Control method and device for cleaning equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a control method and device for cleaning equipment, and relates to the field of cleaning equipment. The method comprises the following steps: in response to a preheating instruction, preheating a steam generator of the cleaning equipment; in response to the cleaning equipment entering a steam mode, a steam pump is operated, and a steam generator is heated to a target temperature, so that a steam nozzle conveys steam generated by the steam generator to the cleaning piece or the to-be-cleaned surface; according to the method, the steam generator of the cleaning equipment is preheated before the steam demand is detected, and when the steam demand is detected, the cleaning equipment only needs to heat the steam generator from the preheating temperature to the target temperature, so that the perception waiting time of a user is shortened, the steam generation speed of the cleaning equipment is increased, and the user experience is improved. And the cleaning efficiency of the cleaning equipment is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of cleaning equipment technology, and in particular to a control method and apparatus for cleaning equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In modern home cleaning equipment, floor scrubbers, as smart appliances that integrate cleaning and steam sterilization functions, have their core component, the boiler, whose performance directly impacts the user experience. In daily use, especially in scenarios requiring rapid access to high-temperature steam (such as deep cleaning of stubborn stains and sterilization), users place high demands on the boiler's heating efficiency and steam output speed.

[0003] However, in existing technologies, when a user switches the floor scrubber to steam mode, the boiler needs to gradually heat from room temperature to the operating temperature (usually taking 40-60 seconds), resulting in excessively long waiting times and affecting efficiency. Furthermore, when the boiler is restarted after a long period of inactivity, it must undergo the entire heating process again, further increasing the waiting time.

[0004] Therefore, improving the heating efficiency and steam output speed of floor scrubber boilers is a problem that needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a control method and apparatus for cleaning equipment, used to improve the heating efficiency and steam output speed of the steam generator of the cleaning equipment.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides a control method for a cleaning device, applied to the cleaning device including a floor brush. The floor brush includes: a floor brush housing, a cleaning component, a steam generator, a steam pump, and a steam nozzle. The floor brush housing has a receiving cavity, and the cleaning component is disposed within the receiving cavity for rotating around the axis of the cleaning component to clean the surface to be cleaned. The steam pump is used to deliver cleaning liquid to the steam generator. The steam generator is used to heat the cleaning liquid to generate steam. The steam nozzle is used to spray steam onto the cleaning component or the surface to be cleaned. The method includes:

[0007] In response to a preheating command, the steam generator of the cleaning equipment is preheated;

[0008] In response to the cleaning equipment entering steam mode, the steam pump is activated and the steam generator is heated to the target temperature so that the steam nozzle delivers the steam generated by the steam generator to the cleaning part or the surface to be cleaned.

[0009] In related technologies, when users need to activate the steam cleaning mode for deep cleaning, the generation of steam requires a high temperature, resulting in a long waiting time between activating the steam cleaning mode and the device producing steam. This extended waiting time significantly impacts the user experience. The applicant discovered that when users remove the cleaning device from the base station, they typically first clean the surface in a non-steam cleaning mode. Only when the surface is heavily soiled will the steam cleaning mode be activated. In this case, the cleaning device may only switch to steam cleaning mode after a considerable amount of time has passed since activating the non-steam mode. In another scenario, if a heavily soiled surface needs to be cleaned directly after removing the cleaning device from the base station, the current default procedure is to first activate the normal cleaning mode, and then the user presses the steam mode switch button to switch to steam cleaning mode. In this case, the transition from activating the cleaning device to switching to steam cleaning mode also typically takes several seconds or tens of seconds. This solution utilizes the time before the cleaning equipment enters steam cleaning mode to preheat the steam generator, allowing it to reach a higher preheating temperature in advance. When the user needs to enter steam cleaning mode, the steam generator only needs to continue heating from the preheating temperature to the steam generation temperature. Because the temperature difference after preheating is smaller than the temperature difference before preheating, the heating time required by the steam generator is reduced, and the waiting time for the user is correspondingly reduced, thus improving the user experience.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the preheating command is triggered by the cleaning program start command.

[0011] The cleaning program start command refers to the user initiating cleaning by pressing the cleaning program start button when the cleaning equipment is not in operation. Alternatively, some cleaning equipment can initiate cleaning by unlocking the machine body and floor brush. This cleaning start typically refers to at least one of the cleaning components, vacuum suction motor, or cleaning fluid delivery device starting operation. The preheating command is triggered by the cleaning program start command, eliminating the need for separate user intervention and allowing preheating to begin without the user's awareness. Furthermore, initiating preheating when the cleaning equipment is confirmed to be in operation maximizes the use of the preheating process and reduces energy waste.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the triggering condition for the preheating command includes any of the following:

[0013] The cleaning equipment leaves the cleaning base station;

[0014] A power-on command for the cleaning equipment has been detected.

[0015] A warm-up command sent by the application was detected;

[0016] Touch operation of the mechanical button corresponding to the preheating command was detected.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the steam generator for preheating the cleaning equipment includes:

[0018] The steam generator of the cleaning equipment is preheated until a steam mode start command is detected.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the steam generator for preheating the cleaning equipment includes:

[0020] Preheat the steam generator of the cleaning equipment to the target duration;

[0021] or,

[0022] Preheat the steam generator of the cleaning equipment until the first temperature of the steam generator reaches the first preset temperature.

[0023] The above describes the preheating time of the steam generator in the cleaning equipment to the target duration. On one hand, since users may need a considerable amount of time to enter steam mode when cleaning surfaces, continuous and prolonged preheating of the steam generator would result in energy waste. Furthermore, the applicant found that the temperature drop rate of the steam generator is slow after preheating, so even if the user does not initiate steam cleaning within a certain timeframe after preheating, the temperature drop has little impact on the user experience. The steam generator in the cleaning equipment is preheated until its initial temperature reaches the first preset temperature. Through extensive experiments, the applicant found that preheating the steam generator to a certain temperature does not affect its lifespan. Exceeding this temperature, with excessively high preheating temperatures, would not only waste energy but also shorten the lifespan of the steam generator.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first preset temperature is lower than the target temperature.

[0025] In one possible implementation, the steam generator for preheating the cleaning equipment includes:

[0026] The steam generator of the cleaning equipment is preheated when the first temperature of the steam generator is lower than the second preset temperature.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the steam generator for preheating the cleaning equipment includes:

[0028] Steam generator based on preset power preheating cleaning equipment;

[0029] or,

[0030] The steam generator of the cleaning equipment is preheated based on the power matched to the current temperature of the steam generator;

[0031] or,

[0032] The steam generator of the cleaning equipment is preheated based on the power matching the remaining electricity of the cleaning equipment.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the steam pump is in standby mode while the steam generator of the preheating cleaning equipment is in operation.

[0034] In one possible implementation, the method also includes:

[0035] If the steam generator has not entered steam mode after the cleaning equipment has finished preheating and the preset time has elapsed, the steam generator shall be kept warm.

[0036] In one possible implementation, the steam generator is insulated, including:

[0037] If the first temperature of the steam generator is lower than the third preset temperature, the steam generator shall be insulated.

[0038] or,

[0039] With the intelligent heat preservation function activated on the cleaning equipment, the steam generator is kept warm.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the target duration is between 10 and 20 seconds, and the first preset temperature is between 50 and 80 degrees Celsius.

[0041] Through extensive experiments, the applicant discovered that preheating the steam generator to between 50 and 80 degrees Celsius does not affect its lifespan and significantly reduces the time users spend waiting for steam to be generated. Exceeding this temperature, with excessively high preheating, not only wastes energy but also shortens the generator's lifespan.

[0042] Secondly, this application provides a control device for a cleaning equipment, applied to the cleaning equipment, which includes a floor brush. The floor brush includes: a floor brush housing, a cleaning component, a steam generator, a steam pump, and a steam nozzle. The floor brush housing has a receiving cavity, and the cleaning component is disposed within the receiving cavity for rotating around the axis of the cleaning component to clean the surface to be cleaned. The steam pump is used to deliver cleaning liquid to the steam generator. The steam generator is used to heat the cleaning liquid to generate steam. The steam nozzle is used to spray steam onto the cleaning component or the surface to be cleaned. The device includes:

[0043] Heating module for preheating the steam generator of cleaning equipment in response to a preheating command;

[0044] The control module, in response to the cleaning equipment entering steam mode, operates the steam pump.

[0045] The heating module is used to heat the steam generator to the target temperature so that the steam nozzle can deliver the steam generated by the steam generator to the cleaning part or the surface to be cleaned.

[0046] In one possible implementation, the preheating command is triggered by the cleaning program start command.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the triggering condition for the preheating command includes any of the following:

[0048] The cleaning equipment leaves the cleaning base station;

[0049] A power-on command for the cleaning equipment has been detected.

[0050] A warm-up command sent by the application was detected;

[0051] Touch operation of the mechanical button corresponding to the preheating command was detected.

[0052] In one possible implementation, a heating module is used to preheat the steam generator of the cleaning equipment until a steam mode start command is detected.

[0053] In one possible implementation, a heating module is used to preheat the steam generator of the cleaning equipment to a target duration; or, to preheat the steam generator of the cleaning equipment until a first temperature of the steam generator reaches a first preset temperature.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the first preset temperature is lower than the target temperature.

[0055] In one possible implementation, a heating module is used to preheat the steam generator of the cleaning equipment when the first temperature of the steam generator is lower than the second preset temperature.

[0056] In one possible implementation, a heating module is used to preheat the steam generator of the cleaning equipment based on a preset power; or, based on a power matching the current temperature of the steam generator; or, based on a power matching the remaining power of the cleaning equipment.

[0057] In one possible implementation, the steam pump is in standby mode while the steam generator of the preheating cleaning equipment is in operation.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the heating module is also used to keep the steam generator warm when the cleaning equipment has finished preheating and has not yet entered steam mode after a preset time.

[0059] In one possible implementation, a heating module is used to keep the steam generator warm when the first temperature of the steam generator is lower than the third preset temperature.

[0060] Alternatively, the steam generator can be insulated when the cleaning equipment has its intelligent insulation function enabled.

[0061] In one possible implementation, the target duration is between 10 and 20 seconds, and the first preset temperature is between 50 and 80 degrees Celsius.

[0062] Thirdly, this application provides a cleaning device, including: a processor, and a memory communicatively connected to the processor;

[0063] The memory stores computer-executed instructions;

[0064] The processor executes computer execution instructions stored in the memory to implement the method shown in the first aspect and / or various possible implementations of the first aspect above.

[0065] Fourthly, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, are used to implement the methods shown in the first aspect and / or various possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0066] Fifthly, this application provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the methods shown in the first aspect and / or various possible implementations of the first aspect.

[0067] The control method and apparatus for cleaning equipment provided in this application are applied to cleaning equipment, which includes a floor brush. The floor brush includes a floor brush housing, a cleaning component, a steam generator, a steam pump, and a steam nozzle. The floor brush housing has a receiving cavity, and the cleaning component is disposed in the receiving cavity for rotating around the axis of the cleaning component to clean the surface to be cleaned. The steam pump is used to deliver cleaning liquid to the steam generator. The steam generator is used to heat the cleaning liquid to generate steam. The steam nozzle is used to spray steam onto the cleaning component or the surface to be cleaned. The method preheats the steam generator of the cleaning equipment in response to a preheating command. In response to the cleaning equipment entering steam mode, the steam pump is operated, and the steam generator is heated to a target temperature so that the steam nozzle delivers the steam generated by the steam generator to the cleaning component or the surface to be cleaned. The method preheats the steam generator of the cleaning equipment before detecting a steam demand. When a steam demand is detected, the cleaning equipment only needs to heat the steam generator from the preheating temperature to the target temperature, thereby shortening the perceived waiting time for the user, increasing the speed at which the cleaning equipment generates steam, and improving the cleaning efficiency of the cleaning equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0068] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0069] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cleaning device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a steam generator provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a control method for a cleaning device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a control device for a cleaning equipment provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cleaning device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0074] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0075] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0076] In the embodiments of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used to distinguish identical or similar items with essentially the same function and effect, without limiting their order. Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "first" and "second" do not limit the quantity or execution order, and that the terms "first" and "second" do not necessarily imply that they are different.

[0077] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the terms "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design scheme described as "exemplary" or "for example" in this application should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or design schemes. Specifically, the use of terms such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0078] Floor scrubbers are cleaning devices that integrate cleaning, water absorption, and steam sterilization functions. They are widely used in floor cleaning scenarios in homes, commercial spaces (such as hotels, hospitals, and schools), and industrial environments. In home settings, users typically need to complete cleaning tasks quickly, especially when deep sterilization or removal of stubborn stains using steam mode. The response speed of the steam function directly impacts the user experience. For example, when cleaning kitchen grease or bacteria in children's play areas, users expect to quickly obtain high-temperature steam after activating steam mode to shorten waiting time and improve cleaning efficiency.

[0079] Current floor scrubbers typically use an "on-demand heating" logic for their steam mode: the internal steam generator only starts working when the user manually switches to steam mode, heating water to produce steam via the heating module. Since it takes a considerable amount of time (40-60 seconds) for the steam generator to heat from room temperature to the operating temperature (usually above 100°C), users must wait a long time to obtain steam. During this process, users may interrupt operation due to the excessive waiting time, or cleaning efficiency may be affected by the equipment not producing steam in time. Furthermore, when the boiler is restarted after a long period of inactivity, it must undergo the entire reheating process again, further exacerbating the waiting time for steam function.

[0080] Therefore, improving the heating efficiency and steam output speed of floor scrubber boilers is a problem that needs to be solved.

[0081] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides a control method for cleaning equipment. This method preheats the steam generator of the cleaning equipment based on a preheating command before the equipment enters steam mode. When the equipment enters steam mode, the steam pump operates and heats the steam generator to a target temperature, allowing the steam nozzle to deliver the steam generated by the generator to the cleaning parts or surfaces to be cleaned. By preheating the steam generator before detecting a steam demand, the cleaning equipment only needs to heat the generator from the preheating temperature to the target temperature when a steam demand is detected. This reduces the perceived waiting time for the user, increases the speed at which the cleaning equipment generates steam, and improves the cleaning efficiency of the equipment.

[0082] The structure of the cleaning equipment shown in this application will be explained below. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cleaning device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a steam generator provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cleaning equipment provided in this application embodiment includes: a floor brush 100; the floor brush 100 includes: a floor brush housing 101, a cleaning component 102, a steam generator 103, a steam pump, and a steam nozzle 104.

[0083] The floor brush housing 101 has a receiving cavity, and the cleaning component 102 is disposed in the receiving cavity for rotating around the axis of the cleaning component 102 to clean the surface to be cleaned.

[0084] The steam pump can be installed behind the water inlet of the steam generator 103 (e.g., Figure 2 (The right side of the inlet shown) is used to deliver the cleaning fluid into the steam generator 103.

[0085] Understandably, when a steam demand is detected, the cleaning fluid in the cleaning equipment's water tank enters the steam generator through the inlet via a delivery pipe.

[0086] The steam pump located behind the water inlet can disperse the cleaning liquid, causing it to form small droplets when entering the steam generator. This increases the contact area between the cleaning liquid and the heating element inside the steam generator, thereby increasing the evaporation rate of the cleaning liquid. At the same time, the steam pump can also blow the cleaning liquid to the high-temperature zone of the heating element inside the steam generator. Based on the principle of heat conduction, when the high-temperature heating element comes into contact with the cleaning liquid, it is easier for the cleaning liquid to evaporate, thus increasing the evaporation rate of the cleaning liquid.

[0087] Steam generator 103 is used to heat the cleaning fluid to generate steam. Steam generator 103 includes a heating element, a water inlet, and a steam outlet.

[0088] Understandably, when a steam demand is detected, the heating device inside the steam generator 103 can be heated. Based on the principle of heat conduction, when the temperature of the heating device is high enough, the cleaning liquid entering the steam generator 103 through the water inlet will change from a liquid state to a gaseous state, thereby generating steam. The generated steam will be ejected from the steam outlet through the steam nozzle 104.

[0089] Steam nozzle 104 can be set at the outlet of steam generator 103 for spraying steam onto cleaning component 102 or surface to be cleaned.

[0090] Understandably, when steam is generated in the steam generator 103, the steam nozzle 104 can spray steam onto the cleaning component 102 or onto the surface to be cleaned through the air outlet.

[0091] In one possible implementation, the cleaning equipment may also include a temperature detection device.

[0092] A temperature detection device may be installed inside the steam generator 103, for example, to detect the temperature inside the steam generator.

[0093] The technical solution of this application and how the technical solution of this application solves the above-mentioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific embodiments. These specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments. The embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0094] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a cleaning device provided in an embodiment of this application. This embodiment can be applied to the cleaning device described in the above embodiments. Figure 3 As shown in the embodiments of this application, the control method for cleaning equipment includes:

[0095] S301, In response to a preheating command, preheats the steam generator of the cleaning equipment.

[0096] The preheating command can instruct the steam generator to be preheated.

[0097] For example, the preheating command is triggered when the cleaning equipment detects a cleaning program start command. This cleaning program may include, for example, a regular heating program, a general cleaning program, and other programs not in steam mode.

[0098] Understandably, when the cleaning equipment starts the cleaning program, a preheating command is triggered, and then the cleaning equipment preheats the steam generator based on the preheating command.

[0099] In one possible implementation, the triggering conditions for the preheating command may include: the cleaning device leaving the cleaning base station or detecting a power-on command for the cleaning device.

[0100] Understandably, if the cleaning equipment leaves the cleaning base station or a power-on command for the cleaning equipment is detected, it indicates that the cleaning equipment may be performing a cleaning task. In this scenario, the cleaning equipment may activate the steam mode, thus triggering a steam command to preheat the steam generator of the cleaning equipment. This way, when a steam demand is subsequently detected, the cleaning equipment only needs to heat the steam generator from the preheating temperature to the target temperature.

[0101] In one possible implementation, the triggering conditions for the preheating command may also include: detecting a preheating command sent by the application, detecting a touch operation of the mechanical button corresponding to the preheating command, or detecting a touch operation of the preheating control displayed on the display interface.

[0102] Understandably, users can send preheating commands to the cleaning equipment through the corresponding application on their user terminal, trigger the preheating command by touching the mechanical button corresponding to the preheating command on the cleaning equipment body, or trigger the preheating command by touching the preheating control displayed on the cleaning equipment's display interface. This application does not restrict the triggering conditions for the preheating command.

[0103] The process of implementing a steam generator for preheating cleaning equipment can be, for example, by heating the heating device inside the steam generator.

[0104] For example, in the case of preheating the steam generator of the cleaning equipment, the steam pump can be in standby mode, at which time there is no cleaning liquid in the steam generator, or only a small amount of cleaning liquid, which is insufficient for the steam generator to produce steam.

[0105] Understandably, the purpose of preheating is to preheat the steam generator to a certain temperature before the cleaning equipment enters steam mode, so that when the cleaning equipment enters steam mode, the steam generator can be heated from a certain temperature (not very warm) to the target temperature that can generate steam.

[0106] The heating time of a steam generator from a certain temperature to the target temperature is shorter than that from room temperature to the target temperature. Therefore, it can shorten the perceived waiting time for users, increase the speed at which the cleaning equipment generates steam, and improve the cleaning efficiency of the cleaning equipment.

[0107] The following explains several possible implementation scenarios for the steam generator of preheating cleaning equipment:

[0108] Scenario 1: Preheat the steam generator of the cleaning equipment to the target time.

[0109] The target duration can be, for example, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, or 20 seconds, or any duration between 10 and 20 seconds; this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0110] If the target duration is short, the preheating effect of the steam generator will be insignificant and the heating will be insufficient, resulting in a low preheating temperature. When entering steam mode later, the steam generator still needs to heat from the lower preheating temperature to the target temperature, thus providing little help in shortening the perceived waiting time for users.

[0111] If the target duration is too long, it may affect the lifespan of the heating element inside the steam generator, thereby reducing the service life of the cleaning equipment. Preferably, the target duration is 15 seconds.

[0112] Understandably, after the target preheating time of the steam generator, the preheating temperature corresponding to the steam generator is lower than the target temperature at which steam can be generated.

[0113] Scenario 2: Preheat the steam generator of the cleaning equipment until the first temperature of the steam generator reaches the first preset temperature.

[0114] The first temperature can be detected, for example, by a temperature detection device inside the steam generator.

[0115] The first preset temperature can be, for example, 50 degrees Celsius, 70 degrees Celsius, or 80 degrees Celsius, or any temperature between 50 degrees Celsius and 80 degrees Celsius; this application does not impose any limitation on this. Preferably, the first preset temperature is 70 degrees Celsius.

[0116] In this step, during the preheating process, the first temperature inside the steam generator can be detected in real time by a temperature detection device, and the preheating steam generator is stopped when the first temperature reaches the first preset temperature.

[0117] Understandably, the first preset temperature is lower than the target temperature that can generate steam.

[0118] Scenario 3: Preheat the steam generator of the cleaning equipment until a steam mode start command is detected.

[0119] The steam mode activation command is used to instruct the cleaning equipment to enter steam mode. This steam mode activation command can be triggered by the user, or it can be automatically triggered by the cleaning equipment when it detects severe stains or other stains that require steam cleaning. This application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0120] When entering steam mode, the cleaning equipment needs to heat the steam generator to the target temperature to produce steam. The purpose of preheating is to allow the steam generator to reach a certain temperature in advance. That is, the initial temperature of the preheated steam generator can only reach the preset temperature at which steam cannot be produced, which is lower than the target temperature at which steam can be produced.

[0121] Therefore, if a steam mode start command is detected, it indicates that there is a need to heat the steam generator to the target temperature. The preheating steam generator cannot meet this need. Therefore, when a steam mode start command is detected, the preheating program needs to be stopped and the corresponding heating program needs to be executed to heat the steam generator to the target temperature that can generate steam.

[0122] Understandably, the execution priority of scenario three is higher than that of scenario one and scenario two.

[0123] For example, if the cleaning equipment heats the steam generator according to scenario one, but the heating time has not reached the target time, and a steam mode start command is detected, then the preheating program needs to be stopped, and the corresponding heating program needs to be executed to heat the steam generator to the target temperature that can generate steam.

[0124] For example, if the cleaning equipment heats the steam generator according to scenario two, and the first temperature has not reached the first preset temperature, if a steam mode start command is detected, the preheating program needs to be stopped, and the corresponding heating program needs to be executed to heat the steam generator to the target temperature that can generate steam.

[0125] Scenario 4: When the first temperature of the steam generator is lower than the second preset temperature, the steam generator of the cleaning equipment is preheated.

[0126] The second preset temperature can be, for example, 50 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Celsius, or 70 degrees Celsius, or any temperature between 50 degrees Celsius and 70 degrees Celsius; this application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0127] The second preset temperature can be lower than the first preset temperature, or it can be equal to the first preset temperature.

[0128] In real life, the following scenarios may occur: when the cleaning equipment is in steam mode or has just completed the preheating program, the user turns off the cleaning equipment (due to accidental shutdown or the user having to leave temporarily).

[0129] However, if the user turns the cleaning equipment back on very soon after turning it off, the preheating command will be triggered. Because the interval between turning the cleaning equipment on and off is very short, that is, the time for the steam generator to naturally dissipate heat is very short, the steam generator will still maintain a relatively high initial temperature when the preheating command is triggered.

[0130] Therefore, before preheating the steam generator, it is necessary to determine the first temperature of the steam generator and whether the first temperature is lower than the second preset temperature.

[0131] If the first temperature is lower than the second preset temperature, it indicates that the temperature inside the steam generator is low, and therefore preheating is required.

[0132] If the first temperature is not less than the second preset temperature, it indicates that the steam generator currently has a high temperature and therefore no preheating treatment is required.

[0133] In one possible implementation, the steam generator of the cleaning equipment can be preheated based on a preset power.

[0134] The preset power can be, for example, the full power or half power corresponding to the steam generator, or a power set by the user. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0135] Understandably, when the steam generator is heated to the first preset temperature, the heating time will vary depending on the preset power used for heating, and there is a negative correlation between heating power and heating time. That is, the higher the heating power, the shorter the required heating time; the lower the heating power, the longer the required heating time.

[0136] In one possible implementation, the steam generator of the cleaning equipment can be preheated based on the power matched to the current temperature of the steam generator.

[0137] The current temperature is negatively correlated with the heating power. When the current temperature is low, the corresponding heating power is high; when the current temperature is high, the corresponding heating power is low.

[0138] Understandably, when the current temperature is low, in order to avoid affecting the steam generation effect of the subsequent steam mode, a higher heating power can be used for preheating so that the steam generator can reach the first preset temperature in a shorter time.

[0139] When the temperature is high, a lower heating power is used for preheating to balance the efficiency of steam generation and power consumption, thereby reducing the power consumption of the cleaning equipment while shortening the perceived waiting time for users.

[0140] In one possible implementation, the steam generator of the cleaning equipment can be preheated based on power matching the remaining electricity of the cleaning equipment.

[0141] The remaining power is positively correlated with the heating power. When the remaining power is low, the corresponding heating power is low to reduce the power consumption of the cleaning equipment and increase its endurance; when the remaining power is high, the corresponding heating power is high to enable the steam generator to reach the first preset temperature in a shorter time.

[0142] In one possible implementation, if the remaining power of the cleaning equipment is lower than the preset power, the steam generator of the cleaning equipment is not preheated.

[0143] In one possible implementation, if the cleaning equipment has completed preheating but has not entered steam mode after a preset time, the steam generator is kept warm.

[0144] The preset duration can be, for example, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or 15 minutes.

[0145] The heat preservation treatment is used to indicate that the steam generator is heated until the first temperature of the steam generator reaches the first preset temperature.

[0146] Understandably, after the cleaning equipment has been preheated, the initial temperature of the steam generator is the first preset temperature, which will naturally dissipate over time.

[0147] Understandably, once the cleaning equipment has finished preheating and has not entered steam mode (no reheating), the initial temperature of the steam generator will gradually decrease over time until it drops to room temperature.

[0148] If the cleaning equipment enters steam mode when the initial temperature of the steam generator naturally dissipates to a lower temperature, the steam generator needs to be heated from a lower temperature to the target temperature that can generate steam. Since this process takes a long time, it cannot achieve the effect of shortening the user's perceived waiting time, increasing the speed at which the cleaning equipment generates steam, and improving the cleaning efficiency of the cleaning equipment.

[0149] Therefore, this step determines whether to perform heat preservation treatment on the steam generator based on a preset time. If the interval between the preheating completion time and the current time is less than the preset time, the first temperature drop is not significant due to the short interval, meaning that the steam generator still has a certain temperature inside, and heat preservation treatment of the steam generator is not required at this time.

[0150] If the interval between the preheating completion time and the current time reaches the preset time, the first temperature drops significantly due to the long interval, meaning the current temperature inside the steam generator is low. In order to shorten the perceived waiting time for users, the steam generator needs to be insulated.

[0151] In this step, the steam generator can be kept warm according to a preset power, or the power can be matched with the current temperature of the steam generator, or the power can be matched with the remaining power of the cleaning equipment. This application does not limit this.

[0152] For example: If the cleaning equipment has finished preheating and has not entered steam mode after 10 minutes, heat the steam generator at a preset power (e.g., 10V), and stop heating the steam generator after the first temperature of the steam generator reaches the first preset temperature (70 degrees Celsius), and restart the timer.

[0153] In one possible implementation, since the initial temperature of the steam generator is significantly affected by the ambient temperature during natural heat dissipation, if the ambient temperature is high, the steam generator's natural heat dissipation may be slow; if the ambient temperature is low, the initial temperature of the steam generator will drop rapidly. Therefore, before performing heat preservation treatment on the steam generator, it can be determined whether the initial temperature of the steam generator is lower than a third preset temperature.

[0154] If the first temperature is lower than the third preset temperature, it indicates that the temperature inside the steam generator is low, and therefore insulation is required.

[0155] If the first temperature is not less than the third preset temperature, it indicates that the steam generator currently has a high temperature and therefore does not require heat preservation.

[0156] The third preset temperature can be the same as or different from the first preset temperature. This application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0157] In one possible implementation, users can choose whether or not to enable the intelligent heat preservation function.

[0158] The intelligent heat preservation function refers to the cleaning equipment automatically maintaining the steam generator within a preset temperature range that is lower than the target temperature but much higher than room temperature during cleaning tasks or during a cleaning task pause. When the cleaning equipment enters steam mode, it only needs to heat the steam generator from the first temperature within this preset temperature range to the target temperature, thereby reducing the perceived waiting time for the user.

[0159] Understandably, the display screen of the cleaning equipment may show a control corresponding to the intelligent heat preservation function, and users can touch the control to select to turn the intelligent heat preservation function on or off.

[0160] Alternatively, users can choose to enable or disable the smart heat preservation function in the application corresponding to the cleaning device on their user terminal.

[0161] Before insulating the steam generator, it is necessary to determine whether the cleaning equipment has its intelligent insulation function enabled.

[0162] When the cleaning equipment has its intelligent heat preservation function enabled, the steam generator should be insulated; when the cleaning equipment has its intelligent heat preservation function disabled, there is no need to insulate the steam generator.

[0163] S302. In response to the cleaning equipment entering steam mode, the steam pump is operated and the steam generator is heated to the target temperature so that the steam nozzle delivers the steam generated by the steam generator to the cleaning part or the surface to be cleaned.

[0164] The target temperature is used to indicate the temperature at which the cleaning fluid can be vaporized, for example, it can be 100 degrees Celsius or 110 degrees Celsius.

[0165] When the cleaning equipment enters steam mode, the steam pump of the cleaning equipment changes from standby to running state to deliver cleaning liquid into the steam generator. The steam generator also executes a heating program until the first temperature of the steam generator reaches the target temperature that can generate steam.

[0166] The steam generated by the steam generator is delivered to the cleaning parts or the surface to be cleaned through the steam nozzle and the outlet.

[0167] Understandably, when heating the steam generator to the target temperature, its initial temperature can be, for example, a first preset temperature or another temperature much higher than the ambient temperature.

[0168] In this step, the steam generator starts heating from a medium temperature, which is more energy-efficient than starting heating from a lower ambient temperature. It also reduces thermal shock caused by frequent high-power cold starts, which is beneficial to the long-term reliability of the heating device.

[0169] The control method for cleaning equipment provided in this application embodiment preheats the steam generator of the cleaning equipment in response to a preheating command; and in response to the cleaning equipment entering steam mode, it runs a steam pump and heats the steam generator to a target temperature so that the steam nozzle delivers the steam generated by the steam generator to the cleaning parts or the surface to be cleaned. This method preheats the steam generator of the cleaning equipment before detecting a steam demand, and when a steam demand is detected, the cleaning equipment only needs to heat the steam generator from the preheating temperature to the target temperature, thereby shortening the perceived waiting time for the user, increasing the speed at which the cleaning equipment generates steam, and improving the cleaning efficiency of the cleaning equipment.

[0170] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a control device for a cleaning equipment provided in an embodiment of this application. The control device for the cleaning equipment provided in this embodiment can be applied to the cleaning equipment described in the above embodiments. Figure 4 As shown, the control device 400 for the cleaning equipment provided in this embodiment includes:

[0171] Heating module 401 is used to preheat the steam generator of the cleaning equipment in response to a preheating command;

[0172] Control module 402, in response to the cleaning equipment entering steam mode, operates the steam pump.

[0173] Heating module 401 is used to heat the steam generator to a target temperature so that the steam nozzle delivers the steam generated by the steam generator to the cleaning part or the surface to be cleaned.

[0174] In one possible implementation, the preheating command is triggered by the cleaning program start command.

[0175] In one possible implementation, the triggering condition for the preheating command includes any of the following:

[0176] The cleaning equipment leaves the cleaning base station;

[0177] A power-on command for the cleaning equipment has been detected.

[0178] A warm-up command sent by the application was detected;

[0179] Touch operation of the mechanical button corresponding to the preheating command was detected.

[0180] In one possible implementation, heating module 401 is used to preheat the steam generator of the cleaning equipment until a steam mode start command is detected.

[0181] In one possible implementation, the heating module 401 is used to preheat the steam generator of the cleaning equipment to a target duration; or, to preheat the steam generator of the cleaning equipment until the first temperature of the steam generator reaches a first preset temperature.

[0182] In one possible implementation, the first preset temperature is lower than the target temperature.

[0183] In one possible implementation, heating module 401 is used to preheat the steam generator of the cleaning equipment when the first temperature of the steam generator is lower than the second preset temperature.

[0184] In one possible implementation, the heating module 401 is used to preheat the steam generator of the cleaning equipment based on a preset power; or, based on a power matching the current temperature of the steam generator; or, based on a power matching the remaining power of the cleaning equipment.

[0185] In one possible implementation, the steam pump is in standby mode while the steam generator of the preheating cleaning equipment is in operation.

[0186] In one possible implementation, the heating module 401 is also used to keep the steam generator warm when the cleaning equipment has finished preheating and has not entered the steam mode after a preset time has elapsed.

[0187] In one possible implementation, the heating module 401 is used to keep the steam generator warm when the first temperature of the steam generator is lower than the third preset temperature.

[0188] Alternatively, the steam generator can be insulated when the cleaning equipment has its intelligent insulation function enabled.

[0189] In one possible implementation, the target duration is between 10 and 20 seconds, and the first preset temperature is between 50 and 80 degrees Celsius.

[0190] The control device for the cleaning equipment provided in this embodiment can execute the method provided in the above method embodiment. Its implementation principle and technical effect are similar, and will not be described in detail here.

[0191] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a cleaning device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 As shown, the cleaning device 500 provided in this embodiment includes at least one processor 501 and a memory 502. Optionally, the device 500 also includes a communication interface 503. The processor 501, memory 502, and communication interface 503 are connected via a bus 504.

[0192] In a specific implementation, at least one processor 501 executes computer execution instructions stored in memory 502, causing at least one processor 501 to perform the above-described method.

[0193] The specific implementation process of processor 501 can be found in the above method embodiments, and its implementation principle and technical effect are similar. It will not be repeated here.

[0194] In the above embodiments, it should be understood that the processor can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in this invention can be directly implemented by a hardware processor, or implemented by a combination of hardware and software modules within the processor.

[0195] The memory may include random access memory (RAM) and may also include non-volatile memory (NVM), such as at least one disk storage device.

[0196] The bus can be an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus, or an Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) bus, etc. Buses can be categorized as address buses, data buses, control buses, etc. For ease of illustration, the buses shown in the accompanying drawings are not limited to a single bus or a single type of bus.

[0197] This application also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the above-described method.

[0198] This application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by a processor, implement the above-described method.

[0199] The aforementioned readable storage medium can be implemented by any type of volatile or non-volatile storage device or a combination thereof, such as static random access memory (SRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic storage, flash memory, magnetic disk, or optical disk. The readable storage medium can be any available medium accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer.

[0200] An exemplary readable storage medium is coupled to a processor, enabling the processor to read information from and write information to the readable storage medium. Of course, the readable storage medium can also be a component of the processor. The processor and the readable storage medium can reside in an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). Alternatively, the processor and the readable storage medium can exist as discrete components in the device.

[0201] The division of units is merely a logical functional division; in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be indirect coupling or communication connection through some interfaces, devices, or units, and may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0202] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0203] In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present invention can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0204] If a function is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this invention, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0205] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the above-described method embodiments can be implemented by hardware related to program instructions. The aforementioned program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the program performs the steps of the above-described method embodiments; and the aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as ROM, RAM, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0206] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the foregoing method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the described order of actions, as some steps may be performed in other orders or simultaneously according to this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should also understand that the embodiments described in the specification are all optional embodiments, and the actions and modules involved are not necessarily essential to this application.

[0207] It should be further noted that although the steps in the flowchart are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowchart may include multiple sub-steps or multiple stages. These sub-steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these sub-steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0208] It should be understood that the above-described device embodiments are merely illustrative, and the device of this application can also be implemented in other ways. For example, the division of units / modules in the above embodiments is only a logical functional division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units, modules, or components may be combined, or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed.

[0209] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the functional units / modules in the various embodiments of this application can be integrated into one unit / module, or each unit / module can exist physically separately, or two or more units / modules can be integrated together. The integrated units / modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software program modules.

[0210] When integrated units / modules are implemented in hardware, the hardware can be digital circuits, analog circuits, etc. The physical implementation of the hardware structure includes, but is not limited to, transistors, memristors, etc. Unless otherwise specified, the processor can be any suitable hardware processor, such as a CPU, GPU, FPGA, DSP, and ASIC, etc. Unless otherwise specified, the storage unit can be any suitable magnetic or magneto-optical storage medium, such as Resistive Random Access Memory (RRAM), Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Enhanced Dynamic Random Access Memory (EDRAM), High-Bandwidth Memory (HBM), Hybrid Memory Cube (HMC), etc.

[0211] If the integrated unit / module is implemented as a software program module and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage device (CMD). Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a memory and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned memory includes various media capable of storing program code, such as a USB flash drive, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), portable hard drive, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0212] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have their own emphasis. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments. The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features does not contradict each other, it should be considered within the scope of this specification.

[0213] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this application are indicated by the following claims.

[0214] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A control method for a cleaning device, applied to the cleaning device, the cleaning device including a floor brush, characterized in that, The floor brush includes: a floor brush housing, a cleaning component, a steam generator, a steam pump, and a steam nozzle. The floor brush housing has a receiving cavity, and the cleaning component is disposed in the receiving cavity for rotating around the axis of the cleaning component to clean the surface to be cleaned. The steam pump is used to deliver cleaning liquid to the steam generator. The steam generator is used to heat the cleaning liquid to generate steam. The steam nozzle is used to spray steam onto the cleaning component or the surface to be cleaned. The method includes: In response to a preheating command, the steam generator of the cleaning equipment is preheated; In response to the cleaning equipment entering steam mode, the steam pump is operated and the steam generator is heated to a target temperature so that the steam nozzle delivers the steam generated by the steam generator to the cleaning part or the surface to be cleaned.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preheating command is triggered by the cleaning program start command.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The triggering conditions for the preheating command include any one of the following: The cleaning equipment leaves the cleaning base station; The power-on command for the cleaning equipment was detected; A warm-up command sent by the application was detected; Touch operation of the mechanical button corresponding to the preheating command was detected.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam generator for preheating the cleaning equipment includes: Preheat the steam generator of the cleaning equipment until a steam mode start command is detected.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam generator for preheating the cleaning equipment includes: Preheat the steam generator of the cleaning equipment to the target duration; or, Preheat the steam generator of the cleaning equipment until the first temperature of the steam generator reaches the first preset temperature.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first preset temperature is lower than the target temperature.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The steam generator for preheating the cleaning equipment includes: If the first temperature of the steam generator is lower than the second preset temperature, the steam generator of the cleaning equipment is preheated.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The steam generator for preheating the cleaning equipment includes: The steam generator of the cleaning equipment is preheated based on a preset power. or, The steam generator of the cleaning equipment is preheated based on the power matched to the current temperature of the steam generator; or, The steam generator of the cleaning equipment is preheated based on the power matching the remaining power of the cleaning equipment.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, While the steam generator of the cleaning equipment is being preheated, the steam pump is in standby mode.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the cleaning equipment has completed preheating and has not yet entered steam mode after a preset time, the steam generator is kept warm.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The heat preservation treatment of the steam generator includes: If the first temperature of the steam generator is lower than the third preset temperature, the steam generator shall be kept warm. or, When the intelligent heat preservation function of the cleaning equipment is activated, the steam generator is kept warm.

12. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The target duration is between 10 and 20 seconds, and the first preset temperature is between 50 and 80 degrees Celsius.

13. A control device for a cleaning equipment, applied to the cleaning equipment including a floor brush, characterized in that, The floor brush includes: a floor brush housing, a cleaning component, a steam generator, a steam pump, and a steam nozzle. The floor brush housing has a receiving cavity, and the cleaning component is disposed within the receiving cavity for rotating about its axis to clean the surface to be cleaned. The steam pump is used to deliver cleaning fluid to the steam generator. The steam generator is used to heat the cleaning fluid to generate steam. The steam nozzle is used to deliver the steam generated by the steam generator to the cleaning component or the surface to be cleaned. The device includes: A heating module is used to preheat the steam generator of the cleaning equipment in response to a preheating command; The control module is used to operate the steam pump in response to the cleaning equipment entering steam mode; The heating module is also used to heat the steam generator to a target temperature when the cleaning equipment enters steam mode, so that the steam nozzle delivers the steam generated by the steam generator to the cleaning part or the surface to be cleaned.

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