Boil detection method for a cooking appliance and cooking appliance

Abstract

The application discloses a boiling detection method for a cooking utensil and the cooking utensil, and the detection method comprises the following steps: when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches a first preset temperature T1, the heating device is controlled to periodically heat the inner pot in a first heating mode, the first heating mode comprises heating for a first predetermined time t1 and stopping heating for a second predetermined time t2; whether the inner pot is boiling completely is determined according to the size relationship between a first temperature difference K n‑1 of the first period in the adjacent period and a second temperature difference K n of the second period. The boiling detection method of the application can accurately and quickly determine whether the inner pot is boiling completely by detecting the steam temperature change in the steam passage, for the cooking utensil in which the temperature sensor cannot be directly arranged above the inner pot.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cooking appliances, and more particularly to a boiling detection method for cooking appliances and cooking appliances. Background Technology

[0002] Existing rice cookers typically mount temperature probes on the top cover, directly above the inner pot, to directly detect the temperature of the food and steam inside. However, since the boiling point of water varies depending on the altitude at which the cooking appliance is used, directly measuring the temperature of the food / steam in the inner pot to quickly determine boiling is not accurate enough. Furthermore, accurately and quickly determining the boiling point requires complex algorithms, which is quite challenging.

[0003] Therefore, this application proposes a boiling detection method and a cooking appliance for cooking, in order to at least partially solve the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The summary section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed embodiments section. The summary section of this invention is not intended to limit the key features and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0005] To at least partially solve the above problems, the present invention provides a boiling detection method for a cooking appliance, the cooking appliance comprising:

[0006] A pot body, wherein an inner pot is provided in the pot body;

[0007] A lid, which is used to cover the pot body and form a cooking space between the lower side of the lid and the inner pot;

[0008] A steam passage, when the lid is closed, connects the cooking space to the outside.

[0009] A temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature within the steam passage and generate a temperature signal;

[0010] Heating device, the heating device being used to heat the inner pot, and

[0011] A controller, which is electrically connected to the temperature sensor and the heating device, to perform heating control based on the temperature signal;

[0012] The detection method includes:

[0013] When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches the first preset temperature T1, the heating device is controlled to heat the inner pot in a first heating mode in a cycle. The first heating mode is to heat for a first predetermined time t1 and stop heating for a second predetermined time t2.

[0014] Based on the first temperature difference K in the first cycle of the adjacent cycles n-1 The second temperature difference K with the second cycle n The size relationship is used to determine whether the inner pot has boiled completely.

[0015] For cooking appliances where the temperature sensor cannot be directly placed above the inner pot, the boiling detection method of the present invention can accurately and quickly determine whether the inner pot has boiled completely by detecting the change in steam temperature in the steam channel. It also avoids the inaccuracy of directly judging whether boiling has occurred, or even whether boiling is complete, based on the temperature of the food / steam in the inner pot.

[0016] Preferably, the first cycle precedes the second cycle, if the second temperature difference K n Less than or equal to the first temperature difference K n-1 The boiling in the inner pot is determined to be complete.

[0017] Preferably, the first temperature difference K n-1 The second temperature difference K is the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures in the first cycle. n This is the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures in the second cycle.

[0018] It is understandable that when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches the first preset temperature T1, it indicates that the boiling state is approaching but has not yet been reached. At this time, the inner pot is periodically heated using the first heating method. After the inner pot generates steam, it enters the steam channel and passes through the temperature sensor. In each cycle, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor will rapidly rise to a maximum temperature value M. n When heating stops, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor begins to drop until it reaches a minimum temperature value N. n Therefore, the temperature difference within one cycle is K = M. n -N nAs heating continues, the steam temperature rises at an increasing rate as it transitions from the initial boiling stage (defined as the "small boiling" stage) to the intermediate boiling stage (defined as the "medium boiling" stage). With each heating cycle, the temperature difference K increases. Then, from the "medium boiling" stage to the full boiling stage (defined as the "large boiling" stage), the rate of temperature increase decreases, and the temperature sensor itself is also heated by the steam over time, causing its temperature to rise. Therefore, with each cycle, the temperature difference K decreases. Thus, when the second temperature difference K in the second cycle (the subsequent cycle)... n The first temperature difference K is less than or equal to the first temperature difference value of the first cycle (the previous cycle). n-1 The inner pot is judged to be fully boiling, that is, in the "high boiling" stage.

[0019] Preferably, the first predetermined duration t1 is in the range of 4s≤t1≤30s, and the second predetermined duration t2 is in the range of 10s≤t2≤60s.

[0020] Therefore, by periodically heating intermittently, it is possible to accurately determine whether boiling is complete based on the change in temperature difference between adjacent cycles.

[0021] Preferably, the first preset temperature T1 is in the range of 75℃≤T1<90℃.

[0022] In another aspect, the present invention provides a cooking utensil, comprising:

[0023] A pot body, wherein an inner pot is provided in the pot body;

[0024] A lid, which is used to cover the pot body and form a cooking space between the lower side of the lid and the inner pot;

[0025] A steam passage, when the lid is closed, connects the cooking space to the outside.

[0026] A temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature within the steam passage and generate a temperature signal;

[0027] Heating device, the heating device being used to heat the inner pot, and

[0028] The controller is electrically connected to the temperature sensor and the heating device.

[0029] The controller controls the cooking appliance to perform the steps of the method described in any of the above embodiments.

[0030] For cooking appliances where the temperature sensor cannot be directly placed above the inner pot, the boiling detection method of the present invention can accurately and quickly determine whether the inner pot has boiled completely by detecting the change in steam temperature in the steam channel. It also avoids the inaccuracy of directly judging whether boiling has occurred, or even whether boiling is complete, based on the temperature of the food / steam in the inner pot.

[0031] Preferably, the temperature sensor is disposed in the steam channel.

[0032] This allows for sensitive detection of temperature changes in the steam within the steam channel. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The following drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present invention, are incorporated herein by reference as part of the invention and are used to understand the invention. The drawings show embodiments of the invention and their descriptions to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings,

[0034] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a boiling detection method for a cooking appliance according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0035] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described in order to avoid confusion with embodiments of the invention.

[0036] To fully understand the embodiments of the present invention, detailed structures will be presented in the following description. Obviously, the implementation of the embodiments of the present invention is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below; however, in addition to these detailed descriptions, the present invention may have other embodiments.

[0037] This invention provides a cooking appliance, which can be a rice cooker or other electric heating appliance. Furthermore, in addition to cooking rice, the cooking appliance can also have other functions such as cooking porridge and soup.

[0038] The cooking utensil involved in this embodiment can adopt various structures. The cooking utensil generally includes a pot body and a lid. The pot body can be generally rounded rectangular, generally cylindrical, or any other suitable shape. An inner pot, generally cylindrical or any other suitable shape, is provided inside the pot body. The inner pot can be freely placed in or removed from the inner pot storage section of the pot body for easy cleaning. The inner pot is used to store food to be cooked, such as rice or soup. The top of the inner pot has a top opening. The user can store food to be cooked in the inner pot through the top opening, or remove cooked food from the inner pot through the top opening.

[0039] The shape of the lid substantially corresponds to the shape of the pot body. For example, the lid can be a rounded cuboid shape. The lid is mounted on the pot body in an openable and closable manner to cover the entire top of the pot body or at least the inner pot. Specifically, in this embodiment, the lid can be pivotally mounted above the pot body, for example, by means of a hinge, between a maximum open position and a closed position. When the lid is closed on the pot body, a cooking space is formed between the lid and the pot body (specifically, with the inner pot of the pot body).

[0040] In this embodiment, the lid may include a top cover, an inner liner, and a removable cover. The inner liner has high strength, providing support, and functional components such as sensing elements and pressure control elements can be integrated into it, keeping the cooking appliance's structure compact. The top cover covers the outer side of the inner liner, protecting the liner and its components, while also contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal of the lid.

[0041] A steam valve can also be installed on the lid. The steam valve has a through steam channel. When the lid is closed, the cooking space can be connected to the outside world, such as the outside atmosphere, through the steam channel.

[0042] The cooking appliance in this embodiment is also equipped with a heating device. The heating device is disposed within the pot body and can heat the inner pot from the bottom and / or sides. The heating device can be an electric heating element or an induction heating device such as an electromagnetic coil. In a structure where the cooking appliance includes a detachable base, the heating device can also be disposed within the base of the cooking appliance.

[0043] The cooking appliance of the present invention also includes a top temperature sensor. Due to the limitations of the cover structure, the top temperature sensor can be installed in the steam channel to detect the temperature of the steam within the steam channel in real time. The temperature sensor can be a temperature probe. The temperature probe can be a thermistor, such as an NTC thermistor or a PTC thermistor. The temperature sensor can be connected to the controller of the cooking appliance (e.g., a main control chip) to feed back the sensed temperature signal to the main control chip after sensing the temperature within the steam channel, thereby enabling the main control chip to achieve more precise control of the cooking process based on the temperature signal. Additionally, the cooking appliance may also include a power board for supplying power to the controller, etc.

[0044] The present invention also provides a method for detecting boiling in cooking appliances, for example... Figure 1 As shown, it includes:

[0045] When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches the first preset temperature T1, the heating device is controlled to heat the inner pot in a first heating mode in a cycle. The first heating mode is to heat for a first predetermined time t1 and stop heating for a second predetermined time t2.

[0046] Based on the first temperature difference K in the first cycle of the adjacent cycles n-1 The second temperature difference K with the second cycle n The size relationship can be used to determine whether the water in the inner pot has boiled completely.

[0047] The first predetermined duration t1 can be in the range of 4s ≤ t1 ≤ 30s, and the second predetermined duration t2 can be in the range of 10s ≤ t2 ≤ 60s. In this embodiment, the first heating method can be heating for 10s and stopping heating for 20s. The first preset temperature T1 can be in the range of 75℃ ≤ T1 < 90℃. The first preset temperature T1 is preferably set to 80℃.

[0048] More specifically, the first cycle precedes the second cycle, if a second temperature difference K occurs. n Less than or equal to the first temperature difference K n-1 The boiling in the inner pot is determined to be complete. Among these, the first temperature difference value K... n-1 The difference between the highest and lowest temperatures in the first cycle, and the second temperature difference K. n This is the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures in the second cycle.

[0049] It is understandable that when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches the first preset temperature T1 (e.g., 80℃), it indicates that the temperature is approaching but has not yet reached the boiling state. At this time, the inner pot is heated cyclically using the first heating method. After the inner pot generates steam, it enters the steam channel and passes through the temperature sensor. In each cycle, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor will rapidly rise to a maximum temperature value M. n When heating stops, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor begins to drop until it reaches a minimum temperature value N. n Therefore, the temperature difference within one cycle is K = M. n -N n As heating continues, the steam temperature rises at an increasing rate as it transitions from the initial boiling stage (defined as the "small boiling" stage) to the intermediate boiling stage (defined as the "medium boiling" stage). With each heating cycle, the temperature difference K increases. Then, from the "medium boiling" stage to the full boiling stage (defined as the "large boiling" stage), the rate of temperature increase decreases, and the temperature sensor itself is also heated by the steam over time, causing its temperature to rise. Therefore, with each cycle, the temperature difference K decreases. Thus, when the second cycle (the subsequent cycle) occurs, the second temperature difference K... n The first temperature difference K is less than or equal to the first temperature difference value of the first cycle (the previous cycle). n-1 The inner pot is judged to be fully boiling, that is, in the "high boiling" stage.

[0050] For cooking appliances where the temperature sensor cannot be directly placed above the inner pot, the boiling detection method of the present invention can accurately and quickly determine whether the inner pot has boiled completely by detecting the change in steam temperature in the steam channel. It also avoids the inaccuracy of directly judging whether boiling has occurred, or even whether boiling is complete, based on the temperature of the food / steam in the inner pot.

[0051] The processes described in all the preferred embodiments above are merely examples. Unless adverse effects occur, various processing operations can be performed in a different order than those described above. The order of steps in the above processes can also be added, combined, or deleted according to actual needs.

[0052] Furthermore, the commands, command numbers, and data items described in all the preferred embodiments above are merely examples; therefore, these commands, command numbers, and data items can be set in any way, as long as the same function is achieved. The units of the terminal in each preferred embodiment can also be integrated, further divided, or reduced according to actual needs.

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit the invention. Terms such as “component” as used herein may refer to a single part or a combination of multiple parts. Terms such as “installation” or “installation” as used herein may refer to a component being directly attached to another component or a component being attached to another component via an intermediary. A feature described in one embodiment herein may be applied, alone or in combination with other features, to another embodiment, unless that feature is not applicable in that other embodiment or is otherwise stated.

[0054] The present invention has been described through the above embodiments; however, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention to the described embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that many variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of the present invention, and all such variations and modifications fall within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for detecting boiling in cooking appliances, characterized in that, The cooking appliance includes: A pot body, wherein an inner pot is provided in the pot body; A lid, which is used to cover the pot body and form a cooking space between the lower side of the lid and the inner pot; A steam passage, when the lid is closed, connects the cooking space to the outside. A temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature within the steam passage and generate a temperature signal; Heating device, the heating device being used to heat the inner pot, and A controller, which is electrically connected to the temperature sensor and the heating device, to perform heating control based on the temperature signal; The detection method includes: When the temperature detected by the temperature sensor reaches the first preset temperature T1, the heating device is controlled to heat the inner pot in a first heating mode in a cycle. The first heating mode is to heat for a first predetermined time t1 and stop heating for a second predetermined time t2. Based on the first temperature difference K in the first cycle of the adjacent cycles n-1 The second temperature difference K with the second cycle n The size relationship is used to determine whether the water in the inner pot has boiled completely. The first cycle precedes the second cycle, if the second temperature difference K n Less than or equal to the first temperature difference K n-1 It is determined that the water in the inner pot has boiled completely. The first temperature difference K n-1 The second temperature difference K is the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures in the first cycle. n This is the difference between the highest and lowest temperatures in the second cycle.

2. The boiling detection method for cooking appliances according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first predetermined duration t1 has a value range of 4s≤t1≤30s, and the second predetermined duration t2 has a value range of 10s≤t2≤60s.

3. The boiling detection method for cooking appliances according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first preset temperature T1 has a range of values: 75℃≤T1<90℃.

4. A cooking utensil, characterized in that, include: A pot body, wherein an inner pot is provided in the pot body; A lid, which is used to cover the pot body and form a cooking space between the lower side of the lid and the inner pot; A steam passage, when the lid is closed, connects the cooking space to the outside. A temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature within the steam passage and generate a temperature signal; Heating device, the heating device being used to heat the inner pot, and A controller electrically connected to the temperature sensor and the heating device, the controller controlling the cooking appliance to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The cooking utensil according to claim 4, characterized in that, The temperature sensor is located in the steam channel.

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