Oven and self-cleaning method for oven

Abstract

The invention provides an oven and a self-cleaning method for the oven. The self-cleaning method comprises the following steps: receiving a starting instruction of a self-cleaning function; controlling a steam generation device to operate so as to provide steam for the to-be-cleaned area; after the steam generation device operates for a first preset duration, a fan is controlled to operate so as to disturb steam in the to-be-cleaned area; acquiring a second working time length; after the steam generation device runs for a second working duration, the steam generation device and the fan are controlled to stop running; the second working duration is greater than the first preset duration; the drying device is controlled to operate so as to dry the to-be-cleaned area; and after the drying device runs for a third preset duration, the drying device is controlled to stop running. According to the self-cleaning method, oil stains in the to-be-cleaned area are softened and separated from the inner wall along with condensed water drops, then the to-be-cleaned area is dried, and therefore automatic cleaning of the to-be-cleaned area of the oven is completed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of kitchen appliances, and in particular to an oven and a self-cleaning method for the oven. Background Technology

[0002] To better meet cooking needs, ovens have become an essential kitchen appliance in many households. Ovens can easily bake meats, vegetables, or seafood, and can also be used to make bread or desserts. However, after prolonged use, especially after baking fatty meats, a large amount of grease will accumulate on the inner walls of the oven. This not only affects the appearance but may also contaminate food during subsequent use, affecting food safety.

[0003] Currently, cleaning the interior walls of ovens mainly relies on manual methods. Users typically need to wipe them manually with hot water or a special cleaning agent after the oven has cooled down. However, this manual cleaning method is not only troublesome for users, but also carries the risk of scalding from hot water. Therefore, how to conveniently clean grease stains inside the oven has become an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One objective of this invention is to provide a self-cleaning method for an oven.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to provide an oven that solves the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a self-cleaning method for an oven is provided. The self-cleaning method includes: receiving a start command for a self-cleaning function; controlling a steam generator to operate to provide steam to an area to be cleaned; controlling a fan to operate to disturb the steam in the area to be cleaned after the steam generator has operated for a first preset duration; acquiring a second operating duration; controlling the steam generator and the fan to stop operating after the steam generator has operated for the second operating duration; the second operating duration is longer than the first preset duration; controlling a drying device to operate to dry the area to be cleaned; and controlling the drying device to stop operating after the drying device has operated for a third preset duration.

[0007] Optionally, before the step of controlling the operation of the steam generator, the self-cleaning method further includes: obtaining the water storage volume of a clean water tank for supplying clean water to the steam generator; determining whether the water storage volume of the clean water tank meets the cleaning requirements; if so, obtaining the remaining capacity of a wastewater tank for collecting wastewater in the area to be cleaned; determining whether the remaining capacity of the wastewater tank meets the cleaning requirements; if so, executing the step of controlling the operation of the steam generator.

[0008] Optionally, the self-cleaning method further includes: issuing a reminder message indicating that the clean water tank needs to be replenished if the water level in the clean water tank is insufficient for cleaning; and issuing a reminder message indicating that the wastewater tank needs to be cleaned if the remaining capacity in the wastewater tank is insufficient for cleaning.

[0009] Optionally, the steps for obtaining the second working time include: obtaining pollution quantification parameters; and calculating the second working time based on the pollution quantification parameters.

[0010] Optionally, the step of calculating the second working time based on the pollution situation quantification parameters includes: obtaining a second preset time; and calculating the second working time by using the pollution situation quantification parameters as weighting factors based on the second preset time, wherein the second preset time is longer than the first preset time.

[0011] Optionally, the step of obtaining the pollution quantification parameters includes: acquiring image information within a preset detection range; the preset detection range is a portion of the wall surface of the area to be cleaned; parsing the image information to obtain the number of stains and / or the area ratio of stains within the preset detection range; and calculating the pollution quantification parameters based on the number of stains and / or the area ratio of stains obtained from the image information.

[0012] Optionally, the step of obtaining the quantitative parameters of contamination further includes: obtaining the number of times the oven has started the cooking function since the last self-cleaning function was activated; and calculating the quantitative parameters of contamination based on the number of times the oven has started the cooking function and the number of stains and / or the area ratio of stains obtained from the image information.

[0013] Optionally, the self-cleaning method further includes: receiving a signal to indicate that the oven has finished cooking; acquiring a quantitative parameter of contamination; determining whether the quantitative parameter of contamination is greater than a preset contamination threshold; and if so, issuing a signal to indicate that the oven needs to activate the self-cleaning function.

[0014] Optionally, before the step of controlling the operation of the steam generator, the self-cleaning method further includes: controlling the vent of the area to be cleaned to open; after the steam generator has been running for a first preset time, the self-cleaning method further includes: controlling the vent to close; detecting the air pressure of the area to be cleaned; determining whether the air pressure of the area to be cleaned is greater than a preset air pressure threshold; if so, controlling the vent to open until the air pressure of the area to be cleaned is less than the preset air pressure threshold, and then controlling the vent to close.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, an oven is provided. The oven includes: an inner wall defining an area to be cleaned; a steam generator for generating and supplying steam to the area to be cleaned; a clean water tank for supplying clean water to the steam generator; a wastewater tank for collecting wastewater in the area to be cleaned; a fan for agitating the air in the area to be cleaned; a drying device for drying the area to be cleaned; and a controller including a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program that, when executed by the processor, enables the self-cleaning method described above.

[0016] The self-cleaning method of the present invention controls the operation of a steam generator to provide steam to the area to be cleaned, and controls the operation of a fan during the operation of the steam generator to agitate the steam in the area to be cleaned, so that the oil stains in the area to be cleaned are softened and removed from the inner wall with the condensed water droplets. After the steam generator and the fan stop operating, the drying device is controlled to operate to dry the area to be cleaned, thereby completing the automatic cleaning of the area to be cleaned in the oven.

[0017] Furthermore, the self-cleaning method of the present invention also obtains the water storage capacity of the clean water tank and the remaining capacity of the wastewater tank in advance and determines whether the cleaning requirements are met. By issuing a reminder message in advance, the problem of insufficient water storage capacity of the clean water tank and the remaining capacity of the wastewater tank during the self-cleaning process is avoided.

[0018] Furthermore, the self-cleaning method of the present invention also obtains quantitative parameters of contaminant status based on the number of times the oven starts the cooking function and the amount and / or area ratio of the stains, and issues a signal to indicate that the oven needs to start the self-cleaning function according to the quantitative parameters of contaminant status, so as to remind the user that the oven needs to start the self-cleaning function.

[0019] Furthermore, the self-cleaning method of the present invention also determines a second operating time of the steam generator based on quantitative parameters of the contaminant condition, so as to improve the cleaning effect on stains.

[0020] Furthermore, the self-cleaning method of the present invention also controls the opening and closing of the exhaust port during the self-cleaning process, so that the area to be cleaned can be depressurized in a timely manner to avoid accidents during the self-cleaning process.

[0021] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of some specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The following sections will describe some specific embodiments of the invention in detail by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts or portions. Those skilled in the art should understand that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of a self-cleaning method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an oven according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a partial flowchart of a self-cleaning method according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a partial flowchart of a self-cleaning method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a partial schematic diagram of an oven according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a partial flowchart of a self-cleaning method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of a self-cleaning method according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is another schematic diagram of an oven according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of a self-cleaning method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an oven 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the present invention provides a self-cleaning method for an oven 10. The oven 10 generally includes: an inner wall 11 defining an area 12 to be cleaned; a steam generator 13 for generating and supplying steam to the area 12; a clean water tank 14 for supplying clean water to the steam generator 13; a wastewater tank 15 for collecting wastewater from the area 12; a fan 16 for agitating the air within the area 12; and a drying device (not shown) for drying the area to be cleaned.

[0025] The area to be cleaned 12 is the area defined by the inner wall 11 that requires self-cleaning after cooking food in the oven 10. It includes, but is not limited to, the cooking space of the oven 10, and may further include, for example, an exhaust channel connecting to the exhaust vent, and a rear gap for the heating element. When the steam generator 13 supplies steam to the area to be cleaned 12, the steam can cover the surface of the inner wall 11, the surface of the heating element, and other locations within the area to be cleaned 12 that may have oil stains, thereby softening the stains. The clean water tank 14 supplies clean water to the steam generator 13, which uses the clean water provided by the tank 14 to generate high-temperature steam and supply it to the area to be cleaned 12. The wastewater tank 15 collects wastewater generated from steam condensation and mixing with stains. The fan 16 can agitate the steam within the area to be cleaned 12 to ensure sufficient contact between the steam and the stains, and can accelerate the shedding of condensed water droplets. The drying device is a device capable of drying moisture. It can be functionally reused with other devices in the oven 10; for example, the heating element of the oven 10 used for cooking food can also serve as a drying device or part of a drying device.

[0026] The self-cleaning method is used for an oven 10 that includes at least the above-described apparatus, and includes the following steps: Step S101: Receive the start command for the self-cleaning function; Step S102: Control the operation of the steam generator 13; Step S103: After the steam generator 13 has been running for a first preset time, control the fan 16 to run; Step S104: Obtain the second working duration; Step S105: After the steam generator 13 has been running for a second working period, stop the steam generator 13 and the fan 16; Step S106: Control the operation of the drying device; Step S107: After the drying device has been running for a third preset time, control the drying device to stop running.

[0027] The second operating time is longer than the first preset time. Therefore, for a period of time after the fan 16 is started, the steam generator 13 will continue to operate to provide steam, thereby continuously replenishing steam while the fan 16 disturbs the steam in the area 12 to be cleaned. The first preset time and the third preset time are each a preset fixed value. The first preset time can usually be preset based on the time from when the oven 10 starts operating the steam generator 13 until the grease is initially softened. The third preset time can usually be preset based on the time required for the area 12 to be cleaned to dry.

[0028] The self-cleaning method of the present invention controls the operation of a steam generator 13 to provide steam to the area 12 to be cleaned, and controls the operation of a fan 16 during the operation of the steam generator 13 to agitate the steam in the area 12 to be cleaned, so that the oil stains in the area 12 to be cleaned are softened and removed from the inner wall 11 with the condensed water droplets. After the steam generator 13 and the fan 16 stop operating, the drying device is controlled to operate to dry the area 12 to be cleaned, thereby completing the automatic cleaning of the area 12 to be cleaned in the oven 10.

[0029] In some alternative implementations, after the control drying device stops operating, the self-cleaning method may also send a signal to indicate that the oven 10 has ended its self-cleaning function, so as to remind the user that the oven 10 has ended its self-cleaning function.

[0030] The self-cleaning function can be activated by the user through various means, such as pressing a specific button on the oven 10, voice control, or issuing a command via the paired mobile app. The oven 10 can actively or passively receive the activation command for the self-cleaning function. The signal used to indicate the end of the self-cleaning function can be presented through various reminder methods, such as voice broadcast, the illumination of a specific indicator light, or sending a message to the paired mobile app.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a partial flowchart of a self-cleaning method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] refer to Figure 3 As shown, in some optional embodiments, the self-cleaning method may further include the following steps: Step S301: Obtain the water storage volume of the clean water tank 14 used to supply clean water to the steam generator 13; Step S302: Determine whether the water storage capacity of the clean water tank 14 meets the cleaning requirements; If so, proceed to step S303: obtain the remaining capacity of the wastewater tank 15 used to collect wastewater in the area to be cleaned 12; Step S304: Determine whether the remaining capacity of the wastewater tank 15 meets the cleaning requirements; If so, proceed to step S305: Control the operation of the steam generator 13.

[0033] By implementing the self-cleaning method described above, the oven 10 can pre-obtain the water storage capacity of the clean water tank 14 and the remaining capacity of the wastewater tank 15 before controlling the operation of the steam generator 13 and determine whether the cleaning requirements are met. The oven 10 only controls the operation of the steam generator 13 when both of the cleaning requirements are met, thereby avoiding the problem of insufficient water storage capacity of the clean water tank 14 and the remaining capacity of the wastewater tank 15 during the self-cleaning process.

[0034] In some optional implementations, the self-cleaning method may further include the following steps: If the water level in the clean water tank 14 is insufficient to meet the cleaning requirements (the result of step S302 is no), proceed to step S306: issue a reminder message to indicate that the clean water tank 14 needs to be replenished; If the remaining capacity of the wastewater tank 15 is insufficient to meet the cleaning requirements (the judgment result of step S304 is negative), proceed to step S307: issue a reminder message to indicate that the wastewater tank 15 needs to be cleaned.

[0035] Based on the previous embodiment, the self-cleaning method of this embodiment can issue a corresponding reminder message in advance when the water storage capacity of the clean water tank 14 or the remaining capacity of the wastewater tank 15 is insufficient to meet the cleaning needs, so as to remind the user to add water to the clean water tank 14 or clean the wastewater tank 15.

[0036] In some optional implementations, the step of obtaining the second working duration includes: obtaining a pollution level quantification parameter; and calculating the second working duration based on the pollution level quantification parameter.

[0037] This embodiment introduces a pollution level quantification parameter to indicate the pollution level of the space to be cleaned, and makes adaptive adjustments to the second working time so that the operating time of the steam generator 13 can better meet the self-cleaning requirements of this operation.

[0038] In some optional implementations, the step of calculating the second working time based on the pollution quantification parameter includes: obtaining a second preset time; and calculating the second working time by using the pollution quantification parameter as a weighting factor based on the second preset time, wherein the second preset time is longer than the first preset time.

[0039] The second preset duration is a fixed value, typically set based on the operating time required for the steam generator 13 to complete an effective self-cleaning operation when the oven 10 is relatively clean. Simply put, assuming the second preset duration is 'a' and the contamination quantification parameter is 'b', then the second operating duration is 'c' = a × (1 + b). In other words, this embodiment uses the contamination quantification parameter as a weighting factor to reasonably extend the second operating duration based on the contamination level of the space to be cleaned, thereby ensuring that the steam generator 13's operating time better meets the self-cleaning requirements.

[0040] Specifically, because the second operating time determined each time the oven 10 performs the self-cleaning method may differ, the operating time of the steam generator 13 and the amount of clean water consumed will also differ accordingly. Therefore, whether the water storage capacity of the clean water tank 14 and the remaining capacity of the waste water tank 15 meet the cleaning requirements can also be determined based on the second operating time. In other words, the steps to determine whether the water storage capacity of the clean water tank 14 meets the cleaning requirements may include: Calculate the expected fresh water consumption based on the second working time; Determine whether the water storage capacity of the clean water tank 14 is greater than the expected clean water consumption; If so, the water storage capacity of the clean water tank 14 is deemed sufficient to meet the cleaning requirements.

[0041] Accordingly, the steps for determining whether the remaining capacity of the wastewater tank 15 meets the cleaning requirements may include: The expected wastewater generation is calculated based on the second working duration; Determine whether the remaining capacity of sewage tank 15 is greater than the expected sewage generation; If so, the remaining capacity of sewage tank 15 is deemed sufficient to meet cleaning requirements.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a partial flowchart of a self-cleaning method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a partial schematic diagram of an oven 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] refer to Figure 4 As shown, in some optional implementations, the step of obtaining quantitative parameters of pollution status includes: Step S401: Acquire image information within the preset detection range 12a; Step S402: Analyze the image information to obtain the number of stains and / or the area ratio of stains within the preset detection range 12a; Step S403: Obtain the number of times the oven 10 has started the cooking function since the last self-cleaning function was activated; Step S404: Calculate the quantitative parameters of contamination based on the number of times the oven 10 starts the cooking function and the number of stains and / or the area ratio of stains obtained from the image information.

[0044] In the self-cleaning method of this embodiment, the quantification parameter of contamination is calculated jointly by the number of times the oven 10 has started its cooking function and the number of stains and / or the area ratio of the stains obtained from image information. Since some users do not tend to activate the self-cleaning function after each use of the oven 10, stains may accumulate inside the oven 10 after multiple cooking cycles. These stains, due to repeated heating and prolonged exposure to air, are more difficult to clean than new stains. Therefore, this embodiment specifically introduces the number of times the oven 10 has started its cooking function since the last activation of the self-cleaning function as an influencing factor for the quantification parameter of contamination, in order to more accurately reflect the difficulty of cleaning the stains.

[0045] in addition, Figure 5 This illustration shows a method for acquiring image information in an oven 10 according to one embodiment. (Reference) Figure 5 As shown, the oven 10 may further include an image acquisition device 17 (such as a camera). The preset detection range 12a is a designated area within the area to be cleaned 12, such as a portion of the wall surface on a certain side wall of the inner wall 11. The image acquisition device 17 acquires image information within a preset detection range 12a on the inner wall 11. By analyzing the image information, the quantity of stains or the proportion of stain area within the preset detection range 12a can be obtained. Based on the contamination status within the preset detection range 12a, the overall contamination status of the area to be cleaned 12 can be inferred.

[0046] In one specific embodiment, the pollution quantification parameter can be calculated as follows: The number of times the oven 10 started cooking after the last activation of the self-cleaning function was categorized into four levels: less than 1 time, 2 times, 3-4 times, and more than 5 times, corresponding to parameter values ​​of 0, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5. Simultaneously, the percentage of stain area obtained from the image information was categorized into four levels: less than 2%, 2%-5%, 5%-10%, and more than 10%, corresponding to parameter values ​​of 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4. Therefore, if the oven 10 started cooking twice after the last activation of the self-cleaning function, and the stain area percentage obtained from the image information is 7%, the calculated stain level parameter is 0.1 + 0.2 = 0.3. When the second preset duration is 20 minutes, the second working duration calculated based on the stain level parameter is 20 × (1 + 0.3) = 26 minutes.

[0047] It is understood that the specific values ​​mentioned above are only one example for explaining the embodiments of the present invention, and are not the only embodiment of the self-cleaning method of the present invention.

[0048] In some alternative implementations, the quantification parameters of contamination can also be calculated based solely on the number of stains and / or the area ratio of stains obtained from the image information.

[0049] In some alternative implementations, the self-cleaning method further includes: Step S601: Receive a signal indicating that the oven 10 has finished cooking; Step S602: Obtain quantitative parameters of pollution status; Step S603: Determine whether the pollution status quantification parameter is greater than the preset pollution status threshold; If so, proceed to step S604: send a signal to indicate that oven 10 needs to activate the self-cleaning function.

[0050] The self-cleaning method in this embodiment aims to analyze whether the oven 10 needs cleaning after each cooking cycle and remind the user. By using quantitative parameters of contamination as the criterion for determining whether the oven 10 needs to activate the self-cleaning function, the contamination level of the oven 10 can be accurately determined, and the user can be promptly reminded to activate the self-cleaning function.

[0051] Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of a self-cleaning method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] In some alternative embodiments, the cleaning area 12 of the oven 10 is also provided with an exhaust vent connecting to the outside of the oven 10 for rapid heat dissipation and steam removal. Meanwhile, refer to... Figure 7 As shown, the self-cleaning method includes the following steps: Step S701: Receive the start command for the self-cleaning function; Step S702: Control the opening of the exhaust port of the area to be cleaned 12; Step S703: Control the operation of the steam generator 13; Step S704: After the steam generator 13 has been running for a first preset time, the exhaust port is closed and the fan 16 is started. Step S705: Detect the air pressure in the area 12 to be cleaned; Step S706: Determine whether the air pressure of the area 12 to be cleaned is greater than the preset air pressure threshold; If so, proceed to step S707: control the exhaust port to open until the air pressure in the area to be cleaned 12 is less than the preset air pressure threshold, then control the exhaust port to close; and return to step S705; Otherwise, proceed to step S708: obtain the second working duration; Step S709: After the steam generator 13 has been running for a second working period, stop the steam generator 13 and the fan 16; Step S710: Control the operation of the drying device; Step S711: After the drying device has been running for a third preset time, control the drying device to stop running.

[0053] The self-cleaning method of this embodiment detects the air pressure of the area 12 to be cleaned during the self-cleaning process and controls the opening and closing of the exhaust port, so that the area 12 to be cleaned can be depressurized in time to avoid accidents during the self-cleaning process. In particular, it can solve the problem of excessive second working time and excessive steam generated by steam generator 13 due to excessively high pollution quantification parameters.

[0054] In some alternative implementations, after controlling the operation of the drying device, the exhaust port can also be opened simultaneously to discharge water vapor from the area 12 to be cleaned and to speed up the drying process.

[0055] Figure 8 This is another schematic diagram of an oven according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown, the present invention also provides an oven 10. In addition to an inner wall 11, a steam generator 13, a clean water tank 14, a wastewater tank 15, a fan 16, and a drying device, the oven 10 also includes a controller 20. The controller 20 includes a memory 21 and a processor 22. The memory 21 stores a computer program, which, when executed by the processor 22, enables the execution of a self-cleaning method and control of the aforementioned devices of the oven 10.

[0057] The computer program used to perform the operations of this invention may be assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, status setting data, integrated circuit configuration data, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages ​​and procedural programming languages.

[0058] In the description of this embodiment, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0059] The terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature, that is, include one or more of that feature.

[0060] In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. When a feature "includes or contains" one or more of the features it covers, unless otherwise specifically described, this indicates that other features are not excluded and may be further included.

[0061] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," and "coupling," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art should be able to understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0062] In the description of this invention, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, apparatus, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, apparatus, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0063] Unless otherwise specified, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0064] Therefore, those skilled in the art should recognize that although numerous exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, many other variations or modifications conforming to the principles of the present invention can be directly determined or derived from the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be understood and construed as covering all such other variations or modifications.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning method for an oven, comprising: Receives the activation command for the self-cleaning function; Control the operation of the steam generator to supply steam to the area to be cleaned; After the steam generator has been running for a first preset time, the fan is controlled to run to disturb the steam in the area to be cleaned. Obtain the second working hours; After the steam generator has been running for the second operating time, the steam generator and the fan are controlled to stop operating; the second operating time is longer than the first preset time. Control the operation of the drying device to dry the area to be cleaned; After the drying device has been running for a third preset period of time, the drying device is controlled to stop operating.

2. The self-cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein... Prior to the step of controlling the operation of the steam generator, the self-cleaning method further includes: Obtain the water storage capacity of the clean water tank used to supply clean water to the steam generator; Determine whether the water storage capacity of the clean water tank meets the cleaning requirements; If so, obtain the remaining capacity of the wastewater tank used to collect wastewater in the area to be cleaned; Determine whether the remaining capacity of the wastewater tank meets the cleaning requirements; If so, perform the steps for controlling the operation of the steam generator.

3. The self-cleaning method according to claim 2 further includes: If the water level in the clean water tank is insufficient to meet the cleaning requirements, a reminder message will be issued to indicate that the clean water tank needs to be replenished. as well as If the remaining capacity of the wastewater tank is insufficient to meet cleaning requirements, a reminder message will be issued to indicate that the wastewater tank needs to be cleaned.

4. The self-cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein... The steps for obtaining the second working duration include: Obtain quantitative parameters of pollution status; The second working time is calculated based on the quantification parameters of the pollution situation.

5. The self-cleaning method according to claim 4, wherein... The step of calculating the second working time based on the quantified parameters of the pollution situation includes: Get the second preset duration; Based on the second preset duration, the pollution status quantification parameter is used as a weighting factor, and the second working duration is calculated using a weighted algorithm; in The second preset duration is longer than the first preset duration.

6. The self-cleaning method according to claim 4, wherein... The steps for obtaining quantitative parameters of pollution status include: Acquire image information within a preset detection range; The preset detection range is a portion of the wall surface of the area to be cleaned; The image information is analyzed to obtain the number of stains and / or the area ratio of stains within the preset detection range; The pollution status quantification parameters are calculated based on the number of stains and / or the area ratio of stains obtained from the image information.

7. The self-cleaning method according to claim 6, wherein... The step of obtaining quantitative parameters of pollution status also includes: The number of times the oven has started the cooking function since the last self-cleaning function was activated; The quantitative parameters of the contamination status are calculated based on the number of times the oven's cooking function is activated and the number and / or area ratio of stains obtained from the image information.

8. The self-cleaning method according to claim 4 further includes: Receive a signal indicating that the oven has finished cooking; Obtain the quantitative parameters of the pollution situation; Determine whether the quantification parameter of the pollution status is greater than a preset pollution status threshold; If so, a signal is sent to indicate that the oven needs to activate its self-cleaning function.

9. The self-cleaning method according to claim 1, wherein... Prior to the step of controlling the operation of the steam generator, the self-cleaning method further includes: Control the opening of the exhaust vent in the area to be cleaned; After the steam generator has been running for a first preset period of time, the self-cleaning method further includes: Control the exhaust port to close; Detect the air pressure in the area to be cleaned; Determine whether the air pressure in the area to be cleaned is greater than a preset air pressure threshold; If so, control the exhaust port to open until the air pressure in the area to be cleaned is less than a preset air pressure threshold, then control the exhaust port to close.

10. An oven, comprising: The inner wall defines the area to be cleaned. A steam generator for generating and supplying steam to the area to be cleaned; A clean water tank is used to supply clean water to the steam generator; Wastewater tank, used to collect wastewater from the area to be cleaned; A fan is used to agitate the air in the area to be cleaned; A drying device is used to dry the area to be cleaned; as well as The controller includes a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program that, when executed by the processor, enables the implementation of the self-cleaning method according to any one of claims 1-9.

Images