Steamer control method and steamer

Abstract

The present application belongs to the technical field of cooking equipment control, and in particular relates to a steamer control method and a steamer. The steamer control method includes: when the steamer is in the working stage, monitoring the air parameters in the cavity of the steamer, the air parameters being oxygen concentration or air humidity; comparing the air parameters with the steam adjustment threshold range to obtain a comparison result, and determining a preset power based on the comparison result; outputting steam to the cavity based on the preset power, and the steam adjustment threshold range is determined based on the air state when the cavity is filled with steam. In this way, the steamer control method provided by the present application adjusts the power of steam output to the cavity based on the air parameters in the cavity of the steamer, thereby accurately controlling the steam level in the cavity of the steamer without affecting the normal cooking process of the steamer and without the need for continuous high-power steam output.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of cooking equipment control, and in particular to a steamer control method and a steamer. Background Art

[0002] Food cooked in a steamer is delicious and nutritious, so steamers are becoming more and more popular among consumers. Most common steamers have a steam generator installed outside the cavity, which delivers steam to the cavity.

[0003] However, when using a steamer, if the steamer always maintains a high power to deliver steam to the cavity, although it can ensure that the cavity is full of steam, it may lead to a variety of negative consequences. For example, the steamer consumes a lot of energy, which runs counter to the concept of low-carbon life; for example, the water in the steamer's water tank is consumed too quickly, requiring users to add water frequently, affecting the user experience; and excessive water may accumulate in the cavity, causing inconvenience in cleaning.

[0004] Therefore, how to adjust the steam output power in a simple and feasible way without affecting the normal cooking process of the steamer, so as to accurately control the steam level in the steamer, is a difficult problem that needs to be solved urgently in the field of cooking equipment control technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a steamer control method and a steamer, which aims to adjust the power of steam output to the cavity according to the air parameters in the steamer cavity, so as to accurately control the steam level in the steamer cavity without the need for continuous high-power steam output.

[0006] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a steamer control method is disclosed, and the steamer control method includes:

[0007] When the steamer is in the working stage, monitoring the air parameters in the cavity of the steamer, wherein the air parameters are oxygen concentration or air humidity;

[0008] Comparing the air parameter with the steam regulation threshold range to obtain a comparison result, and determining a preset power according to the comparison result;

[0009] Steam is output to the cavity according to the preset power, and the steam adjustment threshold range is determined according to the air state when the cavity is filled with steam.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present application, based on the above technical solution, the working stage includes a preheating stage, the steam adjustment threshold includes a preheating steam threshold range, the preset power includes full power and a first preset power, the first preset power is less than the full power, and when the steamer is in the preheating stage, determining the preset power according to the comparison result includes:

[0011] If the air parameter does not meet the preheated steam threshold range, determining the full power as the preset power;

[0012] If the air parameter meets the preheated steam threshold range, the first preset power is determined as the preset power.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present application, based on the above technical solution, before determining the first preset power as the preset power, the steamer control method further includes:

[0014] Obtaining the steam output time corresponding to the air parameter reaching the preheated steam threshold range from the initial state;

[0015] Calculating the air parameter change rate according to the steam output duration;

[0016] The first preset power is calculated according to the air parameter change rate.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present application, based on the above technical solution,

[0018] The preset power further includes a second preset power, which is less than the first preset power, and outputting steam to the cavity according to the preset power includes:

[0019] When the air parameter meets the preheated steam threshold range, outputting steam to the cavity according to the first preset power within a first preset time period;

[0020] After the first preset period, steam is output to the cavity according to the second preset power, where the second preset power is determined according to the real-time air parameters of the cavity and the rate of change of the air parameters.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present application, based on the above technical solution, the working stage further includes a cooking stage, the steam adjustment threshold range further includes a cooking steam threshold range, the cooking steam threshold range is smaller than the preheating steam threshold range, and when the steamer is in the cooking stage, determining the preset power according to the comparison result includes:

[0022] If the air parameter does not meet the cooking steam threshold range, determining the full power as the preset power;

[0023] If the air parameter meets the cooking steam threshold range, the second preset power is determined as the preset power.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present application, based on the above technical solution, before calculating the first preset power according to the air parameter change rate, the steamer control method further includes:

[0025] Obtaining a theoretical air parameter change rate corresponding to the air parameter in the cavity under a full-power steam delivery state;

[0026] If the difference between the air parameter change rate and the theoretical air parameter change rate reaches a preset threshold, the theoretical air parameter change rate is used as the actual air parameter change rate.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present application, based on the above technical solution, the cooking stage is located after the preheating stage. When the steamer is in the preheating stage, after outputting steam to the cavity according to the preset power, the steamer control method further includes:

[0028] monitoring the working status of the door of the steam box;

[0029] If it is detected that the door of the steamer is first opened and then closed in the closed state, it is determined that the steamer enters the cooking stage from the preheating stage.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present application, based on the above technical solution, outputting steam to the cavity according to the preset power includes:

[0031] When the preset power does not match the optional set power of the steamer, determining two set powers adjacent to the preset power;

[0032] According to the preset power, the corresponding power output time is set for the two set powers respectively;

[0033] Steam is output to the cavity according to the set power and the power output time.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present application, based on the above technical solution, after outputting steam to the cavity according to the preset power, the steamer control method further includes:

[0035] Monitor the real-time temperature of the cavity and control the pressure relief device to enter a working state or a static state according to the real-time temperature of the cavity; or,

[0036] A target temperature corresponding to the cavity in the working stage is obtained, the target temperature is compared with a preset temperature threshold to obtain a comparison result, and the pressure relief device is controlled to enter a working state or a static state according to the comparison result.

[0037] According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present application, a steamer is disclosed, comprising:

[0038] The steamer body includes a cavity, a steam generator connected to the cavity, and an air parameter sensor provided in the cavity, wherein the steam generator is used to output steam to the cavity, and the air parameter sensor is used to monitor the air parameters in the cavity;

[0039] A steamer controller is connected to the steam generator to control the steam generator to output steam, and is connected to the air parameter sensor to obtain the air parameters in the cavity. The steamer controller is used to execute the steamer control method described in the above technical solution based on the air parameters.

[0040] The steamer control method provided in the present application continuously detects the air parameters in the steamer cavity when the steamer is in the working stage. The air parameters can be oxygen concentration or air humidity. Since the steamer continuously delivers steam into the cavity during the working stage, the air parameters in the cavity will continue to change. The air parameters are compared with the steam adjustment threshold range. According to the comparison result, it is judged whether the steam level in the cavity has reached the target steam level or is lower than the target steam level, thereby determining to deliver steam to the cavity at different powers to achieve accurate control of the steam level in the cavity.

[0041] In this way, the steamer control method provided in the present application adjusts the power of steam output to the cavity according to the air parameters in the steamer cavity, thereby accurately controlling the steam level in the steamer cavity without affecting the normal cooking process of the steamer and without the need for continuous high-power steam output.

[0042] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely illustrative and are not restrictive of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application, and together with the specification, are used to explain the principles of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application, and those skilled in the art can derive other drawings based on these drawings without inventive effort.

[0044] Figure 1 A flow chart showing the steps of a steamer control method in one embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0045] Figure 2 The application flow chart of the steamer control method in one embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0046] Figure 3 The structural block diagram of the steamer provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0047] Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the application principles of various unit modules of a steamer according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, example embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this application will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the concepts of the example embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0049] In addition, described feature, structure or characteristic can be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner.In the following description, many specific details are provided so as to provide a full understanding of the embodiments of the present application. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the technical scheme of the present application can be put into practice without one or more of the specific details, or other methods, components, devices, steps etc. can be adopted. In other cases, known methods, devices, implementations or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid blurring the various aspects of the present application.

[0050] The block diagrams shown in the accompanying drawings are merely functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically separate entities. That is, these functional entities may be implemented in software, in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different networks and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0051] The flowcharts shown in the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and do not necessarily include all contents and operations / steps, nor must they be executed in the order described. For example, some operations / steps may be decomposed, while others may be combined or partially combined. Therefore, the actual execution order may vary depending on the actual situation.

[0052] The steamer control method and steamer technical solutions provided in this application are described in detail below in conjunction with specific implementation methods.

[0053] Figure 1 A flow chart showing the steps of a steamer control method in one embodiment of the present application is shown as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the steamer control method may mainly include the following steps S100 to S300.

[0054] Step S100: When the steamer is in the working stage, the air parameters in the cavity of the steamer are monitored, where the air parameters are oxygen concentration or air humidity.

[0055] Step S200: Compare the air parameters with the steam regulation threshold range to obtain a comparison result, and determine the preset power according to the comparison result.

[0056] Step S300: outputting steam to the cavity according to the preset power, wherein the steam adjustment threshold range is determined according to the air state when the cavity is filled with steam.

[0057] The steamer control method provided in the present application continuously detects the air parameters in the steamer cavity when the steamer is in the working stage. The air parameters can be oxygen concentration or air humidity. Since the steamer continuously delivers steam into the cavity during the working stage, the air parameters in the cavity will continue to change. The air parameters are compared with the steam adjustment threshold range. According to the comparison result, it is judged whether the steam level in the cavity has reached the target steam level or is lower than the target steam level, thereby determining to deliver steam to the cavity at different powers to achieve accurate control of the steam level in the cavity.

[0058] In this way, the steamer control method provided in the present application adjusts the power of steam output to the cavity according to the air parameters in the steamer cavity, thereby accurately controlling the steam level in the steamer cavity without affecting the normal cooking process of the steamer and without the need for continuous high-power steam output.

[0059] The following is a detailed description of each method step in the steam box control method.

[0060] Step S100: When the steamer is in the working stage, the air parameters in the cavity of the steamer are monitored, where the air parameters are oxygen concentration or air humidity.

[0061] Specifically, when the steamer is in operation, i.e., during the preheating or cooking phase, the steam generator inputs steam into the steamer cavity. As the steam in the cavity continues to increase, the air parameters within the cavity, such as oxygen concentration and humidity, also change. In practical applications, the oxygen concentration changes within the cavity can be monitored using an oxygen concentration sensor, or the humidity changes within the cavity can be monitored using a humidity sensor.

[0062] Step S200: Compare the air parameters with the steam regulation threshold range to obtain a comparison result, and determine the preset power according to the comparison result.

[0063] Specifically, by detecting the oxygen concentration or air humidity in the cavity of the steamer to obtain the detection results, and comparing the detection results with the steam adjustment threshold range, it can be determined whether the steam level in the steamer reaches the target steam level required for the current working stage, thereby determining the power corresponding to the steam output of the steam generator to the cavity.

[0064] As an optional embodiment, for example, when the oxygen concentration in the cavity of the steamer is greater than the oxygen concentration threshold corresponding to the steam regulation threshold range, the steam level in the cavity has not reached the target steam level, and the power of the steam generator outputting steam is increased or the current power is maintained; when the oxygen concentration in the cavity of the steamer is lower than the oxygen concentration threshold corresponding to the steam regulation threshold range, the steam level in the cavity has exceeded the target steam level, and the power of the steam generator outputting steam is reduced.

[0065] As an optional implementation, for example, when the air humidity in the steamer cavity is greater than the humidity threshold corresponding to the steam regulation threshold range, the steam level in the cavity has exceeded the target steam level, and the power of the steam generator outputting steam is reduced; when the air humidity in the steamer cavity is lower than the humidity threshold corresponding to the steam regulation threshold range, the steam level in the cavity has not reached the target steam level, and the power of the steam generator outputting steam is increased or the current power is maintained.

[0066] Step S300: outputting steam to the cavity according to the preset power, wherein the steam adjustment threshold range is determined according to the air state when the cavity is filled with steam.

[0067] Specifically, after determining the power of the steam output, the steam generator is controlled to output steam to the cavity according to the power. Since the power of the steam output by the steam generator can be adjusted in time based on the steam level in the cavity, it avoids the situation where the conventional steamer continuously outputs steam at high power, resulting in excessive steam in the cavity and energy and water consumption.

[0068] In an optional embodiment, the operating phase includes a preheating phase, the steam adjustment threshold includes a preheating steam threshold range, and the preset power includes full power and a first preset power, where the first preset power is less than the full power. In this embodiment, when the steamer is in the preheating phase, determining the preset power based on the comparison result in step S200 includes the following steps S201 and S202.

[0069] Step S201: If the air parameter does not meet the preheated steam threshold range, the full power is determined as the preset power.

[0070] Specifically, when the air parameters in the cavity of the steamer do not meet the preheating steam threshold range corresponding to the preheating stage, and the steam level in the cavity has not reached the target steam level corresponding to the preheating stage, the steam generator is controlled to output full-power steam to the cavity so that the steam level in the cavity can be quickly increased, thereby shortening the preheating time required for the steamer in the preheating stage.

[0071] Step S202: If the air parameter meets the preheated steam threshold range, the first preset power is determined as the preset power.

[0072] Specifically, when the air parameters in the steamer cavity meet the preheating steam threshold range corresponding to the preheating stage, and the steam level in the cavity has reached or exceeded the target steam level corresponding to the preheating stage, the steam generator is controlled to reduce the steam output power, that is, steam is output to the cavity at a first preset power lower than the full power, so as to avoid excessive steam in the cavity and energy and water consumption.

[0073] In this way, this embodiment provides a method for determining the corresponding preheating steam threshold range based on the preheating stage, and adjusting the steam output power according to the comparison result of the air parameters in the steamer cavity and the preheating steam threshold range, so that the steamer can adjust the steam output power in a targeted manner according to the preheating stage and the steam level in the cavity, which not only ensures the realization of the steamer preheating function, but also avoids the occurrence of energy and water consumption caused by excessive steam output.

[0074] In an optional embodiment, before determining the first preset power as the preset power in the above step S202, the steamer control method further includes the following steps S203 to S205.

[0075] Step S203: obtaining the steam output time corresponding to when the air parameter reaches the preheating steam threshold range from the initial state.

[0076] Step S204: Calculate the air parameter change rate according to the steam output duration.

[0077] Step S205: Calculate the first preset power according to the air parameter change rate.

[0078] Specifically, by obtaining the output time and change rate corresponding to the air parameters in the steamer cavity reaching the target steam level from the initial state during the preheating stage, and correlating the output time and change rate with the change rate of the air parameters in the cavity when there is no steam supply, and then jointly using them as a basis for adjusting the steam output power, energy and water supply can be saved as much as possible while ensuring that the target steam level is maintained in the cavity.

[0079] As an optional embodiment, for example, when the steamer is in the preheating stage, the target humidity corresponding to the target steam level in the cavity is set to D%, and the initial oxygen concentration c1 in the cavity is recorded. The target oxygen concentration Cd is calculated by the equation C*(1-D / 100), where C is the proportion of oxygen in the atmosphere under normal circumstances, which is approximately 20.95%. When preheating begins, the steam generator outputs steam at full power P, and transmits back the oxygen concentration c and temperature value every second. The preheating ends when the temperature reaches the set temperature. If the oxygen concentration is less than or equal to the target oxygen concentration before the end of preheating, that is, the cavity is at the target steam level at this time, the time t1 from preheating to this moment is recorded. That is, when the steam generator outputs steam at full power P, the rate of change of the oxygen concentration in the cavity is (c1-Cd) / t1. The steam generator power can be adjusted to P*a*(C-Cd) / ((c1-Cd) / t1), where a is the coefficient corresponding to the linear correlation between the oxygen content change rate and the oxygen content difference (C-c0), and c0 is the oxygen content corresponding to when the cavity is full of steam.

[0080] In an optional embodiment, the preset power also includes a second preset power, which is less than the first preset power. When the steamer is in the preheating stage, the above step S300 outputs steam to the cavity according to the preset power, including the following steps S301 and S302.

[0081] Step S301: When the air parameter meets the preheated steam threshold range, steam is output to the cavity according to the first preset power within a first preset time period.

[0082] Step S302: After the first preset period, output steam to the cavity according to the second preset power, where the second preset power is determined according to the real-time air parameters of the cavity and the rate of change of the air parameters.

[0083] Specifically, when the steamer is in the preheating stage and the target steam level is reached in the steamer cavity, even if the power of the steam generator outputting steam is reduced, the steam in the steamer cavity will continue to increase. At this time, the power of the steam generator outputting steam is adjusted according to the real-time changes in the air parameters in the steamer cavity, which can further save energy and water.

[0084] As an optional implementation, for example, based on the technical solution of the above embodiment, after the steam generator power is adjusted to P*a*(C-Cd) / ((c1-Cd) / t1), at fixed time intervals, such as half a minute, 1 minute or 3 minutes, etc., which are not specifically limited here, the steam generator power is adjusted to P*a*(C-Cd-(Cd-c)) / ((c1-Cd) / t1) according to the current oxygen concentration c in the steamer cavity. At the same time, the heating tube of the steamer continues to work until the temperature in the steamer cavity reaches the set temperature, and the preheating stage ends.

[0085] In an optional embodiment, the working stage also includes a cooking stage, the steam adjustment threshold range also includes a cooking steam threshold range, the cooking steam threshold range is smaller than the preheating steam threshold range, and when the steamer is in the cooking stage, the preset power is determined according to the comparison result in the above step S200, including the following steps S206 and S207.

[0086] Step S206: If the air parameter does not meet the cooking steam threshold range, the full power is determined as the preset power.

[0087] Specifically, when the air parameters in the steamer cavity do not meet the cooking steam threshold range corresponding to the cooking stage, and the steam level in the cavity has not reached the target steam level corresponding to the cooking stage, the steam generator is controlled to output full-power steam to the cavity so that the steam level in the cavity can be quickly increased, thereby avoiding affecting the cooking effect of the steamer on food due to insufficient steam.

[0088] Step S207: If the air parameter meets the cooking steam threshold range, the second preset power is determined as the preset power.

[0089] Specifically, when the air parameters in the steamer cavity meet the cooking steam threshold range corresponding to the cooking stage, and the steam level in the cavity has reached or exceeded the target steam level corresponding to the cooking stage, the steam generator is controlled to reduce the steam output power, that is, steam is output to the cavity at a second preset power lower than the full power, so as to avoid excessive steam in the cavity and energy and water consumption.

[0090] As an optional embodiment, for example, when the steamer is in the cooking stage, if the real-time oxygen concentration in the steamer cavity is greater than the target oxygen concentration multiplied by a preset coefficient, the steam generator outputs steam to the steamer cavity at full power P and transmits back the oxygen concentration c and temperature value in the steamer cavity every second; conversely, the steam generator outputs steam to the steamer cavity at a power of P*a*(C-Cd-(Cd-c)) / ((c1-Cd) / t1). It should be noted that the real-time oxygen concentration in the steamer cavity is greater than the target oxygen concentration multiplied by the preset coefficient, specifically, the real-time oxygen concentration c is greater than 1.01 times the target oxygen concentration c0, or the real-time oxygen concentration c is greater than 1.05 times the target oxygen concentration c0, etc., which are not specifically limited here. The purpose of such a setting is that when the real-time steam level in the steamer cavity is lower than the target steam level, and there is a certain numerical distance between the real-time steam level and the target steam level, that is, when there is a certain steam recovery buffer zone in the steamer cavity, the steam generator will output steam at full power P to recover with the steam level in the steamer cavity, thereby avoiding repeated large-scale switching of the steam generator power due to occasional fluctuations in the steam level in the steamer cavity, and avoiding the steam generator outputting steam at full power P for too long, resulting in excessive steam in the steamer cavity, thereby causing energy and water consumption.

[0091] In this way, this embodiment provides a method for determining the corresponding cooking steam threshold range based on the cooking stage, and adjusting the steam output power according to the comparison result of the air parameters in the steamer cavity and the cooking steam threshold range, so that the steamer can adjust the steam output power in a targeted manner according to the cooking stage and the steam level in the cavity, which not only ensures the cooking effect of the steamer on the food, but also avoids the occurrence of energy and water consumption caused by excessive steam output.

[0092] In an optional embodiment, before calculating the first preset power according to the air parameter change rate in the above step S205, the steamer control method further includes the following steps S208 and S209.

[0093] Step S208: obtaining the theoretical air parameter change rate corresponding to the air parameter in the cavity in a full-power steam delivery state.

[0094] Specifically, by testing the steam delivery function of the steamer, when the pressure relief device is in working condition, when the steam in the cavity is discharged, the oxygen sensor reading changes over time, and when the steam generator outputs steam to the steamer cavity at full power P, the oxygen concentration in the steamer cavity changes at a rate v, that is, the theoretical air parameter change rate is v.

[0095] Step S209: If the difference between the air parameter change rate and the theoretical air parameter change rate reaches a preset threshold, the theoretical air parameter change rate is used as the actual air parameter change rate.

[0096] Specifically, when the air parameter change rate calculated based on the steam output time differs too much from the theoretical air parameter change rate v, if the difference between the two exceeds the preset threshold, it means that the air parameters in the initial state in the steamer cavity are abnormal, or the oxygen sensor has failed. At this time, the calculated air parameter change rate cannot be used as the basis for calculating the steam output power. Instead, the theoretical air parameter change rate v should be used as the actual air parameter change rate to further calculate the first preset power.

[0097] For example, based on the technical solution of the above embodiment, the oxygen concentration change rate is calculated to be (c1-Cd) / t1 according to the steam output time t. If the difference between (c1-Cd) / t1 and the theoretical air parameter change rate v exceeds ±30%v, then v replaces (c1-Cd) / t1 as the basis for calculating the first preset power, that is, P*a*(C-Cd) / v replaces P*a*(C-Cd) / ((c1-Cd) / t1) as the first preset power.

[0098] In this way, this embodiment provides a method for correcting the calculated oxygen concentration change rate by using the theoretical air parameter change rate when the air parameters in the initial state in the steamer cavity are abnormal or the oxygen sensor fails, thereby ensuring the accuracy of adjusting the steam output power.

[0099] In an optional embodiment, the cooking stage is located after the preheating stage. When the steamer is in the preheating stage, after outputting steam to the cavity according to the preset power in the above step S300, the steamer control method further includes the following steps S303 and S304.

[0100] Step S303: monitoring the working status of the door of the steam box.

[0101] In step S304, if it is detected that the door of the steamer is first opened and then closed in the closed state, it is determined that the steamer enters the cooking stage from the preheating stage.

[0102] Specifically, when the steamer is in the preheating stage and the temperature inside the steamer cavity reaches the set temperature, the preheating stage ends. At this point, the user can actively trigger a control command to cause the steamer to enter the cooking stage. Alternatively, after the preheating stage ends, the steamer automatically detects the operating status of the steamer door. If the steamer door is closed and then opens and then closes, it can be considered that the user opened the steamer door to put food to be cooked, and then closed the door again to wait for the steamer to cook the food. At this time, the steamer automatically enters the cooking stage and controls the heating tube to heat the steamer cavity.

[0103] In this way, this embodiment provides a technical solution for the steamer to automatically enter the cooking stage after the preheating stage ends, which improves the convenience of using the steamer and the user experience, and further improves the practicality of the steamer control method of this application.

[0104] In an optional embodiment, the step S300 of outputting steam to the cavity according to the preset power includes the following steps S305 to S307.

[0105] Step S305: When the preset power does not match the optional set power of the steamer, two set powers adjacent to the preset power are determined.

[0106] Step S306: setting corresponding power output times for the two set powers according to the preset power.

[0107] Step S307: output steam to the cavity according to the set power and the power output time.

[0108] Specifically, in actual applications, the steam output of the steamer usually has multiple optional fixed-gear powers, that is, optional set powers. When the preset power calculated based on the air parameters in the steamer cavity does not match the optional fixed-gear power, the corresponding power output time of the two fixed-gear powers adjacent to the preset power can be determined based on the preset power, so that the effect of the steam generator outputting steam to the steamer cavity through the two fixed-gear powers according to their respective power output times is equivalent to the effect of the steam generator outputting steam according to the preset power.

[0109] For example, the fixed gear power of the steam output of the steam box is usually an integer multiple of 100, such as 100W, 300W and 500W. When the calculated preset power for steam output is not an integer multiple of 100, the steam box controls the steam generator to operate alternately at different gear powers. For example, if the preset power is 450W and the step size of the steam output power adjustment is 100W, the steam generator is controlled to operate alternately at powers of 400W and 500W, respectively, with each accounting for 50% of the time; for another example, if the preset power is 430W, the steam generator is controlled to operate at a power of 400W for 70% of the time and at a power of 500W for 30% of the time.

[0110] In this way, this embodiment provides an effect of outputting steam at a preset power based on a fixed gear power of the steamer output, thereby improving the practicality of the steamer control method of the present application.

[0111] In an optional embodiment, after outputting steam to the cavity according to the preset power in the above step S300, the steamer control method further includes the following steps S308 and S309.

[0112] Step S308 , monitoring the real-time temperature of the cavity, and controlling the pressure relief device to enter a working state or a static state according to the real-time temperature of the cavity.

[0113] Specifically, when the steamer is in the working stage, if the temperature in the steamer cavity has not reached the set temperature, the pressure relief device is controlled to be in a static state, that is, the pressure relief operation is not performed, so that the steam in the steamer cavity can heat up faster, thereby meeting the needs of steamer preheating or cooking.

[0114] Step S309 , obtaining a target temperature corresponding to the cavity in the working stage, comparing the target temperature with a preset temperature threshold to obtain a comparison result, and controlling the pressure relief device to enter a working state or a static state according to the comparison result.

[0115] Specifically, when the steamer is in the working stage, if the set temperature of the steamer in this working stage is high, the pressure relief device is controlled to be in a static state, that is, the pressure relief operation is not performed, and the steam in the steamer cavity can be heated faster with a higher pressure, thereby meeting the needs of steamer preheating or cooking.

[0116] In this way, this embodiment realizes the linkage between the pressure relief device of the steamer and the temperature sensor, so that the steam in the steamer cavity can be heated up faster to meet user needs.

[0117] Figure 2 An application embodiment of the steamer control method of the present application is shown, including the following steps S211 to S217.

[0118] In step S211, when the user triggers the preheating instruction on the steamer, the steamer records the initial oxygen concentration c1 and the target oxygen concentration Cd in the cavity, wherein the preheating instruction includes the target temperature T and target humidity D% in the preheating stage, and the target oxygen concentration Cd is calculated based on the target humidity D%.

[0119] Step S212, when the steamer is in the preheating stage, monitor whether the temperature t in the cavity reaches the target temperature T. If so, end the preheating stage and enter the cooking stage. If not, control the steam generator to work at full power P and execute step S213.

[0120] Step S213: When the steamer is in the preheating stage, monitor whether the oxygen concentration c in the cavity is less than or equal to the target oxygen concentration Cd.

[0121] In step S214, if the oxygen concentration c in the cavity is less than or equal to the target oxygen concentration Cd, the power of the steam generator is adjusted to P*a*(C-Cd) / ((c1-Cd) / t1); otherwise, the steam generator is controlled to maintain full power P. Regardless of whether the power of the steam generator is adjusted, the heating tube is always in working state until the temperature in the cavity reaches the target temperature T.

[0122] Step S215: When the steamer detects that the temperature t in the cavity reaches the target temperature T during the preheating stage, the preheating stage ends and enters the cooking stage. At the same time, the steamer monitors whether the duration of the cooking stage reaches the set time. If so, cooking ends, a prompt message is sent to the user, and the insulation function is enabled. If not, step S216 is continued.

[0123] Step S216: When the steamer is in the cooking stage, monitor whether the oxygen concentration c in the cavity is less than or equal to the target oxygen concentration Cd+1%. If not, it means that the steam level in the cavity is too low, and control the steam generator to work at full power P. If so, execute step S217.

[0124] Step S217, monitor whether the temperature t in the cavity is greater than or equal to the target temperature T-5°. If so, adjust the steam generator power to P*a*(C-Cd-(Cd-c)) / ((c1-Cd) / t1), but there is no need to control the operation of the heating tube; if not, adjust the steam generator power to P*a*(C-Cd-(Cd-c)) / ((c1-Cd) / t1) while controlling the operation of the heating tube to increase the temperature in the cavity and ensure the cooking effect of the steamer.

[0125] also, Figure 3 A steamer for implementing the technical solution of the above embodiment in one embodiment of the present application is shown, and the steamer includes:

[0126] The steamer body 310 includes a cavity, a steam generator connected to the cavity, and an air parameter sensor provided in the cavity, wherein the steam generator is used to output steam to the cavity, and the air parameter sensor is used to monitor the air parameters in the cavity;

[0127] The steamer controller 320 is connected to the steam generator to control the steam generator to output steam, and is connected to the air parameter sensor to obtain the air parameters in the cavity. The steamer controller 320 is used to execute the steamer control method described in the above embodiment based on the air parameters.

[0128] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the application principle of a unit module of a steamer that implements the technical solution of the above embodiment in one embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0129] Figure 4 The steamer shown includes a control unit located in a steamer controller 320 and a steamer body 310, which includes a steam generator, a steamer cavity, a pressure relief device, a fan, a heating pipe, a water purification box, a door and a door switch sensor, a temperature sensor, and an oxygen sensor.

[0130] Among them, the control unit is used to execute the above-mentioned steamer control method based on the parameters sent back by various sensors; the steam generator is used to output steam to the steamer cavity according to the power determined by the control unit; the steamer cavity is a container for placing food for cooking; the pressure relief device is used to connect the steamer cavity to the atmosphere to avoid accidents caused by overpressure in the steamer cavity; the fan is used to enhance the air convection in the steamer cavity; the heating tube is used to increase the temperature in the steamer cavity to cook the food in the steamer cavity; the water purification box is used to supply purified water to the steam generator so that the steam generator can generate steam based on the purified water; the door is used to make the steamer cavity an enclosed space when the steamer is in the working stage, and the door switch sensor is used to monitor the working status of the door and send it back to the control unit so that the control unit executes the switching process between the preheating stage and the cooking stage based on the working status of the door; the temperature sensor is used to monitor the temperature in the steamer cavity; the oxygen sensor is used to monitor the oxygen content in the steamer cavity.

[0131] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the present invention after considering the specification and practicing the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present invention that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art that are not disclosed herein.

[0132] It should be understood that the present application is not limited to the exact structures described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A steamer control method, characterized in that: The steamer control method comprises: When the steamer is in a working stage, monitoring air parameters in the cavity of the steamer, the air parameters being oxygen concentration or air humidity, the working stage including a preheating stage; Comparing the air parameter with a steam regulation threshold range to obtain a comparison result, and determining a preset power according to the comparison result, wherein the steam regulation threshold range includes a preheating steam threshold range; the preset power includes a full power, a first preset power, and a second preset power, wherein the first preset power is less than the full power, and the second preset power is less than the first preset power; outputting steam to the cavity according to the preset power, wherein the steam adjustment threshold range is determined according to the air state when the cavity is filled with steam; Wherein, when the steamer is in the preheating stage, determining the preset power according to the comparison result includes: If the air parameter does not meet the preheated steam threshold range, determining the full power as the preset power; If the air parameter meets the preheated steam threshold range, obtaining the steam output time corresponding to the air parameter reaching the preheated steam threshold range from the initial state, calculating the air parameter change rate based on the steam output time, calculating the first preset power based on the air parameter change rate, and determining the first preset power as the preset power; Wherein, outputting steam to the cavity according to the preset power includes: When the air parameter meets the preheated steam threshold range, outputting steam to the cavity according to the first preset power within a first preset time period; After the first preset period, steam is output to the cavity according to a second preset power, where the second preset power is determined according to a real-time air parameter of the cavity and a rate of change of the air parameter.

2. The steamer control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The working stage also includes a cooking stage, the steam adjustment threshold range also includes a cooking steam threshold range, the cooking steam threshold range is smaller than the preheating steam threshold range, and when the steamer is in the cooking stage, determining the preset power according to the comparison result includes: If the air parameter does not meet the cooking steam threshold range, determining the full power as the preset power; If the air parameter meets the cooking steam threshold range, the second preset power is determined as the preset power.

3. The steamer control method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: Before calculating the first preset power according to the air parameter change rate, the steamer control method further includes: Obtaining a theoretical air parameter change rate corresponding to the air parameter in the cavity under a full-power steam delivery state; If the difference between the air parameter change rate and the theoretical air parameter change rate reaches a preset threshold, the theoretical air parameter change rate is used as the actual air parameter change rate.

4. The steamer control method according to claim 2, wherein: The cooking stage is located after the preheating stage. When the steamer is in the preheating stage, after outputting steam to the cavity according to the preset power, the steamer control method further includes: monitoring the working status of the door of the steam box; If it is detected that the door of the steamer is first opened and then closed in the closed state, it is determined that the steamer enters the cooking stage from the preheating stage.

5. The steamer control method according to claim 1, wherein: Outputting steam to the cavity according to the preset power includes: When the preset power does not match the optional set power of the steamer, determining two set powers adjacent to the preset power; According to the preset power, the corresponding power output time is set for the two set powers respectively; Steam is output to the cavity according to the set power and the power output time.

6. The steamer control method according to claim 1, wherein: After outputting steam to the cavity according to the preset power, the steamer control method further includes: Monitor the real-time temperature of the cavity and control the pressure relief device to enter a working state or a static state according to the real-time temperature of the cavity; or, A target temperature corresponding to the cavity in the working stage is obtained, the target temperature is compared with a preset temperature threshold to obtain a comparison result, and the pressure relief device is controlled to enter a working state or a static state according to the comparison result.

7. A steamer, characterized in that: The steamer comprises: The steamer body includes a cavity, a steam generator connected to the cavity, and an air parameter sensor provided in the cavity, wherein the steam generator is used to output steam to the cavity, and the air parameter sensor is used to monitor the air parameters in the cavity; A steamer controller is connected to the steam generator to control the steam generator to output steam, and is connected to the air parameter sensor to obtain the air parameters in the cavity. The steamer controller is used to execute the steamer control method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 based on the air parameters.

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