A cooking device and its control method and control apparatus

Abstract

This invention discloses a cooking device and its control method and control apparatus. The cooking device has a steaming function and includes a water tank assembly and a drive assembly. The water tank assembly includes a water tank receiving cavity with a water tank loading / unloading opening. The drive assembly is used to drive the water tank assembly to move. The control method includes receiving a water tank return signal, responding to the water tank return signal, and controlling the drive assembly to generate a first resistance. The first resistance and a first thrust act on the same object but in opposite directions. The first thrust is the force applied to the water tank receiving cavity when the user places the water tank in the receiving cavity. The technical solution of this invention ensures that the water tank assembly can be manually reset in case of power failure / abnormal conditions, while preventing the user from manually resetting the water tank assembly under power / normal conditions. This ensures the stability of the internal components of the cooking device and reduces the impact on the lifespan of the cooking device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of kitchen appliance technology, and in particular to a cooking device and its control method and control apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, cooking equipment with steaming function (such as steam ovens and steam ovens) typically has a water tank assembly and a drive assembly. The water tank assembly includes a water tank receiving cavity with a water tank loading and unloading opening for accommodating the water tank. The drive assembly is used to drive the water tank assembly to move, enabling the water tank assembly to be pushed out and retracted for operations such as adding water, changing water, or emptying water.

[0003] In existing technologies, to prevent the water tank assembly from failing to reset in the event of occasional power outages or abnormal conditions, the water tank assembly is usually designed to be manually pushed back to its original position (i.e., inside the cooking device). However, if this function is still available under normal power conditions, it means that if the user applies too much force when placing the water tank back into the water tank cavity, causing the water tank assembly to move, the drive assembly will also be forced to move due to external force. This not only abandons the automated function of the drive assembly driving the water tank assembly to retract and reset, but may also damage the structural and performance stability of the drive assembly in the long run, affecting the service life of the cooking device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a cooking device and its control method and device, which ensures that the water tank assembly can be manually reset in the event of a power outage / abnormal situation, while preventing the user from manually resetting the water tank assembly in the event of power / normal situation, thereby ensuring the stability of the internal components of the cooking device and reducing the impact on the service life of the cooking device.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a control method for a cooking device, the cooking device having a steaming function, including a water tank assembly and a drive assembly, the water tank assembly including a water tank receiving cavity having a water tank loading and unloading opening, and the drive assembly being used to drive the water tank assembly to move.

[0006] The control method includes:

[0007] Receive the water tank return signal;

[0008] In response to the water tank return signal, the control drive component generates the first resistance;

[0009] The first resistance and the first thrust act on the same object but in opposite directions; the first thrust is the force applied to the water tank cavity by the user when placing the water tank into the water tank cavity.

[0010] Optionally, after responding to the water tank return signal and controlling the drive component to generate the first resistance, the control method further includes:

[0011] It receives the user's water tank recycling command and, based on the command, controls the drive component to move the water tank component into the interior of the cooking equipment.

[0012] Optionally, the drive component includes a drive motor;

[0013] The control drive component generates the first resistance, including:

[0014] Control the drive motor to rotate in a first direction to generate a first resistance;

[0015] The first direction is the same as the rotation direction of the drive motor when the drive component moves at least part of the water tank component to the outside of the cooking device's housing.

[0016] Optionally, controlling the drive component to generate the first resistance includes:

[0017] The control drive component generates the first resistance within a first preset time.

[0018] Optionally, the first preset time is 1s to 5s.

[0019] Optionally, a micro switch is provided inside the water tank cavity, and the micro switch is located on the side of the water tank cavity away from the water tank opening; when the water tank is inside the water tank cavity and in contact with the micro switch, the micro switch is in the first state, and when the water tank is not inside the water tank cavity, the micro switch is in the second state.

[0020] Receive the water tank return signal, including:

[0021] Collect the status information of the micro switch;

[0022] When the microswitch changes from the second state to the first state, a water tank return signal is received.

[0023] Optionally, a water tank displacement signal is received when the state of the micro switch changes from the first state to the second state;

[0024] After receiving the water tank departure signal and before receiving the water tank return signal, the control method also includes:

[0025] Disable the driver component from working;

[0026] Do not allow the cooking equipment to start any cooking mode.

[0027] Optionally, the cooking device also includes a control panel, which is linked to the water tank assembly, and a drive component is used to switch the state of the control panel between exposing the water tank access opening and obscuring the water tank access opening.

[0028] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a control device for a cooking device, the cooking device having a steaming function, including a water tank assembly and a drive assembly, the water tank assembly including a water tank receiving cavity having a water tank loading and unloading opening, and the drive assembly for driving the water tank assembly to move.

[0029] The control device includes:

[0030] The signal receiving module is used to receive the water tank return signal;

[0031] The control module is used to respond to the water tank return signal and control the drive component to generate the first resistance;

[0032] The first resistance and the first thrust act on the same object but in opposite directions; the first thrust is the force applied to the water tank cavity by the user when placing the water tank into the water tank cavity.

[0033] Thirdly, the present invention provides a cooking device, including a water tank assembly and a drive assembly. The water tank assembly includes a water tank receiving cavity with a water tank loading and unloading opening. The drive assembly is used to drive the water tank assembly to move.

[0034] The cooking equipment also includes:

[0035] Processor; driver components are electrically connected to the processor;

[0036] Memory; the communication connection between the memory and the processor;

[0037] The memory stores a computer program that can be executed by a processor, which enables the processor to perform the control method provided in any embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] In summary, this embodiment of the invention, upon receiving a water tank return signal, responds to the signal by controlling the drive component to generate a first resistance. This first resistance counteracts the first thrust applied to the water tank cavity by the user when pushing the water tank into it. This prevents the water tank assembly and drive component from shifting backward due to manual force. Furthermore, it allows the user to know that the water tank is fully positioned within the cavity upon feeling the first resistance, prompting them to stop pushing. This also prevents the water tank assembly and drive component from shifting backward due to manual force, ensuring the stability of the internal components of the cooking equipment and reducing the impact on its lifespan. Moreover, since the first resistance is based on the water tank return signal, the drive component will not generate this first resistance in the event of a power outage or abnormality, thus not affecting the user's ability to manually push the water tank assembly back in such situations.

[0039] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of a control method for a cooking device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart of another control method for a cooking device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water tank assembly in the cooking device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 Is with Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the corresponding water tank cavity;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cooking device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 6 Is with Figure 5 A partial structural diagram of the corresponding cooking equipment;

[0047] Figure 7 Is with Figure 5 Another partial structural diagram of the corresponding cooking equipment;

[0048] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a control method for a cooking device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a control device for a cooking apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another cooking device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0051] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0052] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a cooking device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The cooking device has a steaming function, such as a steam oven or a steam-oven. The cooking device includes a water tank assembly and a drive assembly. The water tank assembly includes a water tank receiving cavity with a water tank loading / unloading opening. The drive assembly is used to drive the water tank assembly to move. This embodiment is applicable to situations where, under power / normal conditions, it prevents the user from manually resetting the water tank assembly when placing the water tank back into the water tank receiving cavity, thereby avoiding forced movement of the drive assembly due to human intervention. This ensures both the normal operation and stability of the drive assembly, reducing the impact on the lifespan of the cooking device. This control method can be executed by a control device, which can be implemented in hardware and / or software. Figure 1 As shown, the control method includes the following steps:

[0054] S101, Receive water tank return signal.

[0055] S102, In response to the water tank return signal, control the drive component to generate the first resistance.

[0056] The water tank return signal refers to the signal indicating that the water tank has been repositioned within the water tank cavity. Specifically, the relative position of the water tank and the water tank cavity includes whether the water tank is located within the water tank cavity or not. When the water tank changes from being outside the water tank cavity to re-entering the water tank cavity, it indicates that the water tank has returned to its original position, and a water tank return signal can be received. When the water tank changes from being located within the water tank cavity to leaving the water tank cavity, it indicates that the water tank has been removed from its original position, and a water tank removal signal can be received.

[0057] It should be noted that when the water tank remains inside the water tank cavity, its spatial position does not change; in other words, the water tank does not undergo a return-to-position action. Therefore, the aforementioned water tank return-to-position signal will not be received during this time. In other words, the water tank return-to-position signal represents the change in position / action of the water tank from being outside the water tank cavity to re-entering the water tank cavity.

[0058] In this invention, the first resistance and the first thrust act on the same object but in opposite directions. The first thrust is the force applied to the water tank cavity when the user places the water tank into it. Upon receiving the water tank return signal, it indicates that the water tank is completely placed within the cavity. If the user continues to push the water tank, the cavity will be subjected to the user's thrust (i.e., the first thrust). If the first thrust is large, it may push the drive assembly to move, requiring manual repositioning of the water tank assembly. To avoid this, this embodiment of the invention, upon receiving the water tank return signal, responds to the signal by controlling the drive assembly to generate a first resistance. This first resistance counteracts the force (i.e., the first thrust) applied to the cavity when the user pushes the water tank into it, thus preventing the water tank assembly and drive assembly from being damaged by the user's actions. The first resistance allows the user to know that the water tank is fully placed in the water tank cavity after feeling the first resistance, prompting the user to stop pushing the water tank. This also prevents the water tank assembly and drive assembly from moving backward due to manual force, avoiding the need to manually reset the water tank assembly under normal power conditions. This ensures the stability of the internal components of the cooking equipment and reduces the impact on the lifespan of the cooking equipment. In addition, since the first resistance is based on the resistance generated by the water tank return signal, the drive assembly will not generate this first resistance under power failure / abnormal conditions, thus not affecting the user's ability to manually push the water tank assembly back under power failure / abnormal conditions.

[0059] Based on the above embodiments, Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating another control method for a cooking device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, which further refines the above control method, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the control method may include the following steps:

[0060] S201. Receive the user's water tank ejection command, and according to the water tank ejection command, control the drive component to move at least a portion of the water tank component to the outside of the cooking device's housing.

[0061] The water tank ejection command refers to the command to eject the water tank assembly. For example, the user can send this command via a button on the cooking device. Alternatively, if the cooking device is wirelessly connected to a mobile terminal (such as a mobile phone), the user can also send the command via the mobile terminal. This embodiment of the invention does not limit the method by which the user sends the water tank ejection command.

[0062] Specifically, the drive assembly may include a drive motor and a transmission mechanism. Upon receiving a user's command to eject the water tank, the processor can control the drive motor to rotate, thereby moving at least a portion of the water tank assembly to the outside of the cooking appliance's housing via the transmission mechanism. Afterward, the user can remove the water tank to add or empty it.

[0063] S202, Receive the water tank return signal.

[0064] S203, responding to the water tank return signal, controls the drive component to generate the first resistance.

[0065] Optionally, the method of controlling the drive assembly to generate the first resistance can be specifically to control the drive motor to rotate in a first direction to generate the first resistance. The first direction is the same as the direction of rotation of the drive motor when the drive assembly moves at least a portion of the water tank assembly to the outside of the cooking appliance's housing.

[0066] Specifically, during the process of the drive assembly moving at least a portion of the water tank assembly to the outside of the cooking device's housing, the rotation of the drive motor can apply a thrust toward the outside of the housing to the transmission mechanism and the water tank assembly. When the user pushes the water tank into the water tank cavity, a thrust toward the inside of the housing is applied to the water tank assembly. Since the two are in opposite directions, when the drive assembly generates the first resistance, by controlling the rotation direction of the drive motor (first direction) to be the same as the rotation direction when the drive assembly moves at least a portion of the water tank assembly to the outside of the cooking device's housing, the first resistance generated by the drive assembly can be made to be opposite in direction to the user's first thrust, thereby achieving the purpose of counteracting the user's thrust.

[0067] For example, the first direction can be clockwise.

[0068] In one specific embodiment, the optional control drive component generates a first resistance within a first preset time period; in other words, it can control the drive motor to rotate along a first direction within the first preset time period. Specifically, in this embodiment, the drive motor rotates along the first direction only for a period of time (i.e., the first preset time period), rather than rotating continuously. This serves both to remind the user to stop pushing the water tank and to reduce the impact on the performance of the drive motor.

[0069] Optionally, the first preset time is 1s to 5s. By setting the first preset time to be short, the drive motor can be stalled for only a short moment, avoiding prolonged stalling. While providing initial resistance, this can reduce the impact on the lifespan and performance of the drive motor.

[0070] It should be noted that during the first preset time, the drive motor can rotate continuously or intermittently in the first direction, and the embodiments of the present invention do not limit this.

[0071] S204. Receive the user's water tank recycling instruction, and according to the water tank recycling instruction, control the drive component to move the water tank component to the inside of the cooking equipment.

[0072] The water tank recycling command refers to the command to recycle and reset the water tank assembly. For example, the user can send this water tank recycling command via a button on the cooking device. Alternatively, if the cooking device is wirelessly connected to a mobile terminal (such as a mobile phone), the user can also send the water tank recycling command via the mobile terminal. This embodiment of the invention does not limit the method by which the user sends the water tank recycling command.

[0073] Specifically, after receiving a water tank recycling command from the user, the processor can control the drive motor to rotate, thereby moving at least part of the water tank assembly into the interior of the cooking device via a transmission mechanism.

[0074] Understandably, the rotation direction of the drive motor in S240 is opposite to that in S210. If the water tank assembly can be pushed out by controlling the drive motor to rotate clockwise, then the water tank assembly can be retracted into the tank by controlling the drive motor to rotate counterclockwise.

[0075] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the water tank assembly in the cooking device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 Is with Figure 3 The corresponding structural diagram of the water tank cavity is shown below. Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, optionally, a micro switch 1101 is provided in the water tank receiving cavity 111. The micro switch 1101 is located on the side of the water tank receiving cavity 111 away from the water tank loading and unloading opening 1110. When the water tank 112 is located in the water tank receiving cavity 111 and in contact with the micro switch 1101, the micro switch 1101 is in the first state. When the water tank 112 is not located in the water tank receiving cavity 111, the micro switch 1101 is in the second state.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first state and the second state represent the on / off state of the micro switch 1101, and the two states represent different states. For example, the first state is the on state, and correspondingly, the second state is the off state; or, the first state is the off state and the second state is the on state. Those skilled in the art can design it themselves, and this embodiment of the invention does not limit it.

[0077] Reference Figure 3 Understandably, when the user pushes the water tank 112 into the water tank receiving cavity 111, the water tank 112 will first touch the micro switch 1101, causing the micro switch 1101 to deform and change its on / off state. Thus, by electrically / communicationally connecting the micro switch 1101 to the processor, the processor can determine the position and changes in position of the water tank 112 based on the on / off state of the micro switch 1101. (Refer to...) Figure 3 Optionally, the water tank 112 has a protrusion 1102 corresponding to the micro switch 1101, and when the water tank 112 is pushed inward, the protrusion 1102 contacts the micro switch 1101.

[0078] For example, in one specific embodiment, the first state is a conducting state, and the second state is a disconnected state. The state information of the microswitch can be collected. When the microswitch remains in the first state, it indicates that the water tank is located within the water tank cavity; when the microswitch remains in the second state, it indicates that the water tank is not located within the water tank cavity; when the state of the microswitch changes from the second state to the first state, it indicates that the water tank is in place, and the aforementioned water tank return signal can be received; when the state of the microswitch changes from the first state to the second state, it indicates that the water tank is out of place, and the aforementioned water tank departure signal can be received.

[0079] Optionally, after receiving the water tank departure signal and before receiving the water tank return signal, the control method further includes: disabling the drive components; and disabling the cooking device from starting any cooking mode.

[0080] Specifically, receiving the water tank removal signal indicates that the user has taken the water tank out of the water tank cavity, and receiving the water tank return signal indicates that the user has put the water tank back into the water tank cavity. Therefore, the period after receiving the water tank removal signal and before receiving the water tank return signal is the water tank removal phase. During this phase, disabling the drive components and preventing the cooking device from starting any cooking mode helps ensure the safety of the cooking device and avoid safety issues.

[0081] Based on any of the above embodiments, optionally, after receiving the water tank return signal, the control method further includes the following step: sending a water tank return prompt message.

[0082] The water tank return indicator is used to notify the user that the water tank has been returned to its original position, eliminating the need to push the tank inward. This helps prevent the user from manually resetting the water tank assembly under normal power conditions, which could affect the equipment's lifespan. Exemplary methods for providing the water tank return indicator include, but are not limited to, voice prompts, sound prompts, and vibration prompts; the embodiments of this invention are not limited in scope.

[0083] Optionally, based on any of the above embodiments, the cooking device further includes a control panel, which is linked to the water tank assembly, and the drive assembly is used to switch the state of the control panel between exposing the water tank access opening and blocking the water tank access opening.

[0084] The control panel is used for interaction between the user and the cooking equipment. Users can input commands through the control panel to control the operating status of the equipment. In this embodiment, the control panel and the water tank assembly are linked. Specifically, the drive component can move the control panel and the water tank assembly together, thus switching the state of the control panel between exposing and obscuring the water tank opening. Under normal circumstances, the water tank assembly can be hidden behind the control panel. When it is necessary to remove / replace the water tank, the drive component pushes / resets the control panel and water tank assembly together, thereby improving the product's aesthetics.

[0085] For example, Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cooking device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 Is with Figure 5 A partial structural diagram of the corresponding cooking equipment. Figure 7 Is with Figure 5 Another schematic diagram of the corresponding cooking equipment shows the partial structure of the cooking equipment in different states. Specifically, Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram shows the state of the control panel 12 when the water tank access opening 1110 is exposed. Figure 7The state when the operation panel 12 blocks the water tank access opening 1110 is shown.

[0086] As shown in combination with Figures 5-7 the cooking device 100 includes a water tank assembly 11, an operation panel 12, a drive assembly 13, and a processor 14. Among them, the water tank assembly 11 includes a water tank accommodation cavity 111 for accommodating the water tank 112; the water tank accommodation cavity 111 has a water tank access opening 1110 for taking in / placing the water tank 112; the operation panel 12 is used for interaction between the user and the cooking device 100, and the user can input instructions through the operation panel 12 to perform operations such as controlling the operating state of the cooking device 100; the drive assembly 13 includes a drive motor 131 and a transmission mechanism 132, the processor 14 is electrically connected to the drive motor 131, and the drive motor 131 is mechanically connected to the water tank assembly 11 and the operation panel 12 through the transmission mechanism 132. Thus, under the control instruction of the processor 14, the interlocking control of the water tank assembly 11 and the operation panel 12 can be achieved through the drive assembly 13, so that the state of the operation panel 12 can be switched between exposing the water tank access opening 1110 and blocking the water tank access opening 1110.

[0087] As shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 shown, optionally, the transmission mechanism 132 includes a speed reducer 1321 and a transmission rod 1322. Specifically, the speed reducer 1322 can be, for example, a gear speed reducer. The speed reducer 1321 can convert the high-speed rotation of the drive motor 131 into the low-speed movement of the transmission rod 1322 while amplifying the torque. The water tank assembly 11 and the operation panel 12 are respectively mechanically connected to different transmission rods 1322. As shown in Figure 6 shown, optionally, the transmission rod 1322 connected to the water tank assembly 11 and the transmission rod 1322 connected to the operation panel 12 are connected together. Thus, the operation panel 12 and the water tank assembly 11 can be interlocked, and the processor 14 can drive the operation panel 12 and the water tank assembly 11 to move together through the drive assembly 13.

[0088] Furthermore, the control panel 12 is electrically / communicationally connected to the processor 14. In addition to controlling the operating status of the cooking equipment via the control panel 12, the user can also control the extension and retraction of the control panel 12 and the water tank assembly 11, allowing the control panel 12 to switch between exposing and obscuring the water tank access opening 1110. Specifically, if the user sends a command to the processor 14 to extend the water tank / panel via the control panel 12, the processor 14 can use the drive component 13 to move the water tank assembly 11 and the control panel 12 outwards together, causing at least a portion of the water tank assembly 11 to move outside the housing, while simultaneously exposing the control panel 12 through the water tank access opening 1110 (at this time, the control panel 12 is located diagonally above the water tank assembly 11). The water tank 112 can then be removed for operations such as adding or emptying water. After the water tank 112 is returned to its original position, if the user sends a command to the processor 14 to recycle the water tank / panel through the control panel 12, the processor 14 can drive the water tank assembly 11 and the control panel 12 to move inward together through the drive component 13, so that the water tank assembly 11 moves into the interior of the tank, while the control panel 12 blocks the water tank loading and unloading opening 1110.

[0089] Optionally, a front limit switch and a rear limit switch are provided on the movement path of the water tank assembly 11. Thus, when the water tank assembly 11 and the control panel 12 are pushed out, once the drive assembly 13 contacts the front limit switch, it can be determined that the water tank assembly and the control panel have been fully pushed out, thereby controlling the drive motor to stop rotating. Conversely, when the water tank assembly 11 and the control panel 12 are retracted and reset, once the drive assembly 13 contacts the rear limit switch, it can be determined that the water tank assembly and the control panel have been reset, thereby controlling the drive motor to stop rotating.

[0090] The above describes the automatic control process related to the extension and reset of the water tank assembly 11 and the control panel 12. It can be understood that while the water tank assembly 11 moves horizontally outwards, the control panel 12 first moves horizontally and then rises diagonally upwards; while the water tank assembly 11 moves horizontally inwards, the control panel 12 first falls diagonally downwards and then moves horizontally. Since the water tank assembly 11 and the control panel 12 are linked, if the water tank assembly 11 can be manually reset in the event of a power outage / abnormal condition, the control panel 12 can also be reset accordingly. In actual operation, the control panel 12 can be manually pushed to reset both the control panel 12 and the water tank assembly 11 together.

[0091] However, before resetting, the user needs to put the water tank 112 back into the water tank cavity 111. As described above, for this type of product, if the cooking equipment has the function of manually resetting the water tank assembly 11 and the control panel 12 in the event of power failure / abnormality, it means that when the user puts the water tank 112 back into the water tank cavity 111 under normal power conditions, if the water tank 112 is already completely placed in the water tank cavity 111, and the user still pushes the water tank 112 inward, the pushing force applied by the user to the water tank 112 (i.e. the first pushing force mentioned above) will be transmitted to the water tank cavity 111, and then to the drive assembly 13, causing the transmission mechanism 132 to move backward and the drive motor 131 to rotate. At the same time, it will drive the water tank assembly 11 to move backward and the control panel 12 to fall, which may cause the control panel 12 to hit / pinch the user's hand, creating a safety hazard.

[0092] The control method provided in any of the above embodiments is also applicable to solving the problem of hand injury from such products. It can ensure that the control panel 12 and the water tank assembly 11 can be manually pushed back in the event of power failure / abnormality, while preventing the user from being hit by the control panel 12 when pushing the water tank 112 into the water tank receiving cavity 111. It can also ensure the stability of the internal components of the cooking equipment and reduce the impact on the service life of the cooking equipment.

[0093] Specifically, refer to Figure 6 To address the issue of users being hit on the hand by the control panel when placing the water tank back into the water tank cavity, upon receiving a water tank return signal and recognizing that the water tank has returned to the water tank cavity, the drive assembly 13 responds to this signal by generating a first resistance f opposite to the user's first thrust T. This first resistance counteracts the force (i.e., the first thrust) exerted on the water tank cavity by the user when pushing the water tank in. This prevents the water tank assembly 11 and transmission mechanism 132 from moving backward and prevents the control panel 12 from falling, thus ensuring safety. To prevent users from being injured by the control panel when putting the water tank back, ensuring safety during the process of taking and putting the water tank back, and also to let users know that the water tank 112 has been completely placed in the water tank receiving cavity 111 after feeling the first resistance f, so that they can stop pushing the water tank 112 on their own, which can also prevent users from being injured by the control panel. In addition, since the first resistance is based on the resistance generated by the water tank return signal, it will not be generated in the event of power failure / abnormality, so it will not affect the user's ability to manually push the water tank assembly and control panel back in the event of power failure / abnormality.

[0094] It should be noted that the first resistance f and the first thrust T act on the same object. This can be because the two forces act on the same object directly or indirectly. This embodiment of the invention does not limit this. For example, the first thrust T acts directly on the water tank 112, and is transmitted through the water tank 112 to the water tank cavity 111, and then to the transmission mechanism 132 and the drive motor 131. The first resistance f can act directly on the water tank cavity 111, or it can be transmitted to the water tank cavity 111 through components such as the transmission mechanism 132. This embodiment of the invention does not limit this.

[0095] like Figure 6 As shown, it can be understood that the drive motor 131 in the drive assembly 13 is the drive source. The rotation of the drive motor 131 drives the transmission mechanism 132 to move, thereby driving the water tank assembly 11 and the control panel 12 to move, realizing the push-out and reset of the water tank assembly 11 and the control panel 12. Therefore, the drive motor 131 can apply a force to the water tank cavity 111 through the transmission mechanism 132, and this force is consistent with the object of the first thrust. Therefore, it can be used to generate a first resistance f under the control of the processor to resist the user's first thrust T.

[0096] Optionally, the first resistance f is greater than or equal to the first thrust T. This setting ensures that the first resistance is sufficient to resist the user's first thrust, preventing the water tank assembly 11 and transmission mechanism 132 from moving backward and the control panel 12 from falling. It also allows the user to feel sufficient resistance, thus stopping the user from pushing the water tank 112 independently.

[0097] In summary, this embodiment of the invention, upon receiving a water tank return signal, responds to the signal by controlling the drive component to generate a first resistance. This first resistance counteracts the first thrust applied to the water tank cavity by the user when pushing the water tank into it. On one hand, this prevents the water tank assembly and transmission mechanism from shifting backward, and also prevents the control panel from falling, thus avoiding injury to the user's hand from the control panel when placing the water tank back, ensuring safety during the water tank removal process. On the other hand, it allows the user to know that the water tank is completely placed in the cavity upon feeling the first resistance, allowing them to stop pushing the water tank independently, similarly preventing injury from the control panel. Furthermore, since the first resistance is based on the water tank return signal, it is not generated in the event of a power outage or abnormality, thus not affecting the user's ability to manually push the water tank assembly and control panel back in such situations. This ensures both the ability to manually reset the control panel and water tank assembly in the event of a power outage or abnormality and the safety of the user's water tank removal process under normal power conditions, preventing injury from the control panel.

[0098] For such products, details on how to control the generation of the first resistance by the drive component and other control methods can be found in the description of the above embodiments, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0099] Understandably, for products where the control panel and water tank assembly are linked, the aforementioned "water tank ejection command" is both an instruction to eject the water tank assembly and an instruction to eject the control panel. When the processor receives the user's water tank ejection command, it needs to control the drive assembly to move at least a portion of the water tank assembly to the outside of the cooking appliance's housing, while simultaneously exposing the water tank loading / unloading opening on the control panel. Similarly, when the processor receives the user's water tank retraction command, it needs to control the drive assembly to move the water tank assembly to the inside of the housing, while simultaneously obscuring the water tank loading / unloading opening on the control panel.

[0100] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a control method for a cooking device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown, taking a cooking device including a water tank assembly and a control panel for linkage control as an example, in a specific embodiment, the control method of the cooking device may include the following steps:

[0101] S301. Upon receiving the user's "explode water tank" command, control the drive motor to move forward and push out the water tank assembly and control panel;

[0102] S302. Determine whether the drive component has triggered the front limit switch; if yes, execute S303; if no, continue executing S301 until it is determined that the drive component has triggered the front limit switch, and control the drive motor to stop working.

[0103] S303. Determine whether the water tank has been removed from the water tank cavity by the user; if yes, proceed to S304; otherwise, proceed to S306.

[0104] S304. Determine whether the water tank has been put back into the water tank cavity by the user; if yes, proceed to S305; if no, continue to proceed to S304 until it is determined that the water tank has been put back into the water tank cavity.

[0105] S305, control the drive motor to rotate forward for 1s to 3s;

[0106] S306. Determine if the user has entered the command "recycle water tank"; if yes, execute S307; if no, return to execute S303.

[0107] S307. Control the drive motor to rotate in reverse until the drive component triggers the rear limit switch, then control the drive motor to stop rotating.

[0108] Thus, by rotating the drive motor forward and reverse, the water tank assembly and control panel can be pushed out and reset. After the user removes the water tank and completes operations such as pouring or adding water, when the water tank is put back into the water tank cavity, the drive motor can be rotated forward for a short time to provide resistance against the user's pushing force. This prevents the water tank assembly and transmission mechanism from moving backward due to excessive pushing force, and also prevents the control panel from falling. It can also remind the user to stop pushing the water tank inward, thus preventing the user from being hit by the control panel. At the same time, it can also retain the function that the user can manually push back the control panel and water tank assembly in the event of a power failure or abnormality.

[0109] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of the present invention also provide a control device for a cooking apparatus. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a control device for a cooking apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 9 As shown, the control device includes a signal receiving module 401 and a control module 402. The signal receiving module 401 is used to receive a water tank return signal; the control module 402 is used to respond to the water tank return signal and control the drive component to generate a first resistance. The first resistance and the first thrust act on the same object but in opposite directions; the first thrust is the force applied to the water tank cavity by the user when placing the water tank in the water tank cavity.

[0110] The control device provided in the embodiments of the present invention can execute the control method provided in any embodiment of the present invention, and has the corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects of the execution method.

[0111] Based on the above embodiments, optionally, the signal receiving module 401 is further configured to receive a user's water tank ejection command before receiving the water tank return signal, and the control module 402 is further configured to control the drive component to move at least a portion of the water tank assembly to the outside of the cooking device according to the water tank ejection command; in addition, the signal structure module is further configured to receive a user's water tank retraction command after the control module responds to the water tank return signal and controls the drive component to generate a first resistance, and the control module 402 is further configured to control the drive component to move the water tank assembly to the inside of the device according to the water tank retraction command.

[0112] Optionally, the drive assembly includes a drive motor, and the control module 402 is specifically used to control the drive motor to rotate in a first direction to generate a first resistance. The first direction is the same as the direction of rotation of the drive motor when the drive assembly moves at least a portion of the water tank assembly to the outside of the cooking appliance's housing.

[0113] Optionally, the control module 402 is specifically used to control the drive component to generate a first resistance within a first preset time.

[0114] Optionally, the first preset time is 1s to 5s.

[0115] Optionally, a microswitch is installed inside the water tank cavity, located on the side of the water tank cavity away from the water tank loading / unloading opening. When the water tank is inside the water tank cavity and in contact with the microswitch, the microswitch is in a first state; when the water tank is not inside the water tank cavity, the microswitch is in a second state. The signal receiving module 401 is specifically used to collect the state information of the microswitch and receive a water tank return signal when the state of the microswitch changes from the second state to the first state.

[0116] Optionally, when the state of the micro switch changes from the first state to the second state, a water tank displacement signal is received; after receiving the water tank displacement signal and before receiving the water tank return signal, the control module 402 is also used to prevent the drive component from working and to prevent the cooking device from starting any cooking mode.

[0117] Optionally, after receiving the water tank return signal, the control module 402 is also used to send a water tank return prompt message.

[0118] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of the present invention also provide a cooking device. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of another cooking device provided in an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the cooking device includes a water tank assembly 11 and a drive assembly 13. The water tank assembly 11 includes a water tank receiving cavity 111 with a water tank loading / unloading opening 1110. The drive assembly 13 is used to drive the water tank assembly to move. The cooking device 100 also includes a processor 14 and a memory 15. The drive assembly 13 is electrically connected to the processor 14; the memory 15 is communicatively connected to the processor 14; the memory stores a computer program executable by the processor. The computer program is executed by the processor to enable the processor 14 to execute the control method provided in any embodiment of the present invention. The specific hardware structure of the cooking device can be referred to the description above, and will not be repeated here. As described above, the cooking device provided by the embodiments of the present invention can ensure that the water tank assembly can be manually reset in the event of a power outage / abnormal situation, while ensuring that the user cannot manually reset the water tank assembly in the event of power supply / normal situation. This ensures the stability of the internal components of the cooking device and reduces the impact on the service life of the cooking device.

[0119] Reference Figures 5-7 In another embodiment, the optional cooking device 100 further includes a control panel 12, which is linked to the water tank assembly 11. A drive assembly 13 is used to switch the state of the control panel 12 between exposing the water tank access opening 1110 and obscuring the water tank access opening 1110. Thus, when the processor 14 executes the control method provided in any embodiment of the present invention, the safety of the user when accessing the water tank can be ensured under power / normal conditions, preventing injuries such as hand injuries.

[0120] The processor 14 can be a variety of general-purpose and / or special-purpose processing components with processing and computing capabilities. Some examples of the processor 14 include, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), various special-purpose artificial intelligence (AI) computing chips, various processors running machine learning model algorithms, a digital signal processor (DSP), and any suitable processor, controller, microcontroller, etc. The processor 14 performs the various methods described above, such as the control methods of a cooking appliance.

[0121] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of the present invention also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which is used to cause a processor to execute and implement the control method provided in any embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Specifically, in some embodiments, the control methods described above can be implemented as computer programs tangibly contained in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a memory. The computer programs used to implement the methods of the present invention can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These computer programs can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, such that when executed by the processor, the computer programs cause the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The computer programs can be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a standalone software package partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0123] In the context of this invention, a computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible medium that may contain or store a computer program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. A computer-readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. Alternatively, a computer-readable storage medium may be a machine-readable signal medium. More specific examples of machine-readable storage media include electrical connections based on one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0124] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used, with steps reordered, added, or deleted. For example, the steps described in this invention can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution of this invention can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0125] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a cooking device, the cooking device having a steaming function, comprising a water tank assembly and a drive assembly, the water tank assembly including a water tank receiving cavity having a water tank loading / unloading opening, and the drive assembly being used to drive the water tank assembly to move; Its features are, The control method includes: Receive the water tank return signal; In response to the water tank return signal, the drive component is controlled to generate a first resistance; Wherein, the first resistance and the first thrust act on the same object but in opposite directions; the first thrust is the force applied to the water tank cavity when the user places the water tank in the water tank cavity; the water tank return signal is generated when the water tank changes from a state not in the water tank cavity to a state completely placed in the water tank cavity, and is generated before the first thrust.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After responding to the water tank return signal and controlling the drive component to generate a first resistance, the control method further includes: The system receives a water tank recycling command from the user and, based on the command, controls the drive component to move the water tank component into the interior of the cooking device.

3. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive component includes a drive motor; Controlling the drive component to generate a first resistance includes: Control the drive motor to rotate in a first direction to generate the first resistance; Wherein, the first direction is the same as the rotation direction of the drive motor when the drive component moves at least a portion of the water tank component to the outside of the cooking device housing.

4. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Controlling the drive component to generate a first resistance includes: The drive component is controlled to generate the first resistance within a first preset time.

5. The control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first preset time is 1s to 5s.

6. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, A micro switch is installed inside the water tank cavity. The micro switch is located on the side of the water tank cavity away from the water tank opening. When the water tank is inside the water tank cavity and in contact with the micro switch, the micro switch is in a first state. When the water tank is not inside the water tank cavity, the micro switch is in a second state. Receive the water tank return signal, including: Collect the status information of the micro switch; When the state of the micro switch changes from the second state to the first state, the water tank return signal is received.

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the state of the micro switch changes from the first state to the second state, a water tank displacement signal is received; After receiving the water tank departure signal and before receiving the water tank return signal, the control method further includes: The driver component is disabled; The cooking device is prohibited from starting any cooking mode.

8. The control method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The cooking device also includes a control panel, which is linked to the water tank assembly. The drive assembly is used to switch the state of the control panel between exposing the water tank opening and blocking the water tank opening.

9. A control device for a cooking apparatus, the cooking apparatus having a steaming function, comprising a water tank assembly and a drive assembly, the water tank assembly including a water tank receiving cavity having a water tank loading / unloading opening, and the drive assembly for driving the water tank assembly to move; Its features are, The control device includes: The signal receiving module is used to receive the water tank return signal; The control module is used to respond to the water tank return signal and control the drive component to generate a first resistance. Wherein, the first resistance and the first thrust act on the same object but in opposite directions; the first thrust is the force applied to the water tank cavity when the user places the water tank in the water tank cavity; the water tank return signal is generated when the water tank changes from a state not in the water tank cavity to a state completely placed in the water tank cavity, and is generated before the first thrust.

10. A cooking device, comprising a water tank assembly and a drive assembly, the water tank assembly including a water tank receiving cavity having a water tank loading / unloading opening, and the drive assembly for driving the water tank assembly to move; Its features are, The cooking equipment also includes: Processor; the driving component is electrically connected to the processor; The memory; the memory is communicatively connected to the processor; The memory stores a computer program that can be executed by the processor, the computer program being executed by the processor to enable the processor to perform the control method according to any one of claims 1-8.

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