Cooking appliance, heating control method thereof, storage medium, controller

Abstract

The application discloses a cooking utensil, a heating control method thereof, a storage medium and a controller, wherein the cooking utensil comprises a pot body and a heating component, the heating component is adapted to heat the pot body, and the heating power of the heating component is adjustable; the method comprises the following steps: in response to a starting instruction of the cooking utensil, the heating component is controlled to work, and the temperature of the pot body is acquired; in the case that the temperature of the pot body is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, the heating power of the heating component is adjusted, so that the heating component works at a first preset heating power; in the case that the temperature of the pot body is greater than or equal to a first preset temperature, the heating component is controlled to heat at a second preset heating power, so that the temperature of the pot body is maintained above the first preset temperature; in the case that the temperature of the pot body is greater than a second preset temperature, the heating component is adjusted in power, so that the heating component heats at a third preset heating power. The method realizes low-temperature long-time heating cooking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of cooking appliance technology, and in particular to a cooking appliance and its heating control method, storage medium and controller. Background Technology

[0002] In related technologies, electric slow cookers need to be heated continuously when stewing soup and making porridge. If the heating temperature is too high, the ceramic inner pot of the electric slow cooker needs to withstand the high temperature. Therefore, the ceramic inner pot needs to be made of high temperature resistant materials, which increases the cost of the electric slow cooker. Furthermore, prolonged high-temperature heating may lead to serious loss of nutrients in the food. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in related technologies. To this end, the first objective of this invention is to provide a heating control method for a cooking appliance. First, a first preset heating power is used to slowly heat the pot body, thereby preventing damage due to rapid heating. Then, a second preset heating power is used to heat the pot body to maintain the internal temperature. Finally, a third preset heating power is used to rapidly heat the pot body, causing the food inside to boil quickly. This achieves low-temperature, long-term heating cooking, thereby improving the cooking performance of the appliance and locking in the nutrients of the food.

[0004] A second objective of this invention is to provide a computer-readable storage medium.

[0005] The third objective of this invention is to provide a controller.

[0006] The fourth objective of this invention is to provide a cooking utensil.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, a heating control method for a cooking appliance is provided according to a first aspect of the present invention. The cooking appliance includes a pot body and a heating element. The heating element is adapted to heat the pot body, and the heating power of the heating element is adjustable. The method includes: responding to a start command of the cooking appliance, controlling the heating element to operate and acquiring the pot body temperature; when the pot body temperature is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, adjusting the heating power of the heating element to operate at a first preset heating power; when the pot body temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, controlling the heating element to heat at a second preset heating power to maintain the pot body temperature above the first preset temperature, wherein the second preset heating power is less than or equal to the first preset heating power, and the first preset temperature is less than the preset temperature threshold; when the pot body temperature is greater than the second preset temperature, adjusting the heating power of the heating element to heat at a third preset heating power, wherein the third preset heating power is greater than the first preset heating power, and the second preset temperature is greater than the first preset temperature and less than the preset temperature threshold.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a heating control method for a cooking appliance, in response to a start command of the cooking appliance, controls a heating element to operate and acquires the pot body temperature. When the pot body temperature is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, the heating power of the heating element is adjusted to operate at a first preset heating power. When the pot body temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, the heating element is controlled to heat at a second preset heating power to maintain the pot body temperature above the first preset temperature. When the pot body temperature is greater than the second preset temperature, the heating element's power is increased to heat at a third preset heating power. The second preset heating power is less than or equal to the first preset heating power, the first preset temperature is less than the preset temperature threshold, the third preset heating power is greater than the first preset heating power, and the second preset temperature is greater than the first preset temperature and less than the preset temperature threshold. Therefore, the first preset heating power is a medium heat level. The pot is heated slowly at this power level, preventing damage from rapid heating and ensuring that the food inside is heated evenly. Then, the second preset heating power is used to maintain the temperature inside the pot. Finally, the third preset heating power is used to quickly heat the pot, bringing the food to a rapid boil. This achieves low-temperature, long-term cooking, improving the cooking performance of the appliance and locking in the nutrients of the food.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cooking appliance further includes a power adjustment circuit, which includes a switch control unit and a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) unit. One end of the SCR unit is connected to the heating element, and the other end of the SCR unit is adapted to be connected to a heating power source. The switch control unit is connected to the control terminal of the SCR unit and is configured to adjust the conduction angle of the SCR unit to adjust the heating power of the heating element.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the switch control unit turns the thyristor unit on or off based on a control signal to adjust the conduction angle of the thyristor unit.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the control signal is a PWM signal, wherein the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating component operates at a first preset heating power is greater than the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating component operates at a second preset heating power, and the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating component operates at a third preset heating power is greater than the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating component operates at the first preset heating power.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating component operates at a third preset heating power is 1.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, after adjusting the power of the heating element to heat it with a third preset heating power, the method further includes: if the temperature of the pot body is greater than the third preset temperature, controlling the heating element to stop heating, wherein the third preset temperature is greater than the second preset temperature.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, after controlling the heating element to stop heating, the method further includes: if the pot body temperature is less than a fourth preset temperature, controlling the heating element to heat at a third preset heating power, wherein the fourth preset temperature is greater than the third preset temperature.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the pot body temperature is greater than a preset temperature threshold, the method further includes: controlling the heating element to stop heating until the pot body temperature drops to a fifth preset temperature, the fifth preset temperature being less than a first preset temperature.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, upon receiving a start command, the method further includes: determining a set time based on the user's function selection command, starting a countdown based on the set time, and displaying the countdown time.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes: controlling the heating component to stop working when the countdown reaches 0.

[0018] To achieve the above objectives, a computer-readable storage medium is provided according to a second aspect of the present invention, having stored thereon a computer program that, when processed by a processor, executes the heating control method of the cooking appliance of any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0019] According to the computer-readable storage medium of the present invention, by executing the computer program of the heating control method of the above-mentioned cooking appliance, the pot body is first slowly heated using a first preset heating power to avoid damage to the pot body due to rapid heating. Then, the pot body is heated using a second preset heating power to ensure the temperature inside the pot. Finally, the pot body is heated rapidly using a third preset heating power to make the food inside the pot boil quickly. This achieves low-temperature long-term heating cooking, thereby improving the cooking performance of the cooking appliance and locking in the nutrients of the food.

[0020] To achieve the above objectives, a controller is provided according to a third aspect of the present invention, including a memory, a processor, and a heating control program for a cooking appliance stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the heating control program for the cooking appliance, it implements the heating control method for the cooking appliance of any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0021] According to the controller of the present invention, the computer program of the heating control method of the cooking appliance is executed by the processor. First, the pot body is slowly heated by a first preset heating power to avoid damage to the pot body due to rapid heating. Then, the pot body is heated by a second preset heating power to ensure the temperature inside the pot. Finally, the pot body is heated by a third preset heating power to make the food inside the pot boil quickly. This achieves low-temperature long-term heating cooking, thereby improving the cooking performance of the cooking appliance and locking in the nutrients of the food.

[0022] To achieve the above objectives, a cooking appliance is provided according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, comprising: a pot body; a heating element adapted to heat the pot body, and the heating power of the heating element being adjustable; and a controller configured to, in response to a start command of the cooking appliance, control the heating element to operate, acquire the pot body temperature, and, when the pot body temperature is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, adjust the heating power of the heating element to operate at a first preset heating power, and when the pot body temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, control the heating element to heat at a second preset heating power to maintain the pot body temperature above the first preset temperature, and when the pot body temperature is greater than the second preset temperature, adjust the heating power of the heating element to heat at a third preset heating power, wherein the second preset heating power is less than or equal to the first preset heating power, the first preset temperature is less than the preset temperature threshold, the third preset heating power is greater than the first preset heating power, and the second preset temperature is greater than the first preset temperature and less than the preset temperature threshold.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in response to a start command of the cooking appliance, the controller controls the heating element to operate and acquires the pot body temperature. When the pot body temperature is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, the controller adjusts the heating power of the heating element to operate at a first preset heating power. When the pot body temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, the controller controls the heating element to heat at a second preset heating power to maintain the pot body temperature above the first preset temperature. When the pot body temperature is greater than the second preset temperature, the controller adjusts the heating element's power to increase it to heat at a third preset heating power. The second preset heating power is less than or equal to the first preset heating power, the first preset temperature is less than the preset temperature threshold, the third preset heating power is greater than the first preset heating power, and the second preset temperature is greater than the first preset temperature and less than the preset temperature threshold. Therefore, the first preset heating power is a medium heat level. The pot is heated slowly at this power level, preventing damage from rapid heating and ensuring that the food inside is heated evenly. Then, the second preset heating power is used to maintain the temperature inside the pot. Finally, the third preset heating power is used to quickly heat the pot, bringing the food to a rapid boil. This achieves low-temperature, long-term cooking, improving the cooking performance of the appliance and locking in the nutrients of the food.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cooking appliance further includes a power adjustment circuit, which includes a switch control unit and a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) unit. One end of the SCR unit is connected to the heating element, and the other end of the SCR unit is adapted to be connected to a heating power source. The switch control unit is connected to the control terminal of the SCR unit and is configured to adjust the conduction angle of the SCR unit to adjust the heating power of the heating element.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the switch control unit includes a switch transistor, a plurality of first resistors, second resistors and a third resistor. The plurality of first resistors are connected in parallel and disposed between the control terminal of the thyristor unit and the collector of the switch transistor. The control terminal of the switch transistor is connected to the controller through the second resistor. The emitter of the switch transistor is grounded. One end of the third resistor is connected to the control terminal of the switch transistor, and the other end of the third resistor is connected to the emitter of the switch transistor.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the thyristor unit includes a thyristor, a fourth resistor and a first capacitor. The first end of the thyristor is adapted to be connected to a heating power supply, the other end of the thyristor is connected to a heating component, the control terminal of the thyristor is connected to a switch control unit, one end of the fourth resistor is connected to the first end of the thyristor, the other end of the fourth resistor is connected to the control terminal of the thyristor, and the first capacitor is connected in parallel between the two ends of the fourth resistor.

[0027] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electric slow cooker according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a heating control method for a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of a temperature detection circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram of a power regulation circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of a heating control method for an electric slow cooker according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a system schematic diagram of a controller according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0036] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes the cooking appliance and its heating control method, storage medium, and controller according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the cooking appliance includes a pot body 10 and a heating element 20.

[0038] The pot body 10 is suitable for holding food, and the heating element 20 is located below the pot body 10 to heat the pot body 10. The heating power of the heating element 20 is adjustable.

[0039] Specifically, the heating control method for cooking appliances in this embodiment is applied to, for example... Figure 1In the cooking appliance shown, the heating element 20 can be a high-power heating tube or an infrared heating plate. Therefore, the heating element 20 has a large heat dissipation range, which can heat the bottom of the pot body 10 over a wide area, causing the internal temperature of the pot body 10 to gradually increase. Depending on the application scenario of the cooking appliance, multiple power levels can be set, such as the first heating power (800W), the second heating power (600W and above), the third heating power (400W and above), and the fourth heating power (300W and above). The first heating power is the highest, and the fourth heating power is the lowest.

[0040] Taking an electric slow cooker as an example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the electric slow cooker includes a ceramic lid 201, an inner pot 202, an outer pot 203, a main thermostat 204, an infrared heating plate 205, a handle 206, an outer shell 207, and a base 208. The inner pot 202 is the body of the electric slow cooker, and the infrared heating plate 205 is the heating element of the electric slow cooker.

[0041] It should be noted that the cooking appliance in this embodiment is not limited to an electric slow cooker, but can also be other electric heating cooking appliances, such as a blender and a soy milk maker. No specific restrictions are made here.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a heating control method for a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the heating control methods for cooking appliances include:

[0043] S101 responds to the start command of the cooking appliance, controls the heating element to work, and obtains the temperature of the pot body.

[0044] Specifically, users select functions using the function selection buttons on the cooking appliance, then press the start button to control the heating element to work, and the cooking appliance starts working while simultaneously acquiring the pot's temperature.

[0045] In one alternative implementation, the pot body temperature can be the bottom temperature of the pot body. The bottom temperature can be detected by setting an NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) sensor at the bottom of the heating element or on the side of the pot body. Alternatively, a thermocouple can be used to detect the pot body temperature, and the temperature detection result of the thermocouple is more accurate.

[0046] Furthermore, such as Figure 4As shown, the cooking appliance also includes a temperature detection circuit 50, which detects the voltage signal of the NTC sensor 40 and provides the detected electrical signal to the controller 30 of the cooking appliance. The temperature detection circuit 50 includes a second capacitor C2, a fifth resistor R5, a sixth resistor R6, a third capacitor C3, a seventh resistor R7, and an eighth resistor R8. One end of the second capacitor C2 is connected to one end of the NTC sensor 40, and the other end of the second capacitor C2 is connected to the other end of the NTC sensor 40 and grounded. One end of the fifth resistor R5 is connected to one end of the second capacitor C2, and the other end of the fifth resistor R5 is connected to the other end of the second capacitor C2 and grounded. One end of the sixth resistor R6 is adapted to input a preset power supply, and the other end of the sixth resistor R6 is connected to one end of the third capacitor C3 and has a first node J1. The other end of the third capacitor C3 is grounded. One end of the seventh resistor R7 is connected to the first node J1, and the other end of the seventh resistor R7 is adapted to connect to the first terminal of the controller 30. One end of the eighth resistor R8 is connected to one end of the seventh resistor R7, and the other end of the eighth resistor R8 is adapted to connect to the second terminal of the controller 30.

[0047] S102, when the pot body temperature is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, the heating power of the heating element is adjusted so that the heating element operates at a first preset heating power.

[0048] Specifically, cooking appliances may switch to the next function immediately after the previous one ends. Therefore, the pot body temperature may be high. The preset temperature threshold is an over-temperature protection temperature, usually set above 200℃. If the pot body temperature exceeds the preset temperature threshold, the cooking appliance may be damaged. Therefore, the heating element can only heat when the pot body temperature is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold. First, the heating element is controlled to operate at a first preset heating power. This first preset heating power is less than the third preset heating power but greater than the second preset heating power. Therefore, the first preset heating power is a medium heat level. Using this first preset heating power allows the pot body to heat up slowly, and the food inside the pot can be heated evenly.

[0049] For example, taking the power settings of the cooking appliances mentioned above as an example, the first preset heating power usually corresponds to the second or third heating power.

[0050] In some embodiments, when the pot body temperature is greater than a preset temperature threshold, the method further includes: controlling the heating element to stop heating until the pot body temperature drops to a fifth preset temperature, the fifth preset temperature being less than a first preset temperature.

[0051] Specifically, when the pot body temperature exceeds the preset temperature threshold, the over-temperature protection will be triggered, and the heating element will stop heating so that the pot body temperature gradually decreases until the pot body temperature drops to the fifth preset temperature, which is usually below 105°C. Only then will the heating element operate at the first preset heating power.

[0052] For example, suppose the preset temperature threshold is 210℃ and the fifth preset temperature is 105℃. When the pot temperature is greater than 210℃, the heating element is controlled to stop heating until the pot temperature drops to 105℃. Then, the heating power of the heating element is adjusted so that the heating element operates at the first preset heating power.

[0053] It should be noted that during the heating process of the cooking appliance, if the temperature of the pot exceeds the preset temperature threshold, the heating element will be stopped and a prompt message will be issued to remind the user that the temperature of the cooking appliance is too high.

[0054] S103, when the pot body temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, the heating component is controlled to heat with a second preset heating power so that the pot body temperature is maintained above the first preset temperature, wherein the second preset heating power is less than or equal to the first preset heating power and the first preset temperature is less than a preset temperature threshold.

[0055] Specifically, when the pot body temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, it indicates that the water temperature inside the pot has reached 80°C. Therefore, the second preset heating power is used to heat the pot body to ensure that the water temperature inside the pot is stable at 80°C. The second preset heating power is less than or equal to the first preset heating power, which can extend the heating time of the cooking appliance at low temperature.

[0056] For example, when the setting corresponding to the first preset heating power is the second heating power, the setting corresponding to the second preset heating power can be either the second heating power or the third heating power; when the setting corresponding to the first preset heating power is the third heating power, the setting corresponding to the second preset heating power can be either the third heating power or the fourth heating power.

[0057] S104, when the pot body temperature is higher than the second preset temperature, the power of the heating element is adjusted to make the heating element heat with a third preset heating power, wherein the third preset heating power is greater than the first preset heating power, and the second preset temperature is greater than the first preset temperature and less than the preset temperature threshold.

[0058] Specifically, when the pot body temperature is higher than the second preset temperature, the third preset heating power is used to quickly heat the pot body, so that the liquid inside the pot can boil quickly, thereby achieving low-temperature long-term heating cooking. In addition, low-temperature long-term heating can also prevent the loss of nutrients in the food, thus locking in the food's nutrients.

[0059] For example, when the first preset heating power corresponds to the second heating power, the third preset heating power corresponds to the first heating power; when the first preset heating power corresponds to the third heating power, the second preset heating power corresponds to the second heating power.

[0060] In one optional implementation, the first preset temperature is a first difference between the set temperature and a first preset temperature offset value, and the second preset temperature is a second difference between the set temperature and a second preset temperature offset value. The set temperature is determined based on the function selected by the user. The first preset temperature offset value is greater than the second preset temperature offset value. The first preset temperature offset value is typically above 10°C, and the second preset temperature offset value is typically above 8°C.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the pot body is first slowly heated using a first preset heating power at a medium heat level to avoid damage caused by rapid heating. Then, the pot body is heated using a second preset heating power at a low heat level to ensure that the temperature of the liquid inside the pot is stable at 80°C, thereby extending the heating time of the pot body at a low temperature. Finally, the pot body is heated rapidly using a third preset heating power to make the food inside the pot boil quickly. This achieves low-temperature, long-term heating cooking, thereby improving the cooking performance of the cooking appliance and locking in the nutrients of the food.

[0062] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the cooking appliance also includes a power adjustment circuit 60, which includes a switch control unit 61 and a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) unit 62. One end of the SCR unit 62 is connected to the heating element 20, and the other end of the SCR unit 62 is adapted to be connected to a heating power source. The switch control unit 61 is connected to the control terminal of the SCR unit 62, and the switch control unit 61 is configured to adjust the conduction angle of the SCR unit 62 to adjust the heating power of the heating element 20.

[0063] Specifically, when the SCR unit 62 is triggered to conduct, current can flow from the heating power supply through the SCR unit 62 and then to the heating element 20, causing it to generate heat. The switch control unit 61 is connected to the control terminal of the SCR unit 62 to adjust the conduction angle of the SCR unit 62. The conduction angle refers to the proportion of time the SCR is turned on within one cycle. By changing this proportion, the magnitude of the current flowing through the heating element 20 can be controlled, thereby adjusting the heating power of the heating element 20.

[0064] In one alternative implementation, such as Figure 5As shown, the switch control unit 61 includes a switch transistor Q, multiple first resistors R1, second resistors R2, and a third resistor R3. The multiple first resistors R1 are connected in parallel and placed between the control terminal of the thyristor unit 62 and the collector of the switch transistor Q. The control terminal of the switch transistor Q is connected to the controller 30 through the second resistor R2. The emitter of the switch transistor Q is grounded. One end of the third resistor R3 is connected to the control terminal of the switch transistor Q, and the other end of the third resistor R3 is connected to the emitter of the switch transistor Q.

[0065] Specifically, the conduction angle of the thyristor unit 62 is controlled by the switching state of the switching transistor Q. When the switching transistor Q is on, the control terminal of the thyristor unit 62 receives a trigger signal, thereby turning on the thyristor unit 62; when the switching transistor Q is off, the control terminal of the thyristor unit 62 does not receive a trigger signal, thereby turning off the thyristor unit 62. The controller 30 controls the switching transistor Q to be on or off by outputting a control signal to the switching transistor Q. The control signal can be set according to the heating power of the heating component 20.

[0066] It should be noted that the number and value of the first resistor R1 need to be set according to the heating power and current of the heating component 20. The switching transistor Q is not limited to a transistor, but can also be a MOS (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor), and there are no specific restrictions here.

[0067] In another alternative implementation, such as Figure 5 As shown, the thyristor unit 62 includes a thyristor SCR, a fourth resistor R4, and a first capacitor C1. The first end of the thyristor SCR is adapted to be connected to a heating power supply, the other end of the thyristor SCR is connected to the heating component 20, the control terminal of the thyristor SCR is connected to the switch control unit 61, one end of the fourth resistor R4 is connected to the first end of the thyristor SCR, the other end of the fourth resistor R4 is connected to the control terminal of the thyristor SCR, and the first capacitor C1 is connected in parallel between the two ends of the fourth resistor R4.

[0068] Specifically, the control terminal of the SCR is connected to the collector of the switching transistor Q through multiple first resistors R1 to receive the trigger signal sent by the switch control unit 61. When the switching transistor Q is turned on, the SCR is turned on, and the heating power supply provides current to the heating element 20; when the switching transistor Q is turned off, the SCR is turned off, no current flows into the heating element 20, so the heating element 20 stops heating. The first capacitor C1 and the fourth resistor R4 are used to filter and stabilize the voltage of the trigger signal. Since switching actions and power fluctuations in the circuit may generate noise and interference, these noises and interferences may affect the stability of the trigger signal. The presence of the first capacitor C1 can absorb these noises and interferences, maintain the stability of the trigger signal, and thus improve the operating stability and reliability of the SCR.

[0069] In some embodiments, the switch control unit turns the silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) unit on or off based on a control signal to adjust the conduction angle of the SCR unit.

[0070] Specifically, such as Figure 5 As shown, the control signal is used to control the switching transistor Q to turn on or off. When the switching transistor Q is on, the switch control unit 61 is turned on; when the switching transistor Q is off, the switch control unit 61 is turned off. The conduction angle of the thyristor unit 62 can be adjusted by controlling the on-time of the switch control unit 61.

[0071] In some embodiments, the control signal is a PWM signal, wherein the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating component operates at a first preset heating power is greater than the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating component operates at a second preset heating power, and the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating component operates at a third preset heating power is greater than the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating component operates at the first preset heating power.

[0072] Specifically, when the control signal is high, the switching transistor is turned on, and the thyristor is turned on; when the control signal is low, the switching transistor is turned off, and the thyristor is turned off. Because the first preset heating power is greater than the second preset heating power, and the on-time of the thyristor corresponding to the first preset heating power is greater than the on-time of the thyristor corresponding to the second preset heating power, the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating component operates at the first preset heating power is greater than the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating component operates at the second preset heating power. Because the third preset heating power is greater than the first preset heating power, and the on-time of the thyristor corresponding to the third preset heating power is greater than the on-time of the thyristor corresponding to the first preset heating power, the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating component operates at the third preset heating power is greater than the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating component operates at the first preset heating power.

[0073] In some embodiments, the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating element operates at a third preset heating power is 1.

[0074] It is understandable that when the heating element operates at the third preset heating power, the PWM signal has a duty cycle of 1, and the PWM signal is a high-level signal. Therefore, the switch control unit is always in the on state, and the thyristor heating element heats at the highest heating power.

[0075] In some embodiments, after adjusting the power of the heating element to heat it with a third preset heating power, the method further includes: if the pot body temperature is greater than the third preset temperature, controlling the heating element to stop heating, wherein the third preset temperature is greater than the second preset temperature.

[0076] In other words, when the pot's temperature exceeds the third preset temperature, the pot's temperature is too high. If the heating element continues to heat at the third preset heating power, the pot may be damaged due to overheating. Therefore, it is necessary to control the heating element to stop heating. If the pot's temperature is less than or equal to the third preset temperature, the heating element should continue heating at the third preset heating power.

[0077] In some embodiments, after controlling the heating element to stop heating, the method further includes: if the pot body temperature is lower than a fourth preset temperature, controlling the heating element to heat at a third preset heating power, wherein the fourth preset temperature is greater than the third preset temperature.

[0078] Specifically, when the heating element stops heating, the pot temperature gradually decreases, causing the food to cool down and resulting in a poorer texture. Therefore, when the pot temperature is below the fourth preset temperature, the heating element is switched to the third preset heating power to keep the food warm. If the pot temperature is greater than or equal to the fourth preset temperature, the heating element stops heating again.

[0079] It should be noted that the third preset temperature is the third difference between the set temperature and the third preset temperature offset value, and the fourth preset temperature is the fourth difference between the set temperature and the fourth preset temperature offset value. The third preset temperature offset value is greater than the fourth preset temperature offset value, which is usually above 5℃, and the fourth preset temperature offset value is usually above 2℃.

[0080] In some embodiments, upon receiving a start command, the method further includes: determining a set time based on the user's function selection command, starting a countdown based on the set time, and displaying the countdown time.

[0081] Specifically, different functions correspond to different set times. The set time can be determined according to the function selection command. When the cooking appliance receives the start command, it starts working. The cooking appliance starts counting down from the set time and displays the countdown time on the display screen (not shown).

[0082] In one optional implementation, the cooking appliance further includes a function indicator light. Upon receiving a start command, the method further includes: controlling the corresponding function indicator light to illuminate according to the function selection command. This allows the user to determine whether the selected function is correct based on the function indicator light.

[0083] In some embodiments, the method further includes controlling the heating element to stop working when the countdown reaches 0.

[0084] In other words, when the countdown reaches 0, the heating process ends, and the heating element stops working to put the cooking appliance into standby mode.

[0085] The technical solution of this application is further described in detail below with reference to specific implementation methods:

[0086] When the cooking appliance is an electric slow cooker, such as Figure 6 As shown, the heating control method of an electric slow cooker includes the following steps:

[0087] S201, in response to function selection and start commands, begins a countdown, controls the infrared heating plate to operate, and acquires the bottom temperature of the inner liner.

[0088] S202, determine whether the bottom temperature is greater than the preset temperature threshold. If the bottom temperature is greater than the preset temperature threshold, proceed to step S203. If the bottom temperature is less than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, proceed to step S205.

[0089] S203 controls the infrared heating plate to stop heating.

[0090] S204, determine whether the bottom temperature has dropped to 105℃. If the bottom temperature has dropped to 105℃, proceed to step S205. If the bottom temperature has not dropped to 105℃, return to step S203.

[0091] S205, adjust the heating power of the infrared heating plate so that the infrared heating plate operates at the first preset heating power.

[0092] S206, determine whether the bottom temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature. If the bottom temperature is greater than the first preset temperature, proceed to step S207. If the bottom temperature is less than or equal to the first preset temperature, return to step S205.

[0093] S207, the power of the infrared heating plate is reduced so that the infrared heating plate heats at a second preset heating power, wherein the second preset heating power is less than or equal to the first preset heating power and the first preset temperature is less than a preset temperature threshold.

[0094] S208, determine whether the bottom temperature is greater than the second preset temperature. If the bottom temperature is greater than the second preset temperature, proceed to step S209. If the bottom temperature is less than or equal to the second preset temperature, return to step S207.

[0095] S209, adjust the power of the infrared heating plate to make the infrared heating plate heat with a third preset heating power, wherein the third preset heating power is greater than the first preset heating power, and the second preset temperature is greater than the first preset temperature and less than the preset temperature threshold.

[0096] S210, determine whether the bottom temperature is greater than the third preset temperature. If the bottom temperature is greater than the third preset temperature, proceed to step S211. If the bottom temperature is less than or equal to the third preset temperature, return to step S209.

[0097] S211 controls the infrared heating plate to stop heating.

[0098] S212, determine whether the bottom temperature is less than the fourth preset temperature. If the bottom temperature is less than the fourth preset temperature, return to step S209. If the bottom temperature is greater than or equal to the fourth preset temperature, return to step S211.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the pot body is first slowly heated using a first preset heating power at a medium heat level to avoid damage caused by rapid heating. Then, the pot body is heated using a second preset heating power at a low heat level to ensure that the temperature of the liquid inside the pot is stable at 80°C, thereby extending the heating time of the pot body at a low temperature. Finally, the pot body is heated rapidly using a third preset heating power to make the food inside the pot boil quickly. This achieves low-temperature, long-term heating cooking, thereby improving the cooking performance of the cooking appliance and locking in the nutrients of the food.

[0100] In summary, according to the heating control method of the cooking appliance according to the embodiment of the present invention, the first preset heating power is a medium heat level. The pot body is first heated using the first preset heating power, allowing it to heat up slowly, preventing damage from rapid heating and ensuring the food inside is heated evenly. Then, a second preset heating power is used for heating, which is a low heat level to maintain the temperature inside the pot. Finally, a third preset heating power is used for rapid heating of the pot body, which is a high heat level to quickly bring the food inside to a boil. This achieves low-temperature, long-term heating cooking, thereby improving the cooking performance of the cooking appliance and locking in the nutrients of the food.

[0101] Corresponding to the above embodiments, embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when processed by a processor, executes the heating control method of the cooking appliance of any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0102] According to the computer-readable storage medium of the present invention, by executing the computer program of the heating control method of the above-mentioned cooking appliance, the pot body is first slowly heated using a first preset heating power to avoid damage to the pot body due to rapid heating. Then, the pot body is heated using a second preset heating power to ensure the temperature inside the pot. Finally, the pot body is heated rapidly using a third preset heating power to make the food inside the pot boil quickly. This achieves low-temperature long-term heating cooking, thereby improving the cooking performance of the cooking appliance and locking in the nutrients of the food.

[0103] Corresponding to the above embodiments, embodiments of the present invention also provide a controller. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the controller 30 includes a memory 31, a processor 32, and a heating control program for the cooking appliance stored in the memory 31 and executable on the processor 32. When the processor 32 executes the heating control program for the cooking appliance, it implements the heating control method for the cooking appliance of any of the aforementioned embodiments.

[0104] According to the controller of the present invention, the computer program of the heating control method of the cooking appliance is executed by the processor. First, the pot body is slowly heated by a first preset heating power to avoid damage to the pot body due to rapid heating. Then, the pot body is heated by a second preset heating power to ensure the temperature inside the pot. Finally, the pot body is heated by a third preset heating power to make the food inside the pot boil quickly. This achieves low-temperature long-term heating cooking, thereby improving the cooking performance of the cooking appliance and locking in the nutrients of the food.

[0105] Corresponding to the above embodiments, embodiments of the present invention also provide a cooking utensil. For example... Figure 1As shown, the cooking appliance includes: pot body 10, heating element 20 and controller.

[0106] The heating element 20 is adapted to heat the pot body 10, and the heating power of the heating element 20 is adjustable. The controller is configured to respond to the start command of the cooking appliance, control the heating element 20 to work, acquire the pot body temperature, and adjust the heating power of the heating element 20 when the pot body temperature is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold so that the heating element 20 works at a first preset heating power. When the pot body temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, control the heating element 20 to heat at a second preset heating power so that the pot body temperature is maintained above the first preset temperature. When the pot body temperature is greater than the second preset temperature, adjust the power of the heating element 20 to heat at a third preset heating power. The second preset heating power is less than or equal to the first preset heating power, the first preset temperature is less than the preset temperature threshold, the third preset heating power is greater than the first preset heating power, and the second preset temperature is greater than the first preset temperature and less than the preset temperature threshold.

[0107] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the cooking appliance also includes a power adjustment circuit 60, which includes a switch control unit 61 and a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) unit 62. One end of the SCR unit 62 is connected to the heating element 20, and the other end of the SCR unit 62 is adapted to be connected to a heating power source. The switch control unit 61 is connected to the control terminal of the SCR unit 62, and the switch control unit 61 is configured to adjust the conduction angle of the SCR unit 62 to adjust the heating power of the heating element 20.

[0108] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the switch control unit 61 includes a switch transistor Q, multiple first resistors R1, second resistors R2, and a third resistor R3. The multiple first resistors R1 are connected in parallel and placed between the control terminal of the thyristor unit 62 and the collector of the switch transistor Q. The control terminal of the switch transistor Q is connected to the controller 30 through the second resistor R2. The emitter of the switch transistor Q is grounded. One end of the third resistor R3 is connected to the control terminal of the switch transistor Q, and the other end of the third resistor R3 is connected to the emitter of the switch transistor Q.

[0109] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5As shown, the thyristor unit 62 includes a thyristor SCR, a fourth resistor R4, and a first capacitor C1. The first end of the thyristor SCR is adapted to be connected to a heating power supply, the other end of the thyristor SCR is connected to the heating component 20, the control terminal of the thyristor SCR is connected to the switch control unit 61, one end of the fourth resistor R4 is connected to the first end of the thyristor SCR, the other end of the fourth resistor R4 is connected to the control terminal of the thyristor SCR, and the first capacitor C1 is connected in parallel between the two ends of the fourth resistor R4.

[0110] In some embodiments, the switch control unit 61 turns the thyristor unit 62 on or off based on a control signal to adjust the conduction angle of the thyristor unit 62.

[0111] In some embodiments, the control signal is a PWM signal, wherein the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating component 20 operates at a first preset heating power is greater than the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating component 20 operates at a second preset heating power, and the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating component 20 operates at a third preset heating power is greater than the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating component 20 operates at a first preset heating power.

[0112] In some embodiments, the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating element 20 operates at a third preset heating power is 1.

[0113] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: after adjusting the power of the heating element 20 to heat the heating element 20 at a third preset heating power and when the temperature of the pot body is greater than the third preset temperature, control the heating element 20 to stop heating, wherein the third preset temperature is greater than the second preset temperature.

[0114] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: after the heating element 20 stops heating and the pot temperature is lower than the fourth preset temperature, control the heating element 20 to heat at a third preset heating power, wherein the fourth preset temperature is greater than the third preset temperature.

[0115] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: control the heating element 20 to stop heating when the pot body temperature is greater than a preset temperature threshold, until the pot body temperature drops to a fifth preset temperature, which is less than the first preset temperature.

[0116] In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to: upon receiving a start command, determine a set time based on the user's function selection command, start a countdown based on the set time, and display the countdown time.

[0117] In some embodiments, the controller is also configured to control the heating element 20 to stop working when the countdown reaches 0.

[0118] It should be noted that the specific implementation of the cooking appliance in the embodiments of the present invention corresponds one-to-one with the specific implementation of the heating control method of the cooking appliance in the foregoing embodiments of the present invention, and will not be repeated here.

[0119] According to the cooking appliance of the present invention, the first preset heating power is a medium heat level. The pot body is first heated using the first preset heating power, allowing it to heat up slowly, preventing damage from rapid heating and ensuring the food inside is heated evenly. Then, a second preset heating power is used for heating, which is a low heat level to maintain the temperature inside the pot. Finally, a third preset heating power is used for rapid heating, which is a high heat level, to quickly bring the food inside to a boil. This achieves low-temperature, long-term heating cooking, thereby improving the cooking performance of the appliance and locking in the nutrients of the food.

[0120] It should be noted that the logic and / or steps represented in the flowchart or otherwise described herein, for example, can be considered as a sequenced list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (such as a computer-based system, a processor-included system, or other system that can fetch and execute instructions from, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device). For the purposes of this specification, "computer-readable medium" can be any means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transmit programs for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires (electronic device), a portable computer disk drive (magnetic device), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable and editable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), fiber optic devices, and portable optical disc read-only memory (CDROM). Alternatively, the computer-readable medium may be paper or other suitable media on which the program can be printed, since the program can be obtained electronically, for example, by optically scanning the paper or other medium, followed by editing, interpreting, or otherwise processing as necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0121] It should be understood that various parts of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented in software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented in hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any one or a combination of the following techniques known in the art: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0122] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, 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, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0123] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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 this invention.

[0124] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the embodiments of this invention are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated in this embodiment. Therefore, features defined with terms such as "first" and "second" in the embodiments of this invention can explicitly or implicitly indicate that the embodiment includes at least one of those features. In the description of this invention, the word "multiple" means at least two or more, such as two, three, four, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified in the embodiments.

[0125] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified or limited in the embodiments, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" appearing in the embodiments should be interpreted broadly. For example, a connection can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can also be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, etc. Of course, it can also be a direct connection, or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components, or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific implementation.

[0126] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0127] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A heating control method for a cooking appliance, characterized in that, The cooking appliance includes a pot body and a heating element, the heating element being adapted to heat the pot body, and the heating power of the heating element being adjustable. The method includes: In response to the start command of the cooking appliance, the heating element is controlled to operate, and the pot body temperature is obtained; When the temperature of the pot body is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, the heating power of the heating element is adjusted so that the heating element operates at a first preset heating power; When the pot body temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, the heating element is controlled to heat with a second preset heating power so that the pot body temperature is maintained above the first preset temperature, wherein the second preset heating power is less than or equal to the first preset heating power and the first preset temperature is less than the preset temperature threshold. When the pot body temperature is greater than the second preset temperature, the heating element is adjusted to increase its power so that it heats at a third preset heating power, wherein the third preset heating power is greater than the first preset heating power, and the second preset temperature is greater than the first preset temperature and less than the preset temperature threshold.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooking appliance also includes a power adjustment circuit, which includes a switch control unit and a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) unit. One end of the SCR unit is connected to the heating element, and the other end of the SCR unit is adapted to be connected to a heating power source. The switch control unit is connected to the control terminal of the SCR unit, and the switch control unit is configured to adjust the conduction angle of the SCR unit to adjust the heating power of the heating element.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The switch control unit turns the thyristor unit on or off based on a control signal to adjust the conduction angle of the thyristor unit.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control signal is a PWM signal, wherein the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating component operates at a first preset heating power is greater than the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating component operates at a second preset heating power, and the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating component operates at a third preset heating power is greater than the duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating component operates at a first preset heating power.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The duty cycle of the PWM signal when the heating component operates at the third preset heating power is 1.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, After adjusting the power of the heating element to heat it at a third preset heating power, the method further includes: If the temperature of the pot body is greater than the third preset temperature, the heating element is controlled to stop heating, wherein the third preset temperature is greater than the second preset temperature.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, After controlling the heating element to stop heating, the method further includes: If the temperature of the pot body is less than the fourth preset temperature, the heating element is controlled to heat at the third preset heating power, wherein the fourth preset temperature is greater than the third preset temperature.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the pot body temperature exceeds a preset temperature threshold, the method further includes: The heating element is controlled to stop heating until the temperature of the pot body drops to a fifth preset temperature, which is lower than the first preset temperature.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Upon receiving the startup command, the method further includes: The system determines the set time based on the user's function selection command, starts a countdown based on the set time, and displays the countdown time.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the countdown reaches 0, the heating component is controlled to stop working.

11. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, It stores a computer program, which, when processed by a processor, executes the heating control method of the cooking appliance as described in any one of claims 1-10.

12. A controller, characterized in that, The invention includes a memory, a processor, and a heating control program for a cooking appliance stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the heating control program for the cooking appliance, it implements the heating control method for the cooking appliance according to any one of claims 1-10.

13. A cooking utensil, characterized in that, include: Pot body; A heating element, the heating element being adapted to heat the pot body, and the heating power of the heating element being adjustable; The controller is configured to, in response to a start command from the cooking appliance, control the heating element to operate, acquire the pot temperature, and, if the pot temperature is less than or equal to a preset temperature threshold, adjust the heating power of the heating element to operate at a first preset heating power; if the pot temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, control the heating element to heat at a second preset heating power to maintain the pot temperature above the first preset temperature; and if the pot temperature is greater than the second preset temperature, adjust the heating element's power to increase it to heat at a third preset heating power, wherein the second preset heating power is less than or equal to the first preset heating power, the first preset temperature is less than the preset temperature threshold, the third preset heating power is greater than the first preset heating power, and the second preset temperature is greater than the first preset temperature and less than the preset temperature threshold.

14. The cooking utensil according to claim 13, characterized in that, The cooking appliance also includes a power adjustment circuit, which includes a switch control unit and a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) unit. One end of the SCR unit is connected to the heating element, and the other end of the SCR unit is adapted to be connected to a heating power source. The switch control unit is connected to the control terminal of the SCR unit, and the switch control unit is configured to adjust the conduction angle of the SCR unit to adjust the heating power of the heating element.

15. The cooking utensil according to claim 14, characterized in that, The switch control unit includes a switch transistor, multiple first resistors, second resistors, and a third resistor. The multiple first resistors are connected in parallel and disposed between the control terminal of the thyristor unit and the collector of the switch transistor. The control terminal of the switch transistor is connected to the controller through the second resistor. The emitter of the switch transistor is grounded. One end of the third resistor is connected to the control terminal of the switch transistor, and the other end of the third resistor is connected to the emitter of the switch transistor.

16. The cooking utensil according to claim 14, characterized in that, The thyristor unit includes a thyristor, a fourth resistor, and a first capacitor. The first end of the thyristor is adapted to be connected to a heating power supply, the other end of the thyristor is connected to the heating component, the control terminal of the thyristor is connected to the switch control unit, one end of the fourth resistor is connected to the first end of the thyristor, the other end of the fourth resistor is connected to the control terminal of the thyristor, and the first capacitor is connected in parallel between the two ends of the fourth resistor.

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