Method for detecting state of steam generator of washing machine and washing machine

Abstract

The application discloses a state detection method of a steam generator of a washing machine and the washing machine. The steam generator comprises a detection module configured to detect the pressure inside the steam generator, and a pressure relief module configured to communicate 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: detecting the current pressure inside the steam generator by the detection module during the operation of the steam generator; detecting the pressure variation of the steam generator within a set time period when the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure; and determining that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state, i.e., the inside of the steam generator is communicated with the outside, when the pressure variation reaches a preset pressure threshold. By the method provided in the application, the fault of the pressure relief module can be detected in time, the steam generator is prevented from working in the fault state of the pressure relief module, and the safety problem caused by the continuous steam spouting from the pressure relief module is prevented.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

[0002] At present, the steam generator in the washing machine is small in size, and the tap water hardness is high when the user washes clothes. After the washing machine is used for a period of time, the outlet of the steam generator is prone to be blocked, which causes the pressure in the steam generator to be too high to cause problems such as pipe burst, pipe clamp collapse, upper and lower cover sealing leakage, or hot steam spatter. Therefore, a pressure relief plug is arranged on the steam generator, and when the pressure is large, the pressure relief plug is collapsed to reduce the pressure in the steam generator. However, after the pressure relief plug is collapsed, it cannot be determined whether the pressure relief plug has been collapsed. If the steam generator continues to generate hot water and steam, safety problems are easily caused.

[0003] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the above background section is only used to strengthen the understanding of the background of the present application, and therefore can include information that does not constitute prior art known to those of ordinary skill in the art. SUMMARY

[0004] The purpose of the present application is to provide a state detection method of a steam generator of a washing machine and a washing machine, which are used 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 state detection method of a steam generator of a washing machine is provided, the steam generator comprising: a detection module for detecting the pressure inside the steam generator; and a pressure relief module for communicating 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 comprising:

[0006] detecting the current pressure inside the steam generator during the operation of the steam generator by the detection module;

[0007] when the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure, detecting the pressure variation amount inside the steam generator within a set time length;

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

[0009] In an embodiment of the present application, detecting the current pressure inside the steam generator comprises: detecting the current temperature inside the steam generator; and determining the current pressure corresponding to the current temperature according to the mapping relationship between the temperature and the pressure.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present application, after detecting the current pressure inside the steam generator, the method further comprises: 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 an embodiment of the present application, after detecting the current pressure inside the steam generator, the method further comprises: 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 fault state, and controlling the steam generator to stop generating steam; the third preset pressure is less than the first preset pressure.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present application, after detecting that the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure, the method further comprises: 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 an aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a state detection device of a steam generator of a washing machine is provided, the steam generator comprising:

[0014] a detection module, configured to detect a pressure inside the steam generator;

[0015] a pressure relief module, configured to make the inside of the steam generator communicate with the outside when the pressure inside the steam generator is greater than a first preset pressure;

[0016] The device comprises:

[0017] a pressure detection module, configured to detect, by the detection module, a current pressure inside the steam generator during operation of the steam generator;

[0018] a change amount detection module, configured to detect, when the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure, a pressure change amount inside the steam generator within a set time length;

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

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

[0021] an inner tub, configured to accommodate clothes;

[0022] a steam generator, connected with the inner tub, configured to generate steam;

[0023] a control module, configured to implement any one of the state detection methods of the steam generator of the washing machine provided in the present application.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present application, the steam generator comprises: a cover for forming a chamber containing water and steam with a heating body; a water inlet arranged at the bottom of the cover; the heating body arranged below the cover, the heating body being used for heating water; a steam outlet arranged at the top of the cover; a pressure relief module arranged on the cover, the pressure relief module being 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; and a detection module arranged on the cover, the detection module being used for detecting the pressure inside the steam generator.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present application, the detection module comprises: a mounting bracket, a sealing ring and a temperature probe; the mounting bracket is arranged on the cover and is used for fixing the temperature probe; one end of the temperature probe extends into the inside of the steam generator, and the temperature probe is used for detecting the temperature inside the steam generator; and the sealing ring is arranged between the mounting bracket and the cover.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present application, the part where the temperature probe penetrates the cover is wrapped by the mounting bracket.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present application, the pressure relief module comprises: a pressure relief port and a pressure relief plug cover; the pressure relief plug cover is sleeved on the pressure relief port; when the pressure relief plug cover is opened, the inside of the steam generator is connected with the outside 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 the detection module; when the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure, the pressure variation of the inside of the steam generator within a set time length is detected; when the pressure variation reaches a preset pressure threshold, it is determined that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state, that is, the inside of the steam generator is connected with the outside. When the inside of the steam generator remains closed and steam is continuously generated, the pressure inside the steam generator will slowly rise, and if the pressure relief module is in a fault state, the pressure variation of the inside of the steam generator within a set time length will be large, that is, the pressure inside the steam generator changes instantaneously. Therefore, the method provided by the present application can timely detect the failure of the pressure relief module, avoid the steam generator working in a fault state of the pressure relief module, and prevent the continuous ejection of steam from the pressure relief module from causing safety problems.

[0029] In the present application, it should be understood that the above general description and the detailed description below are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the application and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the application. It is apparent that the drawing in the following description is only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative labor on the basis of these drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 The structure of the steam generator provided by an embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0032] Figure 2 The cross-sectional structure of the steam generator provided by an embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0033] Figure 3 The local enlarged view of the steam generator provided by an embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0034] Figure 4 The flowchart of the state detection method of the steam generator of the washing machine provided by an embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0035] Figure 5 The structure block diagram of the state detection device of the steam generator of the washing machine provided by an embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

[0036] Figure 6 The structure of the washing machine provided by an embodiment of the present application is schematically shown.

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

[0038] Example implementations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example implementations may, however, be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these implementations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of example implementations to those skilled in the art.

[0039] As Figure 1As shown, the steam generator of the washing machine in the present application comprises: an upper cover 110, the bottom of the upper cover 110 is provided with a water inlet 120, and the top of the side edge of the upper cover 110 is provided with a steam outlet 130. A heating body 140 is arranged below the upper cover 110, and the heating body 140 is used for heating water to convert the water into steam. The steam is discharged from the steam generator through the steam outlet 130, but part of the steam will condense into water at the steam outlet 130. If the water is hard water, the position of the steam outlet 130 is prone to scale after the washing machine is used for a period of time, causing the steam outlet 130 to be blocked. Therefore, the upper cover 110 is provided with a pressure relief module 150, such as the pressure relief module 150 being arranged at the middle of the side edge of the upper cover 110. The pressure relief module 150 is 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, so as to prevent the pressure inside the steam generator from being too large to cause an explosion. For example, the pressure relief module comprises: a pressure relief port and a pressure relief cover; the pressure relief cover is sleeved on the pressure relief port; when the pressure relief cover is opened, the inside of the steam generator is connected with the outside through the pressure relief port. When the pressure relief cover of the pressure relief module 150 is broken, the steam generator still continues to generate steam, which can cause the steam to be sprayed out of the pressure relief port, which is prone to cause safety problems. Therefore, the steam generator in the present application further comprises: a detection module 160 arranged on the top of the upper cover 110, the detection module 160 is used for detecting the pressure inside the steam generator, and determining whether the pressure relief module 170 fails according to the pressure inside the steam generator.

[0040] As shown, Figure 2 The heating body 140 in the steam generator is arranged below the upper cover 110, and a cavity 141 is formed between the upper cover 110 and the heating body 140. The heating body 140 comprises a heating pipe and a temperature controller, the heating pipe is used for heating water, and the temperature controller is used for controlling the heating temperature of the heating pipe. Water enters the cavity 141 from the water inlet 120 and is heated into steam by the heating pipe in the heating body 140, and then is discharged from the steam generator through 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] As shown, Figure 3 The detection module comprises: 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 for fixing the temperature probe 163; the temperature probe 163 is used for detecting the temperature inside the steam generator, and one end of the temperature probe 163 extends into the inside of the steam generator, so that the temperature probe can more accurately measure the temperature inside the steam generator; and the sealing ring 162 is arranged between the mounting bracket 161 and the upper cover 110 to prevent steam from being discharged outside through the gap between the mounting bracket 161 and the upper cover 110.

[0042] In an embodiment of the present application, the part of the temperature probe 163 that penetrates the upper cover 110 is wrapped by the mounting bracket 161. Since the upper cover 110 can be made of metal, heat-resistant plastic or other high-temperature-resistant materials, these materials can cause the temperature of the upper cover 110 to be different from the temperature inside the steam generator, so wrapping the temperature probe 163 with the mounting bracket 161 prevents the temperature probe 163 from directly touching the upper cover 110, which can cause the temperature detected by the temperature probe 163 to have errors.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4 The present application also provides a method for detecting the state of a steam generator of a washing machine, the steam generator comprising: a detection module configured to detect the pressure inside the steam generator; and a pressure relief module configured to communicate 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 steps S410 to S430:

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

[0045] Specifically, the current pressure is the pressure inside the steam generator at the current time. The steam generator continuously generates steam during operation, 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, so the detection module is used to detect the current pressure inside the steam generator in real time, providing data basis for the subsequent step of determining the state of the pressure relief module.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present application, detecting the current pressure inside the steam generator comprises: detecting the current temperature inside the steam generator; and determining the current pressure corresponding to the current temperature according to the mapping relationship between the temperature and the pressure.

[0047] Specifically, according to the relationship between the pressure and the temperature of a gas, it can be known that when the temperature rises, the pressure of the gas also rises. Therefore, the mapping relationship between the pressure and the temperature of the steam can be determined in advance, such as 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; and through the mapping relationship between the temperature and the 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, the pressure variation of the steam generator inside the steam generator within a set time length is detected.

[0049] Specifically, the first preset pressure is a pressure at which the pressure relief module opens, such as 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 is sprayed from the pressure relief module to the outside of the steam generator, so that the pressure inside the steam generator rapidly decreases in a short time. Therefore, to determine whether the inside and outside of the steam generator are connected, the pressure change amount within a set time period can be detected from when the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure.

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

[0051] Specifically, in the case where the pressure relief module can normally open, the relationship between the pressure change amount and time when the pressure inside the steam generator is greater than the first preset pressure is detected multiple times, so as to determine the preset pressure threshold. The pressure relief module in a fault state means that the components connecting the inside and outside of the steam generator in the pressure relief module have been opened, at which time the inside and outside of the steam generator are in a connected state. If the pressure change amount does not reach the preset pressure threshold, it can be determined that the pressure relief module of the steam generator does not work normally, and steam can only be slowly discharged from the pressure relief port; or even if the pressure change amount is zero, it means that the pressure relief cover 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 the detection module; when the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure, the pressure change amount of the steam generator inside within a set time period is detected; and when the pressure change amount reaches a preset pressure threshold, it is determined that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state, i.e., the inside and outside of the steam generator are connected. When the inside of the steam generator remains closed and continuously generates steam, the pressure inside the steam generator will slowly rise, and if the pressure relief module is in a fault state, the pressure change amount of the steam generator inside within a set time period will be large, i.e., the pressure inside the steam generator changes instantaneously. Therefore, the method provided by the present application can timely detect the failure of the pressure relief module, avoid the steam generator working in a fault state of the pressure relief module, and prevent the continuous spraying of steam from the pressure relief module to cause safety problems.

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

[0054] Specifically, the second preset pressure can be preset as a pressure value close to the first preset pressure. For example, the first preset pressure is 101.5 kPa, and 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 continuously increasing the temperature inside the steam generator. 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 an embodiment of the present application, the method provided by the present application further includes: when it is detected that the current pressure is greater than the second preset pressure, recording the number of times that the current pressure is greater than the second preset pressure; and when the number of times is greater than a preset number of times, determining that the steam outlet of the steam generator is blocked.

[0056] Specifically, the preset number of times excludes the case that the current pressure is greater than the second preset pressure due to the temperature regulation error of the steam generator, and if the current pressure is greater than the second preset pressure is detected multiple times, it indicates that the steam generator discharges steam slowly, so that it can be determined that the steam outlet is blocked. At this time, the communication module of the washing machine can send a reminder information to the user to remind the user to clean the steam generator in time to prevent accidents.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present application, after detecting the current pressure inside the steam generator, the method provided by the present application further 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 fault state, and controlling the steam generator to stop generating steam; and 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 length from when the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure is taken as the third preset pressure. If the first duration that the current pressure is less than the third preset pressure is greater than the first preset time length, 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 then steam will continuously be sprayed from the pressure relief port. In order to prevent the steam from being sprayed from the pressure relief port to cause safety problems, the steam generator is controlled to stop generating steam at this time.

[0059] In an 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 for which the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure; and determining that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state when the second duration is greater than a second preset time length. Specifically, in addition to determining that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state through S420 and S430, the second duration for which the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure can be detected after the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure. The second duration can be determined by pre-measuring a time required for the pressure relief cover in the pressure relief module to be blown open by steam, starting from when the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure.

[0060] In an embodiment of the present application, when it is determined that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state, a communication module of the washing machine can send a prompt message to a user to remind the user to maintain the steam generator in time, so as to avoid affecting the user's use experience due to the fault of the steam generator, and even causing a safety accident.

[0061] As shown in Figure 5 The present application provides a state detection device of a steam generator of a washing machine, the steam generator including: a detection module configured to detect a pressure inside the steam generator; and a pressure relief module configured to communicate 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 includes:

[0062] A pressure detection module 510 is configured to detect, by the detection module, a current pressure inside the steam generator during operation of the steam generator.

[0063] A change amount detection module 520 is configured to detect, when the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure, a pressure change amount inside the steam generator within a set time length.

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

[0065] In an embodiment of the present application, the pressure detection module 510 includes: a temperature detection unit configured to detect a current temperature inside the steam generator; and a pressure determination unit configured to determine a current pressure corresponding to the current temperature according to a mapping relationship between the temperature and the pressure.

[0066] In an embodiment of the present application, the device further includes: a pressure adjustment module configured 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; and the second preset pressure is less than the first preset pressure.

[0067] In an embodiment of the present application, the device further comprises a first determining module configured to, after detecting the current pressure inside the steam generator and when the current pressure is less than a third preset pressure, detect a first duration during which the current pressure is less than the third preset pressure; and when the first duration is greater than a first preset time length, determine that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state, and control the steam generator to stop generating steam; the third preset pressure is less than the first preset pressure.

[0068] In an embodiment of the present application, the device further comprises a second determining module configured to, after detecting that the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure, detect a second duration during which the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure; and when the second duration is greater than a second preset time length, determine that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state.

[0069] It should be understood that the specific embodiments of the method for detecting the state of the steam generator of the washing machine provided in the present application have been disclosed in the corresponding method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

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

[0071] Specifically, the user places clothes in the inner drum 620 and selects the "steam washing" function after closing the door body of the washing machine. Then the washing machine sends an instruction to generate steam to the steam generator 630, and the steam generator 630 generates steam in response to the instruction. At the same time, the steam can be introduced into the inner drum 620 through the steam pipeline, and 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 control module 640 detects the pressure inside the steam generator 630 in real time, and controls the steam generator 630 to stop generating steam when the pressure relief module in the steam generator 630 is in a fault state, so as to ensure that the hot water and steam in the steam generator 630 will not overflow outside from the pressure relief module, and 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 having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program is executed by a processor to implement the method for detecting the state of the steam generator of the washing machine provided in the present application.

[0073] Figure 7 A block diagram of a computer system structure of the washing machine for implementing the embodiments 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 merely an example and should not impose any limitation on the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments of this 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 performs various appropriate actions and processes based on programs stored in read-only memory (ROM) 702 or programs loaded from storage section 708 into random access memory (RAM). The random access memory 703 also stores various programs and data required for system operation. The processor 701, ROM 702, and RAM 703 are interconnected via a bus 704. An input / output interface 705 (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, mouse, etc.; an output section 707 including a cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal display (LCD), etc., and speakers, etc.; a storage section 708 including a hard disk, etc.; and a communication section 709 including a network interface card such as a local area network card, 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 disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, semiconductor memory, etc., is installed on the drive 710 as needed so that computer programs read from it can be installed into the storage section 708 as needed.

[0077] Specifically, according to embodiments of this application, the processes described in the various method flowcharts can be implemented as computer software programs. For example, embodiments of this application include a computer program product comprising a computer program carried on a computer-readable medium, the computer program containing program code for performing the methods shown in the flowcharts. In such embodiments, the computer program can be downloaded and installed from a network via communication section 709, and / or installed from removable medium 711. When the computer program is executed by processor 701, it performs various functions defined in the system of this application.

[0078] It should be noted that the computer-readable medium in the embodiments of the present application can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium or any combination thereof. The computer-readable storage medium may, for example, but is not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, device or apparatus, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of the computer-readable storage medium can include, but are not limited to, an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, 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 (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory, CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. In this application, the computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program that can be used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, device or apparatus. In this application, the computer-readable signal medium can include a data signal carried in a baseband or as a part of a carrier wave, which carries computer-readable program code. Such a propagated data signal can take on many forms, including but not limited to an electromagnetic signal, an optical signal, or any suitable combination thereof. The computer-readable signal medium can also be any computer-readable medium other than the computer-readable storage medium that can send, propagate or transmit the program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, device or apparatus. The program code contained on the computer-readable medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, or the like, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0079] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the drawings illustrate the possible implementation architectures, functions and operations of the systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present application. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams can represent a module, a program segment, or a portion of code that contains one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical functions. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks can occur in different orders than that shown in the figures. For example, two blocks noted in succession can actually be executed substantially concurrently, or they can sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. It should also be noted that each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowcharts or block diagrams, can be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs specified functions or operations, or can be implemented by a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0080] It should be noted that, although several modules or units of the device for action execution are mentioned in the above detailed description, such a division is not mandatory. Indeed, according to an embodiment of the application, the features and functionalities of two or more modules or units described above can be embodied in one module or unit. Conversely, the features and functionalities of one module or unit described above can be further divided into embodied by several modules or units.

[0081] From the above description of the embodiments, it is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the example embodiments described herein can be implemented by software, or by software in combination with necessary hardware. Therefore, the technical solutions according to the embodiments 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, U disk, mobile hard disk, etc.) or network, and includes several instructions to make a computing device (which can be a personal computer, server, touch terminal, or network device, etc.) execute according to the embodiments of the present application.

[0082] It should be understood that the specific embodiments of the method for detecting the state of the steam generator of the washing machine provided by the present application have been disclosed in the corresponding method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0083] Other embodiments of the application will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the application disclosed herein. It is intended that the application encompass any and all variations, uses, or adaptations of the application following the general principles thereof and including such modifications as would be apparent to one skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein.

[0084] It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the precise construction that has been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, and that various modifications and changes can be affected therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the application. The scope of the application should be limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of detecting a state of a steam generator of a laundry machine, characterized by, The steam generator comprises: 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 method comprises: detecting the current pressure inside the steam generator during the operation of the steam generator by the detection module; when the current pressure is greater than a first preset pressure, detecting the pressure variation of the steam generator inside within a set time length; when the pressure variation reaches a preset pressure threshold, it is determined that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state, and the fault state means that the inside and outside of the steam generator are in a connected state.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises: determining whether the laundry machine is in a standby state or a power-off state based on the detected state of the laundry machine. The detection of the current pressure inside the steam generator comprises: detecting the current temperature inside the steam generator; determining the current pressure corresponding to the current temperature according to the mapping relationship between temperature and pressure.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of detecting the state of the steam generator is performed by detecting a temperature of the steam generator. After detecting the current pressure inside the steam generator, the method further comprises: 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.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of detecting the state of the steam generator is performed by detecting a temperature of the steam generator. After the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure, the method further comprises: when the current pressure is less than a third preset pressure, detecting the 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, 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.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of detecting the state of the steam generator is performed by detecting a temperature of the steam generator. After detecting that the current pressure is greater than the first preset pressure, the method further comprises: detecting the 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, it is determined that the pressure relief module of the steam generator is in a fault state.

6. A laundry machine characterized by Comprise: an inner cylinder for accommodating clothes; a steam generator connected with the inner cylinder for generating steam; a control module for realizing the state detection method of the steam generator of the washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A laundry washing machine as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The steam generator comprises: an upper cover for forming a chamber for accommodating 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 for heating water; a steam outlet arranged at the top of the upper cover; a pressure relief module arranged on the upper cover, the pressure relief module being 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 arranged at the top of the upper cover, the detection module being used for detecting the pressure inside the steam generator.

8. A laundry machine as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, The detection module comprises: a mounting bracket, a sealing ring and a temperature probe; The mounting bracket is arranged on the upper cover and is used for fixing the temperature probe; One end of the temperature probe extends into the inside of the steam generator, and the temperature probe is used for detecting the temperature inside the steam generator; The sealing ring is arranged between the mounting bracket and the upper cover.

9. A laundry washing machine as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The part where the temperature probe passes through the upper cover is wrapped by the mounting bracket.

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

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