Evaporator, cooking utensil and cooking temperature control method

Abstract

The invention provides an evaporator, a cooking utensil and a cooking temperature control method.The evaporator comprises a base plate, a first heating part and a second heating part, the base plate is defined by a bottom wall and a side wall to form a water storage cavity with an opening in the top, a turnup part is formed in the periphery of the opening of the side wall, and a groove is formed in the turnup part in the direction facing the bottom wall; the first heating piece is arranged on the face, away from the water storage cavity, of the bottom wall, and the second heating piece is close to the groove and arranged in the water storage cavity. According to the liquid vaporization device, on one hand, liquid is heated twice based on the two heating pieces, and the vaporization effect is improved; on the other hand, due to the fact that the groove is formed in the turnup portion, condensate water formed when steam encounters cold food and the wall face of the inner container can flow into the groove along the bottom of the inner container, the groove is heated through the second heating piece to enable the gathered condensate water to be evaporated, the problems that the condensate water is gathered in the inner container, and consequently bacteria breed and peculiar smells are generated are avoided, and the service life of the inner container is prolonged. And the water consumption is also saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of household appliances, and in particular to an evaporator, a cooking utensil and a cooking temperature control method. Background Art

[0002] Cooking appliances are used to prepare a wide variety of dishes. For example, steam ovens primarily utilize an evaporator within the oven's inner chamber to achieve steam cooking and grilling functions. However, relying solely on an electric heating tube connected to the bottom of the evaporator's pan to vaporize the liquid water within the water storage chamber is not very effective. Furthermore, during the steam cooking process, the evaporator produces a large amount of steam for steaming ingredients. This steam contains a large amount of water. When the steam encounters cold food and the inner chamber's walls, it forms condensate, which flows to the bottom of the oven. This condensate accumulates in the oven, easily generating odors and, under favorable conditions, promoting bacterial growth. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to at least partially solve the problems existing in the prior art, according to one aspect of the present invention, an evaporator is provided, and the technical solution is as follows.

[0004] The evaporator includes a base, a first heating element and a second heating element. The base is enclosed by a bottom wall and side walls to form a water storage chamber with an opening at the top. The side wall is formed with a flange portion at the periphery of the opening, and a groove is provided on the flange portion toward the bottom wall; the first heating element is arranged on the side of the bottom wall facing away from the water storage chamber; the second heating element is arranged in the water storage chamber near the groove.

[0005] When the evaporator of the present invention is applied to a cooking utensil, on the one hand, liquid water in the water storage chamber is vaporized to form steam by a first heating element, and the steam is then heated a second time by a second heating element, thereby improving the vaporization effect; on the other hand, since a groove is provided on the flange portion, condensed water formed when the steam encounters cold food and the wall of the inner pot will flow along the bottom of the inner pot into the groove, and the groove is heated by the second heating element to evaporate the accumulated condensed water, which not only avoids the problem of condensed water accumulating in the inner pot and causing bacterial growth and odor, but also saves water.

[0006] For example, a heat conducting member is provided between the second heating member and the groove, so that the heat generated by the second heating member is conducted to the groove via the heat conducting member, thereby enhancing the vaporization effect of the condensed water in the groove.

[0007] For example, a fixing member is further disposed within the water storage chamber, and the fixing member and the sidewalls enclose an annular space, within which the second heating element is disposed. This arrangement avoids the safety risks associated with direct contact between the second heating element and the water in the water storage chamber, and prevents scale from forming on the surface of the second heating element due to direct contact with water, thereby ensuring the heating efficiency of the second heating element.

[0008] For example, the fixing member includes an inner annular wall disposed opposite the side wall, and a steam inlet is disposed on the inner annular wall. With this arrangement, water in the water storage chamber is heated by the first heating element to form steam. The steam then moves upward through the steam inlet on the inner annular wall and enters the annular space for secondary heating by the second heating element, thereby enhancing the vaporization effect.

[0009] For example, the fixed member has a top wall with a steam outlet provided on the top wall, and the steam inlet is connected to the steam outlet through the annular space. In this arrangement, steam will move upward, and the steam outlet is provided on the top wall to facilitate the discharge of steam in the annular space after secondary heating by the second heating member.

[0010] For example, a partition is provided within the annular space, with the steam inlet and outlet located on either side of the partition. The partition increases the flow path of steam from the steam inlet to the steam outlet within the annular space, allowing the steam to be more fully heated by the second heating element, thereby further enhancing the vaporization effect.

[0011] For example, a baffle is provided on the top wall, dividing the water storage chamber into a lower space and an upper space. The upper space is connected to the lower space via a steam outlet, an annular space, and a steam inlet. This arrangement ensures that the water in the lower space is heated by the first heating element to form steam. The steam enters the annular space through the steam inlet, is heated by the second heating element, and is finally discharged from the steam outlet to the upper space, thereby improving the vaporization effect.

[0012] For example, the baffle is provided with a steam exhaust port, the projection of which toward the top wall at least partially overlaps with the steam outlet. This arrangement allows steam discharged from the steam outlet to flow smoothly through the steam exhaust port into the upper space, reducing steam energy consumption and thereby improving cooking quality when used in a cooking appliance.

[0013] For example, the baffle is connected to a top cover having a top body and side bodies, with the top body opposing the baffle and the side bodies extending from the outer periphery of the top body toward the baffle. This arrangement allows steam discharged from the steam exhaust port to be evenly distributed within the upper space, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency.

[0014] For example, the side body is provided with a plurality of through holes, and the upper space is connected to the outside through the plurality of through holes. This arrangement allows the steam to be discharged more evenly from the evaporator, reducing steam congestion in local areas. When used in a cooking appliance, the food is heated evenly, improving the cooking effect.

[0015] Exemplarily, the side body includes a first side segment and a second side segment. The first side segment abuts the side wall, and the second side segment is connected between the first side segment and the outer periphery of the top body, with the projection of the second side segment toward the flange portion at least partially falling into the groove. With this arrangement, when used in a cooking appliance, some condensation formed by steam encountering cold food will fall along the second side segment into the groove. The second heating element heats the accumulated condensation in the groove, causing it to evaporate.

[0016] Exemplarily, the evaporator further includes a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, and a controller. The first temperature sensor is configured to detect a first temperature value of the water storage chamber; the second temperature sensor is configured to detect a second temperature value of the recess; and the controller controls the activation and deactivation of the first and second heating elements based on the first and second temperature values. With this configuration, the controller activates and deactivates the first and second heating elements based on the detected first temperature value of the water storage chamber and the second temperature value of the recess, ensuring efficient water vaporization within the evaporator, improving safety, avoiding unnecessary energy waste, and increasing energy efficiency.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cooking utensil is provided, comprising an inner pot and the evaporator described above. The inner pot has a pot bottom plate, the flange portion is connected to the pot bottom plate, and the bottom of the groove is lower than the pot bottom plate. Since the evaporator described above has the aforementioned beneficial effects, the cooking utensil including the evaporator described above also has the aforementioned beneficial effects, which will not be further elaborated here.

[0018] For example, the cooking appliance further includes a third temperature sensor and a water pump. The water pump is connected to the water storage chamber via a water inlet pipe. The third temperature sensor is configured to detect a third temperature within the inner pot. The controller controls the start and stop of the water pump based on the third temperature. This arrangement allows the water pump to be adjusted according to actual needs, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption and achieving energy conservation.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cooking temperature control method is provided for use with the aforementioned cooking appliance, comprising the following steps: detecting a first temperature value T1 of the water storage chamber via a first temperature sensor; detecting a second temperature value T2 of the recess via a second temperature sensor; and detecting a third temperature value T3 of the inner pot via a third temperature sensor; and controlling the start and stop of the first heating element, the second heating element, and the water pump based on the first temperature value T1, the second temperature value T2, and the third temperature value T3. This ensures that the temperature within the inner pot of the cooking appliance reaches a suitable cooking temperature, and that the water in the evaporator vaporizes effectively, thereby saving water, improving safety, avoiding unnecessary energy waste, and improving energy efficiency, thereby ensuring a good cooking effect.

[0020] For example, the step of controlling the start and stop of the first heating element, the second heating element, and the water pump based on the first temperature value T1, the second temperature value T2, and the third temperature value T3 includes: subtracting the third temperature value T3 from the preset temperature T0, and then controlling the start and stop of the first heating element, the second heating element, and the water pump based on the difference. This configuration ensures that the temperature inside the inner pot of the cooking device reaches a suitable cooking temperature, thereby ensuring a good cooking effect.

[0021] For example, the step of controlling the start and stop of the first heating element, the second heating element, and the water pump based on the first temperature value T1, the second temperature value T2, and the third temperature value T3 includes: subtracting T1 from a preset threshold, and then controlling the start and stop of the first heating element, the second heating element, and the water pump based on the difference. This arrangement ensures the vaporization of water in the evaporator, thereby ensuring a good cooking effect.

[0022] For example, the step of controlling the start and stop of the first heating element, the second heating element, and the water pump based on the first temperature value T1, the second temperature value T2, and the third temperature value T3 includes: subtracting the second temperature value T2 from the preset temperature T0, and then controlling the start and stop of the second heating element based on the difference. This arrangement ensures that the condensed water in the groove can be evaporated by the heat, not only preventing the condensed water from accumulating in the inner pot and causing odor or bacterial growth, but also saving water.

[0023] Exemplarily, the cooking temperature control method further includes the step of controlling the start and stop of the first heating element and the second heating element in real time according to a preset time t0. This configuration not only improves safety, but also avoids unnecessary energy waste and improves energy efficiency.

[0024] This summary introduces a series of simplified concepts that will be further described in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to limit the key features and essential features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0025] The advantages and features of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The following drawings of the present invention are hereby incorporated into the present invention for understanding the present invention. The drawings show embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions, and are used to explain the principles of the present invention. In the drawings,

[0027] Figure 1 A perspective view of an evaporator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A perspective view of the evaporator shown from another perspective;

[0029] Figure 3 for Figure 1 An exploded view of the evaporator is shown;

[0030] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the evaporator is shown;

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The evaporator is shown in a perspective view with the top cover removed;

[0032] Figure 6 for Figure 5 The evaporator shown is a perspective view with the baffle removed;

[0033] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the evaporator is shown;

[0034] Figure 8 A perspective view of a cooking appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 9 for Figure 8 a cross-sectional view of the cooking appliance shown;

[0036] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of electrical control of a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a third temperature sensor, a controller, a first heating element, a second heating element, and a water pump according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 11 Flowchart of a cooking temperature control method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] The above drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0039] 1. Cooking utensil; 10. Evaporator; 110. Bottom plate; 111. Bottom wall; 112. Side wall; 113. Opening; 114. Water storage chamber; 1141. Lower space; 1142. Upper space; 115. Flanged portion; 1151. Groove; 121. First heating element; 122. Second heating element; 131. First temperature sensor; 132. Second temperature sensor; 140. Controller; 150. Heat conducting element; 160. Fixing element; 1 61. Annular space; 162. Inner annular wall; 1621. Steam inlet; 163. Top wall; 1631. Steam outlet; 164. Partition; 170. Baffle; 171. Exhaust port; 180. Top cover; 181. Top body; 182. Side body; 1821. Through hole; 1822. First side section; 1823. Second side section; 20. Inner liner; 210. Bottom plate; 220. Side plate; 30. Third temperature sensor; 40. Water pump. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] In the following description, a large amount of detail is provided to facilitate a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the following description merely illustrates preferred embodiments of the present invention, and that the present invention may be practiced without one or more of these details. Furthermore, to avoid confusion with the present invention, some technical features well known in the art have not been described in detail.

[0041] To provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, a detailed description of the structure will be provided in the following description. It should be understood that the implementation of the embodiments of the present invention is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below in detail, but in addition to these detailed descriptions, the present invention may also have other embodiments.

[0042] One embodiment of the present invention provides an evaporator. The evaporator of the present invention can be applied to a variety of cooking appliances, including but not limited to steamers, ovens, or combined steamers and ovens. The evaporator of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] See also Figures 1 to 3 The evaporator 10 may include a bottom plate 110, a first heating element 121 and a second heating element 122. Specifically, the first heating element 121 and the second heating element 122 may be heating tubes, etc. The bottom plate 110 may be surrounded by a bottom wall 111 and a side wall 112 to form a water storage chamber 114 with a top opening 113. The side wall 112 may be formed with a flange portion 115 at the periphery of the opening 113. A groove 1151 may be provided on the flange portion 115 toward the bottom wall 111. The first heating element 121 may be provided on a surface of the bottom wall 111 facing away from the water storage chamber 114. The second heating element 122 may be provided in the water storage chamber 114 close to the groove 1151.

[0044] When the evaporator 10 of the present invention is applied to the cooking utensil 1, on the one hand, the liquid water in the water storage chamber 114 is vaporized to form steam by the first heating element 121, and the steam is then heated for a second time by the second heating element 122, thereby improving the vaporization effect; on the other hand, since the flange portion 115 is provided with a groove 1151, the condensed water formed by the steam encountering the cold food and the wall of the inner pot 20 will flow along the bottom of the inner pot 20 into the groove 1151, and the groove 1151 is heated by the second heating element 122 to evaporate the accumulated condensed water, which not only avoids the problem of condensed water accumulating in the inner pot 20 to cause bacterial growth and the generation of odor, but also saves water.

[0045] Furthermore, the groove 1151 can be arranged on the flange portion 115 near the opening 113 so that the condensed water formed when the steam encounters the cold food and the wall of the inner pot 20 can flow into the groove 1151, and in this way, the bottom of the groove 1151 can be closer to the second heating element 122, thereby enhancing the heating efficiency.

[0046] See also Figure 1 and Figure 4 , a heat conducting member 150 may be provided between the second heating member 122 and the groove 1151. Specifically, at least a portion of the heat conducting member 150 may be fixed on the side wall 112 of the chassis 110 and in indirect contact with the second heating member 122; at least a portion of the heat conducting member 150 may be fixed at the bottom of the groove 1151. It is understandable that the material of the side wall 112 of the chassis 110 may be a material that can conduct heat. The heat generated by the second heating member 122 is conducted to the groove 1151 by the heat conducting member 150, thereby enhancing the vaporization effect of the condensed water in the groove 1151. Furthermore, at least a portion of the heat conducting member 150 may be connected to the side wall 112 by means of screw connection or snap connection, and at least a portion of the heat conducting member 150 may be connected to the flange portion 115 by means of screw connection or snap connection, so as to ensure that the heat conducting member 150 can stably conduct the heat generated by the second heating member 122 to the groove 1151.

[0047] See also Figure 3 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 , a fixing member 160 may also be provided in the water storage chamber 114. The fixing member 160 and the side wall 112 may enclose an annular space 161. The second heating member 122 may be provided in the annular space 161. Specifically, the fixing member 160 and the side wall 112 may be an integral structure, and the fixing member 160 may extend from the inner side surface of the side wall 112, thereby ensuring the sealing of the annular space 161 and allowing the steam entering the annular space 161 to be fully subjected to secondary heating. The fixing member 160 and the side wall 112 may also be a split structure, and the fixing member 160 and the side wall 112 may be connected by screw connection or snap connection, etc., to facilitate cleaning or maintenance of the second heating member 122. In this way, the safety risks brought about by direct contact between the second heating member 122 and the water in the water storage chamber 114 are avoided, and scale is prevented from forming on the surface of the second heating member 122 due to direct contact with water, thereby ensuring the heating efficiency of the second heating member 122. Furthermore, when the fixing member 160 and the side wall 112 are of a split structure, a seal may be provided between the fixing member 160 and the side wall 112 , and the seal may have a certain heat resistance to ensure the sealing between the fixing member 160 and the side wall 112 .

[0048] Again, refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the fixing member 160 may have an inner annular wall 162 arranged opposite to the side wall 112. A steam inlet 1621 may be provided on the inner annular wall 162. Specifically, the number of the steam inlets 1621 may be one or more. When the number of the steam inlets 1621 is multiple, such as two or three, the multiple steam inlets 1621 may be arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction on the inner annular wall 162. The shape of the steam inlet 1621 may be circular or square, etc. Preferably, the shape of the steam inlet 1621 may be circular, which is not only convenient for processing and manufacturing, but also allows the steam to be evenly distributed in the annular space 161. In this way, the water in the water storage chamber 114 is heated once by the first heating element 121 to form steam, and the steam will move upward and enter the annular space 161 through the steam inlet 1621 on the inner annular wall 162 and be heated twice by the second heating element 122, thereby improving the vaporization effect.

[0049] See also Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 6 , the fixing member 160 may have a top wall 163. A steam outlet 1631 may be provided on the top wall 163. The steam inlet 1621 may be connected to the steam outlet 1631 through the annular space 161. The number of the steam outlets 1631 may be one or more, and may be set according to the size of the annular space 161. When the annular space 161 is small, in order to prevent the steam from flowing too fast in the annular space 161, one steam outlet 1631 may be provided, and the area of ​​the steam outlet 1631 may be moderate. When the annular space 161 is large, in order to prevent the steam from flowing too slowly in the annular space 161, multiple steam outlets 1631 may be provided, and the area of ​​the steam outlet 1631 may be appropriately increased. In this way, the steam will move upward, and the steam outlet 1631 is provided on the top wall 163, so that the steam in the annular space 161 can be discharged after secondary heating by the second heating element 122.

[0050] See also Figure 3 and Figure 7 , a partition 164 may be provided in the annular space 161. The steam inlet 1621 and the steam outlet 1631 may be located on both sides of the partition 164, respectively. The steam inlet 1621 and the steam outlet 1631 may be arranged at a relatively close distance. A near passage and a far passage may be formed in the annular space 161, and the partition 164 is provided on the near passage to separate the steam inlet 1621 from the steam outlet 1631 on the near passage, thereby preventing the steam entering from the steam inlet 1621 from being directly discharged from the steam outlet 1631 through the near passage. In this way, by providing the partition 164, the flow path of the steam from the steam inlet 1621 to the steam outlet 1631 in the annular space 161 is increased, so that the steam can be more fully heated by the second heating element 122, thereby further improving the vaporization effect.

[0051] See also Figures 3 to 5 , a baffle 170 may be provided on the top wall 163. The water storage chamber 114 may be divided into a lower space 1141 and an upper space 1142 by the baffle 170. The upper space 1142 may be connected to the lower space 1141 through the steam outlet 1631, the annular space 161, and the steam inlet 1621. It is understandable that the lower space 1141 may be used for water storage, and the upper space 1142 may be used for uniform steam. In this way, it is ensured that the water in the lower space 1141 forms steam after being heated once by the first heating element 121. The steam enters the annular space 161 from the steam inlet 1621, is heated by the second heating element 122, and is finally discharged from the steam outlet 1631 to the upper space 1142, thereby improving the vaporization effect. Specifically, the baffle 170 and the top wall 163 may be a split structure. The baffle 170 may be directly overlapped on the top wall 163 to facilitate installation or disassembly. The baffle 170 and the top wall 163 can also be connected by screws or snap connections to facilitate cleaning or maintenance of the second heating element 122 in the lower space 1141. Furthermore, if the baffle 170 and the top wall 163 are separate structures, a seal can be provided between the baffle 170 and the top wall 163, and the seal can have a certain heat resistance to ensure the seal between the baffle 170 and the side wall 112. The baffle 170 and the top wall 163 can also be an integrated structure, and the baffle 170 can extend from the top wall 163 to ensure the seal of the lower space 1141, so that the steam in the lower space 1141 can be fully heated.

[0052] See also Figure 3 and Figure 5 Baffle 170 may be provided with a steam exhaust port 171. The projection of steam exhaust port 171 toward top wall 163 may at least partially overlap with steam outlet 1631. The shape, size, and number of steam exhaust port 171 may be similar to those of steam outlet 1631 and are not specifically limited herein. In this manner, steam discharged from steam outlet 1631 can smoothly pass through steam exhaust port 171 into upper space 1142, reducing steam energy consumption and thereby improving cooking performance when used in cooking appliance 1.

[0053] See also Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4, the baffle 170 can be connected to the top cover 180. The top cover 180 can have a top body 181 and a side body 182. The top body 181 can be opposite to the baffle 170. The side body 182 can extend from the outer periphery of the top body 181 toward the baffle 170. It can be understood that the top cover 180 and the baffle 170 can be enclosed to form an upper space 1142, and the top cover 180 can be covered on the exhaust port 171. In this way, the steam discharged from the exhaust port 171 can be evenly distributed in the upper space 1142, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency. Specifically, the top cover 180 and the baffle 170 can be an integrated structure, and the top cover 180 can extend from the side of the baffle 170 away from the bottom wall 111, saving assembly time. The top cover 180 and the baffle 170 may also be a split structure, and the top cover 180 and the baffle 170 may be connected by screw connection or snap connection, etc., to facilitate cleaning or maintenance of the top cover 180 or the baffle 170.

[0054] See Figure 3 The side body 182 may be provided with a plurality of through holes 1821. The upper space 1142 may be connected to the outside through the plurality of through holes 1821. The plurality of through holes 1821 may be spaced circumferentially along the side body 182. In this manner, the plurality of through holes 1821 allows steam to be discharged more evenly from the evaporator 10, reducing steam congestion in localized areas. When used in the cooking appliance 1, this allows food to be heated evenly, improving the cooking effect.

[0055] See also Figure 3 and Figure 4 The side body 182 may include a first side segment 1822 and a second side segment 1823. The first side segment 1822 may abut the side wall 112. The second side segment 1823 may be connected between the first side segment 1822 and the outer periphery of the top body 181, and the projection of the second side segment 1823 toward the flange portion 115 may at least partially fall into the groove 1151. When used in the cooking appliance 1, some condensation formed when steam encounters cold food will fall along the second side segment 1823 into the groove 1151. The second heating element 122 heats the groove 1151, causing the accumulated condensation to evaporate.

[0056] See also Figure 1 and Figure 10The evaporator 10 further includes a first temperature sensor 131, a second temperature sensor 132 and a controller 140. The first temperature sensor 131 can be used to detect a first temperature value of the water storage chamber 114. It should be understood that the temperature of the water storage chamber 114 is related to the temperature of the liquid in the water storage chamber 114. What is actually detected here is the temperature of the liquid in the water storage chamber 114. The second temperature sensor 132 can be used to detect a second temperature value of the groove 1151. It should be understood that the temperature of the groove 1151 is related to the temperature of the liquid in the groove 1151. What is actually detected here is the temperature of the liquid in the groove 1151. The controller 140 can control the start and stop of the first heating element 121 and the second heating element 122 based on the first temperature value and the second temperature value. The first temperature sensor 131 and the second temperature sensor 132 can be electrically connected to the controller 140. The first heating element 121 and the second heating element 122 can be electrically connected to the controller 140. In this configuration, the controller 140 controls the start and stop of the first heating element 121 and the second heating element 122 according to the detected first temperature value of the water storage chamber 114 and the second temperature value of the groove 1151, thereby ensuring the vaporization effect of water in the evaporator 10, improving safety, avoiding unnecessary energy waste, and improving energy efficiency.

[0057] In some embodiments, the first temperature sensor 131 can be located on the bottom wall 111 of the chassis 110, and the second temperature sensor 132 can be located on the flange portion 115 near the groove 1151. It should be understood that the installation positions of the first temperature sensor 131 and the second temperature sensor 132 are not limited, as long as the first temperature sensor 131 can detect the first temperature value of the liquid in the water storage chamber 114 and the second temperature sensor 132 can detect the second temperature value of the liquid in the groove 1151.

[0058] See also Figures 8 to 10 According to another aspect of the present invention, a cooking utensil 1 is provided. The cooking utensil 1 may include an inner pot 20 and the evaporator 10 described above. The inner pot 20 may have a pot bottom plate 210. The flange portion 115 may be connected to the pot bottom plate 210. The bottom of the groove 1151 may be lower than the pot bottom plate 210. Since the evaporator 10 described above has the above-mentioned beneficial effects, the cooking utensil 1 including the evaporator 10 described above also has the above-mentioned beneficial effects, which will not be described in detail here.

[0059] The cooking appliance 1 also includes a third temperature sensor 30 and a water pump 40. The water pump 40 can be connected to the water storage chamber 114 via a water inlet pipe (not shown in the figure). The third temperature sensor 30 can be used to detect a third temperature value in the inner pot 20. The controller 140 can control the start and stop of the water pump 40 based on the third temperature value. The third temperature sensor 30 can be electrically connected to the controller 140. The water pump 40 can be electrically connected to the controller 140. In this way, the water pump 40 can be adjusted according to actual needs, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption and achieving energy saving.

[0060] In some embodiments, the inner liner 20 may have a liner side plate 220, and the third temperature sensor 30 may be located on the inner side of the liner side plate 220. It should be understood that the installation location of the third temperature sensor 30 is not limited, as long as the third temperature sensor 30 can detect the third temperature value in the inner liner 20.

[0061] In some embodiments, the flange portion 115 may be tilted relative to the gallbladder bottom plate 210 , so that condensed water can flow more easily into the groove 1151 .

[0062] According to another aspect of the present invention, a cooking temperature control method is provided for use with the aforementioned cooking appliance 1, comprising the following steps: detecting a first temperature value T1 of the water storage chamber 114 via a first temperature sensor 131; detecting a second temperature value T2 of the recess 1151 via a second temperature sensor 132; detecting a third temperature value T3 of the inner pot 20 via a third temperature sensor 30; and controlling the start and stop of the first heating element 121, the second heating element 122, and the water pump 40 based on the first temperature value T1, the second temperature value T2, and the third temperature value T3. This ensures that the temperature within the inner pot 20 of the cooking appliance 1 reaches a suitable cooking temperature, and that the water in the evaporator 10 vaporizes effectively. This method also saves water, improves safety, avoids unnecessary energy waste, and improves energy efficiency, thereby ensuring a good cooking effect.

[0063] For example, the step of controlling the start and stop of the first heating element 121, the second heating element 122, and the water pump 40 based on the first temperature value T1, the second temperature value T2, and the third temperature value T3 includes: subtracting the third temperature value T3 from the preset temperature T0, and then controlling the start and stop of the first heating element 121, the second heating element 122, and the water pump 40 based on the difference. This ensures that the temperature inside the inner pot 20 of the cooking device 1 reaches a temperature suitable for cooking food, thereby ensuring a good cooking effect.

[0064] For example, the step of controlling the start and stop of the first heating element 121, the second heating element 122, and the water pump 40 based on the first temperature value T1, the second temperature value T2, and the third temperature value T3 includes: subtracting T1 from a preset threshold value, and then controlling the start and stop of the first heating element 121, the second heating element 122, and the water pump 40 based on the difference. This configuration ensures the vaporization of water in the evaporator 10, thereby ensuring the cooking effect.

[0065] For example, the step of controlling the start and stop of the first heating element 121, the second heating element 122, and the water pump 40 based on the first temperature value T1, the second temperature value T2, and the third temperature value T3 includes: subtracting the second temperature value T2 from the preset temperature T0, and then controlling the start and stop of the second heating element 122 based on the difference. This arrangement ensures that the condensed water in the groove 1151 can be evaporated by the heat, not only preventing the condensed water from accumulating in the inner pot 20 and causing odor or bacterial growth, but also saving water.

[0066] Exemplarily, the cooking temperature control method further includes the step of controlling the start and stop of the first heating element 121 and the second heating element 122 in real time according to the preset time t0. This arrangement not only improves safety, but also avoids unnecessary energy waste and improves energy efficiency.

[0067] See Figure 11 , the cooking temperature control method is specifically introduced below. The default set temperature T0 is greater than 100 degrees Celsius, and the preset threshold value can be 115, 120, 125, etc. (120 is used as an example for description below);

[0068] S1, set temperature T0 and working time t0;

[0069] S2. After the cooking appliance 1 is started, the first temperature sensor 131 detects a first temperature value T1 of the water storage chamber 114 and transmits the detected value to the controller 140. The second temperature sensor 132 detects a second temperature value T2 of the groove 1151 and transmits the detected value to the controller 140. The third temperature sensor 30 detects a third temperature value T3 of the inner pot 20 and transmits the detected value to the controller 140.

[0070] S3, the controller 140 calculates the difference between T3 and T0 and determines whether it is greater than 0;

[0071] S4. When the controller 140 determines that T3-T0 is greater than 0, the first heating element 121, the second heating element 122 and the water pump 40 do not need to be started, and S2 is cycled;

[0072] S5. When the controller 140 determines that T3-T0 is less than or equal to 0, the controller 140 calculates the difference between T1 and the preset threshold 120 and determines whether it is greater than 0;

[0073] S6. When the controller 140 determines that T1-120 is greater than 0, the controller 140 controls the water pump 40 to start;

[0074] S7. When the controller 140 determines that T1-120 is less than or equal to 0, the controller 140 controls the first heating element 121 and the second heating element 122 to start;

[0075] S8, the controller 140 calculates the difference between T3 and T0 and determines whether it is less than 0;

[0076] S9. When the controller 140 determines that T3-T0 is less than 0, the process loops to S7;

[0077] S10, when the controller 140 determines that T3-T0 is greater than or equal to 0, the controller 140 controls the first heating element 121 to stop;

[0078] S11, the controller 140 calculates the difference between T2 and T0 and determines whether it is greater than 0;

[0079] S12, when the controller 140 determines that T2-T0 is greater than 0, the controller 140 controls the second heating element 122 to stop;

[0080] S13, when the controller 140 determines that T2-T0 is less than or equal to 0, the controller 140 controls the second heating element 122 to continue operating;

[0081] S14, the controller 140 compares the working time t0 of the first heating element 121 and the second heating element 122 with 0;

[0082] S15, when the controller 140 determines that t0 is greater than 0, looping through S2 to S7 until t0 is less than 0;

[0083] S16. When the controller 140 determines that t0 is less than 0, the cooking appliance 1 (specifically, the first heating element 121 and the second heating element 122) ends the operation.

[0084] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the directions or positional relationships indicated by directional words such as "front", "back", "up", "down", "left", "right", "horizontal", "vertical", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", etc. are usually based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise specified, these directional words do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention; the directional words "inside" and "outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0085] For ease of description, area-relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface of", "above", etc. may be used here to describe the regional positional relationship between one or more components or features shown in the figures and other components or features. It should be understood that area-relative terms include not only the orientation of the components as described in the figures, but also different orientations in use or operation. For example, if the components in the drawings are inverted as a whole, the situation where the components are "above other components or features" or "above other components or features" will include the situation where the components are "below other components or structures" or "below other components or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" may include both the orientations "above" and "below". In addition, these components or features may also be positioned at other different angles (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other angles), and this document is intended to include all of these situations.

[0086] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, parts, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0087] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," and the like in the specification and claims of this application and the accompanying drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or precedence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present application described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0088] The present invention has been described through the above-described embodiments. However, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are for illustrative and illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the present invention to the described embodiments. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and that various variations and modifications may be made based on the teachings of the present invention, all of which fall within the scope of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An evaporator, characterized in that: include: A bottom plate, wherein the bottom plate is enclosed by a bottom wall and side walls to form a water storage cavity with an opening at the top, wherein the side walls are formed with a flange portion at the periphery of the opening, and the flange portion is provided with a groove toward the bottom wall; a first heating element, the first heating element being arranged on a surface of the bottom wall facing away from the water storage chamber; A second heating element is provided in the water storage chamber near the groove.

2. The evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that A heat conducting member is provided between the second heating member and the groove.

3. The evaporator according to claim 1, characterized in that A fixing member is further provided in the water storage cavity. The fixing member and the side wall form an annular space. The second heating member is provided in the annular space.

4. The evaporator according to claim 3, characterized in that The fixing member has an inner ring wall arranged opposite to the side wall, and a steam inlet is arranged on the inner ring wall.

5. The evaporator according to claim 4, characterized in that The fixing member has a top wall, a steam outlet is provided on the top wall, and the steam inlet is communicated with the steam outlet through the annular space.

6. The evaporator according to claim 5, characterized in that A partition is provided in the annular space, and the steam inlet and the steam outlet are respectively located on both sides of the partition.

7. The evaporator according to claim 5, characterized in that A baffle is provided on the top wall, and the water storage cavity is divided into a lower space and an upper space by the baffle. The upper space is connected to the lower space through the steam outlet, the annular space and the steam inlet.

8. The evaporator according to claim 7, characterized in that The baffle is provided with a steam exhaust port, and a projection of the steam exhaust port toward the top wall at least partially overlaps with the steam outlet.

9. The evaporator according to claim 8, characterized in that The baffle is connected to a top cover, which has a top body and a side body. The top body is opposite to the baffle, and the side body extends from the outer periphery of the top body toward the baffle.

10. The evaporator according to claim 9, characterized in that A plurality of through holes are formed on the side body, and the upper space is connected to the outside through the plurality of through holes.

11. The evaporator according to claim 10, characterized in that The side body includes a first side segment and a second side segment, the first side segment abuts the side wall, the second side segment is connected between the first side segment and the outer periphery of the top body, and the projection of the second side segment toward the flange portion at least partially falls into the groove.

12. The evaporator according to claim 1, wherein The evaporator further comprises: a first temperature sensor, the first temperature sensor being used to detect a first temperature value of the water storage chamber; a second temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor being configured to detect a second temperature value of the groove; and The controller controls the first heating element and the second heating element to start and stop based on the first temperature value and the second temperature value.

13. A cooking utensil, characterized in that: It comprises an inner liner and the evaporator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the inner liner has a liner bottom plate, the flange portion is connected to the liner bottom plate, and the bottom of the groove is lower than the liner bottom plate.

14. The cooking appliance according to claim 13, wherein The cooking appliance also includes a third temperature sensor and a water pump. The water pump is connected to the water storage chamber through a water inlet pipe. The third temperature sensor is used to detect a third temperature value of the inner pot. The controller controls the start and stop of the water pump based on the third temperature value.

15. A cooking temperature control method, used for the cooking appliance according to claim 13, characterized in that: The steps include: Detecting a first temperature value T1 of the water storage chamber by a first temperature sensor; Detecting a second temperature value T2 of the groove by a second temperature sensor; Detecting a third temperature value T3 of the inner container by a third temperature sensor; The first heating element, the second heating element and the water pump are controlled to start and stop based on the first temperature value T1, the second temperature value T2 and the third temperature value T3.

16. The cooking temperature control method according to claim 15, characterized in that: The step of controlling the first heating element, the second heating element, and the water pump to start and stop based on the first temperature value T1, the second temperature value T2, and the third temperature value T3 includes: After subtracting the third temperature value T3 from the preset temperature T0, the first heating element, the second heating element and the water pump are controlled to start and stop according to the subtraction result.

17. The cooking temperature control method according to claim 15, characterized in that: The step of controlling the first heating element, the second heating element, and the water pump to start and stop based on the first temperature value T1, the second temperature value T2, and the third temperature value T3 includes: After subtracting T1 from a preset threshold, the first heating element, the second heating element and the water pump are controlled to start and stop according to the subtraction result.

18. The cooking temperature control method according to claim 15, characterized in that: The step of controlling the first heating element, the second heating element, and the water pump to start and stop based on the first temperature value T1, the second temperature value T2, and the third temperature value T3 includes: After subtracting the second temperature value T2 from the preset temperature T0, the second heating element is controlled to start and stop according to the subtraction result.

19. The cooking temperature control method according to claim 15, characterized in that: The cooking temperature control method further includes the step of controlling the start and stop of the first heating element and the second heating element in real time according to a preset time t0.

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