Cooking utensil control method and cooking utensil

Abstract

The invention discloses a control method of a cooking utensil and the cooking utensil. A cover body of the cooking utensil is provided with a top electromagnetic heating device. A pot body of the cooking utensil is provided with a bottom heating device. The control method of the cooking utensil comprises the steps that the cooking process comprises a first stage and a heat preservation stage which are continuous front and back, the first stage is used for cooking food materials, and the heat preservation stage is used for conducting heat preservation on cooked food; and in at least part of the time period of the first stage and at least part of the time period of the heat preservation stage, the top electromagnetic heating device works. According to the application, the cover body is preheated in advance before the heat preservation stage, so that generation of condensed water can be effectively prevented. The electromagnetic heating device does not easily heat the plastic part of the cover body, and the service life of the cover body is prolonged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of cooking appliance technology, and more specifically to a control method for a cooking appliance, and a cooking appliance employing the control method. Background Technology

[0002] Rice cookers produce condensation on the lid during cooking. This condensation dripping onto food can affect its texture and taste. Most current rice cookers dry this condensation using a top heating element. However, because this heating element works through heat conduction, it heats the plastic components of the lid, potentially shortening their lifespan. Therefore, a cooking appliance is needed that can at least partially solve this problem. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The summary section introduces a series of simplified concepts, which will be further explained in detail in the detailed description section. This summary section is not intended to limit the key and essential technical features of the claimed technical solution, nor is it intended to determine the scope of protection of the claimed technical solution.

[0004] To at least partially solve the above problems, a first aspect of this application provides a method for controlling a cooking appliance, wherein the lid of the cooking appliance is provided with a top electromagnetic heating device, and the pot body of the cooking appliance is provided with a bottom heating device, the control method comprising:

[0005] The cooking process includes a first stage and a heat-keeping stage that are consecutive, wherein the first stage is used to cook the ingredients and the heat-keeping stage is used to keep the cooked food warm.

[0006] The top electromagnetic heating device is operated during at least a portion of the time period of the first stage and at least a portion of the time period of the heat preservation stage.

[0007] According to this application, the cover is preheated before the insulation stage, which can effectively prevent the formation of condensate.

[0008] Optionally,

[0009] The cover has a lower panel facing the cooking space.

[0010] The control method further includes: in the first stage, activating the top electromagnetic heating device to make the temperature of the lower panel greater than or equal to a first temperature and less than or equal to a second temperature, wherein the first temperature is less than the second temperature.

[0011] further,

[0012] The first temperature ranges from [90, 110]℃; and / or

[0013] The second temperature ranges from [110, 130]℃.

[0014] According to this application, before the heat preservation stage, the cover is maintained at a temperature corresponding to water vaporization, which can effectively prevent the formation of condensate.

[0015] Optionally,

[0016] The pot body is also equipped with a bottom temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the cooking space.

[0017] The control method further includes: during the heat preservation stage, activating the top electromagnetic heating device to make the temperature of the lower panel greater than or equal to the temperature sensed by the bottom temperature sensor.

[0018] According to this application, during the heat preservation stage, ensuring that the temperature of the lid is not lower than the temperature of the food can prevent condensation from forming on the lid.

[0019] Optionally, during the heat preservation stage, the temperature sensed by the first temperature sensor is no more than 15°C higher than the temperature sensed by the bottom temperature sensor.

[0020] According to this application, during the heat preservation stage, the temperature of the lid is kept no more than 15°C higher than the temperature of the food. This prevents condensation from forming on the lid and avoids overheating the top layer of the food, thus preventing the top layer of the food from drying out and turning yellow.

[0021] Optionally, the control method further includes: during the heat preservation stage, activating the bottom heating device to ensure that the temperature sensed by the bottom temperature sensor is within the range of [50, 80] °C.

[0022] According to this application, the food is maintained at a temperature range of 50°C to 80°C.

[0023] Optionally, the control method further includes:

[0024] The time taken for the temperature sensor at the bottom to rise from a first heating temperature to a second heating temperature is recorded. The amount of food is determined based on this time, wherein the second heating temperature is higher than the first heating temperature.

[0025] After the bottom temperature sensor reaches the second heating temperature, the cooking process enters the first stage and the top electromagnetic heating device is activated.

[0026] Furthermore, the control method also includes:

[0027] When the temperature sensor at the bottom does not reach the second heating temperature, the top electromagnetic heating device is deactivated.

[0028] According to this application, the cooking appliance can automatically analyze the amount of ingredients. To ensure accurate ingredient quantity analysis, the top electromagnetic heating device is activated only after the ingredient quantity determination is completed.

[0029] Optionally, the control method further includes:

[0030] During the heat preservation stage, the top electromagnetic heating device is activated to make the temperature of the lower panel greater than or equal to a third temperature and less than or equal to a fourth temperature, wherein the third temperature is less than the fourth temperature and the fourth temperature is less than the second temperature.

[0031] Furthermore, the fourth temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature.

[0032] According to this application, the temperature of the cover during the insulation stage can be lower than the temperature during the first stage.

[0033] Optionally, the control method further includes:

[0034] Determine whether the ingredients in the cooking space are boiling. If the ingredients are boiling, the cooking process enters the first stage and the top electromagnetic heating device is activated.

[0035] Furthermore, the control method also includes:

[0036] If it is determined that the food has not boiled, the top electromagnetic heating device will not work.

[0037] According to this application, heating the lid after the food has boiled can effectively suppress condensation, while heating the lid before the food has boiled can save energy.

[0038] Optionally,

[0039] In the first stage, the top electromagnetic heating device is operated at a first power; in the heat preservation stage, the top electromagnetic heating device is operated at a second power, wherein the first power is greater than the second power; and / or

[0040] In the first stage, the top electromagnetic heating device operates intermittently, wherein the duration of the inactivity interval between two adjacent operating periods of the top electromagnetic heating device does not exceed 60 seconds.

[0041] According to this application, the temperature of the cover in the first stage is higher than the temperature in the heat preservation stage. The top electromagnetic heating device needs to operate frequently in the first stage to maintain the higher temperature of the cover.

[0042] Optionally,

[0043] The cover is also provided with a first top temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the lower side panel, and the control method determines the temperature of the lower side panel based on the sensing value of the first top temperature sensor; or

[0044] The cover is also provided with a second top temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the gas in the cooking space, and the control method determines the temperature of the lower panel based on the sensing value of the second top temperature sensor.

[0045] According to this application, the temperature of the cover is detected by a sensor, which enables more precise control.

[0046] A second aspect of this application provides a cooking appliance, comprising:

[0047] The pot body includes a cooking space for holding food ingredients;

[0048] A bottom heating device is installed in the pot body for heating the bottom of the cooking space;

[0049] A lid for covering the pot body, the lid having a lower side panel facing the cooking space;

[0050] A top electromagnetic heating device is installed on the cover body for heating the top of the cooking space;

[0051] A bottom temperature sensor for sensing the temperature at the bottom of the cooking space; and

[0052] The control device is electrically connected to the bottom heating device, the top electromagnetic heating device, and the bottom temperature sensor.

[0053] The control device is configured to perform the steps of the control method according to the first aspect of the technical solution.

[0054] According to this application, preheating the cover before the insulation stage can effectively prevent condensation from forming on the cover. Using electromagnetic heating to heat the cover concentrates heat on the metal parts of the cover without raising the temperature of the plastic parts, thus protecting the plastic parts.

[0055] A third aspect of this application provides a cooking appliance, comprising:

[0056] The pot body includes a cooking space for holding food ingredients;

[0057] A bottom heating device is installed in the pot body for heating the bottom of the cooking space;

[0058] A lid for covering the pot body, the lid having a lower side panel facing the cooking space;

[0059] A top electromagnetic heating device is installed on the cover body for heating the top of the cooking space;

[0060] A top temperature sensor is installed on the cover to sense the temperature of the gas in the lower side panel or the cooking space;

[0061] A bottom temperature sensor for sensing the temperature at the bottom of the cooking space; and

[0062] The control device is electrically connected to the bottom heating device, the top electromagnetic heating device, the top temperature sensor, and the bottom temperature sensor.

[0063] The control device is configured to perform the steps of the control method according to the first aspect of the technical solution.

[0064] Optionally, the cover includes:

[0065] A liner, wherein the electromagnetic heating coil of the top electromagnetic heating device is disposed on the liner; and

[0066] A removable cover, detachably connected to the liner and located on the side of the cover body facing the cooking space, with the lower side panel disposed on the removable cover.

[0067] According to this application, the cover structure is compact.

[0068] Optionally, the lower side panel is at least partially constructed as a magnetically conductive metal component, and in the vertical projection of the cooking appliance, the electromagnetic heating coil of the top electromagnetic heating device at least partially coincides with the metal component.

[0069] According to this application, the electromagnetic heating device has high heating efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0070] The following drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference as part of this application, are provided for understanding the application. The drawings illustrate representative embodiments of the application and are used to explain the principles of the application, not to limit it.

[0071] In the attached image:

[0072] Figure 1 This is a side cross-sectional view of a cooking appliance according to a preferred embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A top view of the liner of the cooking utensil shown.

[0074] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0075] 10: Claypot

[0076] 11: Receiving cavity

[0077] 20: Cover

[0078] 21: Faceplate

[0079] 22: Liner

[0080] 23: Removable lid

[0081] 24: Second top temperature sensor

[0082] 25: Lower side panel

[0083] 30: Pot Inner Wall

[0084] 31: Container

[0085] 32: Bottom wall

[0086] 33: Sidewall

[0087] 71: Bottom heating device

[0088] 73: Top electromagnetic heating device

[0089] 75: Electromagnetic heating coil

[0090] 80: Bottom temperature sensor

[0091] 90: Steam valve

[0092] 100: Cooking utensils Detailed Implementation

[0093] The following description provides numerous specific details to offer a more thorough understanding of this application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application can be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described to avoid confusion with this application.

[0094] To fully understand this application, a detailed description will be provided in the following description. It should be understood that these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application is thorough and complete, and that the concept of these exemplary embodiments is fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Obviously, the implementation of the embodiments of this application is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art. Preferred embodiments of this application are described in detail below; however, in addition to these detailed descriptions, this application may have other embodiments.

[0095] The ordinal numbers such as “first” and “second” used in this application are merely identifiers and have no other meaning, such as a specific order. Furthermore, for example, the term “first component” does not imply the existence of a “second component,” and the term “second component” does not imply the existence of a “first component.” The use of words such as “first,” “second,” and “third” does not indicate any order and can be interpreted as names.

[0096] It should be noted that the terms “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0097] In this document, terms such as “equal” and “same” are not strict mathematical and / or geometric limitations, but also include errors that are understandable to those skilled in the art and permissible in manufacturing or use.

[0098] Unless otherwise stated, the numerical ranges in this document include not only the entire range within its two endpoints, but also the subranges contained therein.

[0099] This application provides a cooking appliance and a method for controlling it.

[0100] Exemplary embodiments according to this application will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0101] like Figure 1 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the cooking appliance 100 according to the preferred embodiment of this application mainly includes a pot body 10 and a lid 20. The pot body 10 is used to hold the ingredients needed for cooking. The lid 20 is closably connected above the pot body 10 to cover the pot body 10. For example, the lid 20 is pivotally connected to the pot body 10. The pot body 10 can be constructed as a rounded cuboid shape or any other suitable shape. A pot inner 30 is provided in the pot body 10. As shown, the pot body 10 is provided with a receiving cavity 11, and the pot inner 30 is removably disposed in the receiving cavity 11. The pot inner 30 includes a bottom wall 32 and a side wall 33 extending upward from the edge of the bottom wall 32. The bottom wall 32 and the side wall 33 enclose a holding cavity 31 for holding ingredients. When the lid 20 is closed, a cooking space is formed between the pot inner 30 and the lid 20, and the holding cavity 31 constitutes the main part of this cooking space. The holding cavity 31 can also be equated with the cooking space.

[0102] The lid 20 has a lower side panel 25 facing the cooking space, which forms the lower surface of the lid 20. The lid 20 includes, for example, a top cover 21, a liner 22, and a removable cover 23. The liner 22 is pivotally connected to the pot body 10. All functional components of the lid 20 are located in the liner 22. The top cover 21 and the removable cover 23 are also connected to the liner 22. The top cover 21 is the outer shell of the lid 20, covering the outside of the liner 22. The removable cover 23 is located on the side of the lid 20 facing the cooking space. The removable cover 23 is detachably connected to the liner 22 for easy cleaning. The lower side panel 25 is provided on the removable cover 23. For example, the lower side panel 25 forms the main structure of the removable cover 23, which is detachably connected to the liner 22. A sealing ring may also be provided around or partially on the lower side panel 25 to prevent steam, foam, etc., from entering the interior of the lid 20. The cover 21 and the liner 22 are made primarily of plastic.

[0103] The cooking appliance 100 is also equipped with a control device (not shown), multiple heating elements and multiple temperature sensors.

[0104] The heating element of the cooking appliance 100 includes, for example, a bottom heating element 71 and a top electromagnetic heating element 73. The bottom heating element 71 is disposed below the receiving cavity 11 to heat the bottom wall 32 (i.e., the bottom of the cooking space). The top electromagnetic heating element 73 is used to heat the top of the cooking space, for example, disposed on the lid 20. Thus, the cooking appliance 100 has a three-dimensional heating structure, which allows the cooking space to be heated evenly, achieving uniform cooking of the food. The bottom heating element 71 has a first rated heating power P1. The top electromagnetic heating element 73 has a third rated heating power P3. The first rated heating power P1 is greater than the third rated heating power P3. The bottom heating element 71 can be an electromagnetic heating element or a heating plate. The temperature sensor of the cooking appliance 100 includes a bottom temperature sensor 80. The bottom temperature sensor 80 is used to detect the bottom temperature of the pot body 10, i.e., the bottom temperature of the inner pot 30, i.e., the bottom temperature Tb of the cooking space. A bottom temperature sensor 80 can be disposed at the bottom of the receiving cavity 11 to sense the temperature of the bottom wall 32 by contacting the bottom wall 32.

[0105] like Figure 2 As shown, preferably, the electromagnetic heating coil 75 of the top electromagnetic heating device 73 is disposed on the cover 22, and at least a portion of the removable cover 23 (or lower panel 25) is constructed as a magnetically conductive metal component, thereby generating eddy currents within the metal component under the action of an electromagnetic field and generating heat, thus achieving top heating. Both the electromagnetic heating coil 75 and the metal component are components of the top electromagnetic heating device 73.

[0106] Preferably, in the vertical projection of the cooking appliance 100, the electromagnetic heating coil 75 of the top electromagnetic heating device 73 at least partially overlaps with the metal part of the removable cover 23. Thus, the electromagnetic heating coil 75 and the metal part of the removable cover 23 are arranged opposite each other, which is beneficial for fully utilizing the electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic heating coil 75 may be wound into a ring, for example, and the metal part may also be constructed into a ring corresponding to the electromagnetic heating coil 75. Of course, the electromagnetic heating coil 75 may also be constructed in other shapes. To fully utilize the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic heating coil 75, preferably, in the vertical projection of the cooking appliance 100, the electromagnetic heating coil 75 is completely contained within the area defined by the metal part. For example, the removable cover 23 (or the lower side panel 25) may be made entirely of a magnetically conductive metal.

[0107] The control device may be, for example, a microcontroller unit (MCU) for controlling the cooking of the cooking appliance 100. All heating elements and temperature sensors are electrically connected to the control device. The temperature sensors feed back the sensed temperature to the control device, enabling the control device to perform more precise control over, for example, each heating element based on the temperature information. For example, the control device controls the operation of the bottom heating element 71 based at least on the temperature sensed by the bottom temperature sensor 80.

[0108] The cooking appliance 100 also includes a steam valve 90 disposed on the lid 20. When the lid 20 is closed, the steam valve 90 connects the cooking space with the environment, allowing steam in the cooking space to be released into the environment.

[0109] The cooking process of the cooking appliance 100 typically includes the following stages in sequence: water absorption, heating, maintaining boiling, simmering, and heat preservation. During the water absorption stage, the bottom heating element 71 operates at low power, allowing the food to soak in warm water and absorb moisture for better texture. This stage typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes. During the heating stage, the bottom heating element 71 operates at high power, rapidly heating and boiling the food. During the maintaining boiling stage, the control device regulates the heating element to maintain the food at a boiling temperature or in a boiling state, thus cooking it thoroughly. This stage typically lasts at least 8 to 10 minutes. During the simmering stage, the control device regulates the heating element to dry out any free moisture in the cooking space and further cook the food. This stage also typically lasts at least 8 to 10 minutes. Finally, the heat preservation stage keeps the cooked food warm, allowing the user to enjoy it hot.

[0110] To address the problems in the prior art, the control device of the cooking appliance 100 is configured to execute the following control flow: the cooking process of the cooking appliance 100 includes a first stage and a heat-keeping stage that are consecutive; the top electromagnetic heating device 73 is activated for at least a portion of the time period in the first stage, and the top electromagnetic heating device 73 is activated for at least a portion of the time period in the heat-keeping stage. The first stage is used to cook the food, and the heat-keeping stage is used to keep the cooked food warm. In other words, the first stage is the cooking process preceding the heat-keeping stage. The first stage is continuous with the heat-keeping stage, therefore the first stage includes at least the latter half of the rice-cooking stage. Alternatively, the first stage includes the entire rice-cooking stage. Alternatively, the first stage can be extended forward, for example, by including a boiling stage (or its latter half), or by including a boiling stage and a heating stage (or its latter half), or by including a boiling stage, a heating stage, and a water-absorbing stage (or its latter half). In this application, the duration of the latter half of a certain stage of the cooking process is not necessarily half of the total duration of that stage. The latter half refers to the process that continues forward for a period of time from the end of that stage. The duration of this process can be half of the total duration of that stage, or it can be greater than or less than half of the total duration of that stage.

[0111] The earlier the first stage begins, the earlier the top electromagnetic heating device 73 operates, and the earlier the removable lid 23 is preheated, making it less likely for condensation to form on the removable lid 23. When the top electromagnetic heating device 73 operates, according to its heating principle, only the metal parts that generate eddy currents experience a temperature increase, while the plastic parts forming the lid 20 remain largely unheated, thus not affecting the lifespan of the plastic parts. Compared to conductive heating with a heating wire, electromagnetic heating causes the removable lid 23 to heat itself, resulting in higher heating efficiency, lower power consumption, and shorter heating time. This allows the heat generated by electromagnetic heating to be concentrated on preventing condensation and avoids affecting the top layer of food, preventing it from drying out and turning yellow.

[0112] The cooking appliance 100 has a function to analyze the amount of food. For example, the control device records the time taken for the temperature sensor 80 at the bottom to rise from a first heating temperature to a second heating temperature, and determines the amount of food based on this time. The second heating temperature is higher than the first heating temperature. Understandably, the longer the time, the larger the amount of food, and vice versa. For example, the control device can have a built-in correspondence between this time and the amount of food, finding the amount of food based on the measured time.

[0113] To ensure accurate determination of the amount of ingredients, preferably, the cooking process does not enter the first stage before the amount of ingredients is determined; that is, the top electromagnetic heating device 73 does not operate before the amount of ingredients is determined. In other words, the cooking process does not enter the first stage until the sensing value of the bottom temperature sensor 80 reaches the second heating temperature; that is, the top electromagnetic heating device 73 does not operate until the sensing value of the bottom temperature sensor 80 reaches the second heating temperature. Only after the sensing value of the bottom temperature sensor 80 reaches the second heating temperature does the cooking process enter the first stage, and only then can the top electromagnetic heating device 73 operate.

[0114] Preferably, when the control device determines that the food in the cooking space has boiled, the cooking process enters the first stage and the top electromagnetic heating device 73 is activated. The control device may determine that the food has boiled, for example, by the following means.

[0115] For example, when the bottom temperature of the cooking space reaches a preset bottom temperature, the food is determined to be boiling. In this implementation, after the bottom temperature sensor 80 reaches the preset bottom temperature, the cooking process enters the first stage, and the top electromagnetic heating device 73 can then operate. It is understood that the preset bottom temperature is greater than or equal to the second heating temperature. Alternatively, when the rate of temperature increase at the bottom of the cooking space is less than the preset bottom temperature increase rate, the food is determined to be boiling.

[0116] Alternatively, the cooking appliance 100 may be equipped with a top temperature sensor for detecting the top temperature of the cooking space, and the top temperature sensor is electrically connected to the control device. When the top temperature of the cooking space reaches a preset top temperature, it is determined that the food is boiling; or, when the rate of temperature rise of the top temperature of the cooking space is less than a preset top temperature rise rate, it is determined that the food is boiling.

[0117] Alternatively, the cooking appliance 100 can be equipped with a boiling sensor for detecting boiling signals in the cooking space. When the sensor detects a boiling signal, it determines that the food is boiling. For example, it can determine that the food is boiling by detecting the foam that forms after the food has boiled.

[0118] Preferably, in the first stage, the control device controls the top electromagnetic heating device 73 to operate so that the temperature of the lower panel 25 is greater than or equal to a first temperature and less than or equal to a second temperature, wherein the first temperature is less than the second temperature. The temperature of the lower panel 25 is, for example, the temperature of the removable cover 23, or the temperature of the metal component used to generate eddy currents. Preferably, the first temperature ranges from [90, 110] °C, for example, 100 °C. The first temperature generally corresponds to the temperature at which water vaporizes. Preferably, the second temperature ranges from [110, 130] °C, for example, 120 °C. The second temperature generally corresponds to the temperature at which the plastic material melts. Therefore, in the first stage, the removable cover 23 is heated to a relatively high temperature to suppress condensation while minimizing impact on the plastic material of the cover 20.

[0119] For example, the cover 20 (e.g., the liner 22) is also provided with a first top temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the lower side panel 25. The control device is electrically connected to the first top temperature sensor and determines the temperature of the lower side panel 25 based on the sensing value of the first top temperature sensor. Understandably, the first top temperature sensor needs to be as close as possible to the lower side panel 25, for example, it should be able to contact the metal parts of the lower side panel 25, so that the sensing value of the first top temperature sensor can be directly considered as the temperature of the lower side panel 25. For example, in the first stage, the top electromagnetic heating device 73 operates intermittently at a first power. When the temperature sensed by the first top temperature sensor is lower than a first temperature, the top electromagnetic heating device 73 operates at the first power. When the temperature sensed by the first top temperature sensor is higher than a second temperature, the top electromagnetic heating device 73 stops operating. This maintains the metal parts of the lower side panel 25 at a higher temperature. The first power is, for example, 5% to 10% of the rated power P3 of the top electromagnetic heating device 73.

[0120] During the heat preservation stage, the food temperature is typically maintained between 50°C and 80°C. In other words, during the heat preservation stage, the sensing value of the bottom temperature sensor 80 is typically kept within the range of [50, 80]°C. During the heat preservation stage, ensuring the temperature of the lower panel 25 is slightly higher than the food temperature avoids condensation. Therefore, preferably, during the heat preservation stage, the control device controls the top electromagnetic heating device 73 to operate so that the temperature of the lower panel 25 is greater than or equal to the temperature sensed by the bottom temperature sensor 80. Preferably, the temperature of the lower panel 25 is no more than 15°C higher than the temperature sensed by the bottom temperature sensor 80. This saves energy and prevents the top layer of the food from drying out and turning yellow.

[0121] For example, during the heat preservation phase, the top electromagnetic heating device 73 operates intermittently at a second power. When the temperature sensed by the first top temperature sensor is lower than the temperature sensed by the bottom temperature sensor 80, the top electromagnetic heating device 73 operates at the second power. When the temperature sensed by the first top temperature sensor is 15°C higher than the temperature sensed by the bottom temperature sensor 80, the top electromagnetic heating device 73 stops operating. This maintains the metal parts of the lower panel 25 at a temperature slightly higher than that of the food. The second power is, for example, 1% to 3% of the rated heating power P3 of the top electromagnetic heating device 73.

[0122] Alternatively, during the heat preservation stage, the temperature of the lower panel 25 may not be adjusted based on the real-time temperature of the food. Instead, the temperature of the lower panel 25 may be maintained near or slightly above the upper limit of the food's heat preservation temperature. For example, during the heat preservation stage, the control device controls the top electromagnetic heating device 73 to operate so that the temperature sensed by the first top temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a third temperature and less than or equal to a fourth temperature, wherein the third temperature is less than the fourth temperature. Preferably, the third temperature is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the food's heat preservation temperature, for example, 75°C to 85°C. Preferably, the fourth temperature is less than the second temperature. More preferably, the fourth temperature is less than the first temperature. Alternatively, the difference between the third and fourth temperatures does not exceed 5°C to 15°C.

[0123] For example, during the heat preservation phase, the top electromagnetic heating device 73 operates intermittently at a second power. When the temperature sensed by the first top temperature sensor is lower than a third temperature, the top electromagnetic heating device 73 operates at the second power. When the temperature sensed by the first top temperature sensor is higher than a fourth temperature, the top electromagnetic heating device 73 stops operating.

[0124] Alternatively, the cover 20 (e.g., the liner 22) may be equipped with a second top temperature sensor 24 for sensing the temperature of the gas in the cooking space. The control device is electrically connected to the second top temperature sensor 24 and determines the temperature of the lower panel 25 based on the sensor's reading. The second top temperature sensor 24 may extend into the cooking space through an opening in the lower panel 25, or it may be located in the steam valve 90 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown). It is understandable that the sensed value of the second top temperature sensor 24 differs significantly from the actual temperature of the lower panel 25 compared to the first top temperature sensor. It is also understandable that the temperature of the gas at the top of the cooking space is related to the temperature of the lower panel 25. The inventors of this application experimentally monitored the sensed value of the second top temperature sensor 24 and the actual temperature of the lower panel 25, and determined their correspondence. Therefore, the temperature of the lower panel 25 can be determined based on the sensed value of the second top temperature sensor 24 and its relationship with the actual temperature of the lower panel 25.

[0125] Alternatively, the power and operating cycle of the top electromagnetic heating device 73 can be determined experimentally to ensure it operates at a fixed power and operating cycle, thereby guaranteeing a suitable temperature for the lower panel 25 during the first stage and / or the heat preservation stage. During the first stage and the heat preservation stage, the top electromagnetic heating device 73 may have different operating powers and / or operating cycles, respectively.

[0126] In this application, operating the top electromagnetic heating device 73 in both the first and second consecutive heat preservation stages means that the top electromagnetic heating device 73 is already in a state of frequent operation before the heat preservation stage, and this state continues until the heat preservation stage, so that the removable cover 23 can maintain a high temperature, thereby suppressing the formation of condensate. Especially in the first stage, the top electromagnetic heating device 73 can operate intermittently, but the interval between two adjacent operating periods does not exceed 60 seconds, so that the temperature of the removable cover 23 does not drop excessively.

[0127] For example, when the cooking process enters the first stage after the ingredients have boiled, the first stage includes a boiling maintenance stage and a simmering stage. Typically, the simmering stage lasts no less than 5 minutes, for example, 8 to 10 minutes, or longer. If the top electromagnetic heating device 73 is not working during the simmering stage, it will be inactive for at least 5 consecutive minutes, meaning the interval between periods of inactivity exceeds 5 minutes. During these 5 minutes, the temperature of the removable lid 23 will drop significantly, causing condensation to form on it. In other words, in this technical solution, the first stage only includes the boiling maintenance stage and does not include the simmering stage; the first stage and the heat preservation stage are not consecutive.

[0128] During the cooking process described above, the top electromagnetic heating device 73 is activated before the heat preservation stage, which effectively suppresses the formation of condensation. Based on its working principle, the top electromagnetic heating device 73 does not easily cause the plastic parts of the lid 20 to heat up, thus extending the service life of the lid 20.

[0129] The processes and steps described in all the preferred embodiments above are merely examples. Unless adverse effects occur, various processing operations can be performed in a different order than those described above. The order of steps in the above process can also be added, combined, or deleted according to actual needs.

[0130] In understanding the scope of this application, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of a described feature, element, component, group, whole, and / or step, but do not exclude the presence of other undescribed features, elements, components, groups, wholes, and / or steps. This concept also applies to words with similar meanings, such as the terms "comprising," "having," and their derivatives.

[0131] The term "attached" or "joined" as used herein includes: a construction in which one element is directly fixed to another element by fixing it directly to another element; a construction in which one element is indirectly fixed to another element by fixing it to an intermediate member, which in turn is fixed to another element; and a construction in which one element is integral with another element, that is, one element is substantially part of another element. This definition also applies to words with similar meanings, such as "connect," "joint," "couple," "install," "adhere," "fix," and their derivatives. Finally, degree terms such as "substantially," "approximately," and "approximately" as used herein indicate the amount of deviation from which modifications to the terminology do not significantly alter the final result.

[0132] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Features described in one embodiment may be applied, alone or in combination with other features, to another embodiment, unless that feature is not applicable in that other embodiment or is otherwise stated.

[0133] This application has been described through the above embodiments. However, it should be understood that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this application to the described embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments, and many more variations and modifications can be made based on the teachings of this application, all of which fall within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a cooking appliance, wherein the lid of the cooking appliance is provided with a top electromagnetic heating device, and the pot body of the cooking appliance is provided with a bottom heating device, characterized in that, The control method includes: The cooking process includes a first stage and a heat-keeping stage that are consecutive, wherein the first stage is used to cook the ingredients and the heat-keeping stage is used to keep the cooked food warm. The top electromagnetic heating device is operated during at least a portion of the time period of the first stage and at least a portion of the time period of the heat preservation stage.

2. The control method for cooking appliances according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover has a lower panel facing the cooking space. The control method further includes: in the first stage, activating the top electromagnetic heating device to make the temperature of the lower panel greater than or equal to a first temperature and less than or equal to a second temperature, wherein the first temperature is less than the second temperature.

3. The control method for cooking appliances according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first temperature ranges from [90, 110]℃; and / or The second temperature ranges from [110, 130]℃.

4. The control method for cooking appliances according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pot body is also equipped with a bottom temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the cooking space. The control method further includes: during the heat preservation stage, activating the top electromagnetic heating device to make the temperature of the lower panel greater than or equal to the temperature sensed by the bottom temperature sensor.

5. The control method for cooking appliances according to claim 4, characterized in that, During the heat preservation phase, the temperature of the lower panel is no more than 15°C higher than the temperature sensed by the bottom temperature sensor.

6. The control method for cooking appliances according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control method further includes: during the heat preservation stage, activating the bottom heating device to ensure that the temperature sensed by the bottom temperature sensor is within the range of [50, 80] °C.

7. The method for controlling a cooking appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control method further includes: The time taken for the temperature sensor at the bottom to rise from a first heating temperature to a second heating temperature is recorded. The amount of food is determined based on this time, wherein the second heating temperature is higher than the first heating temperature. After the bottom temperature sensor reaches the second heating temperature, the cooking process enters the first stage and the top electromagnetic heating device is activated.

8. The method for controlling a cooking appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that, The control method further includes: When the temperature sensor at the bottom does not reach the second heating temperature, the top electromagnetic heating device is deactivated.

9. The control method for cooking appliances according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control method further includes: During the heat preservation stage, the top electromagnetic heating device is activated to make the temperature of the lower panel greater than or equal to a third temperature and less than or equal to a fourth temperature, wherein the third temperature is less than the fourth temperature and the fourth temperature is less than the second temperature.

10. The control method for a cooking appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that, The fourth temperature is less than or equal to the first temperature.

11. The control method for a cooking appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control method further includes: Determine whether the ingredients in the cooking space are boiling. If the ingredients are boiling, the cooking process enters the first stage and the top electromagnetic heating device is activated.

12. The control method for a cooking appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that, The control method further includes: If it is determined that the food has not boiled, the top electromagnetic heating device will not work.

13. The method for controlling a cooking appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that, In the first stage, the top electromagnetic heating device is operated at a first power; in the heat preservation stage, the top electromagnetic heating device is operated at a second power, wherein the first power is greater than the second power; and / or In the first stage, the top electromagnetic heating device operates intermittently, wherein the duration of the inactivity interval between two adjacent operating periods of the top electromagnetic heating device does not exceed 60 seconds.

14. The method for controlling a cooking appliance according to any one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that, The cover is also provided with a first top temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the lower side panel, and the control method determines the temperature of the lower side panel based on the sensing value of the first top temperature sensor. or The cover is also provided with a second top temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the gas in the cooking space, and the control method determines the temperature of the lower panel based on the sensing value of the second top temperature sensor.

15. A cooking utensil, characterized in that, include: The pot body includes a cooking space for holding food ingredients; A bottom heating device is installed in the pot body for heating the bottom of the cooking space; A lid for covering the pot body, the lid having a lower side panel facing the cooking space; A top electromagnetic heating device is installed on the cover body for heating the top of the cooking space; A bottom temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature at the bottom of the cooking space; and The control device is electrically connected to the bottom heating device, the top electromagnetic heating device, and the bottom temperature sensor. The control device is configured to perform the steps of the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. A cooking utensil, characterized in that, include: The pot body includes a cooking space for holding food ingredients; A bottom heating device is installed in the pot body for heating the bottom of the cooking space; A lid for covering the pot body, the lid having a lower side panel facing the cooking space; A top electromagnetic heating device is installed on the cover body for heating the top of the cooking space; A top temperature sensor is installed on the cover to sense the temperature of the gas in the lower side panel or the cooking space; A bottom temperature sensor is used to sense the temperature at the bottom of the cooking space; and The control device is electrically connected to the bottom heating device, the top electromagnetic heating device, the top temperature sensor, and the bottom temperature sensor. The control device is configured to perform the steps of the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

17. The cooking utensil according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The cover includes: A liner, wherein the electromagnetic heating coil of the top electromagnetic heating device is disposed on the liner; and A removable cover, detachably connected to the liner and located on the side of the cover body facing the cooking space, with the lower side panel disposed on the removable cover.

18. The cooking utensil according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The lower side panel is at least partially constructed as a magnetically conductive metal component, and in the vertical projection of the cooking appliance, the electromagnetic heating coil of the top electromagnetic heating device at least partially overlaps with the metal component.

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