Cooking equipment and its control methods

Abstract

This invention relates to a cooking device and its control method, comprising: a main body of the device, wherein a cooking chamber is provided in the main body, and a steam port is provided on the wall of the cooking chamber; a steam generator, the steam outlet of the steam generator being connected to the steam port; and a baffle, the baffle being rotatably disposed at the steam port, the baffle being configured to rotate relative to the steam port under the control of the airflow passing through the baffle. When it is necessary to supply high-temperature steam to the cooking chamber, the steam generator is activated, and the baffle is pushed by the high-temperature steam flowing through it to rotate relative to the steam port, thereby causing the steam entering the cooking chamber from the steam port to form turbulence, improving the uniformity of the temperature field in the cooking chamber. Moreover, the power for the rotation of the baffle relative to the steam port comes from the high-temperature steam, rather than being actively driven by a motor or other driving components, thus reducing costs to a certain extent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to cooking equipment and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Steam ovens and steam cookers primarily consist of a steam generator. The steam generated by the steam generator fills the cooking cavity and cooks the food. A steam generator is a device that rapidly heats water to form high-temperature steam. As the water instantly transforms into high-temperature steam, the pressure in the surrounding space increases dramatically. Therefore, when the high-temperature steam generated by the steam generator is introduced into the cooking cavity, steam jetting occurs, resulting in an uneven temperature distribution within the cooking cavity. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention addresses the problem of uneven temperature field distribution in the cooking cavity by proposing a cooking device and its control method to improve the uniformity of temperature field distribution in the cooking cavity.

[0004] A cooking appliance, comprising:

[0005] The main body of the equipment includes a cooking chamber, and the walls of the cooking chamber are provided with steam vents.

[0006] A steam generator, wherein the steam outlet of the steam generator is connected to the steam port;

[0007] A flow deflector is rotatably disposed at the steam inlet, and the flow deflector is configured to rotate relative to the steam inlet in control of the airflow passing through the flow deflector.

[0008] The above solution provides a cooking device in which, when high-temperature steam needs to be supplied to the cooking chamber, the steam generator is activated, and the baffle is pushed by the flowing high-temperature steam to rotate relative to the steam inlet. This causes the steam entering the cooking chamber from the steam inlet to form turbulence, improving the uniformity of the temperature field in the cooking chamber. Moreover, the power for the rotation of the baffle relative to the steam inlet comes from the high-temperature steam, rather than being actively driven by a motor or other driving components, thereby reducing costs to some extent.

[0009] In one embodiment, the baffle includes a rotating fan blade, the rotating fan blade is provided with a housing, the rotating fan blade is rotatably disposed in the air passage surrounded by the housing, the housing is assembled at the steam port, and the air passage is connected to the steam outlet of the steam generator and the cooking chamber.

[0010] In one embodiment, the housing is provided with support frames at both ends, and high-temperature steam can pass through the two support frames in sequence. The two ends of the rotating fan blade shaft are respectively inserted into the two support frames, and the rotating fan blade shaft is rotatable relative to the support frames.

[0011] In one embodiment, one of the support brackets is located inside the cooking cavity, and the outer periphery of the support bracket is circular, with the outer diameter of the support bracket being larger than the diameter of the steam vent.

[0012] In one embodiment, the axial length of the rotating fan blade is greater than the outer diameter of the rotating fan blade.

[0013] In one embodiment, the housing is a cylindrical structure, and the housing is arranged coaxially with the rotating fan blades;

[0014] And / or, the housing is threaded into the portion of the device body that forms the steam port.

[0015] In one embodiment, the steam generator has a water inlet, a heating element, a cast aluminum block, and a temperature detection element. A water passage is formed in the cast aluminum block, and the water passage is connected to both the water inlet and the steam outlet. The heating element is used to heat the fluid in the water passage, and the temperature detection element is used to detect the temperature of the fluid in the water passage.

[0016] In one embodiment, the cooking cavity has an opening formed on the front wall of the cooking cavity, and a steam vent formed on the left or right wall of the cooking cavity, wherein the distance between the steam vent and the rear wall of the cooking cavity is less than the distance between the steam vent and the opening of the cooking cavity.

[0017] A method for controlling a cooking device, wherein the cooking device is as described above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0018] Obtain the current ambient temperature T1 inside the cooking cavity;

[0019] When the ambient temperature T1 is not greater than the preset temperature Tm, the operating temperature of the steam generator is controlled to be the first operating temperature T21.

[0020] When the ambient temperature T1 is greater than the preset temperature Tm, the operating temperature of the steam generator is controlled to be the second operating temperature T22.

[0021] The second working temperature T22 is greater than the first working temperature T21, and the preset temperature Tm is less than the target temperature T that needs to be reached in the cooking cavity.

[0022] The above solution provides a control method for a cooking device, mainly used to control the cooking device described in any of the above embodiments. As the cooking process proceeds, the ambient temperature T1 in the cooking chamber gradually increases. When the ambient temperature T1 is not greater than the preset temperature Tm, the steam generator operates at a lower temperature T21. When the ambient temperature T1 is greater than the preset temperature Tm, the steam generator operates at a higher temperature T22. In other words, when the temperature in the cooking chamber is close to the target temperature T, the operating temperature of the steam generator increases, causing the pressure generated by the instantaneous vaporization of water to increase. This, in turn, increases the rotational speed of the turbulence-inducing component, thereby improving the turbulence effect and increasing the gas heat transfer efficiency in various parts of the cooking chamber, ensuring the uniformity of the temperature field in the cooking chamber.

[0023] In one embodiment, both the first operating temperature T21 and the second operating temperature T22 are greater than the target temperature T. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cooking equipment described in this embodiment;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cooking equipment described in this embodiment from another perspective;

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the turbulence component described in this embodiment;

[0029] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the aerodynamic component shown;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the aerodynamic component described in this embodiment;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the steam generator described in this embodiment;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the control method for the cooking equipment described in this embodiment.

[0033] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0034] 10. Cooking equipment; 11. Equipment body; 111. Cooking cavity; 112. Inner liner; 12. Baffle assembly; 121. Baffle component; 122. Shell; 1221. Air passage; 123. Support frame; 13. Steam generator; 131. Steam outlet; 132. Water inlet; 133. Heating element; 134. Cast aluminum block; 135. Temperature detection component. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0036] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, a cooking device 10 is provided, comprising:

[0037] The equipment body 11 has a cooking cavity 111, and the cavity wall of the cooking cavity 111 is provided with a steam port;

[0038] Steam generator 13, the steam outlet 131 of the steam generator 13 is connected to the steam port.

[0039] The steam generator 13 is used to supply high-temperature steam to the cooking chamber 111, thereby raising the temperature in the cooking chamber 111 and cooking food.

[0040] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cooking device 10 also includes a baffle 121, which is rotatably disposed at the steam vent and configured to rotate relative to the steam vent under the control of the airflow passing through it.

[0041] When high-temperature steam needs to be supplied to the cooking cavity 111, the steam generator 13 is activated. The baffle 121 is pushed by the flowing high-temperature steam and rotates relative to the steam inlet, thereby creating turbulence in the high-temperature steam entering the cooking cavity 111 from the steam inlet and improving the uniformity of the temperature field in the cooking cavity 111. Moreover, the power for the rotation of the baffle 121 relative to the steam inlet comes from the high-temperature steam, rather than being actively driven by a motor or other drive components, thus reducing costs to some extent.

[0042] Specifically, such as Figures 3 to 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the airflow spoiler 121 includes a rotating fan blade, and a housing 122 is provided outside the rotating fan blade. The rotating fan blade is rotatably disposed in the air passage 1221 surrounded by the housing 122. Figure 1 As shown, the housing 122 is assembled at the steam port, and the air passage 1221 is connected to the steam outlet 131 of the steam generator 13 and the cooking chamber 111.

[0043] The high-temperature steam generated by the steam generator 13 flows through the air passage 1221 and enters the cooking chamber 111. When the high-temperature steam flows through the air passage 1221, it drives the rotating fan blades to rotate relative to the housing 122, forming turbulence in the cooking chamber 111.

[0044] The housing 122 is fixedly arranged relative to the steam inlet, and the rotating fan blades rotate relative to the housing 122, thereby indirectly demonstrating that the rotating fan blades are rotatably arranged relative to the steam inlet.

[0045] Of course, alternatively, in some other embodiments, the baffle 121 may also be directly rotatably connected to the main body of the device 11, so that the baffle 121 can rotate at the steam port.

[0046] More specifically, in one embodiment, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, both ends of the housing 122 are provided with support frames 123. High-temperature steam can pass through the two support frames 123 in sequence. The two ends of the rotating shaft of the rotating fan blade are respectively inserted into the two support frames 123, and the rotating shaft of the rotating fan blade is rotatable relative to the support frame 123.

[0047] The high-temperature steam generated by the steam generator 13 passes sequentially through one of the support frames 123, the rotating fan blade, and the other support frame 123, in which process the rotating fan blade rotates relative to the support frame 123.

[0048] The rotating fan blades, the housing 122, and the two support frames 123 constitute the aerodynamic component 12, such as Figure 1 As shown, this turbulence-disrupting component 12 is arranged at the steam inlet.

[0049] Specifically, in one embodiment, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the housing 122 is a cylindrical structure, and the housing 122 is arranged coaxially with the rotating fan blade.

[0050] like Figure 3As shown, the housing 122 is threadedly engaged with the portion of the equipment body 11 that forms the steam port. During assembly, the turbulence-disrupting component 12 can be screwed onto the equipment body 11.

[0051] Optionally, the portion of the housing 122 that forms the steam port in the main body of the device 11 can also be connected by other means such as snap-fit ​​or plug-in.

[0052] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, one of the support frames 123 is located within the cooking chamber 111, and the outer periphery of this support frame 123 is circular, with its outer diameter larger than the diameter of the steam inlet. The support frame 123 located within the cooking chamber 111 defines the mounting position of the airflow-disrupting assembly 12 on the device body 11. This support frame 123 can abut against the cavity wall of the cooking chamber 111, restricting the airflow-disrupting assembly 12 from further moving out of the cooking chamber 111.

[0053] More specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the end of the turbulence assembly 12 that is away from the cooking chamber 111 is connected to the steam outlet of the steam generator 13 via a hose.

[0054] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the axial length of the rotating fan blade is greater than its outer diameter. Since the rotational power of the fan blade comes from the flowing high-temperature steam, the fan blade is designed with an axial length greater than its outer diameter. This makes the fan blade easier to be propelled by the high-temperature steam, resulting in turbulent flow of the steam and minimal kinetic energy loss as the steam flows over the fan blade.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the blades of the rotating fan blade are similar to DNA helical blades, and multiple blades are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the axis of rotation of the rotating fan blade.

[0056] like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment, the steam generator 13 has a water inlet 132, a heating element 133, a cast aluminum block 134, and a temperature detection element 135. A water passage is formed in the cast aluminum block 134, and the water passage is connected to both the water inlet 132 and the steam outlet 131. The heating element 133 is used to heat the fluid in the water passage, and the temperature detection element 135 is used to detect the temperature of the fluid in the water passage.

[0057] Water enters the water passage through the inlet 132, is instantly heated into high-temperature steam by the heating element 133, and flows into the cooking chamber 111. During this process, the turbulence-disrupting element 121 is driven to rotate by the high-temperature steam, causing the high-temperature steam entering the cooking chamber 111 to form turbulence.

[0058] The temperature detection element 135 obtains the fluid temperature in the water passage, which on the one hand ensures that the heat provided by the heating tube 133 can turn the water into high-temperature steam instantly, and on the other hand can also be used to help control the operating temperature of the steam generator 13.

[0059] Specifically, in the control method of the cooking device 10 described later, it is necessary to control the operating temperature of the steam generator 13, and the temperature detection element 135 can participate in assisting in controlling this operating temperature.

[0060] Specifically, such as Figure 2 As shown, the main body 11 of the device includes an inner liner 112, and the cooking cavity 111 is formed within the inner liner 112. The steam generator 13 is located outside the inner liner 112, and the steam outlet 131 of the steam generator 13 is provided with a flexible hose, which communicates with the steam outlet. It should be noted that the connection between the flexible hose and the steam outlet can be direct or indirect.

[0061] More specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the steam generator 13 is located behind the inner liner 112. The steam port is formed on the left or right side wall of the inner liner 112.

[0062] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the opening of the cooking cavity 111 is formed on the front side wall of the inner pot 112, and the side wall opposite to the front side wall is the rear side wall of the inner pot 112. The two side walls connecting the front side wall and the rear side wall of the inner pot are the left side wall and the right side wall, respectively.

[0063] Furthermore, such as Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the cooking cavity 111 has an opening formed on the front wall of the cooking cavity 111, and a steam vent formed on the left or right wall of the cooking cavity 111. The distance between the steam vent and the rear wall of the cooking cavity 111 is less than the distance between the steam vent and the opening of the cooking cavity 111. High-temperature steam discharged from the steam vent first enters a position in the cooking cavity 111 farther from the opening, and then gradually fills the entire cooking cavity 111.

[0064] Specifically, such as Figure 1As shown, the steam vent is formed on the left side wall of the cooking cavity, away from the edge of the opening.

[0065] Alternatively, the steam vent is formed on the right side wall of the cooking cavity, away from the edge of the opening.

[0066] Furthermore, the cooking device 10 also includes a door (not shown in the figure), which is openable and closable at the opening of the cooking cavity 111.

[0067] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 As shown, in another embodiment, a control method for a cooking device 10 is provided, wherein the cooking device 10 is the cooking device 10 described above, and the control method includes the following steps:

[0068] Obtain the current ambient temperature T1 inside the cooking cavity 111;

[0069] When the ambient temperature T1 is not greater than the preset temperature Tm, the operating temperature of the steam generator 13 is controlled to be the first operating temperature T21.

[0070] When the ambient temperature T1 is greater than the preset temperature Tm, the operating temperature of the steam generator 13 is controlled to be the second operating temperature T22.

[0071] The second working temperature T22 is greater than the first working temperature T21, and the preset temperature Tm is less than the target temperature T that needs to be reached in the cooking cavity 111.

[0072] The above-described control method for a cooking device 10 is mainly used to control the cooking device 10 described in any of the above embodiments. As the cooking process proceeds, the ambient temperature T1 in the cooking chamber 111 gradually increases. When the ambient temperature T1 is not greater than the preset temperature Tm, the steam generator 13 operates at a lower temperature T21. When the ambient temperature T1 is greater than the preset temperature Tm, the steam generator 13 operates at a higher temperature T22. In other words, when the temperature in the cooking chamber 111 is close to the target temperature T, the operating temperature of the steam generator 13 increases, increasing the pressure caused by the instantaneous vaporization of water. This, in turn, increases the rotational speed of the turbulence-inducing component 121, thereby improving the turbulence effect and increasing the gas heat transfer efficiency in various parts of the cooking chamber 111, ensuring the uniformity of the temperature field in the cooking chamber 111.

[0073] Specifically, in some embodiments, the target temperature T is primarily derived from a user-defined temperature.

[0074] Specifically, such as Figure 7 As shown, in one embodiment, the control method of the cooking device 10 includes the following steps:

[0075] Obtain the current ambient temperature T1 inside the cooking cavity 111;

[0076] Determine the magnitude relationship between the ambient temperature T1 and the preset temperature Tm;

[0077] When the ambient temperature T1 is not greater than the preset temperature Tm, the operating temperature of the steam generator 13 is controlled to be the first operating temperature T21.

[0078] When the ambient temperature T1 is greater than the preset temperature Tm, the operating temperature of the steam generator 13 is controlled to be the second operating temperature T22.

[0079] The second working temperature T22 is greater than the first working temperature T21, and the preset temperature Tm is less than the target temperature T that needs to be reached in the cooking cavity 111.

[0080] Furthermore, in one embodiment, both the first operating temperature T21 and the second operating temperature T22 are greater than the target temperature T.

[0081] This can be understood as follows: in order to raise the temperature in the cooking cavity 111 to the target temperature T, it is necessary to continuously supply high-temperature steam with a temperature higher than the target temperature T into the cooking cavity 111. Through heat transfer, the temperature in the cooking cavity 111 gradually approaches the target temperature until it reaches the target temperature T.

[0082] 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 do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0083] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0084] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0085] 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.

[0086] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0087] 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.

[0088] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cooking device, characterized in that, include: The main body of the equipment includes a cooking chamber, and the walls of the cooking chamber are provided with steam vents. A steam generator, wherein the steam outlet of the steam generator is connected to the steam port; A flow deflector is rotatably disposed at the steam inlet, and the flow deflector is configured to rotate relative to the steam inlet in control of the airflow passing through the flow deflector; The steam generator has a water inlet, a heating element, a cast aluminum block, and a temperature detection element. A water passage is formed in the cast aluminum block, and the water passage is connected to both the water inlet and the steam outlet. The heating element is used to heat the fluid in the water passage, and the temperature detection element is used to detect the temperature of the fluid in the water passage and obtain the current ambient temperature T1 inside the cooking cavity. When the ambient temperature T1 is not greater than the preset temperature Tm, the steam generator operates at a first operating temperature T21. When the ambient temperature T1 is greater than the preset temperature Tm, the steam generator operates at a second operating temperature T22, which is greater than the first operating temperature T21.

2. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airflow deflector includes a rotating fan blade, which is surrounded by a housing. The rotating fan blade is rotatably disposed in the air passage enclosed by the housing. The housing is assembled at the steam inlet. The air passage is connected to the steam outlet of the steam generator and the cooking chamber.

3. The cooking apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, Both ends of the housing are provided with support frames, and high-temperature steam can pass through the two support frames in sequence. The two ends of the rotating fan blade shaft are respectively inserted into the two support frames, and the rotating fan blade shaft is rotatable relative to the support frames.

4. The cooking apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, One of the support brackets is located inside the cooking cavity, and the outer circumference of this support bracket is circular, with the outer diameter of this support bracket being larger than the diameter of the steam vent.

5. The cooking apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The axial length of the rotating fan blade is greater than the outer diameter of the rotating fan blade.

6. The cooking apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing is a cylindrical structure, and the housing is arranged coaxially with the rotating fan blades. And / or, the housing is threaded into the portion of the device body that forms the steam port.

7. The cooking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The cooking cavity has an opening formed on the front wall of the cooking cavity, and a steam vent formed on the left or right wall of the cooking cavity. The distance between the steam vent and the rear wall of the cooking cavity is less than the distance between the steam vent and the opening of the cooking cavity.

8. A method for controlling a cooking device, characterized in that, The cooking device is the cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and the control method includes the following steps: Obtain the current ambient temperature T1 inside the cooking cavity; When the ambient temperature T1 is not greater than the preset temperature Tm, the operating temperature of the steam generator is controlled to be the first operating temperature T21. When the ambient temperature T1 is greater than the preset temperature Tm, the operating temperature of the steam generator is controlled to be the second operating temperature T22. The second working temperature T22 is greater than the first working temperature T21, and the preset temperature Tm is less than the target temperature T that needs to be reached in the cooking cavity.

9. The control method for the cooking equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that, Both the first operating temperature T21 and the second operating temperature T22 are greater than the target temperature T.

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