Cooking appliances and methods for controlling their steam generation, computer-readable storage media

Abstract

This invention discloses a cooking appliance and its steam generation control method, as well as a computer-readable storage medium. The cooking appliance includes a water inlet component and a heating component. The water inlet component supplies water to the heating component, which heats the water to generate steam. The steam generation control method includes the following steps: controlling the operation of the water inlet component and the heating component, and detecting the temperature of the heating component; adjusting the water inlet flow rate of the water inlet component based on the temperature of the heating component, so that the amount of steam generated by the heating component is equivalent to the amount of water inlet flow rate of the water inlet component. Therefore, this steam generation control method can generate steam quickly and continuously, ensuring the cooking effect while saving costs and improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of home appliance technology, and in particular to a steam generation control method for a cooking appliance, a computer-readable storage medium, and a cooking appliance. Background Technology

[0002] A steam cooker or electric steamer is a household appliance developed based on traditional wooden or aluminum steamers. It uses electric heating to directly steam various foods, thus cooking them. Related technologies for electric steam cookers or electric steamers either require a steam generator to produce steam or a heating plate to heat water until it boils and produces steam. Using a steam generator to produce steam is more expensive than using a heating plate, but conventional heating plates have the disadvantage of producing steam relatively slowly. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in related technologies. Therefore, one objective of this invention is to provide a steam generation control method for a cooking appliance that can generate steam quickly and continuously, ensuring the cooking effect while saving costs and improving the user experience.

[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 cooking utensil.

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

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling steam generation in a cooking appliance. The cooking appliance includes a water inlet assembly and a heating assembly. The water inlet assembly provides water to be heated to the heating assembly, and the heating assembly heats the water to generate steam. The method includes the following steps: controlling the water inlet assembly and the heating assembly to operate, and detecting the temperature of the heating assembly; adjusting the water inlet flow rate of the water inlet assembly according to the temperature of the heating assembly, so that the amount of steam generated by the heating assembly is equivalent to the amount of water inlet flow rate of the water inlet assembly.

[0008] The cooking appliance in this embodiment of the invention includes a water inlet component and a heating component. The water inlet component provides water to be heated to the heating component, which heats the water to generate steam. The steam generation control method of this cooking appliance includes the following steps: controlling the operation of the water inlet component and the heating component, detecting the temperature of the heating component, and then adjusting the water inlet flow rate of the water inlet component according to the temperature of the heating component, so that the amount of steam generated by the heating component is equivalent to the amount of water discharged by the water inlet component. Therefore, the steam generation control method of this cooking appliance can generate steam quickly and continuously, while ensuring the cooking effect of the food, saving costs, and improving the user experience.

[0009] In some examples of the present invention, controlling the water inlet component and the heating component to operate includes: controlling the water inlet component to operate so as to provide a first preset amount of water to be heated to the heating component, then controlling the water inlet component to stop operating and controlling the heating component to operate.

[0010] In some examples of the present invention, when it is determined that the cooking appliance is not cooking for the first time, controlling the water inlet component and the heating component to operate includes: controlling the water inlet component and the heating component to operate simultaneously, and after the water inlet component provides a first preset amount of water to be heated to the heating component, controlling the water inlet component to stop operating, and controlling the heating component to continue operating.

[0011] In some examples of the present invention, adjusting the water inlet flow rate of the water inlet component according to the temperature of the heating component includes: determining the temperature of the heating component; when the temperature of the heating component is greater than a first preset temperature, controlling the water inlet component to operate to increase the water inlet flow rate; and when the temperature of the heating component is less than a second preset temperature, controlling the water inlet component to stop operating to reduce the water inlet flow rate, wherein the second preset temperature is less than the first preset temperature.

[0012] In some examples of the present invention, adjusting the water inlet flow rate of the water inlet component according to the temperature of the heating component includes: determining the temperature of the heating component; increasing the water inlet flow rate of the water inlet component to increase the water inlet flow rate when the temperature of the heating component is greater than a first preset temperature; and decreasing the water inlet flow rate of the water inlet component to decrease the water inlet flow rate when the temperature of the heating component is less than a second preset temperature, wherein the second preset temperature is less than the first preset temperature.

[0013] In some examples of the present invention, the amount of steam generated by the heating component per unit time is positively correlated with the power of the heating component.

[0014] To achieve the above objectives, a second aspect of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a steam generation control program for a cooking appliance, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steam generation control method for the cooking appliance as described in the above embodiments.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium allows a processor to execute a steam generation control program for a cooking appliance stored on the storage medium, which can generate steam quickly and continuously, ensuring the cooking effect of the ingredients while saving costs and improving the user experience.

[0016] To achieve the above objectives, a third aspect of the present invention provides a cooking appliance, which includes a memory, a processor, and a steam generation control program for the cooking appliance stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the steam generation control program for the cooking appliance, it implements the steam generation control method for the cooking appliance as described in the above embodiments.

[0017] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the processor executes the steam generation control program of the cooking appliance stored in the memory, which can generate steam quickly and continuously, ensuring the cooking effect of the ingredients while saving costs and improving the user experience.

[0018] To achieve the above objectives, a fourth aspect of the present invention provides another cooking appliance, which includes a water inlet assembly, a heating assembly, and a control assembly. The water inlet assembly is used to supply water to be heated to the heating assembly, and the heating assembly is used to heat the water to generate steam. The control assembly is used to control the operation of the water inlet assembly and the heating assembly, and to detect the temperature of the heating assembly; and to adjust the water inlet flow rate of the water inlet assembly according to the temperature of the heating assembly, so that the amount of steam generated by the heating assembly is equivalent to the amount of water inlet flow rate of the water inlet assembly.

[0019] The cooking appliance in this embodiment of the invention includes a water inlet component, a heating component, and a control component. The water inlet component provides water to the heating component; the heating component heats the water to generate steam; and the control component controls the operation of the water inlet component and the heating component, detects the temperature of the heating component, and adjusts the water inlet flow rate based on the heating component's temperature, ensuring that the amount of steam generated by the heating component is roughly equivalent to the amount of water drained from the water inlet component. Therefore, this cooking appliance can generate steam quickly and continuously, ensuring optimal cooking results while saving costs and improving the user experience.

[0020] In some examples of the present invention, the water inlet assembly includes a water pump, wherein the control assembly controls the water pump to adjust the water inlet volume of the water inlet assembly.

[0021] In some examples of the invention, the heating assembly includes a heat pipe that is arranged in a curved shape.

[0022] In some examples of the invention, the heating assembly includes a heating plate, wherein the water to be heated completely covers the entire surface of the heating plate.

[0023] 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

[0024] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a method for controlling steam generation in a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a structural block diagram of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a method for controlling steam generation in a cooking appliance according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method for controlling the generation of steam by a cooking appliance according to another specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a structural block diagram of a cooking utensil according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a structural block diagram of another cooking utensil according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a structural block diagram of a cooking appliance according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] 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.

[0032] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, describes a cooking appliance and a method for controlling steam generation therefrom, as well as a computer-readable storage medium.

[0033] Figure 1This is a flowchart of a method for controlling the generation of steam by a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention proposes a method for controlling the generation of steam by a cooking appliance 10, wherein the cooking appliance 10 is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the device includes a water inlet assembly 11 and a heating assembly 12. The water inlet assembly 11 provides water to the heating assembly 12. It is understood that the water provided by the water inlet assembly 11 to the heating assembly 12 can be cold water (such as tap water) or water that has been preheated. If the water has been preheated, the heating assembly 12 can generate steam more quickly, thus further shortening the steam generation time. Furthermore, if the water provided by the water inlet assembly 11 is preheated during steam generation, it can further ensure the continuity of steam generation, thereby ensuring the cooking effect of the food. Additionally, it should be noted that in this embodiment, if the cooking appliance 10 is being filled with water for the first time, the water inlet assembly 11 can control the amount of water added according to the size and specifications of the heating assembly 12. For example, if the heating assembly 12 is a heating plate, the amount of water added by the water inlet assembly 11 only needs to completely cover the surface of the heating plate to ensure that the heating plate heats the minimum amount of water. This allows for maximum control of the water volume, minimizing the heating time of the heating plate and thus shortening the steam generation time.

[0035] The method for controlling the steam generation of the cooking appliance in this embodiment specifically includes the following steps:

[0036] S10: First, control the water inlet assembly 11 and the heating assembly 12 to work, and detect the current temperature of the heating assembly 12.

[0037] Specifically, in this embodiment, before generating steam, the cooking appliance 10 needs to control the operation of the water inlet component 11 and the heating component 12. That is, the water inlet component 11 needs to add water to be heated into the heating component 12. The method of water inlet 11 is not limited in this embodiment; it can be done by a water pump, a diversion device, etc. The water inlet volume of the water inlet component 11 is matched to the specifications of the heating component 12 to ensure that the heating component 12 can heat the minimum amount of water, preventing the heating component 12 from drying out. During operation, the current temperature of the heating component 12 needs to be constantly monitored to ensure its normal operation and to monitor whether the cooking appliance 10 can generate steam for cooking. In this embodiment, the temperature of the heating component 12 can be detected by installing a temperature sensor on the heating component 12, or by infrared thermometry. Other detection methods can also be used; this embodiment does not limit the method for detecting the temperature of the heating component 12.

[0038] S20, then adjust the amount of water added by the water inlet assembly 11 to the heating assembly 12 according to the detected current temperature of the heating assembly 12, so that the amount of steam generated by the heating assembly 12 and the amount of water added by the water inlet assembly 11 to the heating assembly 12 are the same.

[0039] First, it should be noted that, within a unit of time, the amount of steam generated by the heating component 12 in this embodiment and the operating power of the heating component 12 are positively correlated.

[0040] Specifically, the amount of heat required to heat X milliliters of water from 25 degrees Celsius to 100 degrees Celsius can be calculated using the specific heat capacity of water. The specific formula is: Required heat W = Specific heat capacity × Mass × Temperature difference, where the specific heat capacity of water is 4.2 × 10⁻⁶. 3 Joules per kilogram. Therefore, in this embodiment, the power of the heating element 12 can be assumed to be P. According to the law of conservation of energy, the time t required to theoretically heat X milliliters of water can be calculated as t = W / P. For example, using the formula described above, it can be seen that theoretically, it takes t = 19.6 seconds to continuously generate steam to heat 25 milliliters of standby hot water from 25 degrees Celsius to 100 degrees Celsius (in this embodiment, it is assumed that steam is continuously generated only after heating to 100 degrees Celsius). It can be understood that the greater the heating power of the heating element 12, the more steam it produces per unit time. Experiments show that the relationship between the power of the heating element 12 and the amount of steam is as shown in Table 1 below:

[0041] Table 1:

[0042]

[0043] Specifically, after detecting the temperature of the heating element 12, the amount of water added by the water inlet component 11 to the heating element 12 can be adjusted according to the temperature of the heating element 12. It can be understood that when the heating element 12 heats the water supplied by the water inlet component 11, it will generate steam when the heating temperature reaches a certain condition (e.g., 100 degrees Celsius), cooking the food placed above the water. During the cooking process, steam will escape into the air through the holes in the lid or the gap between the lid and the cooking appliance 10, causing water loss from the cooking appliance 10. Some steam will also condense on the lid of the cooking appliance 10, resulting in a reduction in the water to be heated in the heating element 12. Therefore, the amount of steam generated by the heating element 12 can be considered equivalent to the amount of water lost from the water to be heated. It can be understood that the higher the temperature, the faster the water evaporates, and therefore the greater the reduction in the amount of water to be heated. Therefore, during the operation of the heating component 12, the amount of water to be heated will decrease, and this decrease is related to the temperature. Therefore, the amount of water lost can be obtained by the current temperature of the heating component 12, thereby controlling the water inlet component 11 to replenish water so that the amount of steam generated by the heating component 12 is equivalent to the amount of water supplied by the water inlet component 11, ensuring that the cooking appliance can continuously and stably generate steam, thus ensuring the uniformity of steam cooking and improving the cooking effect.

[0044] In some embodiments of the present invention, controlling the operation of the water inlet assembly 11 and the heating assembly 12 disclosed in step S10 may include: controlling the operation of the water inlet assembly 11 to supply water to the heating assembly 12, and then, after the water inlet assembly 11 has supplied a first preset amount of water to the heating assembly 12 as water to be heated, the operation of the water inlet assembly 11 can be stopped, and the heating assembly 12 can be further controlled to perform heating.

[0045] Specifically, in this embodiment, the first preset water volume provided by the water inlet component 11 can be determined according to the specifications of the heating component 12. The specifications of the heating component 12 mainly refer to the area of ​​the heating plate containing water within the heating component 12. The larger the area, the larger the first preset water volume; the smaller the area, the smaller the first preset water volume. It should be noted that by adding the first preset water volume to the heating component 12, the heating plate in the heating component 12 can be completely covered, thereby preventing the heating component 12 from dry-burning and ensuring the service life of the cooking appliance. At the start of use, this embodiment first controls the water inlet component 11 to provide the first preset water volume to the heating component 12 as the water to be heated. Then, the water inlet component 11 is controlled to stop water supply, and the heating component 12 is controlled to heat the water to be heated, thereby generating steam to cook the food. In this embodiment, the heating component 12 can heat the water to be heated in various ways, and this embodiment of the invention does not limit this method.

[0046] In this embodiment, the water inlet assembly 11 provides the heating assembly 12 with a first preset amount of water to be heated. Specifically, this can be achieved by first obtaining the water flow rate in the water inlet assembly 11, and then controlling the water volume provided by the water inlet assembly 11 by controlling the opening time of the water inlet assembly 11. More specifically, an automatic valve can be installed on the water inlet assembly 11. This automatic valve can be automatically opened for a preset time under the control of the terminal device, and then immediately closed when the opening time is up, thereby accurately supplying the heating assembly 12 with the first preset amount of water to be heated.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that the current cooking appliance is not cooking for the first time, the operation control of the water inlet component 11 and the heating component 12 in this embodiment may include: controlling the operation of the water inlet component 11 and the heating component 12 simultaneously so that both can work at the same time; and if it is detected that the water inlet component 11 has supplied a first preset amount of water to the heating component 12 as water to be heated, the operation of the water inlet component 11 can be stopped, while the heating component 12 is still controlled to continue its current operation.

[0048] Specifically, in this embodiment of the invention, if the cooking appliance is not being used for the first time, the operation of the water inlet assembly 11 and the heating assembly 12 can be controlled simultaneously. More specifically, when the heating assembly 12 is first started, if the water to be heated supplied by the water inlet assembly 11 has already flowed into the heating assembly 12, then the heating assembly 12 can directly heat the water stored in the heating assembly 12 to generate steam. If the water to be heated supplied by the water inlet assembly 11 has not yet flowed into the heating assembly 12, since the heating assembly 12 is also in a working state at this time... In this embodiment, the heating component 12 can preheat the heating plate containing the water to be heated. It's important to note that the water supplied by the water inlet component 11 to the heating component 12 doesn't flow slowly into the heating plate; for example, the heating component 12 only needs to wait one second. Furthermore, this embodiment can also set a preset time. If the water to be heated hasn't flowed into the heating component 12 within this preset time, the operation of the heating component 12 can be stopped to prevent the heating component 12 from preheating the heating plate for too long due to waiting, thus avoiding dry burning of the heating plate and affecting the lifespan of the cooking appliance. In this embodiment, after the water inlet component 11 supplies the first preset amount of water to be heated, the operation of the water inlet component 11 can be stopped, while the current operating state of the heating component 12 is maintained. That is, the heating component 12 continues to heat the water to generate steam, which can then be used to cook the food in the cooking appliance 10. It is understood that this embodiment controls both the water inlet component 11 and the heating component 12 simultaneously, which can further accelerate the steam generation rate of the water to be heated, reduce cooking time, and improve user experience.

[0049] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, adjusting the water inlet flow rate of the water inlet assembly 11 based on the detected current temperature of the heating assembly 12 in this embodiment may include: S301, first detecting and determining the current temperature of the heating assembly 12 in this embodiment. S302, if the detected current temperature of the heating assembly 12 is higher than a first preset temperature, then the water inlet assembly 11 can be controlled to operate, thereby increasing the water inlet flow rate. S303, if the detected current temperature of the heating assembly 12 is lower than a second preset temperature, then the operation of the water inlet assembly 11 can be stopped, thereby reducing the water inlet flow rate, wherein the second preset temperature is lower than the first preset temperature.

[0050] See Figure 2 and Figure 3Specifically, during the use of the cooking appliance 10, the amount of water to be heated in the heating component 12 can be obtained based on the current temperature of the heating component 12. In a specific embodiment, the current amount of water in the heating component 12 can be accurately determined based on the temperature of the heating component 12 and the heating time. In this embodiment, the need to control the operation of the water inlet component 11 is directly determined based on the temperature of the heating component 12. The principle is that if the current temperature of the heating component 12 in this embodiment is detected and determined to be higher than the first preset temperature, it indicates that the current state of the heating component 12 may be dry-burning. In this embodiment, the first preset temperature can be 100 degrees Celsius. That is, if the current temperature of the heating component 12 is detected and determined to be higher than 100 degrees Celsius, it indicates that the current heating component 12 is about to or has already dry-burned, and it is necessary to add water to the heating component 12, that is, to control the operation of the water inlet component 11. If the current temperature of the heating component 12 in this embodiment is detected and determined to be lower than the second preset temperature, it indicates that the water to be heated in the heating component 12 is not generating steam, affecting the continuity of steam generation. In other words, the current working state of the heating component 12 affects the continuity of steam generation, which will further affect the cooking effect of the food. Therefore, in this embodiment, the operation of the water inlet component 11 is stopped to reduce the amount of water introduced by the water inlet component 11 to the heating component 12, thereby reducing the amount of water stored in the heating component 12. Of course, the working power of the heating component 12 can also be increased to increase the steam generation rate in the heating component 12. It is understandable that the working power of the heating component 12 can be increased while the amount of water supplied by the water inlet component 11 to the heating component 12 is reduced. The second preset temperature is lower than the first preset temperature. Optionally, the second preset temperature can be 90 degrees Celsius.

[0051] In another specific embodiment of the present invention, a timing module can also be set to participate in the control of the water inlet component 11, and the duration for which the temperature of the heating component 12 is continuously greater than a first preset temperature and less than a second preset temperature can be statistically analyzed, so as to control the water inlet component 11 more accurately based on the timing results.

[0052] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the situation where the temperature of the heating component 12 is lower than the second preset temperature can occur during the process of the water inlet component 11 supplying water to the heating component 12. Therefore, when this condition is detected, the operation of the water inlet component 11 can be stopped to reduce the water inflow. Of course, if the situation where the temperature of the heating component 12 is lower than the second preset temperature occurs after the water inlet component 11 has finished supplying water to the heating component 12, then the valve set on the heating component can be opened to drain the water from the heating component 12, thereby reducing the water volume in the heating component 12.

[0053] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 4 As shown, adjusting the water inlet flow rate of the water inlet assembly 11 based on the detected current temperature of the heating assembly 12 may include: S401, first detecting and determining the current temperature of the heating assembly 12 in this embodiment. S402, if the detected current temperature of the heating assembly 12 is higher than a first preset temperature, then the water inlet assembly 11 can be controlled to operate, thereby increasing the water inlet flow rate. S403, if the detected current temperature of the heating assembly 12 is lower than a second preset temperature, then the amount of water supplied by the water inlet assembly 11 to the heating assembly 12 that needs to be heated can be reduced, thereby reducing the water inlet flow rate. It should be noted that the second preset temperature is lower than the first preset temperature.

[0054] See Figure 2 and Figure 4 Specifically, during the use of the cooking appliance 10, the amount of water to be heated in the heating component 12 can be obtained based on the current temperature of the heating component 12. In a specific embodiment, the current amount of water in the heating component 12 can be accurately determined based on the temperature of the heating component 12 and the heating time. In this embodiment, the need to control the operation of the water inlet component 11 is directly determined based on the temperature of the heating component 12. The principle is that if the current temperature of the heating component 12 in this embodiment is detected and determined to be higher than the first preset temperature, it indicates that the current state of the heating component 12 may be dry-burning. In this embodiment, the first preset temperature can be 100 degrees Celsius. That is, if the current temperature of the heating component 12 is detected and determined to be higher than 100 degrees Celsius, it indicates that the current heating component 12 is about to or has already dry-burned, and it is necessary to add water to the heating component 12, that is, to control the operation of the water inlet component 11. If the current temperature of the heating component 12 in this embodiment is detected and determined to be lower than the second preset temperature, it indicates that the water to be heated in the heating component 12 is not generating steam, affecting the continuity of steam generation. In other words, the current working state of the heating component 12 affects the continuity of steam generation, which will affect the cooking effect of the food. Therefore, this embodiment reduces the amount of water supplied by the water inlet component 11 to the heating component 12 to reduce the amount of water stored in the heating component 12. Of course, the working power of the heating component 12 can also be increased to improve the steam generation rate in the heating component 12. It is understandable that the amount of water supplied by the water inlet component 11 to the heating component 12 can also be reduced while increasing the working power of the heating component 12. The second preset temperature is lower than the first preset temperature; optionally, the second preset temperature can be 90 degrees Celsius.

[0055] In another specific embodiment of the present invention, a timing module can also be set to participate in the control of the water inlet component 11, and to count the time when the temperature of the heating component 12 is continuously greater than the first preset temperature and the time when the temperature of the heating component 12 is continuously less than the second preset temperature, so as to control the water inlet component 11 more accurately based on the timing results.

[0056] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the situation where the temperature of the heating component 12 is lower than the second preset temperature can occur during the process of the water inlet component 11 supplying water to the heating component 12. Therefore, when this condition is detected, the water inlet component 11 can be reduced to the heating component 12, thereby reducing the water volume in the heating component 12. Of course, if the situation where the temperature of the heating component 12 is lower than the second preset temperature occurs after the water inlet component 11 has finished supplying water to the heating component 12, then the valve set on the heating component can be opened to drain the water from the heating component 12, thereby reducing the water volume in the heating component 12.

[0057] In summary, the steam generation control method of the cooking appliance in this embodiment of the invention can generate steam quickly and continuously, and while ensuring the cooking effect of the food, it can also save costs and improve the user experience.

[0058] Furthermore, the present invention proposes a storage medium readable by a terminal device (such as a computer), which stores a control program for a cooking appliance to generate steam. When executed by a processor, the program can implement the control method for generating steam in a cooking appliance as described in the above embodiments.

[0059] The storage medium of this invention executes a control program for generating steam from a cooking appliance stored on the storage medium via a processor. This program can generate steam quickly and continuously, ensuring the cooking effect of the food while saving costs and improving the user experience.

[0060] Figure 5 This is a structural block diagram of a cooking utensil according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the present invention proposes a cooking appliance 100, which includes a memory 101, a processor 102, and a control program for generating steam stored in the memory 101 and run on the processor 102. When the processor 102 executes the control program, the control method for generating steam in the cooking appliance as described in the above embodiment can be implemented.

[0062] The cooking appliance of this invention includes a memory and a processor. The processor executes a control program for generating steam stored in the memory, which can generate steam quickly and continuously, and while ensuring the cooking effect of the food, it can also save costs and improve the user experience.

[0063] Figure 6 This is a structural block diagram of another cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 As shown, the present invention proposes another cooking appliance 200, which includes a water inlet assembly 201, a heating assembly 202, and a control assembly 203. The water inlet assembly 201 provides water to be heated to the heating assembly 202, and the heating assembly 202 heats the water provided by the water inlet assembly 201 to generate steam. The control assembly 203 is used to: firstly control the operation of the water inlet assembly 201 and the heating assembly 202, and detect the current temperature of the heating assembly 202; then, adjust the water inlet flow of the water inlet assembly 201 according to the detected current temperature of the heating assembly 202, and control the amount of steam generated by the heating assembly 202 and the amount of water inlet of the water inlet assembly 201 to be approximately equal.

[0065] Specifically, see Figure 6 The cooking appliance 200 may include a water inlet assembly 201, a heating assembly 202, and a control assembly 203. The water inlet assembly 201 provides water to the heating assembly 202. It is understood that the water provided by the water inlet assembly 201 to the heating assembly 202 can be cold water (such as tap water) or water that has been preheated. If the water has been preheated, the heating assembly 202 can generate steam more quickly, thereby further shortening the steam generation time. Furthermore, if the water provided by the water inlet assembly 201 has been preheated during steam generation, it can further ensure the continuity of steam generation, thus guaranteeing the cooking effect of the food. Additionally, it should be noted that in this embodiment, if the cooking appliance 200 is adding water for the first time, the water inlet component 201 can control the amount of water entering the appliance according to the size and specifications of the heating component 202. For example, if the heating component 202 is a heating plate, the amount of water added by the water inlet component 201 only needs to completely cover the surface of the heating plate to ensure that the heating plate heats the minimum amount of water. This allows for the maximum reduction in the heating time of the heating component 202 in terms of water volume control, thereby shortening the steam generation time.

[0066] Before generating steam, the cooking appliance 200 in this embodiment requires the control component 203 to control the operation of the water inlet component 201 and the heating component 202. Specifically, the water inlet component 201 needs to add water to be heated into the heating component 202. The method of water inlet for the water inlet component 201 is not limited in this embodiment; it can be done through a water pump, a diversion device, or other methods. The water volume of the water inlet component 201 is matched to the specifications of the heating component 202 to ensure that the heating component 202 can heat the minimum amount of water, preventing the heating component 202 from drying out. During operation, the current temperature of the heating component 202 needs to be constantly monitored to ensure its normal operation and to ensure that the cooking appliance 200 can generate steam normally for cooking the food. In this embodiment, the temperature of the heating component 202 can be detected by setting a temperature sensor on the heating component 202, or by using infrared thermometry. Of course, other detection methods can also be used. This embodiment of the invention does not limit the temperature detection method of the heating component 202.

[0067] After detecting the temperature of the heating element 202, the control element 203 can adjust the amount of water added by the water inlet element 201 to the heating element 202 based on the temperature of the heating element 202. It is understood that when the heating element 202 heats the water supplied by the water inlet element 201, it will generate steam when the heating temperature reaches a certain condition (e.g., 100 degrees Celsius), cooking the food placed above the water. During the cooking process, steam will escape into the air through the holes in the lid or the gap between the lid and the cooking appliance 200, causing water loss from the cooking appliance 200. Some steam will also condense on the lid of the cooking appliance 200, further reducing the amount of water to be heated in the heating element 202. Therefore, the amount of steam generated by the heating element 202 can be considered equivalent to the amount of water lost from the water to be heated. It is understood that the higher the temperature, the faster the water evaporates, and therefore the greater the reduction in the amount of water to be heated. Therefore, during the operation of the heating component 202, the amount of water to be heated will decrease. Since this decrease is related to the temperature, the amount of water lost can be obtained by the current temperature of the heating component 202. Thus, the control component 203 can be used to control the water inlet component 201 to replenish the water, so that the amount of steam generated by the heating component 202 is equivalent to the amount of water supplied by the water inlet component 201. This ensures that the cooking appliance can continuously and stably generate steam, thus ensuring the uniformity of steam cooking and improving the cooking effect.

[0068] In some embodiments of the present invention, the control component 203 controlling the operation of the water inlet component 201 and the heating component 202 may include: controlling the operation of the water inlet component 201 to supply water to the heating component 202, and then, after the water inlet component 201 has supplied a first preset amount of water to the heating component 202 as water to be heated, the operation of the water inlet component 201 can be stopped, and the heating component 202 can be further controlled to perform heating.

[0069] In some embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that the current cooking appliance is not cooking for the first time, the control component 203 may control the operation of the water inlet component 201 and the heating component 202 simultaneously, so that both can work at the same time. Then, if it is detected that the water inlet component 201 has supplied the heating component 202 with a first preset amount of water as water to be heated, the operation of the water inlet component 201 can be stopped, while the heating component 202 is still controlled to continue its current operation.

[0070] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the control component 203 adjusting the water inlet component 201 according to the detected current temperature of the heating component 202 may include: first detecting and judging the current temperature of the heating component 202 in this embodiment; if the current temperature of the heating component 202 is higher than a first preset temperature, the water inlet component 201 can be controlled to operate to increase the water inlet; if the current temperature of the heating component 202 is lower than a second preset temperature, the water inlet component 201 can be stopped to reduce the water inlet, wherein the second preset temperature is lower than the first preset temperature.

[0071] In one specific embodiment of the present invention, the control component 203 adjusting the water inlet flow rate of the water inlet component 201 based on the detected current temperature of the heating component 202 may include: first detecting and determining the current temperature of the heating component 202 in this embodiment; if the detected current temperature of the heating component 202 is higher than a first preset temperature, then the water inlet component 201 can be controlled to operate to increase the water inlet flow rate; if the detected current temperature of the heating component 202 is lower than a second preset temperature, then the amount of water supplied by the water inlet component 201 to the heating component 202 to be heated can be reduced to decrease the water inlet flow rate. It should be noted that the second preset temperature is lower than the first preset temperature.

[0072] It should be noted that, within a unit of time, the amount of steam generated by the heating component 202 in this embodiment and the operating power of the heating component 202 are positively correlated.

[0073] Additionally, it should be noted that for other specific control methods of the control components of the present invention for the heating components and the water inlet components, please refer to the specific embodiments of the control method for the steam generation of the cooking appliance in the above embodiments.

[0074] In one embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 6 and Figure 7 The water inlet assembly 201 also includes a water pump 2011, wherein the control assembly 201 can control the water inlet flow rate of the water inlet assembly 201 by controlling the water pump 2011. The heating assembly 201 also includes a heat pipe 2012, which can be arranged in a curved shape. The heating assembly 201 also includes a heating plate 2013, wherein the water to be heated can completely cover the entire surface of the heating plate 2013.

[0075] Specifically, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the water inlet assembly 201 may include a water pump 2011, a heat pipe 2012, and a heating plate 2013. The water pump 2011 can be connected to an external water source via a pipeline to introduce water into the heating plate 2013. It is understood that the heat pipe 2012 can be bent and arranged on the heating plate 2013 to increase the contact area with the heating plate 2013, thereby increasing the heating speed of the water on the heating plate 2013 and increasing the steam generation rate. In this embodiment, optionally, the heat pipe 2012 can be bent and arranged on all or part of the surface of the heating plate 2013 to heat the water on the heating plate 2013.

[0076] In summary, the cooking appliance of this invention can generate steam quickly and continuously, and while ensuring the cooking effect of the ingredients, it can also save costs and improve the user experience.

[0077] Furthermore, other components and functions of the cooking utensils in the embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art, and will not be described in detail here to reduce redundancy.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] In the description of the various embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted 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", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the various embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description of the technical solutions of the present invention, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0082] 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.

[0083] 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.

[0084] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited in the embodiments, "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 indicates 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 indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0085] 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 steam generation control method of a cooking appliance, characterized by, The cooking appliance comprises a water inlet assembly and a heating assembly, the water inlet assembly is configured to provide water to be heated to the heating assembly, and the heating assembly is configured to heat the water to be heated to generate steam, and the method comprises the following steps: controlling the water inlet assembly and the heating assembly to work, and detecting the temperature of the heating assembly; adjusting the water inlet amount of the water inlet assembly according to the temperature of the heating assembly, so that the steam amount generated by the heating assembly is equivalent to the water inlet amount of the water inlet assembly; controlling the water inlet assembly and the heating assembly to work, including: when the cooking appliance is cooked for the first time, controlling the water inlet assembly to work to provide the heating assembly with a first preset water amount of water to be heated, then controlling the water inlet assembly to stop working, and controlling the heating assembly to work; the first preset water amount is determined according to the area size of the heating disc surface of the heating assembly, and only needs to completely cover the surface of the heating disc; when the cooking appliance is not cooked for the first time, controlling the water inlet assembly and the heating assembly to work at the same time, and after the water inlet assembly provides the heating assembly with a first preset water amount of water to be heated, controlling the water inlet assembly to stop working, and controlling the heating assembly to keep working; adjusting the water inlet amount of the water inlet assembly according to the temperature of the heating assembly, including: judging the temperature of the heating assembly; when the temperature of the heating assembly is greater than a first preset temperature, controlling the water inlet assembly to work to increase the water inlet amount; when the temperature of the heating assembly is less than a second preset temperature, controlling the water inlet assembly to stop working to reduce the water inlet amount, wherein the second preset temperature is less than the first preset temperature.

2. The steam generation control method of a cooking appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, adjusting the water inlet amount of the water inlet assembly according to the temperature of the heating assembly, including: judging the temperature of the heating assembly; when the temperature of the heating assembly is greater than a first preset temperature, increasing the water inlet flow of the water inlet assembly to increase the water inlet amount; when the temperature of the heating assembly is less than a second preset temperature, reducing the water inlet flow of the water inlet assembly to reduce the water inlet amount, wherein the second preset temperature is less than the first preset temperature.

3. The steam generation control method of a cooking appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam amount generated by the heating assembly per unit time is in a positive correlation with the power of the heating assembly.

4. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The cooking appliance comprises a water inlet assembly and a heating assembly, the water inlet assembly is configured to provide water to be heated to the heating assembly, and the heating assembly is configured to heat the water to be heated to generate steam, and the method comprises the following steps:

5. A cooking appliance characterized by, controlling the water inlet assembly and the heating assembly to work, and detecting the temperature of the heating assembly; 6. A cooking appliance characterized by, adjusting the water inlet amount of the water inlet assembly according to the temperature of the heating assembly, so that the steam amount generated by the heating assembly is equivalent to the water inlet amount of the water inlet assembly; controlling the water inlet assembly and the heating assembly to work, including: when the cooking appliance is cooked for the first time, controlling the water inlet assembly to work to provide the heating assembly with a first preset water amount of water to be heated, then controlling the water inlet assembly to stop working, and controlling the heating assembly to work; the first preset water amount is determined according to the area size of the heating disc surface of the heating assembly, and only needs to completely cover the surface of the heating disc; when the cooking appliance is not cooked for the first time, controlling the water inlet assembly and the heating assembly to work at the same time, and after the water inlet assembly provides the heating assembly with a first preset water amount of water to be heated, controlling the water inlet assembly to stop working, and controlling the heating assembly to keep working; adjusting the water inlet amount of the water inlet assembly according to the temperature of the heating assembly, including: judging the temperature of the heating assembly; when the temperature of the heating assembly is greater than a first preset temperature, controlling the water inlet assembly to work to increase the water inlet amount; when the temperature of the heating assembly is less than a second preset temperature, controlling the water inlet assembly to stop working to reduce the water inlet amount, wherein the second preset temperature is less than the first preset temperature. adjusting the water inlet amount of the water inlet assembly according to the temperature of the heating assembly, including: judging the temperature of the heating assembly; when the temperature of the heating assembly is greater than a first preset temperature, increasing the water inlet flow of the water inlet assembly to increase the water inlet amount; when the temperature of the heating assembly is less than a second preset temperature, reducing the water inlet flow of the water inlet assembly to reduce the water inlet amount, wherein the second preset temperature is less than the first preset temperature. The steam amount generated by the heating assembly per unit time is in a positive correlation with the power of the heating assembly. its steam generation control program is stored on the cooking appliance, and the steam generation control program of the cooking appliance is executed by the processor to realize the steam generation control method of the cooking appliance as claimed in any one of claims 1-3. its steam generation control program is stored on the cooking appliance, and the steam generation control program of the cooking appliance is executed by the processor to realize the steam generation control method of the cooking appliance as claimed in any one of claims 1-3. its steam generation control program is stored on the cooking appliance, and the steam generation control program of the cooking appliance is executed by the processor to realize the steam generation control method of the cooking appliance as claimed in any one of claims 1-3. controlling the water inlet assembly and the heating assembly to work, and detecting the temperature of the heating assembly; adjusting the water inlet amount of the water inlet assembly according to the temperature of the heating assembly, so that the steam amount generated by the heating assembly is equivalent to the water inlet amount of the water inlet assembly; controlling the water inlet assembly and the heating assembly to work, including: when the cooking appliance is cooked for the first time, controlling the water inlet assembly to work to provide the heating assembly with the first preset water amount of the water to be heated, then controlling the water inlet assembly to stop working, and controlling the heating assembly to work; the first preset water amount is determined according to the area size of the heating disc surface in the heating assembly, and only needs to completely cover the surface of the heating disc; when the cooking appliance is not cooked for the first time, controlling the water inlet assembly and the heating assembly to work at the same time, and after the water inlet assembly provides the heating assembly with the first preset water amount of the water to be heated, controlling the water inlet assembly to stop working, and controlling the heating assembly to keep working; adjusting the water inlet amount of the water inlet assembly according to the temperature of the heating assembly, including: judging the temperature of the heating assembly; when the temperature of the heating assembly is greater than the first preset temperature, controlling the water inlet assembly to work to increase the water inlet amount; when the temperature of the heating assembly is less than the second preset temperature, controlling the water inlet assembly to stop working to reduce the water inlet amount, wherein the second preset temperature is less than the first preset temperature.

7. The cooking appliance of claim 6, wherein, The water inlet assembly includes a water pump, wherein the control assembly adjusts the water inlet amount of the water inlet assembly by controlling the water pump; the heating assembly includes a heat pipe, which is arranged in a curved shape; the heating assembly further includes a heat disc, wherein the water to be heated completely covers the entire surface of the heat disc.

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