Cooking equipment

Abstract

This application provides a cooking device. The cooking device includes: a cooking body; a cover that covers the cooking body to form a closed cooking cavity; a driving device for outputting driving force; a cleaning component located within the cooking cavity and connected to the driving device; a heating device disposed on the cooking body; and a control device electrically connected to the heating device, used to control the heating device to heat the cleaning liquid when there is cleaning liquid in the cooking cavity, and to control the driving device to operate to drive the cleaning component; wherein at least a portion of the cavity wall area of ​​the cooking cavity is cleaned under the combined action of the counteracting force of the cleaning component, steam, and steam condensate. The solution provided by this application minimizes cleaning time and improves user cooking efficiency while ensuring cleaning effectiveness.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing

[0002] This application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application number 202111166076.8, entitled "Cooking equipment, equipment with self-cleaning function, accessories and self-cleaning method". Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to the field of electrical equipment technology, and more particularly to a cooking device. Background Technology

[0004] To meet people's diverse needs in various cooking scenarios, a wide variety of home appliances have emerged. Products have evolved from simple tools to intelligent partners that teach you how to cook. Currently, some people with limited culinary skills or busy work schedules are increasingly interested in home appliances that are easy to operate and highly intelligent, such as stir-fry machines, cooking machines, blenders, and smart rice cookers.

[0005] While these products largely solve cooking problems, their relatively complex internal structure makes cleaning more time-consuming and laborious. This cumbersome cleaning process discourages users from using them. Furthermore, the complex internal structure makes some areas difficult to clean thoroughly, leading to bacterial growth over time. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To solve or improve the above problems, this application provides a cooking device.

[0007] In one embodiment of this application, a cooking device is provided. The cooking device includes:

[0008] Cooking body;

[0009] The lid covers the cooking body, forming a closed cooking cavity;

[0010] A drive unit, used to output driving force;

[0011] A cleaning component is located inside the cooking cavity and is connected to the drive device;

[0012] The cleaning component contacts the inner walls of the cooking body and the lid, and is used to clean the inner walls of the cooking body and the lid under the drive of the driving device.

[0013] In one embodiment of this application, a cooking apparatus is provided. The cooking apparatus includes:

[0014] The cooking body has a cooking cavity;

[0015] A cleaning component is located inside the cooking cavity and abuts against the inner wall of the cooking cavity;

[0016] A drive unit is mounted on the cooking body and connected to the cleaning component;

[0017] Heating device;

[0018] A control device, electrically connected to the drive device and the heating device, is used to control the operation of the heating device to heat the cleaning liquid in the cooking cavity to generate steam, and to form steam condensate in the cavity wall area of ​​the cooking cavity that comes into contact with the steam; it is also used to control the operation of the drive device to drive the cleaning component to move.

[0019] At least a portion of the cavity wall area of ​​the cooking cavity is cleaned under the combined action of the opposing force of the cleaning component, steam, and steam condensate.

[0020] In another embodiment of this application, a device with a self-cleaning function is provided. The device includes:

[0021] The equipment body has an open working chamber;

[0022] A cover is provided to close the opening and seal the working chamber.

[0023] A drive unit, used to output driving force;

[0024] The cleaning component is located within the working chamber;

[0025] The cleaning component contacts the cavity wall of the working chamber and the inner wall of the equipment cover to clean the cavity wall of the working chamber and the inner wall of the equipment cover under the drive of the driving device.

[0026] In another embodiment of this application, a device with a self-cleaning function is provided. The device includes:

[0027] The device body has a accommodating cavity;

[0028] The cleaning component is located within the receiving cavity and abuts against the inner wall of the receiving cavity;

[0029] A drive unit is mounted on the device body and connected to the cleaning component;

[0030] Heating device;

[0031] A control device, electrically connected to the drive device and the heating device, is used to control the operation of the heating device to heat the cleaning liquid in the accommodating cavity to generate steam, and to form steam condensate in the cavity wall area that comes into contact with the steam; it is also used to control the operation of the drive device to drive the cleaning component to move.

[0032] In this process, at least a portion of the cavity wall area is cleaned under the combined action of the opposing force of the cleaning component, steam, and steam condensate.

[0033] In another embodiment of this application, a self-cleaning accessory is provided. The self-cleaning accessory includes:

[0034] The frame has a connecting end for connecting to the drive unit of the cooking equipment;

[0035] A cleaning actuator is mounted on the frame.

[0036] The cleaning actuator contacts the inner walls of the cooking body and the lid of the cooking device, so that when the cooking device is in the self-cleaning working state, the driving device drives the frame to move, so that the cleaning actuator cleans the inner walls of the cooking body and the lid.

[0037] In another embodiment of this application, a self-cleaning accessory is provided. The self-cleaning accessory includes:

[0038] The frame has connecting ends for connection to an external drive unit;

[0039] A cleaning actuator is disposed on the outer periphery of the frame and is used to abut against the cavity wall of the external cavity to be cleaned;

[0040] The cleaning actuator can operate in a steam environment, and under the drive of the drive device, it moves in the cavity to be cleaned and applies force to the cavity wall, so that the material softened by steam and steam condensate on the cavity wall is removed.

[0041] In another embodiment of this application, a self-cleaning method for a cooking appliance is provided, comprising:

[0042] Turn on the heating device to heat the cleaning solution in the cooking cavity to generate steam;

[0043] Start the drive unit to drive the cleaning component to move within the cooking cavity;

[0044] In this process, steam condensate forms in the cavity wall area of ​​the cooking cavity that comes into contact with steam; at least a portion of the cavity wall area of ​​the cooking cavity is cleaned under the combined action of the opposing force of the cleaning component, steam, and steam condensate.

[0045] In another embodiment of this application, a self-cleaning method for a cooking device is provided, the cooking device comprising a cooking body and a lid, the self-cleaning method comprising:

[0046] Turn on the heating device to heat the cleaning solution in the cooking cavity to generate steam;

[0047] The drive unit is activated, causing the cleaning component to move within the cooking cavity; the cleaning component contacts the inner walls of the cooking body and the lid, cleaning the inner walls of the cooking body and the lid.

[0048] In this process, steam condensate forms in the cavity wall area of ​​the cooking cavity that comes into contact with steam; at least a portion of the cavity wall area of ​​the cooking cavity is cleaned under the combined action of the opposing force of the cleaning component, steam, and steam condensate.

[0049] In the technical solution provided in this application embodiment, the cleaning component contacts both the inner wall of the cooking body and the inner wall of the lid. Driven by the driving device, the cleaning component moving in the cooking cavity can act on both the inner walls of the cooking body and the lid simultaneously, thereby achieving simultaneous cleaning of the inner walls of the cooking body and the lid. This results in high cleaning efficiency, shortened cleaning time, and helps improve the user's cooking efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0050] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cooking device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram of a cooking apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cleaning component in a cooking apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a cleaning component in a cooking apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The sectional view along line AA shown in the figure;

[0056] Figure 6 for Figure 4 An exploded view of the cleaning component shown.

[0057] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating another implementation structure of the cleaning component in a cooking apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 8 for Figure 7Showing a sectional view along the BB direction;

[0059] Figure 9 for Figure 7 The diagram shows an exploded view of the cleaning component. Detailed Implementation

[0060] In existing technologies, some cooking appliances use scrapers and water jets to clean the inner cavity, while simultaneously using airflow and heat to dry it. Others use external water sources and built-in nozzles, utilizing the impact and flow of water to achieve self-cleaning of the pot's interior. Still others incorporate internal channels and elastomers in their stirring paddles, allowing the paddle to extend and reposition, stirring food in its reset state and scraping and cleaning the inner wall when raised. Overall, existing technologies primarily rely on scraping and the impact of water jets to clean the inner wall of the pot.

[0061] However, these technical solutions also have many problems, such as:

[0062] First, it cannot clean both the inner wall of the pot and the lid at the same time; it can only clean the inner wall of the pot.

[0063] Secondly, in solutions that utilize water jets or fluid pressure, the designed nozzle orifices and flow channels are at risk of being clogged by food or seasoning residues. Moreover, once the narrow flow channels are contaminated, they are even more difficult to clean, and over time, bacteria and mold can grow, easily causing secondary pollution.

[0064] Similarly, the design using a retractable agitator makes the retractable parts difficult to clean and prone to accumulating dirt and grime.

[0065] Third, the excessive flow channel design increases the sealing requirements of the product, and the elastomer design also has the disadvantage of low reliability in real user scenarios.

[0066] Therefore, this application provides the following embodiments to solve or improve at least some of the problems mentioned above. To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solutions of this application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] In the description of certain features in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used to distinguish different components, parts, modules, devices, etc., and do not represent a sequential order, nor do they limit "first" and "second" to different types. Furthermore, the embodiments described below are merely some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0068] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of a cooking device according to an embodiment of this application is shown. As shown, the cooking device 1 includes: a cooking body 12, a cover 13, a cleaning component 2, and a driving device (…). Figure 1 and 2 All of them are shown in the middle. Figure 2 The output terminal 31 of the drive device is shown in the figure. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the lid 13, when placed on the cooking body 12, forms a closed cooking cavity 11. The lid 13 can be an automatic lid, controlled and driven by corresponding control and drive components to automatically close or open; alternatively, the lid 13 can be a manually opened or closed lid, which is not limited in this embodiment. The drive device outputs driving force, such as linear reciprocating motion, rotational motion, etc. The cleaning component 2 is located within the cooking cavity 11 and is connected to the drive device. See also... Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the cleaning component 2 contacts the inner walls of the cooking body 12 and the lid 13 to clean the inner walls of the cooking body 12 and the lid 13 under the drive of the driving device.

[0069] It's important to note that the understanding of the "cooking body" varies depending on the type of food being processed. For example, when the cooking device is a stir-fry machine, the cooking body is the wok, and the lid is the cooktop; when the cooking device is a smart rice cooker, the cooking body is the rice cooker, and the lid is the rice cooker lid; when the cooking device is a blender (such as a high-speed blender), the cooking body is the blending body, and the lid is the machine lid; and so on.

[0070] The cleaning component 2 has a cleaning execution unit 20, which includes at least two execution parts. For example, the at least two execution parts include at least a first execution part 21 and a second execution part 22. The first execution part 21 abuts against the inner wall of the cover 13 to clean the inner wall of the cover 13; the second execution part 22 abuts against the inner wall of the cooking body 12 to clean the inner wall of the cooking body 12. Figure 3 In one specific implementation of the cleaning component shown, the first execution part 21 and the second execution part 22 can be a single integral component, referred to as the cleaning execution unit. This cleaning execution unit can be made of an elastic material, such as rubber, silicone, plastic, a brush, or a loofah mesh. Since cooking equipment is food-grade equipment and must meet food-grade requirements, the cleaning execution unit can be made of food-grade silicone, a loofah mesh, or similar materials. Of course, in other embodiments, the first execution part 21 and the second execution part 22 can also be two separate components located at different positions within the cleaning component to act on different areas of the cooking cavity, covering most or all of the inner walls of the cooking body and lid.

[0071] In one feasible embodiment, the drive device may be mounted on the cooking body. For example, the drive device may be located at the bottom of the cooking body, outside the inner cavity of the cooking body. A cleaning component is connected to the drive device at the bottom of the inner cavity of the cooking body. For example, the output end of the drive device extends from the bottom of the inner cavity of the cooking body close to the inner cavity, and the cleaning component is connected to the output end. Alternatively, the connecting portion of the cleaning component extends from the bottom of the inner cavity of the cooking body outside the inner cavity to connect to the output end of the drive device.

[0072] See Figure 2 Another possible implementation scheme is shown, in which the driving device is mounted on the cover 13; the cleaning component 2 is detachably connected to the driving device; the cleaning component is provided with a docking structure 23, which docks with the output end 31 of the driving device and is connected to the output end 31 by magnetic attraction. More specifically, as shown... Figure 2 As shown, the docking structure 23 can be a hexagonal socket mounting hole on the cleaning component; the bottom of the hexagonal socket mounting hole is provided with a magnetic component 4, such as... Figure 4 As shown. The output end 31 of the drive device is an output shaft with a hexagonal cross-section. The output shaft is inserted into the internal hexagonal mounting hole and then connected to the cleaning component 2 by magnetic attraction. In specific implementations, the magnetic attraction force of the magnetic component 4 can be determined based on factors such as the mass of the cleaning component and the sealing requirements of the connection between the cleaning component and the drive device. For example, Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning component 2 has an internal hexagonal mounting hole with an open upper end and a magnetic component 4 (such as a magnet) at the bottom. The magnetic component 4 is fixed by a support 5 connected to the bottom of the cleaning component 2. The support 5 can be connected to the cleaning component 2 by means of threads, snaps, or other connection methods.

[0073] See also Figure 2 , 3 In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the cleaning component 2 has an axis extending along the depth direction of the cooking cavity 11. The cleaning component 2 includes an axisymmetric frame 25 about the axis 24; a cleaning actuator 20 is disposed around the outer periphery of the axisymmetric frame 25 for abutting against the inner wall of the cooking cavity 11. Continuing from the foregoing, the cleaning actuator 20 may include, but is not limited to, a first actuator 21 and a second actuator 22. See also... Figure 5 and 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning actuator 20 is a single piece, and the inner side of this single piece (i.e., the inner contour adapted to the outer periphery of the axisymmetric frame 25) has a first slot 201. Correspondingly, the outer periphery of the axisymmetric frame 25 may have a protrusion. This protrusion may extend outward from the outer periphery of the axisymmetric frame 25, or as... Figure 5The "L"-shaped protrusion shown in the diagram first extends from one end face of the axisymmetric frame 25, and then extends outward in a direction parallel to the end face, as... Figure 5 The protrusion shown forms a second slot 251 with one end face of the axisymmetric frame 25. The connection between the cleaning actuator 20 and the axisymmetric frame 25 is completed by inserting the protrusion into the first slot 201 of the cleaning actuator 20. It should be noted that the cleaning actuator 20 must extend beyond the axisymmetric frame 25 after installation for it to function properly.

[0074] For structures where the drive unit outputs rotational power, the cleaning component 2 has an axisymmetric structure. The advantage of this is that it avoids lateral displacement during rotation caused by the installation gap between the output end 31 of the drive unit and the wall of the cooking cavity 11 (such as the inner wall of the lid), which would result in gaps or insufficient friction between the edge of the cleaning component 2 and the wall of the cooking cavity 11 (such as the inner wall of the lid).

[0075] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 , 4 In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the axisymmetric frame 25 has a through hole 26. A flow-rectifying structure is provided within the through hole 26 to rectify the flow direction of the cleaning liquid flowing through the through hole 26 when the cleaning component 2 operates within the cooking cavity 11. The flow-rectifying structure includes at least one flow-rectifying wall 27 extending along the axis 24. The at least one flow-rectifying wall 27 forms at least one flow-rectifying hole with the hole wall of the through hole 26. Furthermore, the axisymmetric frame 25 may also be provided with a flow-guiding structure; the flow-guiding structure includes a flow-guiding wall 28, which is disposed on the hole wall of the through hole 26 near the bottom of the cooking cavity 11. Specifically, as shown... Figure 5 As shown, the guide wall 28 is an inclined surface, and the cleaning fluid is directed according to... Figure 5 As the arrow shown reaches the lower part of the guide wall 28, the flow is guided by the guide wall 28 to pass through the through hole 26 of the axisymmetric frame 25, i.e., the rectification hole mentioned above.

[0076] The cleaning component 2 is designed with a flow-rectifying wall and a flow-guiding wall. When the cleaning component moves (e.g., rotates at high speed), it effectively rectifyes and guides the water flow, preventing turbulence and splashing. Specifically, the flow-rectifying wall can be made of... Figure 3 The straight-arm structure shown. The corners of the rectifier wall 27 can be designed with rounded transitions, or the side of the rectifier wall facing the cleaning fluid can be a semi-circular cylindrical surface. The guide wall 28 can be... Figure 5 The beveled design shown effectively prevents oil residue from remaining on the cleaning components. Since both the rectifier wall and the guide wall employ curved and beveled surface designs, and lack any difficult-to-clean slits, the cleaning component structure provided in this embodiment facilitates more precise cleaning and disinfection by the user.

[0077] In summary, the solution provided in this embodiment has a simple overall structure, is easy to install and disassemble, and possesses strong reliability and practicality. This solution can quickly and simultaneously achieve self-cleaning of both the lid and the inner wall of the pot, replacing frequent cleaning tasks during cooking and improving the user's cooking experience. Furthermore, the structure of this embodiment is simple, with few recesses or corners that are prone to trapping dirt and difficult to clean; most structures are convex, making it less likely for dirt to accumulate and reducing secondary contamination caused by bacterial growth.

[0078] Furthermore, it is important to note that the solution provided in this embodiment achieves a rapid self-cleaning effect. That is, after the cooking device finishes cooking one dish, the cleaning component can quickly clean both the cooking body and the lid simultaneously, allowing the cooking device to quickly proceed with cooking the next dish. Using the solution provided in this application embodiment, while ensuring the cleaning effect of the cooking device, the cleaning time can be controlled to a very short time, such as between 1 and 40 seconds, or even shorter, such as between 12 and 33 seconds.

[0079] Specifically, the cleaning actuator 20 described in this embodiment can be an elastic scraper, a cleaning brush, a cleaning sponge, or a cleaning cloth. The cleaning actuator 20 includes, but is not limited to, the first actuator 21 and the second actuator 22 mentioned above; that is, the first actuator 21 and the second actuator 22 can be an integral structure. The elastic scraper can be a food-grade silicone scraper, which is integrally formed with the axisymmetric frame 25 of the cleaning component 2 using a coating process. In specific implementation, the cleaning component 2 is installed in the cooking cavity 11 using an interference fit. Specifically, the interference fit between the cleaning actuator 20 of the cleaning component 2 and the inner wall can be controlled between 0.1mm and 3mm, including 0.1mm and 3mm. Further, the interference fit between the cleaning actuator 20 and the inner wall can be controlled between [0.2mm and 2.5mm], including 0.2mm and 2.5mm. Figure 5 The structure of the cleaning actuator 20 shown can have an H dimension of any size from 1mm to 30mm, and more specifically, an H dimension of any size from 3mm to 25mm. The W dimension (thickness) of the cleaning actuator 20 can be any size from 2mm to 10mm, and more specifically, an W dimension of any size from 3mm to 8mm. The outer edge of the cleaning actuator, i.e., the actuator head, is... Figure 5 As shown, it can be an isosceles triangle, with the vertex angle controlled within [10°, 60°] and the height controlled within [2mm, 15mm].

[0080] Using the cooking equipment provided in this embodiment, the user can manually inject cleaning fluid into the cooking cavity before needing to activate self-cleaning. The cleaning component 2 does not have water channels or spray structures, resulting in a simple structure without small structures such as spray nozzles, making it less prone to bacterial growth. Alternatively, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 , 4 The structural schematic diagrams of the cleaning component 2 shown in Figures 5 and 6 illustrate that the cleaning component 2 has a built-in water passage 252 and at least one water inlet 253 and at least one water outlet 254. The at least one water inlet 253 is connected to the at least one water outlet 254 through the built-in water passage 252; the cleaning liquid entering the built-in water passage 252 through the at least one water inlet 253 is discharged through the at least one water outlet 254 to inject cleaning liquid into the cooking cavity 11.

[0081] In practical implementation, to ensure that the liquid discharged from the outlet 254 has a certain water pressure to achieve the effect of rinsing the inner wall of the cooking cavity 11, in this embodiment: the total liquid flow area of ​​the at least one inlet 253 is greater than the liquid flow area of ​​the built-in water passage 252; the liquid flow area of ​​the built-in water passage 252 is greater than the total liquid flow area of ​​the at least one outlet 254. For greater clarity, the total liquid flow area of ​​the at least one inlet 253 is defined as S1, the liquid flow area of ​​the built-in water passage 252 as S2, and the total liquid flow area of ​​the at least one outlet 254 as S3. The relationship between them is: S3 ≤ S2 ≤ S1.

[0082] The water outlet 254 can have a circular, elliptical, equilateral or scalene polygonal shape, or any cross-sectional shape that facilitates flow. The equivalent circular radius of the water outlet 254 can be in the range of [1mm, 5mm], ensuring sufficient water flow while also facilitating cleaning.

[0083] As described above, the cooking device 1 includes a lid 13 and a cooking body 12. The at least one water outlet 254 includes an outlet facing the lid 13 and / or an outlet facing the side wall of the cooking body 12. More specifically, the water outlet is located on the inner wall of the upper part of the cooking body 12 (i.e., the portion near the lid 13). By positioning the water outlet 254 towards the lid 13 (i.e., upwardly) and / or towards the side wall of the cooking body 12 (i.e., laterally), the probability of washed-off substances (such as oil droplets, small residues, etc.) clogging or entering the water outlet is reduced.

[0084] If the internal water passage 252 is a sealed structure and cannot be disassembled, then the internal water passage 252 can become a breeding ground for bacteria. To facilitate disassembly and cleaning, in this embodiment, a sealing cover 6 is provided on the cleaning component 2; when the sealing cover 6 is open, the internal water passage 252 is exposed. Figure 3 , 4In a specific embodiment shown in Figure 6, the frame of the cleaning component 2 is an axisymmetric structure (i.e., an axisymmetric frame), with the axis of symmetry (i.e., Figure 3 The top design on both sides of axis 24 shown consists of built-in water channels 252 and multiple evenly distributed water outlets 254. For example... Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 13 has a water source interface 7. The driving device is mounted on the cover 13; the cleaning component 2 has a docking structure 23, which docks with the output end 31 of the driving device and is connected to the output end 31 by magnetic attraction. See also Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown, the docking structure 23 is surrounded by a docking wall 29. The end of the docking wall 29 is in sealing contact with the cover 13. A water inlet channel 255 is formed between the docking wall 29 and the docking structure 23, and the water inlet channel 255 communicates with the built-in water passage 252. At least one water inlet 253 is located at the opening of the water inlet channel 255. The end of the docking wall 29 and the cover 13 are in sealing contact through a sealing element (such as a sealing ring). Figure 2 As shown, the mating wall 29 is an annular wall with an annular end face at its end; the cover 13 has an annular U-shaped groove at the corresponding position that matches the annular wall; the sealing ring can be set in the annular U-shaped groove, and the sealing connection is achieved when the annular wall of the mating wall 29 is inserted into the annular U-shaped groove and contacts the sealing ring. The sealing pressure between the mating wall 29 and the cover is determined by the magnetic attraction force of the magnetic component 4. For example, for a household cooking machine, the magnetic attraction force generated by the magnetic component 4 can be controlled to a minimum of [20N, 80N], and further, to a minimum of [30N, 65N], which can maintain reliable sealing and rotation, and also keep the cleaning component and the drive device connected.

[0085] The internal water channels on the left and right sides are sealed using easily removable left and right sealing caps. Each sealing cap has a food-grade silicone sealing ring, allowing for easy disassembly and cleaning of the internal water channels, eliminating blind spots and preventing secondary contamination from oil residue, mold, and bacteria growth.

[0086] Here, the internal water channels in the cleaning unit adopt an open design. All water channels are sealed by sealing rings distributed on the sealing caps (left and right sealing caps), facilitating disassembly and cleaning. The built-in water channels not only ensure reliable water injection but also effectively cool the cleaning unit, making it easy for users to disassemble at the end of cleaning without burning their hands.

[0087] In this embodiment, the cleaning actuator can be provided not just one, but two or more. That is, at least two cleaning actuators can be provided on the axisymmetric frame 25. These cleaning actuators can be made of the same material or different materials. For example, the multiple cleaning actuators provided on the axisymmetric frame 25 may include food-grade silicone scrapers, cleaning sponges, cleaning brushes, etc. At least two of the cleaning actuators are arranged in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the axisymmetric frame; wherein, the direction perpendicular to the plane of the axisymmetric frame, i.e. Figure 8 The direction of extension of the dashed line 256 shown in the figure.

[0088] Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 The structure of a cleaning component with two cleaning actuators 20 is shown. Figure 7 , 8 The implementation scheme of the cleaning component shown in Figure 9 is based on the above. Figure 3 , 4 Based on the structures shown in Figures 5 and 6, an additional cleaning actuator 20 is added. The two cleaning actuators 20 are aligned along... Figure 8 The dashed lines 256 extend in the direction of the arrangement. At least one water outlet 254 on the cleaning component can be located between two cleaning actuators 20. Both cleaning actuators 20 are detachably connected to the frame (i.e., axisymmetric frame) of the cleaning component. In specific implementations, the detachable connection method can be designed according to the material of the cleaning actuator components. For example, Figure 8 When the cleaning actuator 20 located on the right side is an elastic scraper (such as a food-grade silicone scraper), the elastic scraper can be connected to the frame body using the slot and protrusion plug-in connection method mentioned above. Figure 8 When the cleaning actuator 20 located on the left side is a cleaning cloth or cleaning sponge, a connector 8 can be provided on the outer edge of the frame body (i.e., the axisymmetric frame 25) of the cleaning component. This connector 8 can be a Velcro or similar fastener, allowing the cleaning cloth or cleaning sponge to be connected to the frame body via the Velcro. For disassembly, the cleaning cloth or cleaning sponge can be directly peeled off the Velcro.

[0089] Compared to a structure with only one cleaning component, the same cleaning component rotates once, but with two or more cleaning components, the number of times the cleaning component hits the wall of the cooking cavity increases exponentially, thus improving cleaning efficiency. In addition, by using two or more cleaning components made of different materials, the cleaning characteristics of each material can be combined, and the cleaning effect can be significantly improved.

[0090] Furthermore, the cooking device provided in this embodiment also includes a heating device (not shown in the figure) and a control device (not shown in the figure). The heating device may be located below the outer side of the cooking cavity of the cooking body 12, or arranged around the cooking cavity, etc., and this embodiment does not specifically limit this. The control device may be located outside the cooking cavity, away from the heating device, for example, on the outer side of the cover of the cooking device 1, etc., again, this embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0091] The control device is electrically connected to the drive device and the heating device, and is used to control the operation of the heating device to heat the cleaning liquid in the cooking cavity to generate steam, and to form steam condensate in the cavity wall area of ​​the cooking cavity 11 that comes into contact with the steam; it is also used to control the operation of the drive device to drive the cleaning component to move. At least a portion of the cavity wall area of ​​the cooking cavity 11 is cleaned under the combined action of the opposing force of the cleaning component 2, the steam, and the steam condensate. Typically, the cavity wall area that comes into contact with the steam is the area above the cleaning liquid level in the cooking cavity, which may include the upper part of the inner wall of the cooking cavity and the inner wall of the lid.

[0092] The process of injecting cleaning fluid into the cooking cavity 11 in this embodiment can also be automated, eliminating the need for manual injection by the user. Specifically, the cooking device provided in this embodiment also includes a water control valve (not shown in the figure). The control device is electrically connected to the water control valve and is used to control the opening or closing of the water control valve. Specifically, after starting the self-cleaning program, the control device controls the water valve to open and inject cleaning fluid into the cooking cavity, controls the heating device to heat the cleaning fluid in the cooking cavity, and after waiting for a first preset time, controls the drive device to operate to drive the cleaning component.

[0093] It should be noted that the control logic of the control device will be described in detail in the method embodiments below.

[0094] Another embodiment of this application provides a self-cleaning method for a cooking device. The executing entity of the method in this embodiment can be the control device described in the above-described cooking device embodiments, and it is implemented based on the structure of the above-described cooking device embodiments. The method may include the following steps:

[0095] 101. Turn on the heating device to heat the cleaning liquid in the cooking cavity to generate steam;

[0096] 102. Start the drive unit to drive the cleaning component to move within the cooking cavity;

[0097] In this process, steam condensate forms in the cavity wall area of ​​the cooking cavity that comes into contact with steam; at least a portion of the cavity wall area of ​​the cooking cavity is cleaned under the combined action of the opposing force of the cleaning component, steam, and steam condensate.

[0098] Before or simultaneously with starting the heating device in step 101 above, the method provided in this embodiment may further include the following steps:

[0099] 103. Control the water control valve to open, so as to inject cleaning solution into the cooking cavity.

[0100] Because it takes time for the cleaning fluid to heat and generate steam, and for the substances adhering to the cooking cavity to soften under the action of steam and steam condensate, the driving device can be activated after the heating device has heated for a certain period of time. Specifically, step 102 above, activating the driving device to drive the cleaning component to move within the cooking cavity, can be described as follows:

[0101] After the heating device has heated for a first preset time, the drive device is then activated to drive the cleaning component to move within the cooking cavity.

[0102] To improve the cleaning effect, step 102 above, which involves activating the drive device to drive the cleaning component to move within the cooking cavity, can be specifically described as follows:

[0103] The drive device is controlled to output periodically varying power, causing the cleaning component's operating speed to change periodically.

[0104] More specifically, "controlling the output cycle of the drive device" can be: controlling the output of the drive device to alternate between acceleration and deceleration cycles.

[0105] Furthermore, in addition to controlling the drive device to output periodically changing power, it can also be controlled to output power in different directions. For example, if the drive device outputs rotational power, it can be controlled to output power that alternates between clockwise and counterclockwise rotation. That is, step 102 in this embodiment can specifically be:

[0106] The drive device is controlled to output power that alternates between clockwise and counterclockwise rotation.

[0107] The above method implementation will be further explained below with specific application examples.

[0108] Step 1: Start the heating device while controlling the water control valve to open. This not only saves cleaning time, but also quickly heats the water to generate hot steam.

[0109] The entire cleaning time t0 is controlled between 1s and 40s, preferably between 12s and 33s.

[0110] Assume the entire self-cleaning time is t0; for example, t0 is controlled between 1s and 40s, more specifically, between 12s and 33s. Then the duration of water injection, t1, should always be less than t0; that is, t0-t1 is between 1s and 38s, more specifically, between 2s and 30s. Meanwhile, the water injection volume is related to the total flow rate of the outlet. Assume the water injection volume is V1, where V1 is [0.1L, 5L], more specifically, V1 is [0.2L, 2.5L]. Therefore, the water injection duration can be determined based on the total flow rate of the outlet and the water injection volume.

[0111] Step 2: Enter the waiting state, waiting time t2.

[0112] t2 can be controlled within (0s, 10s), more specifically, t2 can be controlled within (0s, 5s). The heating device can operate in maximum power mode. For example, the maximum power of the heating device can be between 1kW and 5kW, more specifically, between 1.1kW and 4.5kW.

[0113] Step 3: When time t2 is reached, start the drive unit to drive the cleaning components.

[0114] For example, the driving device is a motor that outputs rotational power. The cleaning component rotates within the cooking cavity under the drive of the motor. The rotational speed of the cleaning component can be controlled within [10 rpm, 1000 rpm], and further, within [30 rpm, 900 rpm];

[0115] More specifically, the rotational speed involves an alternating acceleration and deceleration process. Pulse scraping is more effective in quickly removing oil and residue from the inner cavity. The acceleration process is controlled within [0.5s, 5s], and the acceleration is controlled within [2r / s]. 2 2000r / s 2 The deceleration process is controlled within [0.5s, 1s], and the deceleration rate is controlled within [10r / s]. 2 2000r / s 2 A single pulse cycle is controlled within [1s, 6s], and the entire cleaning cycle includes one or more pulse cycles, such as the number of cycles being controlled within [1, 5]. Alternatively, the rotation direction may alternate between clockwise and counterclockwise; constantly changing the direction of scraping is more effective in quickly removing deposits from the cooking cavity. For example, if the deposit is large, scraping it from one direction and then from the opposite direction can speed up the removal process.

[0116] Step 4: After cleaning is completed (i.e., the cleaning cycle is full or the cleaning time t0 is reached), turn off the drive device and the heating device.

[0117] The control valve is closed after the water injection time t1 is reached.

[0118] The cooking equipment provided in this application embodiment may include: soy milk makers, rice cookers, smart pressure cookers, stir-fry machines, food processors, etc. The technical solutions provided in this application embodiment can be applied not only to cooking equipment but also to equipment in many other fields. These devices have a communal cavity for preparing the corresponding substance, and the cavity needs to be cleaned after preparation. Another embodiment of this application provides a device with a self-cleaning function, comprising: a device body, a cleaning component, a driving device, a heating device, and a control device. The device body has a communal cavity. The cleaning component is located within the communal cavity and abuts against the inner wall of the cavity. The driving device is disposed on the device body and connected to the cleaning component. A control device, electrically connected to the drive device and the heating device, is used to control the operation of the heating device to heat the cleaning liquid in the accommodating cavity to generate steam. The cavity wall area in contact with the steam is heated by the steam and forms steam condensate, softening the oil residue remaining on the inner wall of the cooking cavity. The control device is also used to control the operation of the drive device to drive the cleaning component to move. At least a portion of the cavity wall area is cleaned under the combined action of the counteracting force of the cleaning component, steam softening, and steam condensate.

[0119] Because the external and internal structures of equipment in different fields may vary, this embodiment does not limit the external and internal structures of the equipment body.

[0120] The cleaning attachment for the cooking equipment described in this article is available as a standalone accessory. For example, without this attachment, the cooking equipment does not have a self-cleaning function. After selecting the attachment, the user can download a self-cleaning program via the internet or a smart device and install it on the cooking equipment. This gives the cooking equipment a self-cleaning function. To activate the self-cleaning function, the user can remove the mixing paddle from the cooking equipment, replace it with the cleaning attachment, and then select the self-cleaning function using the controls on the cooking equipment.

[0121] Therefore, another embodiment of this application provides a self-cleaning accessory. The self-cleaning accessory includes a frame and a cleaning actuator. The frame has a connecting end for connection to an external drive device. The cleaning actuator is disposed on the outer periphery of the frame and abuts against the wall of the external cavity to be cleaned. The cleaning actuator can operate in a steam environment, moving within the cavity to be cleaned under the drive of the drive device and applying force to the cavity wall, causing substances softened by steam and steam condensate on the cavity wall to detach.

[0122] Specifically, the frame structure can be an axisymmetric frame, as described in the above-described cooking equipment embodiments, and... Figures 3-9 The structure shown is not described in detail here. The structure of the cleaning actuator can also be found in the corresponding description above and appendix. Figures 2-9 The structure shown will not be described in detail here.

[0123] In summary, the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application creatively achieve simultaneous and rapid self-cleaning of the pot lid and the inner wall of the pot, minimizing cleaning time and improving user cooking efficiency while ensuring cleaning effectiveness.

[0124] One of the innovations of the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application lies in the following: Combining the self-deformable characteristics of silicone, an interference fit is used with the inner wall to be cleaned. The cleaning brush rotates at high speed under the action of a rotary motor, simultaneously driving the hot water in the pot to flow rapidly in a circular motion, thus rinsing the inner wall of the pot. The high-temperature steam generated by the heated water comes into contact with the pot lid and condenses, heating and softening the oil stains on the inner wall of the pot lid. The oil stains on the inner wall of the pot lid are quickly detached from the inner wall under the scraping force of the cleaning brush, the heating and softening effect of the high-temperature steam and condensate, and the action of the water flow, achieving self-cleaning. Similarly, the oil stains and residues on the inner wall of the pot are quickly detached from the inner wall under the scraping force of the cleaning brush, the impact force of the water flow, and the softening effect of the hot water, achieving self-cleaning. The entire cleaning process is simple and efficient.

[0125] The second innovation of the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application is that, in terms of implementation, it avoids special structures and parts such as nozzles, slits, and springs, thereby minimizing secondary pollution caused by the dead corners of the cleaning brush itself, and also improving the reliability and practicality of the overall solution.

[0126] The third innovation of the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application is that the structure is easy to disassemble. The cleaning brush and the built-in water channel are easy for users to disassemble, allowing for more thorough cleaning after meals. It is not only convenient and easy to use, but also maximizes the convenience for users to clean, disinfect and store. The method and device are simple, reliable and highly practical.

[0127] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application will be described below in conjunction with specific application scenarios:

[0128] Application Scenario 1

[0129] Users use cooking equipment, such as a stir-fry machine, to cook. After cooking one dish, the cooking chamber of the stir-fry machine needs to be cleaned before cooking the next dish to avoid cross-contamination of flavors and burning. After the stir-fry machine finishes cooking one dish, the lid is opened, and the user can plate the cooked food inside the cooking chamber. After plating, the user closes the lid back onto the cooking chamber. At this point, the stir-fry machine detects that the self-cleaning conditions have been met and automatically starts the self-cleaning program. The control device of the stir-fry machine controls the water control valve to open and inject cleaning liquid (such as water or an aqueous solution containing detergent) into the cooking chamber, while simultaneously activating the heating device to heat the cleaning liquid inside the cooking chamber. The control device controls the drive device (such as a rotary motor) to drive the cleaning component to rotate at high speed. The silicone scraper on the cleaning component is interference-fitted to the lid and the cooking chamber. The high-temperature steam cleaning liquid softens the grease on the lid and the inner wall of the cooking chamber, and the friction between the high-speed rotating silicone scraper and the lid and the cooking chamber, along with the impact force of the hot water flow, cleans the lid and the cooking chamber simultaneously. The entire cleaning process takes 15 seconds, which is the time it takes for the user to carry the cooked and plated dishes from the kitchen to the dining table in the living room and back to the kitchen. The user doesn't have to wait a long time for the cooking machine to complete its self-cleaning and can quickly start cooking the next dish, making it very efficient.

[0130] Application Scenario 2

[0131] Users use cooking appliances, such as food processors, to make rice paste. In a food processor, the lid is the main body, and the cooking body is the pulping body. Users put various ingredients, such as walnuts, purple rice, white rice, millet, and peanuts, into the food processor. After the food processor finishes making the paste, because the paste is quite thick, the inner wall of the pulping body is covered with paste that cannot be poured out. At this point, the user can activate the self-cleaning program of the cooking appliance. The cleaning actuator on the cleaning component of the cooking appliance is press-fitted against the inner wall of the pulping body. Driven by a rotating motor, the cleaning component rotates at high speed, agitating the cleaning liquid inside the machine. The liquid's rinsing action and the scraping action of the cleaning component clean the machine's walls. However, the lid is also splashed with liquid mixed with rice paste. Because the existing cleaning component is ineffective, the high-speed flowing cleaning liquid inside the machine cannot reach it, so the user must take the lid to the sink for washing.

[0132] The cleaning component described above can be replaced with the cleaning component mentioned in the embodiments of this application. Specifically, the cleaning component's cleaning actuator, in addition to having a second actuator that interferes with the inner wall of the blender's pulping chamber, also has a first actuator that interferes with the machine lid. Thus, when the cleaning component rotates at high speed, the first actuator scrapes off any deposits or liquid on the machine lid, while the second actuator scrapes off the inner wall of the pulping chamber. In a single self-cleaning cycle, both the machine lid and the pulping chamber can be cleaned simultaneously, eliminating the need for the user to clean the machine lid separately.

[0133] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application.

Claims

1. A cooking apparatus, characterized by, The application relates to a cooking device, comprising: a cooking body; a cover body which is combined with the cooking body to form a closed cooking cavity; a driving device for outputting driving force; a cleaning piece which is located in the cooking cavity and is connected with the driving device; the cleaning piece is provided with a through hole, and a rectifying structure is arranged in the through hole; the rectifying structure comprises at least one rectifying wall which extends along an axial direction; the at least one rectifying wall and a hole wall of the through hole are provided with at least one rectifying hole; the cleaning piece is further provided with a flow guiding structure, and the flow guiding structure comprises a flow guiding wall which is arranged on the hole wall of the through hole which is close to a cavity bottom of the cooking cavity; the cleaning piece is provided with at least one water inlet, at least one water outlet and an internal water channel; cleaning liquid which enters the internal water channel through the at least one water inlet is discharged through the at least one water outlet to inject the cleaning liquid into the cooking cavity; a heating device is arranged on the cooking body; a control device is electrically connected with the heating device, and is used for controlling the heating device to heat the cleaning liquid when the cleaning liquid is in the cooking cavity, controlling the driving device to work to drive the cleaning piece to move; at least part of a cavity wall region of the cooking cavity is cleaned under the combined action of the abutting force of the cleaning piece, steam and steam condensate. The control device is further used for: controlling the heating device to continuously heat the cleaning liquid for a first preset time length, and simultaneously controlling the driving device to work; or controlling the heating device to continuously heat the cleaning liquid for a first preset time length, and then controlling the driving device to work. The application further comprises a water control valve. The control device is further used for: controlling the water control valve to open to inject the cleaning liquid into the cooking cavity and controlling the heating device to heat the cleaning liquid after starting a self-cleaning program; or the control device is further used for: controlling the water control valve to open for a second preset time length to inject the cleaning liquid into the cooking cavity, and controlling the heating device to heat the cleaning liquid after the second preset time length is reached. The control device is further used for: controlling the driving device to output power with a variable size; and / or controlling the driving device to output power in different directions. The control device is arranged outside the cover body. The heating device is arranged below the cooking body outside the cooking cavity or is arranged around the cooking cavity. The cleaning piece has a cleaning execution part which comprises at least two execution parts. The at least two execution parts comprise: a first execution part which abuts against an inner wall of the cover body and is used for cleaning the inner wall of the cover body; and a second execution part which abuts against an inner wall of the cooking body and is used for cleaning the inner wall of the cooking body. The water outlet faces the cover body.

2. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover body is provided with a water source interface. The driving device is arranged on the cover body. The cleaning piece is provided with a docking structure.

3. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The docking structure is docked with an output end of the driving device, the periphery of the docking structure is provided with a docking wall which surrounds the docking structure, the end of the docking wall is in sealing contact with the cover body, a water inlet channel is formed between the docking wall and the docking structure, and the water inlet channel is communicated with the internal water channel. ​ ​ 4. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, ​ ​ ​ 5. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, ​ 6. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, ​ 7. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, ​ ​ ​ ​ 8. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, ​ 9. The cooking apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, ​ ​ ​ ​ 10. The cooking apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The built-in waterway is provided with a detachable sealing cover to facilitate cleaning of the built-in waterway.

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