A cooking apparatus and a control method of a cooking apparatus

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of home appliance technology, and more specifically to a cooking device and a control method for the cooking device. The cooking device includes a cooking chamber, in which a partition is detachably installed, dividing the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber. The partition has a first accommodating structure filled with a first medium, which is water, to prevent temperature cross-contamination between the first chamber and the second chamber. The preferred cooking device of this invention enables free conversion between a single large cooking chamber and multiple small cooking chambers to meet diverse customer cooking needs. Simultaneously, it prevents temperature cross-contamination between the small cooking chambers, maintaining the independent stability of the cooking temperature in each chamber and optimizing the independent cooking effect of each chamber on the food.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of home appliance technology, and more specifically to a cooking device and a method for controlling the cooking device. Background Technology

[0002] With social development and continuous technological progress, more and more people are pursuing healthy and authentic food, thus increasing the demand for steam ovens. Given the limited kitchen space, integrating traditional steam ovens and regular ovens into a single steam-oven combo is the future trend.

[0003] A steam oven mainly consists of a shell and an inner steaming / baking chamber located inside the shell. A heating device and a steam generator are installed in the cavity between the shell and the inner steaming / baking chamber. The steam generator is connected to the inner steaming / baking chamber, which contains a steaming / baking tray on which food to be cooked is placed. During operation, either the steam generator or the heating device operates to bake or steam the food in the inner steaming / baking chamber.

[0004] Most existing steam ovens are fixed single-cavity or double-cavity designs, which cannot meet the diverse cooking needs of customers. Specifically, single-cavity structures cannot simultaneously bake and steam, resulting in low cooking efficiency; while due to space limitations, double-cavity structures usually have small cooking spaces in both cavities, making it difficult to steam / bake large-volume ingredients, thus limiting their application and restricting the types of food that customers can cook. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a cooking device that allows for free conversion between a single large cooking chamber and multiple small cooking chambers to meet diverse customer cooking needs. Simultaneously, it prevents temperature cross-contamination between the small cooking chambers, maintaining the independent stability of the cooking temperature in each chamber and optimizing the independent cooking effect of each chamber on the food.

[0006] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0007] A cooking appliance, comprising:

[0008] A cooking chamber, wherein a partition is detachably installed in the chamber, the partition dividing the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber;

[0009] The partition is provided with a first accommodating structure, which is filled with a first medium, namely water, to prevent temperature transfer between the first chamber and the second chamber.

[0010] In the above solution, partitions are added to meet the diverse cooking needs of customers, who sometimes require a large cavity for cooking large-volume ingredients, sometimes require multiple small cavities for cooking various ingredients simultaneously, or require a small cavity for energy-efficient cooking of small ingredients. By detachably installing partitions within the cavities and setting steam holes and heating pipes according to the cooking requirements of the separated first and second cavities, it is possible to freely switch between a single large cooking cavity and multiple small cooking cavities to meet the diverse cooking needs of customers.

[0011] Moreover, by filling the partition with water, it is possible to prevent cross-temperature between the chambers when there is a large temperature difference between the first and second chambers, thereby maintaining the independent stability of the cooking temperature of each chamber and optimizing the independent cooking effect of each chamber on the food.

[0012] As a further preferred embodiment, the first accommodating structure has a portion for water to circulate, and the first accommodating structure has an inlet for water intake and an outlet for water collection.

[0013] As a further preferred embodiment, the liquid inlet device is positioned higher than the first accommodating structure, and the liquid collection device is positioned lower than the first accommodating structure, so that under the action of gravity, water is driven to flow out of the liquid inlet device, through the first accommodating structure, and then into the liquid collection device.

[0014] Alternatively, a drainage device may be provided to drive water out of the liquid inlet device, through the first accommodating structure, and then into the liquid collection device.

[0015] As a further preferred embodiment, the liquid inlet device is connected to the liquid collection device so that the water circulates between the liquid inlet device, the first accommodating structure, and the liquid collection device.

[0016] As a further preferred embodiment, the first accommodating structure includes: a flow guide pipe for directional circulation of water, one end of the flow guide pipe being connected to the liquid inlet and the other end being connected to the liquid outlet.

[0017] As a further preferred embodiment, the first accommodating structure includes: a liquid storage chamber that allows water to circulate irregularly inside, one end of the liquid storage chamber being connected to the liquid inlet and the other end being connected to the liquid outlet.

[0018] As a further preferred embodiment, the partition is also provided with a gas valve that communicates with the water-flow portion of the first accommodating structure, which is a pressure relief valve that outputs overpressure steam to the first chamber and / or the second chamber.

[0019] As a further preferred embodiment, the first accommodating structure is provided with a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the water.

[0020] As a further preferred embodiment, the partition is provided with a second accommodating structure, the second accommodating structure is filled with a second medium, and the thermal conductivity of the second medium is lower than that of the water.

[0021] As a further preferred embodiment, the second accommodating structure is provided with an inlet and an outlet, the second medium enters the interior of the second accommodating structure through the inlet and exits the interior of the second accommodating structure through the outlet.

[0022] As a further preferred embodiment, the second accommodating structure and the first accommodating structure are stacked, or the first accommodating structure and the second accommodating structure are arranged to surround each other.

[0023] A method for controlling a cooking device, the method comprising:

[0024] Obtain the temperature difference between the set temperature of the first chamber and the set temperature of the second chamber;

[0025] The temperature difference is determined to be within a set temperature range. The flow rate of water in the first accommodating structure within the partition is adjusted by the liquid inlet device and the liquid collection device so that the flow rate is adapted to the set temperature range corresponding to the temperature difference.

[0026] As a further preferred option, the method also includes:

[0027] The temperature value of the water in the first container structure is acquired in real time. When the temperature value is not greater than the temperature threshold, the water in the first container structure is controlled to flow at the original flow rate. When the temperature value is greater than the temperature threshold, the water in the first container structure is controlled to flow at the threshold flow rate.

[0028] The main beneficial effects of the above technical solution are as follows:

[0029] By detachably installing partitions inside the chambers and setting steam holes and heating pipes according to the cooking requirements of the first and second chambers after separation, it is possible to freely switch between a single large cooking chamber and multiple small cooking chambers to meet the diverse cooking needs of customers.

[0030] Based on the above, the structure of the partition is optimized for the usage environment of the partition to prevent temperature cross-contamination between the chambers when there is a large temperature difference between the first and second chambers, thereby maintaining the independent stability of the cooking temperature of each chamber and optimizing the independent cooking effect of each chamber on the food.

[0031] Further or more detailed beneficial effects will be described in conjunction with specific embodiments in the detailed implementation. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the partition assembly.

[0034] Figure 2 Side sectional view of the partition assembly.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the flow diversion pipeline structure.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the air valve installation structure.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of an infrared ranging device.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the detection hole structure.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an infrared detection structure.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of water flow.

[0041] Figure 9 This is a workflow diagram.

[0042] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of flow rate control.

[0043] Figure 11 Flowchart for partition installation and testing.

[0044] The figure shows: housing 1, chamber 101, first chamber 1011, second chamber 1012, mounting part 102, partition 2, upper plate 201, lower plate 202, heat insulation layer 203, detection hole 204, guide pipe 3, liquid inlet 301, liquid outlet 302, air valve 4, detection circuit 5, contact spring 6, metal conductor 7, infrared ranging device 8, infrared transmitter 9, and infrared receiver 10. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Existing cooking equipment, such as a steam oven, mainly includes a housing 1, which has a large chamber 101 for placing food to be cooked. The side wall of the chamber 101 has steam holes that communicate with the steam outlet of a steam generator. A heating element is connected to the inner side wall of the chamber 101. When food needs to be steamed, the steam generator produces steam and delivers it through the steam holes to the chamber 101 to steam the food; when food needs to be baked, the heating element generates heat to bake the food.

[0046] It should be noted that the aforementioned steam ovens have limitations in cooking efficiency and cooking methods, and cannot meet the diverse cooking needs of customers. For example, they cannot cook two ingredients at different cooking temperatures simultaneously, or cook two ingredients using different cooking methods simultaneously.

[0047] Based on this, the present invention proposes a novel cooking device structure. The following examples illustrate the invention in detail:

[0048] Example 1:

[0049] A cooking appliance, as shown in the attached Figure 1 As shown, the device includes a housing 1 and a chamber 101 inside the housing 1, as well as a partition 2 that is detachably installed inside the chamber 101 to divide the chamber 101 into a first chamber 1011 with vertical spacing (or horizontal spacing) and a second chamber 1012. The partition 2 is preferably made of high-temperature resistant plastic or metal.

[0050] Specifically, the side wall of chamber 101 is provided with a mounting part 102 for fitting and installing the partition 2, and the partition 2 is provided with corresponding connecting structures around its perimeter. During installation, the connecting structures are aligned with the mounting part 102 to complete the installation and fixation of the partition 2 and to separate the chamber 101. The mating structure between the partition 2 and the mounting part 102 can be a commonly used detachable connecting structure such as snap-fit, fastening, embedding, or screwing.

[0051] Thus, by installing or removing the partition 2, chamber 101 can be made into a single large cavity or two independent small cavities. Accordingly, in order for the first chamber 1011 and the second chamber 1012 to cook food independently, the arrangement of the steam vents and heating pipes needs to be changed.

[0052] Specifically, the first chamber 1011 and / or the second chamber 1012 are connected to a steam generator via steam holes, and heating elements are connected to the first chamber 1011 and / or the second chamber 1012. Thus, different cooking methods can be achieved through different settings during production.

[0053] For example, in one configuration, only the first chamber 1011 is connected to the steam generator via a steam vent, while only the second chamber 1012 is connected to a heating element. By installing a partition 2 to divide chamber 101 into the first chamber 1011 and the second chamber 1012, the first chamber 1011 becomes a small steamer structure for steaming food, while the second chamber 1012 becomes a small oven structure for baking food. After removing the partition 2, the first chamber 1011 and the second chamber 1012 are connected to form chamber 101, which can be selectively used for steaming / baking.

[0054] Of course, from the perspective of optimizing versatility without considering cost, it is preferable that both the first chamber 1011 and the second chamber 1012 are respectively provided with steam holes for communication with a steam generator, and both the first chamber 1011 and the second chamber 1012 are respectively connected to heating pipes. In this way, by installing or removing the partition 2, the cooking space can be freely converted between a single large chamber and multiple small chambers, and steaming and baking combinations can be freely combined, which can better meet the diverse cooking needs of customers.

[0055] Based on the above, considering that the partition 2 divides the chamber 101 into a first chamber 1011 and a second chamber 1012, and that both chambers 1011 and 1012 are used to cook food simultaneously, and that a large temperature difference during cooking can easily lead to cross-heating (i.e., heat overflowing from the chamber with the higher temperature affects the other chamber, causing it to heat up), the structure of the partition 2 was further optimized.

[0056] As attached Figure 2 As shown, the partition 2 has a hollow structure, in which a heat insulation layer 203 can be installed.

[0057] In this embodiment, for the convenience of production and installation, the partition 2 includes an upper plate 201 close to the first chamber 1011 and a lower plate 202 spaced apart from the upper plate 201 and close to the second chamber 1012. The periphery of the upper plate 201 and the periphery of the lower plate 202 are connected by connecting plates, and a heat insulation layer 203 is provided between the upper plate 201 and the lower plate 202.

[0058] Of course, the partition 2 can also be, for example, a cylinder with a cavity, or an integrally molded structure of any shape with a cavity.

[0059] The insulation layer 203 can be an intermediate layer formed by filling with insulation material to prevent the heat overflowing from the higher-temperature chamber from affecting the other chamber; or the interior of the partition 2 can be evacuated to make the insulation layer 203 a vacuum intermediate layer, because heat propagation requires a medium, and heat propagation is slow or non-propagating in a vacuum, which can better prevent the heat overflowing from the higher-temperature chamber from affecting the other chamber.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a heat insulation layer structure with heat insulation effect is preferably formed with water as the main body. The water absorbs the overflowing heat and prevents the occurrence of temperature cross-contamination. Because the cooking temperature of the first chamber 1011 and the second chamber 1012 when cooking food is generally 100 degrees Celsius or higher, and the maximum temperature of water is 100 degrees Celsius, the use of water to separate the first chamber 1011 and the second chamber 1012 can slow down heat conduction. That is, the maximum temperature that can be conducted between the chambers through the water part is 100 degrees Celsius, which can prevent the occurrence of temperature cross-contamination.

[0061] Furthermore, in order to optimize the heat insulation effect and prevent the water in the heat insulation layer 203 from being continuously heated and forming steam, which would cause the air pressure inside the partition 2 to increase, the heat insulation layer structure with heat insulation effect formed by water as the main body in this embodiment includes a first accommodating structure for water to flow through. The first accommodating structure has an inlet 301 connected to the liquid inlet device for water to enter, and an outlet 302 connected to the liquid collection device for water to exit, so that the water can continuously flow to carry away the overflowing heat.

[0062] Specifically, the first accommodating structure mainly exists in two forms.

[0063] In the first form, as shown in the appendix Figure 3 As shown, the first accommodating structure includes a guide pipe 3 mainly used for directional flow of water, so that the water can flow directionally from the inlet 301 to the outlet 302, in order to quickly absorb and carry away the overflow temperature. One end of the guide pipe 3 is connected to the inlet 301 and the other end is connected to the outlet 302.

[0064] At this time, the inlet 301 of the guide pipe 3 is connected to the inlet device, and the outlet 302 of the guide pipe 3 is connected to the collection device. Both the inlet device and the collection device are installed in the housing 1, and the inlet of the inlet device and the outlet of the collection device are fixed in position. When the partition 2 is installed, the inlet 301 of the guide pipe 3 is connected to the outlet of the inlet device, and the outlet 302 of the guide pipe 3 is connected to the outlet of the collection device.

[0065] Both the liquid inlet device and the liquid collection device can be water tank structures, with the liquid inlet device positioned higher than the first container structure and the liquid collection device positioned lower than the first container structure, so that under the action of gravity, water is driven to flow out of the liquid inlet device, through the first container structure, and then into the liquid collection device for collection.

[0066] Alternatively, water can be driven by an external power source to flow from the inlet device, through the first container structure, and then into the collection device for collection. This involves providing a diversion device that drives the water to flow from the inlet device, through the first container structure, and then into the collection device. The diversion device is preferably a water pump or a similar device that drives water flow, positioned within the water flow path formed by the inlet device, the first container structure, and the collection device.

[0067] For example, the liquid inlet device can be a combination of a cold water tank and a water pump. The liquid inlet 301 is connected to the cold water tank via a pipe, and the water pump can be driven to draw cold water from the cold water tank into the guide pipe 3. Similarly, the liquid collection device can be a combination of a collection tank and a water pump. The liquid outlet 302 is connected to the collection tank via a pipe, and the water pump can be driven to draw water from the guide pipe 3 into the collection tank.

[0068] Meanwhile, it is preferable that the liquid inlet device and the liquid collection device are connected to each other so that the water can circulate between the liquid inlet device, the partition 2, and the liquid collection device, thereby reducing the overall water demand.

[0069] As attached Figure 8 The flow diagram shown illustrates that the inlet device and the collection device can share a water collection tank filled with cold water, located within the housing 1, and a circulation pump. One end of the water collection tank is connected to a pipe, the pipe opening of which is fixed within the housing 1 and connected to the inlet 301. The other end of the water collection tank is also connected to a pipe, the pipe opening of which is fixed within the housing 1 and connected to the outlet 302, forming a circulating water path. The circulation pump is installed in this circulating water path to drive water from the water collection tank, through the inlet 301 into the guide pipe 3, and then back to the water collection tank from the outlet 302.

[0070] By driving the water to flow in the guide pipe 3, the heat overflowing from the first chamber 1011 and the second chamber 1012 can be carried away, thereby preventing cross-temperature between the first chamber 1011 and the second chamber 1012.

[0071] Of course, the flow rate of water in the guide pipe 3 corresponds to the temperature difference between the first chamber 1011 and the second chamber 1012. Specifically, the greater the temperature difference between the first chamber 1011 and the second chamber 1012, the easier it is for cross-temperature to occur. In this case, it is necessary to control the circulation pump to make the water flow faster in the guide pipe 3, so that cold water can fill the guide pipe 3 more quickly and timely, and hot water can be discharged into the collection tank or water tank more quickly, thereby improving the efficiency of heat removal and reducing the possibility of cross-temperature.

[0072] As attached Figure 9 As shown, in actual operation, multiple temperature settings can be set based on actual tests, and compared with the temperature difference between the cooking temperature of the first chamber 1011 and the cooking temperature of the second chamber 1012. When the temperature difference is small, less than the set minimum value, water flow is not required, and the overflowing heat can be absorbed by the still water. When the temperature difference is greater than the minimum value and within a certain limited range, the water can be circulated at a certain speed using a circulation pump. When the temperature difference is greater than the maximum value, the water can be circulated at the fastest speed using a circulation pump.

[0073] Meanwhile, as attached Figure 8 As shown, a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the water in the guide pipe 3 can be installed in the insulation layer 203.

[0074] This allows for real-time temperature monitoring of the water in the diversion pipe 3, and determines whether the water in the diversion pipe 3 can continue to absorb heat or requires water circulation based on the water temperature status. (See attached image) Figure 10 As shown, by setting a threshold, such as 80 or 90 degrees, when the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the water in the guide pipe 3 is lower than the threshold, it means that the water in the guide pipe 3 is still far from 100 degrees and can further absorb heat; when the temperature sensor detects that the temperature of the water in the guide pipe 3 is higher than the threshold, it means that the water in the guide pipe 3 is close to 100 degrees, and its heat absorption capacity is greatly reduced. Therefore, it is necessary to control the circulation pump to discharge the hot water in the guide pipe 3 to the collection tank and input the cold water in the collection tank into the guide pipe 3 to continue heat absorption.

[0075] Furthermore, the initial flow rate of water in the guide pipe 3 can be determined by the cooking temperature difference between the first chamber 1011 and the second chamber 1012, and the flow rate of water in the guide pipe 3 can be adjusted in real time based on the temperature monitoring of the temperature sensor to achieve the best heat absorption effect. Moreover, it can avoid the water in the guide pipe 3 from reaching the boiling point and forming steam, which would cause excessive steam pressure.

[0076] In the second form, as shown in the appendix Figure 4 As shown, the first accommodating structure includes a liquid storage chamber with a large water storage volume, allowing water to circulate irregularly within it. Compared to the aforementioned guide pipe 3, the liquid storage chamber preferably fills the large cavity inside the partition 2, enabling better water circulation within it. This allows for better internal circulation of water within the liquid storage chamber, while simultaneously achieving external circulation between the inlet device, the liquid storage chamber, and the collection device, thus optimizing the absorption of overflow temperature. One end of the liquid storage chamber is connected to the inlet 301, and the other end is connected to the outlet 302.

[0077] Referring to the flow guide pipe 3 above, the liquid inlet 301 of the liquid storage chamber is connected to a liquid inlet device, and the liquid outlet 302 of the liquid storage chamber is connected to a liquid collection device. The specific liquid inlet device and liquid collection device will not be described again here, but can be understood by referring to the above.

[0078] Additionally, as mentioned above, a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the water in the liquid storage chamber can also be installed in the insulation layer 203.

[0079] Meanwhile, the partition 2 is also equipped with a valve 4, such as a pressure relief valve, as an exhaust channel for excess steam generated after water evaporates in the liquid storage chamber, preventing excessive steam pressure in the liquid storage chamber from causing danger. The valve 4 has an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet is connected to the liquid storage chamber, and the first chamber 1011 and / or the second chamber 1012 is connected to the outlet. Specifically, when the first chamber 1011 is provided with steam holes for steaming food, and the second chamber 1012 is used for grilling food, the outlet of the valve 4 is connected to the first chamber 1011. In this way, the steam overflowing from the water evaporation in the insulation layer 203 is not wasted, but can be discharged into the first chamber 1011 for reuse in steaming food.

[0080] Conversely, when the second chamber 1012 is used for steaming food and the first chamber 1011 is used for baking food, the outlet of the gas valve 4 is connected to the second chamber 1012. Of course, when both the first chamber 1011 and the second chamber 1012 can be used for steaming, the outlet of the gas valve 4 is connected to two small air ports, one connected to the first chamber 1011 and the other connected to the second chamber 1012. This allows the overflowing steam to be simultaneously discharged into both chambers 1011 and 1012. The two small air ports can also be equipped with valves to control their opening and closing.

[0081] Furthermore, the partition 2 is preferably provided with a second accommodating structure, which is filled with a second medium. The thermal conductivity of the second medium is lower than that of water, so as to improve the overall heat insulation and temperature transfer effect.

[0082] Referring to the water flow cycle described above, the second container structure is provided with an inlet and an outlet. The second medium enters the interior of the second container structure through the inlet and leaves the interior of the second container structure through the outlet.

[0083] Meanwhile, the second accommodating structure and the first accommodating structure can be stacked, or the first accommodating structure and the second accommodating structure can surround each other. For example, the first accommodating structure may have a portion that surrounds the second accommodating structure, or the second accommodating structure may have a portion that surrounds the first accommodating structure.

[0084] It should be noted that water is used to insulate the first chamber 1011 and the second chamber 1012. When the first chamber 1011 and the second chamber 1012 are heated, some of the heat is easily lost and absorbed by the water in the partition 2, which results in slow heating.

[0085] Therefore, in this embodiment, a heat insulation layer is provided between the heat insulation layer 203 and the upper plate 201 and / or between the heat insulation layer 203 and the lower plate 202. This heat insulation layer is filled with air or filled with heat insulation and heat-insulating materials. On the one hand, it improves the heat insulation effect between the first chamber 1011 and the second chamber 1012, maintains the independent stability of the cooking temperature of each chamber, and optimizes the independent cooking effect of each chamber on the food; on the other hand, it can separate the heat insulation layer 203 from the first chamber 1011 and the heat insulation layer 203 from the second chamber 1012, preventing the water in the heat insulation layer 203 from directly absorbing the heat in the first chamber 1011 and the second chamber 1012, increasing the heating rate of the first chamber 1011 and the second chamber 1012, and thus improving the cooking efficiency.

[0086] As a foundation, to achieve the aforementioned heat insulation effect, it is necessary to ensure that the partition 2 is installed in place. Therefore, this embodiment includes an assembly inspection device for detecting the installation status of the partition 2. Furthermore, the assembly inspection device has various structures depending on the detection method.

[0087] As a contact detection method:

[0088] As attached Figure 2 As shown, the assembly testing device includes a raised metal conductor 7 mounted on the partition 2, and two spaced-apart contact springs 6 disposed within the housing 1. These springs are made of a high-temperature resistant and rust-resistant metal material, capable of conducting a weak, safe current. Each contact spring 6 is connected to a detection line 5, which is connected to the main testing board. The spacing between the contact springs 6 is adapted to the width of the metal conductor 7, allowing the metal conductor 7 to be inserted into the spacing and clamped by the two contact springs 6. The contacts on the metal conductor 7 connect with the contact springs 6, forming an electrical connection path capable of transmitting an electrical signal indicating that the installation is complete. Whether the partition 2 is installed correctly can be determined by checking the continuity of the detection line 5.

[0089] As a non-contact detection method:

[0090] In one form, as shown in the appendix Figure 5 and attached Figure 6As shown, an infrared ranging device 8 is installed around the perimeter of chamber 101, at least on the top layer of chamber 101 above the partition 2. This device measures the distance between itself and the object by emitting infrared light onto it and receiving the reflected infrared light. A vertically penetrating detection hole 204 is provided on the partition 2 at a corresponding position. Since the partition 2 is opaque, during installation, the infrared light is blocked and reflected, causing the measured distance to decrease, indicating that the partition 2 is being installed. Once the partition 2 is in place, the infrared light passes through the detection hole 204 without obstruction, and the measured distance is the same as when the partition 2 is not installed—a predetermined value, indicating that the partition 2 is installed correctly. Therefore, the change in the measured value of the infrared ranging device 8 can be used to determine whether the partition 2 is installed correctly.

[0091] In another form, as shown in the appendix Figure 7 As shown, the infrared photodetector structure adapted to the edge of partition 2 includes an infrared emitting end 9 located below partition 2 and an infrared receiving end 10 located above partition 2. When partition 2 is not installed, or when partition 2 is installed correctly, the infrared light emitted by the infrared emitting end 9 is received by the infrared receiving end 10. However, when partition 2 is installed correctly, its edge is inserted precisely between the infrared emitting end 9 and the infrared receiving end 10; since partition 2 is opaque, it blocks the infrared light. Therefore, whether partition 2 is installed correctly can be determined by whether the infrared receiving end 10 receives infrared light.

[0092] Example 2:

[0093] Based on Embodiment 1, in order to allow for free selection of the size of the first chamber 1011 and the second chamber 1012 after separation according to customer needs.

[0094] In this embodiment, a plurality of vertically spaced mounting portions 102 are provided in the chamber 101. The partition 2 can be adapted to be installed on the mounting portion 102 at any height to change the size of the resulting first chamber 1011 and second chamber 1012.

[0095] When the partition 2 is provided with the flow guiding pipe 3 as described above, it is necessary to provide a liquid inlet and a liquid collection device at each height position. In this way, when the partition 2 is connected to the mounting part 102 at any height, the liquid inlet 301 of the flow guiding pipe 3 can be connected to the liquid inlet, and the liquid outlet 302 of the flow guiding pipe 3 can be connected to the liquid collection device.

[0096] Meanwhile, in order to accurately control water supply and drainage based on the installation position of partition 2, it is necessary to detect the specific installation height of partition 2. Therefore, as shown in the attached... Figure 5As shown, an infrared ranging device 8 is installed around the perimeter of the chamber 101, at least on the top layer of the chamber 101, above the partition 2.

[0097] As attached Figure 11 As shown, during the installation of partition 2, the infrared light is blocked and reflected, resulting in a smaller measurement distance value. This distance value varies depending on the height at which partition 2 is installed. Therefore, by measuring and comparing this distance value, the specific installation height of partition 2 can be determined. After a certain period of time, whether the distance value measured by the infrared ranging device 8 is the same as when partition 2 is not installed indicates whether partition 2 is installed correctly.

[0098] As attached Figure 9 As shown, when the installation height of the partition 2 is measured and it is determined whether the partition 2 is installed and whether the partition 2 is properly installed, the user can choose between single-chamber operation or multi-chamber operation. When multi-chamber operation is selected, the liquid inlet device and liquid collection device can be controlled to operate, forming a flowing water path in the guide pipe 3 in the partition 2 to prevent cross-temperature between the first chamber 1011 and the second chamber 1012.

[0099] Example 3: Based on the cooking device with a partition in Example 1, a control method for the cooking device is provided, the method comprising:

[0100] Obtain the installation status of partition 2 collected by the assembly testing device;

[0101] If the partition 2 is installed, the working status of the first chamber 1011 and the second chamber 1012 is obtained; otherwise, if the partition 2 is not installed, subsequent actions are stopped.

[0102] When it is determined that the first chamber 1011 and the second chamber 1012 are working simultaneously, the temperature difference between the set temperature of the first chamber 1011 and the set temperature of the second chamber 1012 is obtained; otherwise, when it is determined that either the first chamber 1011 or the second chamber 1012 is working, the subsequent operation is stopped, and the water in the partition 2 does not need to circulate.

[0103] The system determines the temperature difference within a set temperature range and adjusts the water flow rate control within the first accommodating structure of partition 2 accordingly. For example, see attached... Figure 9 As shown, when the temperature difference is less than t1, the water circulation can be stopped; when the temperature difference is greater than t1 and less than or equal to t2, the main board can control the liquid inlet and liquid collection devices to drive the water in the baffle 2 to circulate at a speed of s1; when the temperature difference is greater than t2, the main board can control the liquid inlet and liquid collection devices to drive the water in the baffle 2 to circulate at a speed of s2; the speed of s2 is greater than the speed of s1, and the water flow rate in the baffle 2 can be increased accordingly.

[0104] Furthermore, in order to adjust the flow rate of the circulating water in real time according to the water temperature, so as to ensure that the temperature of the upper and lower chambers does not cross.

[0105] The above methods also include:

[0106] The temperature measurement value of the water in the first container structure of the partition 2 is acquired in real time by the temperature sensor. When the temperature measurement value is not greater than the temperature threshold (i.e. the maximum allowable temperature value), the water in the first container structure is controlled to flow at the original flow rate. When the temperature measurement value is greater than the temperature threshold, the water in the first container structure is controlled to flow at the threshold flow rate.

[0107] The threshold flow rate here is the maximum flow rate that the equipment can allow, so as to reduce the temperature in the baffle 2 in time, remove the overflowing heat, and quickly prevent the temperature from spreading.

[0108] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "front," and "rear," etc., mentioned in the embodiments of the present invention indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use. These are merely for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. It should be further noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" in the description should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention according to the specific circumstances. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0109] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A cooking apparatus, characterized by, The cooking device comprises: a cooking chamber (101) in which a partition (2) is detachably installed, the partition (2) separating the cooking chamber (101) into a first chamber (1011) and a second chamber (1012); the partition (2) is provided with a first accommodating structure filled with a first medium for blocking temperature conduction between the first chamber (1011) and the second chamber (1012), the first medium being water; the first accommodating structure has a part for circulating the water, and the first accommodating structure has a liquid inlet (301) for connecting a liquid inlet device for water inlet and a liquid outlet (302) for connecting a liquid collecting device for water outlet; the cooking device is further configured to be controlled by a control method, the control method comprising: obtaining a temperature difference between a set temperature of the first chamber (1011) and a set temperature of the second chamber (1012); determining a set temperature interval in which the temperature difference is located, and controlling the flow rate of the water in the first accommodating structure in the partition (2) through the liquid inlet device and the liquid collecting device, so that the flow rate is adapted to the set temperature interval corresponding to the temperature difference.

2. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid inlet device is arranged higher than the first accommodating structure, and the liquid collecting device is arranged lower than the first accommodating structure, so as to drive the water to flow out of the liquid inlet device, through the first accommodating structure, and into the liquid collecting device under the action of gravity. Alternatively, a flow guiding device is arranged to drive the water to flow out of the liquid inlet device, through the first accommodating structure, and into the liquid collecting device.

3. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid inlet device and the liquid collecting device are connected in communication, so that the water circulates between the liquid inlet device, the first accommodating structure, and the liquid collecting device.

4. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first accommodating structure comprises a flow guide pipeline (3) for directing the circulation of water, one end of the flow guide pipeline (3) being in communication with the liquid inlet (301), and the other end being in communication with the liquid outlet (302).

5. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first accommodating structure comprises a liquid storage cavity allowing irregular internal circulation of water, one end of the liquid storage cavity being in communication with the liquid inlet (301), and the other end being in communication with the liquid outlet (302).

6. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The partition (2) is further provided with an air valve (4) in communication with the part of the first accommodating structure for circulating the water, which is a pressure relief valve for outputting overpressure steam into the first chamber (1011) and / or the second chamber (1012).

7. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first accommodating structure is provided with a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the water.

8. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The partition (2) is provided with a second accommodating structure filled with a second medium, the thermal conductivity of the second medium being lower than that of the water.

9. The cooking apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second accommodating structure is provided with an inlet and an outlet, and the second medium enters the interior of the second accommodating structure through the inlet and exits the interior of the second accommodating structure through the outlet.

10. The cooking apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second accommodating structure and the first accommodating structure are arranged in layers, or the first accommodating structure and the second accommodating structure are arranged in a surrounding manner.

11. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control method for controlling the cooking device further comprises: Real-time acquisition of the temperature value of the water in the first containing structure, when the temperature value is not greater than the temperature threshold, controlling the water in the first containing structure to flow at the original flow rate, when the temperature value is greater than the temperature threshold, controlling the water in the first containing structure to flow at the threshold flow rate.

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