A control method of an electric kettle

Abstract

The application discloses a control method of an electric kettle, which comprises a heating device for heating the electric kettle, a processor for acquiring an electric signal of the heating device and judging whether the electric kettle enters a sleep state, a water level detection device in communication connection with the processor, a water level detection module for converting a detected water level height signal into an electric signal and transmitting the electric signal to the processor when the electric kettle enters the sleep state, the electric kettle entering a first sleep state when the water level height is higher than a first preset height value, the electric kettle entering a second sleep state when the water level height is less than or equal to the first preset height value, a display device for displaying operation parameters of the electric kettle, and an energy storage device for supplying power to the display device. The electric kettle of the application measures the water level in the electric kettle by using the water level detection device, so that the electric kettle enters different sleep states according to the water level height, and the effect of reducing power consumption is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of small household appliances, and in particular to a control method for an electric kettle. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technology, some electric kettles use a processor to control a display device to show parameters such as temperature, time, and power, allowing users to monitor the kettle's operating status in real time. During use, since the electric kettle is constantly connected to mains power, the processor will enter wake-up and sleep states as needed to conserve resources and reduce waste, thus reducing energy consumption.

[0003] For example, the cooking method, cooking utensils, and computer storage medium described in Chinese utility model patent CN109199080A detect the power supply voltage of a microcontroller and switch the microcontroller into sleep or wake-up state based on the detected voltage level. However, this detection method is simplistic, easily affected by external environmental interference, and the detection results or state switching scenarios cannot meet the needs of users.

[0004] Meanwhile, when the electric kettle is placed on the power base, it is powered by the mains, with the power base providing energy to the kettle. When the kettle is detached from the power base, its internal energy storage device powers the kettle, causing the display on the kettle to show its parameters in real time; alternatively, the display is always powered by the energy storage device. This results in either the display continuously showing the kettle's parameters or the display being indiscriminately woken up regardless of the kettle's state, leading to energy waste and inefficient energy utilization. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application discloses a control method for an electric kettle. By judging the water level inside the kettle, the kettle is made to enter different sleep states, thereby achieving the technical effect of accurately identifying the application scenario of the electric kettle and saving energy.

[0006] This application discloses an electric kettle, comprising:

[0007] A heating device for heating the electric kettle;

[0008] The processor acquires the electrical signal from the heating device and determines whether the electric kettle has entered a sleep state, the sleep state including the original sleep time;

[0009] A water level detection device is communicatively connected to the processor. When the electric kettle enters a sleep state, the processor receives the water level height from the water level monitoring module.

[0010] When the water level is higher than the first preset height value, the electric kettle enters the first sleep state;

[0011] When the water level is less than or equal to the first preset height value, the electric kettle enters the second sleep state;

[0012] The display device is used to display the operating parameters of the electric kettle. When the electric kettle enters the first sleep state, the sleep time of the first sleep state remains unchanged or decreases based on the original sleep time, and the time to wake up the display device remains unchanged or decreases. When the electric kettle enters the second sleep state, the sleep time of the second sleep state is extended based on the original sleep time, and the time to wake up the display device is extended.

[0013] An energy storage device supplies power to the display device. Several alternative methods are also provided below, but these are not intended as additional limitations on the overall solution described above; they are merely further additions or preferences. Provided there are no technical or logical contradictions, each alternative method can be combined individually with respect to the overall solution described above, or multiple alternative methods can be combined among themselves.

[0014] Optionally, the processor obtains the wake-up threshold of the electric kettle, and compares the wake-up threshold with a preset wake-up threshold.

[0015] Optionally, each sleep state includes a wake-up time and a sleep time. When the wake-up threshold reaches the preset wake-up threshold, the processor determines each sleep state. When each sleep state is within the wake-up time, the processor issues a display command to the display device; when each sleep state is within the sleep time, the processor does not issue a display command to the display device.

[0016] Optionally, the wake-up threshold is a capacitance value.

[0017] Optionally, the first sleep state includes a first wake-up time and a first sleep time, and the second sleep state includes a second wake-up time and a second sleep time, wherein the duration of the first sleep time is less than the duration of the second sleep time.

[0018] Optionally, when the processor issues a display command to the display device, the display device turns on and displays parameters. At the same time, the processor acquires the display time. When the display time reaches the preset display time, the display device turns off, and the electric kettle enters the corresponding sleep state before waking up.

[0019] Optionally, when the water level is higher than a first preset height value, the liquid temperature inside the electric kettle is detected; when the liquid temperature is greater than a first preset temperature, the display time is set to a first display time; when the liquid temperature is less than a first preset temperature but greater than a second preset temperature, the display time is set to a second display time; when the liquid temperature is less than a second preset temperature, the display time is set to a third display time.

[0020] Optionally, the electric kettle is equipped with a power supply device to power the display device.

[0021] Optionally, the power supply device includes a power supply device and an independent power supply device. When the power supply voltage detected by the processor is greater than or equal to a preset power supply voltage, the display device is powered by the power supply device; when the power supply voltage detected by the processor is less than the preset power supply voltage, the display device is powered by the independent power supply device.

[0022] Optionally, when the water level is higher than a first preset height value, the liquid temperature inside the electric kettle is detected, and the duration of each wake-up time and each sleep time is adjusted according to the different liquid temperatures.

[0023] The electric kettle of this application uses a water level detection device to measure the water level inside the kettle, thereby causing the kettle to enter different sleep states according to the water level, thus reducing power consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the display parameters of an electric kettle display device in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0026] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "connected" to another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or it can be connected to a component in between. When a component is said to be "set on" another component, it can be directly set on the other component or it may be set to a component in between.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0028] refer to Figure 1 As shown, this application relates to an electric kettle, comprising:

[0029] A heating device for heating the electric kettle;

[0030] The processor acquires the electrical signal from the heating device and determines whether the electric kettle has entered a sleep state, the sleep state including the original sleep time;

[0031] A water level detection device is communicatively connected to the processor. When the electric kettle enters a sleep state, the processor receives the water level height from the water level monitoring module.

[0032] When the water level is higher than the first preset height value, the electric kettle enters the first sleep state;

[0033] When the water level is less than or equal to the first preset height value, the electric kettle enters the second sleep state;

[0034] The display device is used to display the operating parameters of the electric kettle. When the electric kettle enters the first sleep state, the sleep time of the first sleep state remains unchanged or decreases based on the original sleep time, and the time to wake up the display device remains unchanged or decreases. When the electric kettle enters the second sleep state, the sleep time of the second sleep state is extended based on the original sleep time, and the time to wake up the display device is extended.

[0035] An energy storage device supplies power to the display device.

[0036] In this embodiment, the electric kettle primarily heats or keeps the liquid inside the kettle warm through a heating device. When the heating device is not working, the electric kettle is in standby or off state, allowing the user to stop or not use the kettle for a longer period of time. Similarly, when the water level in the kettle is less than or equal to a first preset height, the kettle is also in a state of prolonged inactivity. At this time, the electric kettle enters a second sleep state, and the display device does not show the kettle's operating parameters. When the user wakes up the display device, because the kettle is in the second sleep state and the sleep time is relatively long, the user needs to use the device for a longer period to wake it up, thus achieving the effect of saving energy. The sleep state includes the initial sleep time; the heating device's normal operation can be determined by temperature, voltage, power, or capacitance value. When the heating device is working normally, the electric kettle enters the working state; when the heating device stops working, the electric kettle enters the sleep state.

[0037] The electric kettle has two sleep states: a first sleep state and a second sleep state. The first sleep state is the normal sleep state. When there is some water in the kettle, the user will perform other operations on the water, such as checking the temperature of the water, the keep-warm time, or reheating the water. Therefore, the electric kettle needs to respond quickly to the user's operations to reduce the time the user has to wait for the kettle to respond.

[0038] The second sleep state is a deep sleep state. When there is no water in the kettle, the user will add water to the kettle, and the possibility of using other operations is greatly reduced. At this time, the kettle does not need to respond to the user's operation quickly. It can respond after a period of time after the user issues the operation command. In the deep sleep state, the kettle can reduce energy consumption.

[0039] The display device is used to show relevant parameters of the electric kettle, such as the temperature of the liquid in the kettle, the water level, and the heating power, so that users can quickly and accurately determine whether the electric kettle is in the required working state.

[0040] In one embodiment, when the kettle is separated from the power base, the energy storage device provides the kettle with the electrical energy required for the normal operation of its various components, such as the power needed for processor calculations and the power needed for the display device to display numbers or graphics. The energy storage device typically uses button batteries or dry cell batteries; to save space in the kettle, smaller button batteries are often used. When the kettle is combined with the power base, the mains voltage provides the kettle with the electrical energy required for normal operation.

[0041] In one embodiment, when the electric kettle is separated from or combined with the power base, the energy storage device always provides the electric kettle with the electrical energy required for the normal operation of each device, and the electrical energy used by the display device to display the relevant parameters of the electric kettle is provided by the energy storage device.

[0042] In existing technologies, electric kettles employ infrared sensing and related technologies. When a user approaches the kettle, it is activated, enabling some or all of its functions to operate. While convenient, this can lead to resource waste. For example, the kettle may still operate even when the user is near it but not using it. Therefore, the method used in this embodiment avoids accidental activation, conserving resources. The processor obtains the kettle's activation threshold and compares it with a preset threshold. The activation threshold is a capacitance value. When a user places their finger on the touchscreen, the finger acts as a capacitor. The larger the contact area between the finger and the touchscreen, the higher the activation threshold. Only when the contact area reaches a certain value can the activation threshold be reached, allowing the user to activate some or all of the kettle's functions. This prevents accidental activation by the user and also prevents damage to the touchscreen from sharp objects like wooden sticks or chopsticks. As a preferred embodiment, the electric kettle contains a capacitor. When a finger touches the touchscreen, the finger acts as another capacitor, and the two capacitors are connected in series, increasing the total capacitance of the kettle. When the capacitance reaches a preset value, the kettle is awakened. In sleep mode, to wake the kettle, a preset wake-up threshold must be met within a specific time period. Each sleep state includes a wake-up time and a sleep time. When the wake-up threshold is reached, the processor determines the sleep state. If the sleep state is within its wake-up time, the processor sends a display command to the display device; if it is within its sleep time, the processor does not send a display command. Since the kettle is in a waiting-to-wake state during the wake-up time, it still consumes a significant amount of energy. In practical use, controlling the wake-up and sleep times minimizes the user's waiting time when waking the kettle. Therefore, setting the wake-up and sleep time intervals reduces energy consumption. The display device can be separate or integrated with the touchscreen. As a preferred embodiment, for simplicity and ease of operation, this application integrates the display device and touchscreen into a single structure.

[0043] Depending on the specific application scenario, the wake-up time and duration of each sleep state vary. The first sleep state includes a first wake-up time and a first sleep time, while the second sleep state includes a second wake-up time and a second sleep time. The duration of the first sleep time is shorter than the duration of the second sleep time. In the first sleep state, the user views the kettle's parameters on the display device and determines further operations based on these parameters. In the second sleep state, since the kettle is empty, the probability of the user obtaining the kettle's parameters and performing further operations is reduced. Therefore, the length of the second sleep time can be extended to reduce response sensitivity and minimize energy consumption.

[0044] After the display device is turned on, it is turned off once the user can successfully read the values ​​displayed, thus saving energy. When the processor issues a display command to the display device, the display device turns on and displays the parameters. Simultaneously, the processor acquires the display time. When the preset display time is reached, the display device turns off, and the electric kettle enters the corresponding sleep state before waking up. The parameters displayed on the display device can include one or more of temperature, remaining heating time, power, and heat preservation temperature. As a preferred embodiment, in the first sleep state, the first wake-up time is 200ms, and the first sleep time is 800ms. After receiving the display command from the processor, the display device displays the temperature value for 5 seconds, and then turns off, entering the first sleep state. In the second sleep state, the second wake-up time is 200ms, and the second sleep time is 1800ms. After receiving the display command from the processor, the display device displays the temperature value for 5 seconds, and then turns off, entering the second sleep state.

[0045] The duration of the display device's on-time can be controlled based on the temperature inside the electric kettle. When the water level is higher than a first preset height, the liquid temperature inside the kettle is detected. If the liquid temperature is higher than the first preset temperature, the display time is set to the first display time; if the liquid temperature is lower than the first preset temperature but higher than the second preset temperature, the display time is set to the second display time; if the liquid temperature is lower than the second preset temperature, the display time is set to the third display time. Because the ideal water temperature range for users is between the first and second preset temperatures, the second display time is longer than the first and third display times. When the display device is on, if the user touches the touchscreen again, the display time will still start from the time the first wake-up threshold is reached. When the display device enters sleep mode again, the user can turn it on again by touching the touchscreen. As a preferred embodiment, the first preset temperature is set to 85℃, and the first display time is 3 seconds when the liquid temperature is greater than 85℃; the second preset temperature is set to 40℃, and the second display time is 5 seconds when the liquid temperature is between 40℃ and 80℃; and the third display time is 3 seconds when the liquid temperature is less than 40℃.

[0046] To provide a stable power supply to the display device, the electric kettle is equipped with a power supply unit. This power supply unit includes a mains power supply and an independent power supply unit. When the processor detects a supply voltage greater than or equal to a preset supply voltage, the display device is powered by the mains power supply; when the processor detects a supply voltage less than the preset supply voltage, the display device is powered by the independent power supply unit. The mains power supply unit converts AC power to supply power to the display device when the kettle is connected to AC power. The independent power supply unit supplies power to the display device using its internal power supply when the kettle is disconnected from AC power. As a preferred embodiment, when AC power is used, the mains power supply unit converts the AC power to a 5V supply voltage. When the independent power supply unit is used, the supply voltage is 3V, with a preset supply voltage of 5V. When the processor detects a supply voltage greater than or equal to 5V, the mains power supply unit supplies power; when the processor detects a supply voltage less than 5V, the independent power supply unit supplies power. The independent power supply unit can be a button battery.

[0047] To improve the accuracy of determining whether an electric kettle has been idle for an extended period, it is equipped with a temperature detection device. When the liquid temperature inside the kettle reaches an extreme value, the kettle is also considered to have been idle for a considerable time. For example, if the extreme value is a boiling liquid temperature or a liquid temperature roughly the same as the room temperature, the user may not drink the liquid because it is too hot or too cold, and the kettle will enter a second sleep state. When the liquid temperature inside the kettle is outside the extreme range but within the middle range, the kettle will enter a first sleep state.

[0048] In this embodiment, the electric kettle enters a sleep state by combining the water level monitoring device and the temperature detection device. When there is water in the kettle, the user can perform other operations on the water based on the liquid temperature displayed on the device. When the water level is higher than a first preset height, the liquid temperature is detected, and the duration of each wake-up time and sleep time is adjusted accordingly. When the liquid temperature is within the user's ideal temperature range, the user needs to quickly read the liquid temperature on the display device, resulting in a shorter sleep time. As a preferred embodiment, when the liquid temperature is greater than 85°C, the second wake-up time is 200ms and the second sleep time is 1300ms; when the second preset temperature is set to 40°C, and the liquid temperature is between 40°C and 80°C, the second wake-up time is 200ms and the second sleep time is 800ms; when the liquid temperature is less than 40°C, the second wake-up time is 200ms and the second sleep time is 1300ms.

[0049] The water level detection device and the temperature detection device can be integrated into one unit, using detection electrodes installed in the electric kettle to measure the water level and temperature, thus saving space in the kettle; or the water level detection device and the temperature detection device can be separate units to improve detection accuracy.

[0050] The technical features of the embodiments described above can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features does not contradict each other, it should be considered to be within the scope of this specification. When technical features of different embodiments are embodied in the same drawing, it can be regarded as the drawing also disclosing examples of combinations of the various embodiments involved.

[0051] The embodiments described above are merely examples of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A control method for an electric kettle, characterized in that, include: A heating device for heating the electric kettle; The processor acquires the electrical signal from the heating device and determines whether the electric kettle has entered a sleep state, the sleep state including the original sleep time; A water level detection device is communicatively connected to the processor. When the electric kettle enters a sleep state, the processor receives the water level height from the water level monitoring module. When the water level is higher than the first preset height value, the electric kettle enters the first sleep state; When the water level is less than or equal to the first preset height value, the electric kettle enters the second sleep state; The display device is used to display the operating parameters of the electric kettle. When the electric kettle enters the first sleep state, the sleep time of the first sleep state remains unchanged or decreases based on the original sleep time, and the time to wake up the display device remains unchanged or decreases. When the electric kettle enters the second sleep state, the sleep time of the second sleep state is extended based on the original sleep time, and the time to wake up the display device is extended. An energy storage device supplies power to the display device.

2. The control method for an electric kettle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The processor obtains the wake-up threshold of the electric kettle and compares the wake-up threshold with a preset wake-up threshold.

3. The control method for an electric kettle according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each sleep state includes a wake-up time and a sleep time. When the wake-up threshold reaches the preset wake-up threshold, the processor determines each sleep state. When each sleep state is within the wake-up time, the processor issues a display command to the display device; when each sleep state is within the sleep time, the processor does not issue a display command to the display device.

4. The control method for an electric kettle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The wake-up threshold is the capacitance value.

5. The control method for an electric kettle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first sleep state includes a first wake-up time and a first sleep time, and the second sleep state includes a second wake-up time and a second sleep time, wherein the duration of the first sleep time is less than the duration of the second sleep time.

6. The control method for an electric kettle according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the processor issues a display command to the display device, the display device turns on and displays the parameters. At the same time, the processor acquires the display time. When the display time reaches the preset display time, the display device turns off, and the electric kettle enters the corresponding sleep state before waking up.

7. The control method for an electric kettle according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the water level is higher than the first preset height value, the liquid temperature in the electric kettle is detected; when the liquid temperature is greater than the first preset temperature, the display time is set to the first display time. When the liquid temperature is lower than a first preset temperature and higher than a second preset temperature, the display time is set to the second display time. When the liquid temperature is lower than the second preset temperature, the display time is set to the third display time.

8. The control method for an electric kettle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The electric kettle is equipped with a power supply device to power the display device.

9. The control method for an electric kettle according to claim 8, characterized in that, The power supply device includes a power supply unit and an independent power supply unit. When the power supply voltage detected by the processor is greater than or equal to a preset power supply voltage, the display device is powered by the power supply unit; when the power supply voltage detected by the processor is less than the preset power supply voltage, the display device is powered by the independent power supply unit.

10. The control method for an electric kettle according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the water level is higher than the first preset height value, the liquid temperature inside the electric kettle is detected, and the duration of each wake-up time and each sleep time is adjusted according to the different liquid temperatures.

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