Water tank self-cleaning method and cooking electric appliance

Abstract

The application relates to a water tank self-cleaning method and a cooking electric appliance. The method comprises the following steps: timing initial water storage time of initial water storage in a water tank; detecting water volume of the water tank to obtain last water volume and current water volume; obtaining a water volume difference value according to the last water volume and the current water volume; adjusting the initial water storage time according to the last water volume, the current water volume and the water volume difference value to obtain target water storage time; and when the target water storage time is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold, controlling the water tank to drain water to a drainage structure, so that accurate drainage cleaning timing can be realized, actual storage time of water storage in the water tank can be accurately distinguished, water tank drainage cleaning timeliness is improved, and health and safety hazards or water resource waste caused by long or short water storage in the water tank are avoided, and the reliability of water tank self-cleaning of the cooking electric appliance is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of cooking appliance technology, and more particularly to a water tank self-cleaning method and a cooking appliance. Background Technology

[0002] Cooking appliances with water-using functions (such as steam ovens, steam ovens, or microwave-steam-grill combos) typically require a built-in water tank to supply water during cooking. If the water in the tank is not used up promptly after being added, bacteria, limescale, or unpleasant odors can grow due to stagnation. This not only affects the hygiene and safety of cooked food, but the long-term accumulation of limescale can also damage water supply pipes and water-using components (such as the evaporator), reducing the appliance's lifespan and efficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to drain and clean the water tank of cooking appliances.

[0003] In current cooking appliances, water tank cleaning mainly relies on manual drainage by the user. This can easily lead to water remaining in the tank for extended periods due to forgetting to clean it, posing a hygiene and safety hazard. Some high-end appliances typically use timed drainage, which simply starts timing from the last water refill. This timing is inaccurate and cannot distinguish the actual storage time of the water in the tank, resulting in untimely or excessive cleaning and waste. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a water tank self-cleaning method and a cooking appliance to solve the problems of inaccurate drainage cleaning timing and inability to distinguish the actual storage time of water in the tank in existing cooking appliances, which leads to untimely cleaning, potential hygiene and safety hazards, or excessive cleaning and water waste.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a water tank self-cleaning method, applied to a cooking appliance with a water-using function, the cooking appliance being equipped with a water tank and a drainage structure, the water tank being connected to the drainage structure, the method comprising:

[0006] The initial water level in the tank is timed to obtain the initial water storage time;

[0007] The water tank is monitored to obtain the previous water volume and the current water volume.

[0008] The difference in water volume is calculated based on the previous water volume and the current water volume.

[0009] Based on the previous water volume, the current water volume, and the water volume difference, adjust the initial duration to obtain the target duration.

[0010] When the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold, the water tank is controlled to drain water into the drainage structure.

[0011] In one embodiment, the step of adjusting the initial duration based on the previous water volume, the current water volume, and the water volume difference to obtain the target duration includes:

[0012] When the current water volume is greater than the previous water volume, and the difference in water volume is greater than or equal to the first preset water volume threshold, the initial storage time is reset, and the initial water storage in the water tank is re-timed to obtain the target storage time.

[0013] In one embodiment, the step of adjusting the initial duration based on the previous water volume, the current water volume, and the water volume difference to obtain the target duration includes:

[0014] When the current water volume is greater than the previous water volume, and the difference in water volume is less than the second preset water volume threshold, the timing of the initial water storage is maintained to obtain the target storage time; the second preset water volume threshold is less than the first preset water volume threshold.

[0015] Alternatively, if the current water volume is less than the previous water volume, maintain the timer for the initial water storage; thus obtaining the target storage time.

[0016] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0017] Obtain water usage data for the corresponding cooking appliance; water usage data includes multiple usage time points and the time interval between two adjacent usage time points;

[0018] The average time interval is obtained based on multiple time intervals;

[0019] When the average time interval is less than the first preset time interval threshold, the average time interval and the preset time threshold are processed based on the preset threshold adjustment algorithm to obtain the target time threshold;

[0020] When the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold, the steps for controlling the water tank to drain water into the drainage structure include:

[0021] When the target duration is greater than or equal to the target time threshold, the water tank is controlled to drain water into the drainage structure.

[0022] In one embodiment, after the step of obtaining the water usage data of the corresponding cooking appliance, the process includes:

[0023] Get the last time the corresponding cooking appliance was used;

[0024] When the difference between the last time point and the current time is greater than the second preset time threshold, the preset time threshold is reduced based on the preset step value to obtain the target time threshold.

[0025] In one embodiment, after obtaining the water usage data of the corresponding cooking appliance, the method further includes:

[0026] When the difference between the last time of use and the current time is greater than a second preset time threshold, the water tank is controlled to drain water into the drainage structure and / or a cleaning reminder message is generated.

[0027] In one embodiment, before the step of controlling the water tank to drain water to the drainage structure when the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold, the method includes:

[0028] Obtain the water quality data of the current water in the water tank;

[0029] When the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold, the steps for controlling the water tank to drain water into the drainage structure include:

[0030] When water quality data does not meet water quality safety conditions or the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold, the water tank is controlled to drain water into the drainage structure.

[0031] In one embodiment, after the step of determining when the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold, the method includes:

[0032] Check the water usage status of cooking appliances;

[0033] When the water usage status is detected as steam cooking status, the current water level in the water tank is controlled to be transferred to the cavity of the cooking appliance to preheat the cavity with steam.

[0034] When the water usage status is detected as the self-cleaning state of the cavity, the current water in the water tank is used to flush the cavity.

[0035] In one embodiment, the step of controlling the water tank to drain water into the drainage structure when the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold includes:

[0036] When the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold, the drainage timer is triggered.

[0037] When the preset drainage time is reached, the water tank is controlled to drain water into the drainage structure.

[0038] Secondly, this application also provides a cooking appliance, including a water tank, a drainage structure, and a controller; the water tank is connected to the drainage structure.

[0039] The controller is used to perform the steps of the water tank self-cleaning method as described above.

[0040] One of the above technical solutions has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0041] The above-mentioned water tank self-cleaning method is applied to cooking appliances with water-using functions. The cooking appliance is equipped with a water tank and a drainage structure. The water tank is connected to the drainage structure. The initial water storage time is timed to obtain the initial storage time. The water volume in the water tank is detected to obtain the previous water volume and the current water volume. The water volume difference is obtained based on the previous water volume and the current water volume. The initial storage time is adjusted based on the previous water volume, the current water volume, and the water volume difference to obtain the target storage time. When the target storage time is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold, the water tank is controlled to drain water to the drainage structure to achieve self-cleaning of the cooking appliance's water tank. This application measures the time of water storage in the water tank and detects the water volume. Based on changes in water volume, it adjusts the water storage time to determine the target storage time. This allows for precise control of water discharge, enabling accurate timing of drainage and cleaning. It accurately distinguishes the actual storage time of water in the tank, improving the timeliness of drainage and cleaning. This avoids hygiene and safety hazards or water waste caused by excessively long or short water storage times, and enhances the reliability of self-cleaning in cooking appliances. Attached Figure Description

[0042] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. The following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cooking appliance in the embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the water tank self-cleaning method in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the target time threshold adjustment steps in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the water reuse process in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0047] 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. The described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can typically be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0048] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this application described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0049] In addition, the term "multiple" should mean two or more.

[0050] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0051] In one embodiment, the water tank self-cleaning method provided in this application can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 The cooking appliance shown refers to a cooking appliance with a water-using function; for example, it could be a cooking appliance with humidification or steaming functions. The cooking appliance includes a water tank 10 and a drainage structure 20, with the water tank 10 connected to the drainage structure 20. The cooking appliance also includes a housing and a controller 30. The housing has a cooking cavity, and the controller 30, water tank 10, and drainage structure 20 are mounted on the housing. The water tank 10 stores drinking water, and the controller 30 controls the water tank 10 to drain water into the drainage structure 20. The drainage structure 20 discharges the stored water to the outside or into a drain box, achieving self-cleaning of the water tank 10. For example, the water tank 10 may have a drain valve, or a drain valve may be installed between the water tank 10 and the drainage structure 20. The controller 30 is connected to the drain valve, and by controlling the opening and closing of the drain valve, the drainage of the water tank 10 is controlled.

[0052] The controller 30 is used to time the initial water level in the water tank 10 to obtain the initial storage time; to detect the water volume in the water tank 10 to obtain the previous water volume and the current water volume; to obtain the water volume difference based on the previous water volume and the current water volume; to adjust the initial storage time based on the previous water volume, the current water volume, and the water volume difference to obtain the target storage time; and to control the water tank 10 to drain water into the drainage structure 20 when the target storage time is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold, thereby achieving self-cleaning of the cooking appliance water tank 10. The controller 30 also includes a display 50 and a memory 40. The memory 40 is used to store data such as the initial storage time, the previous water volume, the current water volume, the water volume difference, and the target storage time. The display 50 can be used to graphically or textually display data such as the initial storage time, the previous water volume, the current water volume, the water volume difference, and the target storage time. For example, the display 50 can be a touch screen.

[0053] In one example, the water tank 10 of the cooking appliance is also connected to a water purification device, which can then replenish water to the water tank 10, enabling automatic water replenishment to the water tank 10 of the cooking appliance. For example, a switch module is provided between the water tank 10 of the cooking appliance and the water purification device. The switch module is connected to a controller 30, which can then control the on / off state of the switch module to allow the water purification device to replenish water to the water tank 10 of the cooking appliance.

[0054] In one example, the water purification device may be, but is not limited to, an under-sink water purifier, a countertop water purifier, a built-in water purifier, or a floor-standing water purifier.

[0055] In one example, a cooking appliance with water-using capabilities can be, but is not limited to, a steam oven, a steam oven, or a microwave-steam-grill combination appliance.

[0056] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, a self-cleaning method for water tanks is provided, applicable to applications such as... Figure 1 Taking the cooking appliance shown as an example, the water tank self-cleaning method includes:

[0057] Step S210: Time the initial water level in the water tank to obtain the initial water storage time.

[0058] The initial water in the tank can be drinking water added manually or automatically by a water purification system. The initial storage time refers to the storage time triggered when drinking water is first added to the tank when it is empty.

[0059] For example, when drinking water is first added to the water tank, a timer is started to measure the initial water level and thus obtain the initial water duration. Similarly, after the water tank is emptied and drinking water is added again, a timer is started to measure the initial water level and thus obtain the initial water duration.

[0060] Step S220: Detect the water volume in the water tank to obtain the previous water volume and the current water volume.

[0061] For example, a water tank is equipped with a level sensor, which can detect the water level in the tank based on a preset sampling period, thereby obtaining the water level at the corresponding sampling time. It should be noted that the previous water volume refers to the water volume collected at the previous sampling time; the current water volume refers to the water volume collected at the current sampling time.

[0062] Step S230: Obtain the water volume difference based on the previous water volume and the current water volume.

[0063] For example, the previous water volume can be subtracted from the current water volume to obtain the water volume difference, which can then be used to determine the change in the water volume in the tank.

[0064] Step S240: Adjust the initial duration based on the previous water volume, the current water volume, and the water volume difference to obtain the target duration.

[0065] Based on the previous water volume, the current water volume, and the difference between the two volumes, the system determines whether the water level in the tank has increased or decreased at any given moment. If the water level has increased, a water replenishment action is triggered, and new drinking water is added to the tank. If the water level has decreased, it is determined that the user has used a water-using function (such as steam cooking) on ​​the cooking appliance, causing the water level to drop. Based on the changes in the water level, the initial storage time is adjusted to obtain the target storage time.

[0066] Step S250: When the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold, control the water tank to drain water to the drainage structure.

[0067] The preset time threshold can be obtained from system settings. In one example, the preset time threshold can also be adaptively adjusted based on user habits. Another example provides a user interface (such as the display interface of a cooking appliance or a user terminal), allowing users to manually set the preset time threshold. It's worth noting that the user interface also allows users to set cleaning reminder preferences, such as setting a pre-set hourly notification and selecting options like "Execute Now," "Delay 24 Hours," or "Ignore This Time." Additionally, the user interface allows users to view the current water storage time, estimated cleaning time, and historical cleaning records, among other tank status information. By providing transparent and customizable interaction, users can feel reassured about the equipment's hygiene, enhancing the user experience.

[0068] For example, the target duration is compared with a preset time threshold. Based on the comparison result, if the target duration is greater than or equal to the preset time threshold, a self-cleaning process for draining the water tank is triggered. This controls the water tank to drain water into the drainage structure, allowing the drainage structure to discharge water to the outside or into the drain box of the cooking appliance. It should be noted that in one example, the drainage structure may include a drain pipe, which can be a flexible drain pipe, allowing the user to bend it in a corresponding direction to direct water to a designated location.

[0069] In the above embodiments, the initial storage time is obtained by timing the initial water level in the water tank; the water volume in the tank is detected to obtain the previous and current water volumes; the water volume difference is obtained based on the previous and current water volumes; the initial storage time is adjusted based on the previous, current, and water volume differences to obtain the target storage time; when the target storage time is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold, the water tank is controlled to drain water into the drainage structure, thereby achieving self-cleaning of the cooking appliance water tank. This application, by timing the water level in the tank and detecting the water volume, adjusts the storage time based on changes in water volume to determine the target storage time of the water in the tank. Based on the target storage time, the water in the tank is controlled to drain, achieving accurate timing of drainage cleaning. This allows for accurate differentiation of the actual storage time of the water in the tank, improving the timeliness of water tank drainage cleaning, avoiding hygiene and safety hazards or water waste caused by excessively long or short water storage, and improving the reliability of the cooking appliance water tank's self-cleaning function.

[0070] In one embodiment, the step of adjusting the initial duration based on the previous water volume, the current water volume, and the water volume difference to obtain the target duration includes: resetting the initial duration and re-timing the initial water storage in the water tank when the current water volume is greater than the previous water volume and the water volume difference is greater than or equal to a first preset water volume threshold, to obtain the target duration.

[0071] The system compares the current water volume with the previous water volume. If the current water volume is greater than the previous water volume, it determines that the water tank is being replenished, meaning that new water has been added to the water tank. Then, it compares the corresponding water volume difference with a first preset water volume threshold. If the water volume difference is greater than or equal to the first preset water volume threshold, it determines that the water in the water tank has increased significantly. Then, it resets the initial water storage time to zero, that is, it resets and clears the timer for the initial water storage in the water tank to zero, so that the initial water storage time in the water tank can be re-timed to obtain the target storage time.

[0072] In the above embodiments, the water age parameter is dynamically corrected based on water level change events. The water age parameter represents the actual water storage status in the water tank and tracks the longest water storage time in the water tank. It is not simply a natural accumulation of time, which improves the accuracy of calculating the target storage time, realizes accurate timing of drainage and cleaning, improves the timeliness of water tank drainage and cleaning, avoids water storage in the water tank for too long or too short a time, which may cause hygiene and safety hazards or water waste, and improves the reliability of self-cleaning of cooking appliance water tanks.

[0073] In one embodiment, the step of adjusting the initial storage time based on the previous water volume, the current water volume, and the water volume difference to obtain the target storage time includes: maintaining the timing of the initial water storage when the current water volume is greater than the previous water volume and the water volume difference is less than a second preset water volume threshold to obtain the target storage time; the second preset water volume threshold is less than a first preset water volume threshold; or, maintaining the timing of the initial water storage when the current water volume is less than the previous water volume; to obtain the target storage time.

[0074] For example, the current water volume is compared with the previous water volume. If the current water volume is greater than the previous water volume, it is determined that the water tank is replenished, that is, new water has been added to the water tank. Then, the corresponding water volume difference is compared with the first preset water volume threshold. If the water volume difference is less than the second preset water volume threshold, it is determined that the water in the water tank has only increased slightly. Therefore, the initial storage time is not reset, that is, the initial water volume in the water tank is kept in time, so that the initial storage time continues to accumulate, and thus the target storage time is obtained.

[0075] For example, the current water volume is compared with the previous water volume. If the current water volume is less than the previous water volume, it is determined that the cooking appliance has triggered the water function (such as using the steam function), which causes the water level in the tank to drop but does not trigger the water replenishment process. Therefore, the initial water storage time is not reset, that is, the initial water storage time in the tank is maintained, so that the initial water storage time continues to accumulate, and thus the target water storage time is obtained.

[0076] For example, after water is supplied to the preset water replenishment line of the water tank and automatic water replenishment is completed, the initial storage time is adjusted by judging the size of the water volume difference (i.e., the replenishment volume). If the replenishment volume is less than the second preset water volume threshold, the timing of the initial water storage in the water tank is maintained; if the replenishment volume is greater than or equal to the first preset water volume threshold, the initial storage time is reset to zero, and the timing of the initial water storage in the water tank is restarted. This achieves accurate timing of drainage and cleaning, can accurately distinguish the actual storage time of water in the water tank, and improves the timeliness of water tank drainage and cleaning.

[0077] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the water tank self-cleaning method also includes:

[0078] Step S310: Obtain the water usage data of the corresponding cooking appliance; the water usage data includes multiple usage time points and the time interval between two adjacent usage time points.

[0079] Water usage data can be the same as steam usage data. The usage time point can be the initial time point when the water usage function is triggered. It should be noted that water usage data can also include the amount of water used in a single water usage session.

[0080] For example, continuously record water usage events of cooking appliances to form a dataset; obtain the corresponding dataset, and then obtain the corresponding water usage data.

[0081] Step S320: Obtain the average time interval based on multiple time intervals.

[0082] For example, time intervals can be cached in a preset queue. Multiple recently stored time intervals can be retrieved from the preset queue, and then averaged to obtain the average time interval. It should be noted that the duration of the time interval can be preset by the system; for example, the number of time intervals could be 20.

[0083] In another example, the number of uses per unit time period can be calculated based on multiple time intervals to obtain the usage activity.

[0084] Step S330: When the average time interval is less than the first preset time interval threshold, the average time interval and the preset time threshold are processed based on the preset threshold adjustment algorithm to obtain the target time threshold.

[0085] The preset threshold adjustment algorithm can be obtained based on system presets. For example, the preset threshold adjustment algorithm is T_dynamic = T_set + α * (I_b - I_avg); where T_dynamic is the target time threshold, T_set is the preset time threshold, I_b is the first preset interval threshold, I_avg is the average time interval, and α is an adjustment coefficient, a weighted parameter used to reflect the degree of influence of usage frequency on the cleaning cycle, which is obtained by system presets. It should be noted that when the average time interval I_avg is less than the first preset interval threshold I_b, the target time threshold T_dynamic is greater than the preset time threshold T_set.

[0086] By comparing the average time interval with a first preset interval threshold, and based on the comparison result, when the average time interval is less than the first preset interval threshold (e.g., 24h), it is determined that the user frequently uses the water function of the cooking appliance (e.g., steam cooking). Then, the average time interval I_avg and the preset time threshold T_set are input into the preset threshold adjustment algorithm for processing to obtain the target time threshold T_dynamic. This achieves adaptive extension of the corresponding time threshold, making the water tank drainage and cleaning frequency match the user's actual habits, avoiding unnecessary drainage (or saving water), and improving resource utilization.

[0087] In one example, the step of controlling the water tank to drain water into the drainage structure when the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold includes: controlling the water tank to drain water into the drainage structure when the target duration is greater than or equal to the target time threshold.

[0088] For example, the target duration is compared with a target time threshold. Based on the comparison result, when the target duration is greater than or equal to the target time threshold, the self-cleaning process of draining the water tank is triggered. This controls the water tank to drain water into the drainage structure, so that the drainage structure discharges the water to the outside or into the drain box of the cooking appliance. The target time threshold, which is adaptively adjusted according to the user's usage habits, is used as the judgment condition, which improves the accuracy of water tank drainage and cleaning, avoids water tank water storage for too long or too short a time, which may cause hygiene and safety hazards or water waste, and improves the reliability of the self-cleaning of the cooking appliance water tank.

[0089] In one embodiment, after obtaining the water usage data of the corresponding cooking appliance, the process includes: obtaining the last time the corresponding cooking appliance was used; and when the difference between the last time the appliance was used and the current time is greater than a second preset time threshold, reducing the preset time threshold based on a preset step value to obtain a target time threshold.

[0090] The preset step value is based on system presets. The last usage time point refers to the time point most recent than the current usage time point. The second preset time threshold is obtained based on system presets; for example, the second preset time threshold can be set to twice the average time interval.

[0091] For example, the difference between the last usage time and the current time is processed to obtain the most recent time difference. This most recent time difference is compared with a second preset time threshold. Based on the comparison result, if the most recent time difference is greater than the second preset time threshold, the cooking appliance is determined to be in an idle period. Then, based on a preset step value, the preset time threshold is shortened to obtain a target time threshold. Using the shortened target time threshold as a judgment condition, when the target duration is greater than or equal to the target time threshold, the water tank is controlled to drain water to the drainage structure. This achieves adaptive shortening of the corresponding time threshold when the cooking appliance enters an idle period, making the water tank's drainage and cleaning frequency match the user's actual habits, avoiding unnecessary drainage (or saving water), and improving the accuracy and reliability of the cooking appliance's water tank self-cleaning.

[0092] In one embodiment, after obtaining the water usage data of the corresponding cooking appliance, the method further includes: when the difference between the last usage time and the current time is greater than a second preset time threshold, controlling the water tank to drain water to the drainage structure and / or generating a cleaning reminder message.

[0093] For example, if the difference between the last usage time and the current time exceeds a second preset time threshold, the cooking appliance is determined to have entered an idle period. This triggers a cleaning reminder and / or initiates drainage cleaning to control the discharge of water from the tank, preventing water contamination from prolonged storage during the idle period. It should be noted that the cleaning reminder can be transmitted wirelessly to the user terminal; it can also be displayed on the cooking appliance's user interface to remind the user that the appliance has entered an idle period and the water tank needs to be drained and cleaned.

[0094] In one example, suppose user A uses the steam function daily. The water tank is full at 8 AM on Monday, and the timer starts. At 7 PM on Tuesday, the steam function is used once (consuming 40% of the water, without triggering a refill), and the timer continues to accumulate the initial water tank storage time. At 8 AM on Wednesday, based on the user's daily usage habits (e.g., an average time interval I_avg of 24 hours, indicating frequent use of the steam function), the system adaptively adjusts the target time threshold to 96 hours using a preset threshold adjustment algorithm. After using the function again at 7 PM on Thursday, the accumulated water tank storage time is approximately 83 hours, still below the target time threshold, and the water tank self-cleaning is not triggered. Until Friday night, the system determines that the system may be entering a weekend off-peak period. When the water storage time reaches 96 hours (e.g., at 8 AM on Saturday), the system triggers automatic water tank drainage and cleaning, achieving adaptive adjustment of the corresponding time threshold. This ensures the water tank drainage and cleaning frequency aligns with the user's actual habits, improving the accuracy and reliability of the cooking appliance's water tank self-cleaning. Furthermore, the user does not need to remember or operate the system; the system automatically completes the entire monitoring, decision-making, and execution process, greatly enhancing convenience.

[0095] In one embodiment, before the step of controlling the water tank to drain water to the drainage structure when the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold, the method includes: obtaining water quality data of the current water in the water tank.

[0096] The water quality data may include, but is not limited to, conductivity data, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) data, or turbidity data.

[0097] For example, the water tank is equipped with a conductivity sensor, a TDS meter, or a turbidity sensor. The conductivity sensor detects the conductivity of the water currently stored in the tank to obtain conductivity data; the TDS sensor detects the TDS of the water currently stored in the tank to obtain TDS data; and the turbidity sensor detects the turbidity of the water currently stored in the tank to obtain electroturbidity data.

[0098] In one example, the step of controlling the water tank to drain water to the drainage structure when the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold includes: controlling the water tank to drain water to the drainage structure when the water quality data does not meet the water quality safety conditions or the target duration is greater than or equal to the preset time threshold.

[0099] For example, when the conductivity data value is greater than the preset conductivity threshold, the TDS data value is greater than the preset TDS threshold, the turbidity data value is greater than the preset turbidity threshold, or the target duration is greater than or equal to the preset time threshold, the water tank self-cleaning process is triggered, thereby controlling the water tank to drain water to the drainage structure, realizing double insurance verification of time and water quality. Self-cleaning is triggered when any of the standards are exceeded, improving the hygiene level: fundamentally eliminating the risk of bacteria growth due to prolonged water storage, ensuring cooking health, improving the hygiene level of cooking water, and further improving the reliability of the self-cleaning of cooking appliance water tanks.

[0100] In one example, User B lives in an area with hard water. After adding water to the tank for 48 hours, although the target time threshold (e.g., 72 hours) has not been reached, the TDS detector detects that the dissolved solids (TDS) concentration in the water in the tank has increased sharply due to evaporation and concentration, exceeding the safety threshold. This triggers an alarm and executes the tank drainage and self-cleaning process, effectively preventing scale formation.

[0101] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, after the step of determining whether the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold, the following steps are included:

[0102] Step S410: Detect the water status of the cooking appliance.

[0103] The water usage state can be either the cooking appliance's steam cooking state or the cavity self-cleaning state.

[0104] Step S420: When the water usage status is detected as steam cooking status, control the current water in the water tank to be transferred to the cavity of the cooking appliance to preheat the cavity with steam.

[0105] The "awaiting steam cooking state" refers to the cooking appliance being about to enter the steam cooking process.

[0106] When the water usage status is detected as "waiting for steam cooking", the current water in the water tank is transferred to the cavity of the cooking appliance to preheat the cavity with steam, so that the wastewater can be reused and then discharged, thereby improving the utilization rate of water resources.

[0107] Step S430: When the water usage status is detected as the self-cleaning state of the cavity, control the current water in the water tank to flush the cavity.

[0108] The "waiting for cavity self-cleaning" state refers to the cooking appliance about to enter the cavity self-cleaning process.

[0109] When the water usage status is detected as a self-cleaning state for the cavity, the current water in the water tank is controlled to perform an initial flushing of the cavity. This also enables the wastewater to be reused before being emptied, thus improving the utilization rate of water resources.

[0110] In one embodiment, the step of controlling the water tank to drain water to the drainage structure when the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold includes: triggering a drainage timer when the target duration is greater than or equal to the preset time threshold; and controlling the water tank to drain water to the drainage structure when the corresponding drainage timer reaches a preset drainage time.

[0111] For example, when the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold, the drainage process is not started immediately. Instead, a drainage timer is triggered. When the corresponding drainage timer reaches the preset drainage time (such as the time corresponding to the early morning), the water tank is controlled to drain water into the drainage structure, realizing self-cleaning drainage during quiet periods and improving the user experience.

[0112] For example, when the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold and the water quality data meets the water quality safety conditions, the drainage timer is triggered; when the corresponding drainage timer reaches the preset drainage time, the water tank is controlled to drain water to the drainage structure. In the case of non-emergency water quality alarm, the drainage cleaning operation can be delayed to the preset drainage time (such as in the early morning) to achieve drainage self-cleaning during quiet periods, which further improves the user experience.

[0113] It should be understood that, although Figures 2 to 4 The steps in the flowchart are shown sequentially as indicated by the arrows, but these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise specified herein, there is no strict order in which these steps are executed, and they can be performed in other orders. Figures 2 to 4 At least some of the steps in the process 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 executed in turn or alternately with other steps or at least some of the sub-steps or stages of other steps.

[0114] In one embodiment, this application also provides a water tank self-cleaning device, comprising:

[0115] The timing unit is used to time the initial water level in the water tank to obtain the initial water storage time.

[0116] The water level detection unit is used to detect the water level in the water tank and obtain the previous water level and the current water level.

[0117] The difference processing unit is used to obtain the water volume difference based on the previous water volume and the current water volume.

[0118] The time adjustment unit is used to adjust the initial duration based on the previous water volume, the current water volume, and the water volume difference to obtain the target duration.

[0119] The drainage control unit is used to control the water tank to drain water into the drainage structure when the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold.

[0120] Specific limitations regarding the water tank self-cleaning device can be found in the limitations of the water tank self-cleaning method described above, and will not be repeated here. Each module in the aforementioned water tank self-cleaning device can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in the controller of the cooking appliance in hardware form or independent of it, or stored in the memory of the cooking appliance in software form, so that the controller can call and execute the corresponding operations of each module.

[0121] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, this application also provides a cooking appliance, including a water tank 10, a drainage structure 20, and a controller 30; the water tank 10 is connected to the drainage structure 20; the controller 30 is used to perform the steps of the self-cleaning method of the water tank 10 as described above.

[0122] For detailed descriptions of the water tank 10, drainage structure 20, and controller 30, please refer to the descriptions of the water tank 10, drainage structure 20, and controller 30 in the above embodiments; they will not be repeated here.

[0123] Based on the connection between the water tank 10 and the drainage structure 20, the controller 30 times the initial water storage in the water tank 10 to obtain the initial storage time; it detects the water volume in the water tank 10 to obtain the previous water volume and the current water volume; it obtains the water volume difference based on the previous water volume and the current water volume; it adjusts the initial storage time based on the previous water volume, the current water volume, and the water volume difference to obtain the target storage time; when the target storage time is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold, it controls the water tank 10 to drain water into the drainage structure 20, thereby achieving accurate timing of drainage cleaning. This allows for accurate differentiation of the actual storage time of water in the water tank 10, improving the timeliness of drainage cleaning of the water tank 10, avoiding hygiene and safety hazards or water waste caused by excessively long or short water storage in the water tank 10, and improving the reliability of the self-cleaning of the cooking appliance water tank 10.

[0124] In one embodiment, a computer storage medium is also provided, on which a computer program is stored, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the water tank self-cleaning method described above.

[0125] For example, when a computer program is executed by a processor, it performs the following steps:

[0126] The controller times the initial water level in the tank to obtain the initial storage time; it detects the water volume in the tank to obtain the previous and current water volumes; it calculates the water volume difference based on the previous and current water volumes; it adjusts the initial storage time based on the previous water volume, current water volume, and water volume difference to obtain the target storage time; and it controls the tank to drain water into the drainage structure when the target storage time is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold.

[0127] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the computer program can include the processes of the embodiments of the division operations described above. Any references to memory, storage, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include non-volatile and / or volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in various forms, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), dual data rate SDRAM (DDRSDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), direct memory bus RAM (RDRAM), direct memory bus dynamic RAM (DRDRAM), and memory bus dynamic RAM (RDRAM), etc.

[0128] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0129] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning method for a water tank, characterized in that, A method applicable to a cooking appliance with a water-using function, the cooking appliance being provided with a water tank and a drainage structure, the water tank being connected to the drainage structure, the method comprising: The initial water level in the water tank is timed to obtain the initial storage time; The water tank is monitored to obtain the previous water volume and the current water volume. The water volume difference is obtained based on the previous water volume and the current water volume; Based on the previous water volume, the current water volume, and the water volume difference, the initial duration is adjusted to obtain the target duration. When the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold, the water tank is controlled to drain water into the drainage structure.

2. The water tank self-cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the initial duration based on the previous water volume, the current water volume, and the water volume difference to obtain the target duration includes: When the current water volume is greater than the previous water volume, and the water volume difference is greater than or equal to a first preset water volume threshold, the initial duration is reset, and the initial water storage in the water tank is re-timed to obtain the target duration.

3. The water tank self-cleaning method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the initial duration based on the previous water volume, the current water volume, and the water volume difference to obtain the target duration includes: When the current water volume is greater than the previous water volume, and the water volume difference is less than the second preset water volume threshold, the timing of the initial water storage is maintained to obtain the target storage time; the second preset water volume threshold is less than the first preset water volume threshold. Alternatively, when the current water volume is less than the previous water volume, the timing of the initial water storage is maintained; thus, the target storage time is obtained.

4. The water tank self-cleaning method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain water usage data for the corresponding cooking appliance; the water usage data includes multiple usage time points and the time interval between two adjacent usage time points; The average time interval is obtained based on the multiple time intervals described. When the average time interval is less than a first preset time interval threshold, the average time interval and the preset time threshold are processed based on a preset threshold adjustment algorithm to obtain a target time threshold; The step of controlling the water tank to drain water into the drainage structure when the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold includes: When the target duration is greater than or equal to the target time threshold, the water tank is controlled to drain water into the drainage structure.

5. The water tank self-cleaning method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the water usage data corresponding to the cooking appliance is followed by: Obtain the last time point in time that the corresponding cooking appliance was used; When the difference between the last time of use and the current time is greater than the second preset time threshold, the preset time threshold is reduced based on a preset step value to obtain the target time threshold.

6. The water tank self-cleaning method according to claim 5, characterized in that, After the step of obtaining the water usage data corresponding to the cooking appliance, the method further includes: When the difference between the last time of use and the current time is greater than a second preset time threshold, the water tank is controlled to drain water into the drainage structure and / or a cleaning reminder message is generated.

7. The water tank self-cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Before the step of controlling the water tank to drain water to the drainage structure when the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold, the following steps are included: Obtain the water quality data of the current water in the water tank; The step of controlling the water tank to drain water into the drainage structure when the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold includes: When the water quality data does not meet the water quality safety conditions or the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold, the water tank is controlled to discharge water to the drainage structure.

8. The water tank self-cleaning method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, After the step of determining that the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold, the following steps are included: Detect the water usage status of the cooking appliance; When the water usage status is detected to be ready for steam cooking, the current water level in the water tank is controlled to be transferred to the cavity of the cooking appliance to preheat the cavity with steam. When the water usage is detected to be in a self-cleaning state, the current water in the water tank is controlled to flush the cavity.

9. The water tank self-cleaning method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The step of controlling the water tank to drain water into the drainage structure when the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold includes: When the target duration is greater than or equal to a preset time threshold, the drainage timer is triggered. When the preset drainage time is reached, the water tank is controlled to drain water into the drainage structure.

10. A cooking appliance, characterized in that, It includes a water tank, a drainage structure, and a controller; the water tank is connected to the drainage structure; The controller is used to perform the steps of the water tank self-cleaning method as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images