than the third preset pressure; when the first duration is greater than the first preset time length, determining that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state, and controlling the steam generator to stop generating steam; the third preset pressure is less than the first preset pressure.

[0058] Specifically, the third preset pressure is less than the first preset pressure; further, assuming that the steam generator continues to heat after the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure, the pressure after the first preset time period from when the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure is taken as the third preset pressure. If the first duration during which the current pressure is less than the third preset pressure is greater than the first preset time period, it is determined that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state, that is, the inside and outside of the steam generator are connected, and steam will continue to spray out from the pressure relief port. In order to prevent safety problems caused by steam spraying out of the pressure relief port, the steam generator is controlled to stop generating steam at this time.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present application, after detecting that the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure, the method provided by the present application further includes: detecting a second duration that the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure; when the second duration is greater than the second preset duration, determining that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a faulty state. Specifically, in addition to determining that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a faulty state through S420 and S430, it is also possible to detect a second duration that the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure after the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure. The second duration can be determined by measuring in advance multiple times the time required for the pressure relief plug in the pressure relief module to be collapsed by steam starting from the time when the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present application, when it is determined that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a faulty state, a reminder message can be sent to the user through the communication module of the washing machine to remind the user to maintain the steam generator in a timely manner to avoid the steam generator failure affecting the user's experience or even causing a safety accident.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, the present application provides a state detection device for a steam generator of a washing machine, the steam generator comprising: a detection module for detecting the pressure inside the steam generator; a pressure relief module for connecting the inside of the steam generator with the outside when the pressure inside the steam generator is greater than a first preset pressure; the device comprises:

[0062] The pressure detection module 510 is used to detect the current pressure inside the steam generator through the detection module during the operation of the steam generator;

[0063] A change detection module 520 is used to detect a pressure change in the steam generator within a set time period when the current pressure is greater than a first preset pressure;

[0064] The state determination module 530 is used to determine that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state when the pressure change reaches a preset pressure threshold.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present application, the pressure detection module 510 includes: a temperature detection unit for detecting the current temperature inside the steam generator; and a pressure determination unit for determining the current pressure corresponding to the current temperature based on a mapping relationship between temperature and pressure.

[0066] In one embodiment of the present application, the device also includes: a pressure adjustment module, which is used to control the steam generator to stop generating steam after detecting the current pressure inside the steam generator and when the current pressure is greater than a second preset pressure; the second preset pressure is lower than the first preset pressure.

[0067] In one embodiment of the present application, the device also includes: a first determination module, which is used to detect a first duration that the current pressure is less than a third preset pressure after detecting the current pressure inside the steam generator and when the current pressure is less than a third preset pressure; when the first duration is greater than the first preset time, it is determined that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state, and the steam generator is controlled to stop generating steam; the third preset pressure is less than the first preset pressure.

[0068] In one embodiment of the present application, the device also includes: a second determination module, which is used to detect a second duration that the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure after detecting that the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure; when the second duration is greater than the second preset time, it is determined that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state.

[0069] It should be understood that the specific implementation of the state detection method of the washing machine steam generator provided in the present application has been disclosed in the corresponding method embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0070] In one embodiment of the present application, Figure 6 As shown, the present application provides a washing machine, comprising: a body 610; an inner drum 620 for accommodating clothes; a steam generator 630 connected to the inner drum 620 for generating steam; and a control module 640 for implementing any one of the methods for detecting the state of a steam generator of a washing machine provided in the present application.

[0071] Specifically, the user places the clothes in the inner drum 620 and selects the "steam wash" function after closing the door of the washing machine. Then the washing machine will send a command to generate steam to the steam generator 630. The steam generator 630 generates steam in response to the command. At the same time, the steam can be passed into the inner drum 620 through the steam pipe. The washing machine can also rotate the inner drum to make the clothes fully contact with the steam, thereby realizing the functions of steam washing, sterilization and mite removal. At the same time, the pressure inside the steam generator 630 is detected in real time through the control module 640. When the pressure relief module in the steam generator 630 is in a fault state, the steam generator 630 is controlled to stop generating steam, ensuring that the hot water and steam in the steam generator 630 will not overflow from the pressure relief module to the outside, so as to avoid damaging the internal circuit of the washing machine and causing safety problems.

[0072] In another embodiment of the present application, the present application further provides a computer medium on which a computer program is stored, and when the computer program is executed by a processor, the state detection method of the steam generator of the washing machine provided in the present application is implemented.

[0073] Figure 7 The structure block diagram of a computer system for implementing the washing machine of the embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0074] It should be noted that Figure 7 The computer system 700 of the washing machine shown is only an example and should not bring any limitation to the functions and scope of use of the embodiments of the present application.

[0075] like Figure 7 As shown, the computer system 700 includes a processor 701, which can be a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MCU (Microcontroller Unit). The processor 701 can perform various appropriate actions and processes according to the program stored in the read-only memory 702 (Read-Only Memory, ROM) or the program loaded from the storage part 708 to the random access memory 703 (Random Access Memory, RAM). In the random access memory 703, various programs and data required for system operation are also stored. The processor 701, the read-only memory 702 and the random access memory 703 are connected to each other through a bus 704. The input / output interface 705 (Input / Output interface, i.e., I / O interface) is also connected to the bus 704.

[0076] The following components are connected to the input / output interface 705: an input section 706 including a keyboard, a mouse, etc.; an output section 707 including a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), etc., and a speaker; a storage section 708 including a hard disk, etc.; and a communication section 709 including a network interface card such as a LAN card, a modem, etc. The communication section 709 performs communication processing via a network such as the Internet. A drive 710 is also connected to the input / output interface 705 as needed. A removable medium 711, such as a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a semiconductor memory, etc., is installed on the drive 710 as needed so that a computer program read therefrom is installed into the storage section 708 as needed.

[0077] In particular, according to an embodiment of the present application, the process described in each method flow chart can be implemented as a computer software program. For example, an embodiment of the present application includes a computer program product, which includes a computer program carried on a computer readable medium, and the computer program contains a program code for executing the method shown in the flow chart. In such an embodiment, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network through a communication part 709, and / or installed from a removable medium 711. When the computer program is executed by the processor 701, various functions defined in the system of the present application are executed.

[0078] It should be noted that the computer-readable medium shown in the embodiment of the present application may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium or any combination of the above two. The computer-readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, a system, device or device of electricity, magnetism, light, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor, or any combination of the above. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to: an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), a flash memory, an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the above. In the present application, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium containing or storing a program, which may be used by an instruction execution system, device or device or used in combination with it. In the present application, a computer-readable signal medium may include a data signal propagated in a baseband or as part of a carrier wave, wherein a computer-readable program code is carried. Such propagated data signals may take a variety of forms, including but not limited to electromagnetic signals, optical signals, or any suitable combination of the above. Computer readable signal media may also be any computer readable medium other than computer readable storage media, which may send, propagate, or transmit programs for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The program code contained on the computer readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to: wireless, wired, etc., or any suitable combination of the above.

[0079] The flow chart and block diagram in the accompanying drawings illustrate the possible architecture, function and operation of the system, method and computer program product according to various embodiments of the present application. In this regard, each box in the flow chart or block diagram can represent a module, a program segment or a part of a code, and the above-mentioned module, program segment or a part of a code contains one or more executable instructions for realizing the specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the box can also occur in a different order from the order marked in the accompanying drawings. For example, two boxes represented in succession can actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they can sometimes be executed in the opposite order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each box in the block diagram or flow chart, and the combination of the boxes in the block diagram or flow chart can be implemented with a dedicated hardware-based system that performs a specified function or operation, or can be implemented with a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0080] It should be noted that, although several modules or units of the equipment for action execution are mentioned in the above detailed description, this division is not mandatory. In fact, according to the embodiments of the present application, the features and functions of two or more modules or units described above can be embodied in one module or unit. On the contrary, the features and functions of one module or unit described above can be further divided into being embodied by multiple modules or units.

[0081] Through the description of the above implementation methods, it is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the example implementation methods described here can be implemented by software, or by software combined with necessary hardware. Therefore, the technical solution according to the implementation method of the present application can be embodied in the form of a software product, which can be stored in a non-volatile storage medium (which can be a CD-ROM, a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, etc.) or on a network, including several instructions to enable a computing device (which can be a personal computer, a server, a touch terminal, or a network device, etc.) to execute the implementation method according to the present application.

[0082] It should be understood that the specific implementation of the state detection method of the washing machine steam generator provided in the present application has been disclosed in the corresponding method embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0083] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the present application after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. The present application is intended to cover any modification, use or adaptation of the present application, which follows the general principles of the present application and includes common knowledge or customary technical means in the art that are not disclosed in the present application.

[0084] It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the precise structures that have been described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for detecting the state of a steam generator of a washing machine, characterized in that: The steam generator comprises: A detection module, used for detecting the pressure inside the steam generator; A pressure relief module, used for connecting the interior of the steam generator with the outside when the pressure inside the steam generator is greater than a first preset pressure; The method comprises: During the operation of the steam generator, the current pressure inside the steam generator is detected by the detection module; When the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure, detecting the pressure change inside the steam generator within a set time period; When the pressure change reaches a preset pressure threshold, it is determined that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state.

2. The method for detecting the state of a steam generator of a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detecting the current pressure inside the steam generator comprises: detecting a current temperature inside the steam generator; The current pressure corresponding to the current temperature is determined according to a mapping relationship between temperature and pressure.

3. The method for detecting the state of a steam generator of a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: After detecting the current pressure inside the steam generator, the method further includes: When the current pressure is greater than a second preset pressure, the steam generator is controlled to stop generating steam; and the second preset pressure is less than the first preset pressure.

4. The method for detecting the state of a steam generator of a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: After detecting the current pressure inside the steam generator, the method further includes: When the current pressure is less than a third preset pressure, detecting a first duration during which the current pressure is less than the third preset pressure; When the first duration is greater than a first preset duration, it is determined that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state, and the steam generator is controlled to stop generating steam; and the third preset pressure is less than the first preset pressure.

5. The method for detecting the state of a steam generator of a washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: After detecting that the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure, the method further includes: Detecting a second duration during which the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure; When the second duration is greater than a second preset duration, it is determined that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state.

6. A washing machine, characterized in that: include: An inner drum for containing clothes; a steam generator, connected to the inner drum, for generating steam; A control module, used to implement the state detection method of the steam generator of the washing machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The washing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that: The steam generator comprises: An upper cover, used to form a chamber containing water and steam with the heating body; A water inlet is arranged at the bottom of the upper cover; A heating body is arranged below the upper cover, and the heating body is used to heat water; A steam outlet is arranged at the top of the upper cover; A pressure relief module, disposed on the upper cover, and used for connecting the inside of the steam generator with the outside when the pressure inside the steam generator is greater than a first preset pressure; A detection module is arranged on the top of the upper cover, and the detection module is used to detect the pressure inside the steam generator.

8. The steam generator for a washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: The detection module includes: a mounting bracket, a sealing ring and a temperature probe; The mounting bracket is arranged on the upper cover and is used to fix the temperature probe; One end of the temperature probe extends into the interior of the steam generator, and the temperature probe is used to detect the temperature inside the steam generator; The sealing ring is arranged between the mounting bracket and the upper cover.

9. The steam generator for a washing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: The portion where the temperature probe passes through the upper cover is wrapped by the mounting bracket.

10. The steam generator for a washing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: The pressure relief module comprises: a pressure relief port and a pressure relief plugging cover; the pressure relief plugging cover is sleeved on the pressure relief port; when the pressure relief plugging cover is opened, the inside and outside of the steam generator are communicated through the pressure relief port.

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