Steam control method and multi-cavity steam cooking equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a steam control method and multi-cavity steam cooking equipment, and relates to the technical field of steaming cooking equipment. The method comprises the following steps: receiving a target steam gear and a starting instruction of a cooking cavity; querying the working duration of a target outer tube and the working duration of a target inner tube; if only one cooking cavity works, the steam generating device is controlled to operate according to the working duration of the target outer pipe and the target inner pipe; if the plurality of cooking cavities work, determining the total operation time according to the working time of the target outer tube and the inner tube, the power of the outer tube, the power of the inner tube and the total power; according to the target outer pipe working duration, the target inner pipe working duration, the outer pipe power and the inner pipe power, the steam demand quantity of each cooking cavity is calculated; a main cavity and an auxiliary cavity are divided; and on the basis of the electromagnetic valve control strategy, electromagnetic valves of the main cavity and the auxiliary cavity are controlled to be opened and closed, and the steam generation device is controlled to operate within the total operation duration. According to the invention, on-demand dynamic allocation of multi-cavity steam resources can be realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of steam cooking equipment technology, and in particular to a steam control method and a multi-chamber steam cooking equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the development of smart kitchen equipment, steam cooking equipment with multi-cavity structures is becoming increasingly popular. These devices typically include two or more independent cooking cavities to achieve multiple cooking functions such as simultaneous or separate heating, steaming, and boiling. To control costs and maintain a compact structure, some products are equipped with only one steam generator, which switches the steam channels via solenoid valves to supply steam to each cooking cavity.

[0003] However, these products generally use a fixed time interval for rotating steam supply or evenly distributing steam, which lacks precise matching of the steam demand of different cooking cavities. This can easily lead to insufficient steam in a certain cooking cavity, affecting the cooking effect, or excessive steam, resulting in energy waste. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a steam control method and a multi-chamber steam cooking device to address the aforementioned technical problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, a steam control method is provided, characterized in that the method is applied to a multi-chamber steam cooking device with only one steam generating unit, the multi-chamber steam cooking device comprising multiple cooking chambers with independent solenoid valves, the method comprising:

[0006] Receives the target steam level and start command set by the user for one or more cooking cavities;

[0007] In the pre-stored correspondence between cooking cavity, steam setting, outer tube working time and inner tube working time, query the target outer tube working time and target inner tube working time corresponding to the target steam setting of each cooking cavity.

[0008] If only one of the cooking cavities is in operation, the steam generator is controlled to operate according to the target outer pipe operating time and the target inner pipe operating time.

[0009] If multiple cooking cavities are in operation at the same time, the total operating time of the steam generator is determined based on the target outer tube operating time, target inner tube operating time, preset outer tube power, inner tube power, and total power of each cooking cavity.

[0010] Based on the working time of the target outer pipe, the working time of the target inner pipe, the power of the outer pipe, and the power of the inner pipe, the steam demand of each cooking cavity is calculated respectively;

[0011] Based on the steam demand of each cooking cavity and the preset division rules, each cooking cavity is divided into a main cavity and a secondary cavity;

[0012] Based on a preset solenoid valve control strategy, the opening and closing of the solenoid valves in the main chamber and the auxiliary chamber are controlled respectively, and the steam generator is controlled to operate within the total running time.

[0013] As an optional implementation, the formula for determining the total operating time of the steam generator based on the target outer pipe operating time, target inner pipe operating time, preset outer pipe power, inner pipe power, and total power of each of the cooking cavities is as follows:

[0014]

[0015] Among them, T total W is the total operating time of the steam generator. total For total power, T out(i) W represents the target outer tube working time corresponding to cooking cavity i. out For the power of the external tube, T in(i) W represents the target inner tube working time corresponding to cooking cavity i. in denoted as η, where η is the power of the inner tube and n is the total number of cooking cavities.

[0016] As an optional implementation, the formula for calculating the steam demand of each cooking cavity based on the target outer pipe working time, the target inner pipe working time, the outer pipe power, and the inner pipe power is as follows:

[0017] Q i =T out(i) ×W out +T in(i) ×W in ;

[0018] Among them, Q i For the steam requirement of cooking cavity i, T out(i) W represents the target outer tube working time corresponding to cooking cavity i. out For the power of the external tube, T in(i) W represents the target inner tube working time corresponding to cooking cavity i. in This refers to the power of the internal tube.

[0019] As an optional implementation, the method of controlling the opening and closing of the solenoid valves in the main chamber and the auxiliary chamber based on a preset solenoid valve control strategy includes:

[0020] Upon receiving the start command, the solenoid valves of the main cavity and the auxiliary cavity are opened respectively;

[0021] For each of the sub-cavities, the operating time of the solenoid valve of the sub-cavity is determined based on the total operating time and the proportion of the steam demand of the sub-cavity in the total steam demand of each of the cooking cavities.

[0022] The solenoid valve in the secondary cavity is closed according to the operating time of the solenoid valve.

[0023] As an optional implementation, the method of controlling the opening and closing of the solenoid valves in the main chamber and the auxiliary chamber based on a preset solenoid valve control strategy includes:

[0024] Upon receiving the start command, the solenoid valve of the main cavity is opened.

[0025] For each of the sub-cavities, the operating time of the solenoid valve of the sub-cavity is determined based on the total operating time and the proportion of the steam demand of the sub-cavity in the total steam demand of each of the cooking cavities.

[0026] Based on a preset opening interval, the solenoid valves of each of the sub-cavities are opened sequentially in descending order of the solenoid valve's operating time, and then closed after the corresponding solenoid valve's operating time has been reached.

[0027] As an optional implementation, the formula for determining the operating time of the solenoid valve of each of the sub-cavities, based on the total operating time and the proportion of the steam demand of the sub-cavity to the total steam demand of all the cooking cavities, is as follows:

[0028]

[0029] Among them, t m Q is the operating time of the solenoid valve in the secondary cavity m. m Q is the steam demand of the secondary cavity m. i Let n be the steam requirement of cooking cavity i, and n be the total number of cooking cavities.

[0030] As an optional implementation, the method further includes:

[0031] The solenoid valve of the cooking cavity is energized;

[0032] Obtain the input current value of the solenoid valve;

[0033] Calculate the current difference between the input current value and the pre-stored solenoid valve shut-off current value;

[0034] If the current difference is greater than or equal to the preset solenoid valve opening current threshold, the solenoid valve is determined to be opening normally; otherwise, the solenoid valve is determined to be faulty, and fault information is fed back to the user.

[0035] As an optional implementation, the method further includes:

[0036] Before the steam generator is operated, water from the water tank of the multi-chamber steam cooking equipment is transported to the steam generator by the water pump of the steam generator.

[0037] As an optional implementation, the method further includes:

[0038] For each of the aforementioned cooking cavities, if the other cooking cavities are still operating after the cooking in that cooking cavity has finished cooking, the solenoid valve of that cooking cavity shall be closed.

[0039] If other cooking cavities are not in operation, the solenoid valve of that cooking cavity will be closed after a preset delay.

[0040] In a second aspect, a multi-chamber steam cooking device is provided, the device comprising a main control unit, a steam generator, and multiple cooking chambers with independent solenoid valves, the main control unit controlling the opening and closing of the steam generator and the solenoid valves of each cooking chamber to achieve the steam control method as described in any of the first aspects.

[0041] This application provides a steam control method and a multi-cavity steam cooking device. The method is applied to a multi-cavity steam cooking device with only one steam generator. The multi-cavity steam cooking device includes multiple cooking cavities with independent solenoid valves. The method includes: receiving a user's target steam level and start command set for one or more cooking cavities; querying a pre-stored correspondence between cooking cavities, steam levels, outer pipe working time, and inner pipe working time for each cooking cavity, and the target outer pipe working time and target inner pipe working time corresponding to the target steam level; if only one cooking cavity is in operation, controlling the steam generator to operate according to the target outer pipe working time and target inner pipe working time. If multiple cooking cavities are simultaneously in operation, the total operating time of the steam generator is determined based on the target outer pipe operating time, target inner pipe operating time, preset outer pipe power, inner pipe power, and total power of each cooking cavity. The steam demand of each cooking cavity is calculated based on the target outer pipe operating time, target inner pipe operating time, outer pipe power, and inner pipe power. Based on the steam demand of each cooking cavity and a preset division rule, each cooking cavity is divided into a main cavity and a secondary cavity. Based on a preset solenoid valve control strategy, the opening and closing of the solenoid valves of the main cavity and the secondary cavity are controlled respectively, and the steam generator is controlled to operate within the total operating time. The technical solution provided by the embodiments of this application brings at least the following beneficial effects: By receiving the user-set steam level and start command, this application can query the target heating parameters corresponding to each cooking cavity from the pre-stored correspondence between steam levels and outer / inner pipe operating times, thereby realizing parameterized steam control. When only one chamber is operating, the control system directly drives the steam generator based on the operating time of the target outer and inner pipes of that chamber, simplifying the control logic while ensuring high-efficiency output in single-chamber operation mode. For scenarios with multiple chambers operating simultaneously, this application introduces steam demand calculation. Specifically, based on the operating time of the outer and inner pipes of each chamber and their corresponding power, the steam consumption demand of each chamber is quantified, and the total operating time of the steam generator is determined accordingly, allowing for reasonable configuration of the heating cycle within the total power limit. Furthermore, based on the distribution of steam demand, the control system designates the chamber with the highest steam demand as the main chamber, continuously opening its solenoid valve. The remaining chambers, as secondary chambers, have their solenoid valve opening duration determined based on their demand proportion, and the steam input process of each secondary chamber is finely controlled according to a set control strategy (such as simultaneous opening followed by timed closing, or sequential alternating opening). Through this method, this application not only achieves on-demand dynamic allocation of steam resources across multiple chambers but also improves energy utilization efficiency and the consistency of multi-task cooking, effectively reducing steam supply interference and enhancing system stability and user experience.

[0042] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0043] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-cavity steam cooking device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 2 A flowchart of a steam control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 3 A flowchart of a solenoid valve control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating another solenoid valve control method provided in this application embodiment;

[0048] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for determining an abnormality in a solenoid valve, as provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0049] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0050] The steam control method provided in this application can be applied to multi-chamber steam cooking equipment with only one steam generator. For example... Figure 1As shown, the multi-chamber steam cooking equipment includes a main control unit 110, a steam generator 120, and n cooking chambers 13i (e.g., 131, 132, ..., 13n) each with an independent solenoid valve 13i1 (e.g., 1311, 1321...13n1). The main control unit 110 controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valves 13i1 of the steam generator 120 and each cooking chamber 13i. The main control unit 110 is electrically connected to the solenoid valves 13i1 of the steam generator 120 and each cooking chamber 13i, respectively, for unified scheduling of steam resources and control of the state of the solenoid valves 13i1. The steam generator 120 is internally equipped with an outer pipe heating unit 1201 and an inner pipe heating unit 1202, which are used for rapid steam heating and gentle maintenance of output, respectively, and can be controlled to turn on and off according to the target working time issued by the main control unit 110. The steam generator 120 is connected to each cooking cavity 13i via a steam channel 13i2. The steam channel 13i2 is equipped with a corresponding solenoid valve 13i1 to control whether steam enters each cooking cavity 13i.

[0051] The steam control method provided in this application will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments. Figure 2 A flowchart of a steam control method provided in an embodiment of this application is shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the specific steps are as follows:

[0052] S201 receives the target steam level and start command set by the user for one or more cooking cavities.

[0053] In practice, the cooking equipment can receive the user's settings for the steam level (such as high, medium, and low) for each cooking chamber, along with the corresponding start command, via the equipment control panel or smart terminal. Taking a three-chamber steam cooking equipment as an example, the user can simultaneously set the first cooking chamber to high, the second cooking chamber to low, and the third cooking chamber to inactive. The cooking equipment can record the first and second cooking chambers as target chambers, and subsequent processes will only perform steam scheduling for these two cooking chambers.

[0054] S202, in the pre-stored correspondence between cooking cavity, steam level, outer pipe working time and inner pipe working time, query the target outer pipe working time and target inner pipe working time corresponding to the target steam level of each cooking cavity.

[0055] In implementation, Table 1 is a steam generator operating parameter table provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in Table 1, a parameter table can be preset in the cooking equipment, which shows the correspondence between the cooking chamber, steam level, outer pipe working time, and inner pipe working time. For example, the high steam level of the first cooking chamber corresponds to an outer pipe working time of 60 seconds and an inner pipe working time of 90 seconds; the low steam level of the first cooking chamber corresponds to an outer pipe working time of 30 seconds and an inner pipe working time of 40 seconds. The cooking equipment can retrieve the corresponding outer / inner pipe working time from the parameter table according to the cooking chamber and steam level selected by the user, and bind and store it with the cooking chamber number for subsequent steam volume calculation and heating time configuration.

[0056] Table 1

[0057] Internal / external pipe working time Cooking Chamber 1 Second cooking chamber … nth cooking cavity Steam setting 1 <![CDATA[T out(11)， T in(11) ]]> <![CDATA[T out(12)， T in(12) ]]> … <![CDATA[T out(1n)， T in(1n) ]]> Steam setting 2 <![CDATA[T out(21)， T in(21) ]]> <![CDATA[T out(22)， T in(22) ]]> … <![CDATA[T out(2n)， T in(2n) ]]> … … … … … Steam setting n <![CDATA[T out(n1)， T in(n1) ]]> <![CDATA[T out(n2)， T in(n2) ]]> … <![CDATA[T out(nn)， T in(nn) ]]>

[0058] S203, if only one cooking cavity is in operation, the steam generator is controlled to operate according to the target outer pipe operating time and the target inner pipe operating time.

[0059] In practice, when the cooking equipment detects that only one cooking chamber (such as the second cooking chamber) is in the active state, there is no need to distribute steam. It is only necessary to directly control the steam generator to operate according to the found working time of the inner and outer pipes. For example, if the steam setting of the second cooking chamber is low, then control the outer pipe to heat for 30 seconds and the inner pipe to heat for 40 seconds, and open the solenoid valve of the second cooking chamber to supply steam input.

[0060] S204 If multiple cooking cavities are in operation at the same time, the total operating time of the steam generator is determined based on the target outer pipe operating time, target inner pipe operating time, preset outer pipe power, inner pipe power and total power of each cooking cavity.

[0061] In implementation, if multiple cooking cavities are operating simultaneously, the cooking equipment can determine the total operating time of the steam generator based on the target outer pipe operating time, target inner pipe operating time, preset outer pipe power, inner pipe power, and total power of each cooking cavity. The cooking equipment can then control the steam generator to continuously output steam within this time, achieving centralized heating. Table 2 shows another steam generator operating parameter table provided in this application embodiment, taking a dual-cooking-cavity unit as an example:

[0062] Table 2

[0063]

[0064]

[0065] As an optional implementation, in S204, the formula for determining the total operating time of the steam generator based on the target outer pipe operating time, the target inner pipe operating time, the preset outer pipe power, the inner pipe power, and the total power of each cooking cavity is as follows:

[0066]

[0067] Among them, T total W is the total operating time of the steam generator. total For total power, T out(i) W represents the target outer tube working time corresponding to cooking cavity i. out For the power of the external tube, T in(i) W represents the target inner tube working time corresponding to cooking cavity i. in denoted as η, where η is the power of the inner tube and n is the total number of cooking cavities.

[0068] S205, calculate the steam demand of each cooking cavity based on the target outer pipe working time, target inner pipe working time, outer pipe power and inner pipe power.

[0069] In practice, the cooking equipment can calculate the steam demand of each cooking cavity based on the target working time of the outer pipe, the target working time of the inner pipe, the power of the outer pipe, and the power of the inner pipe.

[0070] As an optional implementation, in S205, the formula for calculating the steam demand of each cooking cavity based on the target outer pipe working time, the target inner pipe working time, the outer pipe power, and the inner pipe power is as follows:

[0071] Q i =T out(i) ×W out +T in(i) ×W in .

[0072] Among them, Q i For the steam requirement of cooking cavity i, T out(i) W represents the target outer tube working time corresponding to cooking cavity i. out For the power of the external tube, T in(i) W represents the target inner tube working time corresponding to cooking cavity i. in This refers to the power of the internal tube.

[0073] S206, based on the steam demand of each cooking cavity and the preset division rules, divide each cooking cavity into a main cavity and a secondary cavity.

[0074] In practice, the cooking equipment can compare the steam demand of each cooking chamber and select the chamber with the highest steam demand as the main chamber, with the rest being auxiliary chambers. For example, if the steam demand of the first cooking chamber is 57,000 J and that of the second cooking chamber is 40,000 J, then the first cooking chamber is the main chamber and the second cooking chamber is the auxiliary chamber.

[0075] S207, based on a preset solenoid valve control strategy, controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valves in the main chamber and the auxiliary chamber respectively, and controls the operation of the steam generator during the total running time.

[0076] In practice, the cooking equipment can control the solenoid valves according to a steam distribution strategy. For example, the main chamber solenoid valve remains open throughout the total operating time, while the secondary chamber solenoid valve opens during set time periods based on the proportion of steam demand and closes after the corresponding steam supply time is reached. The steam generator continues to operate until the end of the total operating time, ensuring that each chamber receives the heat input required for its steam level setting.

[0077] As an optional implementation method, Figure 3 A flowchart of a solenoid valve control method provided in this application embodiment is shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the specific steps in S207 for controlling the opening and closing of the solenoid valves in the main chamber and the auxiliary chamber based on the preset solenoid valve control strategy are as follows:

[0078] S301, after receiving the start command, controls the opening of the solenoid valves in the main cavity and the auxiliary cavity respectively.

[0079] In practice, when the main control unit of the cooking equipment receives the user's start command, it can immediately send opening commands to the solenoid valves corresponding to the main cavity and all auxiliary cavities to prepare for entering the steam supply stage.

[0080] S302, for each sub-cavity, determine the operating time of the solenoid valve of that sub-cavity based on the total operating time and the proportion of the steam demand of that sub-cavity in the total steam demand of all cooking cavities.

[0081] In practice, for each sub-cavity, the main control device can determine the operating time of the solenoid valve of that sub-cavity based on the total operating time and the proportion of the steam demand of that sub-cavity in the total steam demand of all cooking cavities.

[0082] S303, the solenoid valve in this auxiliary cavity is closed according to the solenoid valve's operating time.

[0083] During implementation, after opening all chamber solenoid valves, the main control unit can start a runtime timer. The time progress is monitored in real time during operation. When the runtime of a certain chamber reaches a preset value, a closing command is sent to the solenoid valve of that chamber, terminating steam supply. Simultaneously, this does not affect the continuous opening of the main chamber solenoid valves, ensuring that steam resources are prioritized for the main chamber with the highest demand.

[0084] As an optional implementation method, Figure 4 A flowchart of another solenoid valve control method provided in the embodiments of this application is shown below. Figure 4 As shown, the specific steps in S207 for controlling the opening and closing of the solenoid valves in the main chamber and the auxiliary chamber based on the preset solenoid valve control strategy are as follows:

[0085] S401, after receiving the start command, controls the solenoid valve of the main chamber to open.

[0086] During implementation, after receiving the start command, the main control unit of the cooking equipment can first identify the cooking chamber with the highest steam demand and set it as the main chamber. Then, it immediately controls the solenoid valve of the main chamber to remain open, so that steam is continuously supplied to the main chamber throughout the entire heating cycle.

[0087] S402, for each sub-cavity, determine the operating time of the solenoid valve of that sub-cavity based on the total operating time and the proportion of the steam demand of that sub-cavity in the total steam demand of all cooking cavities.

[0088] In practice, for each sub-cavity, the cooking equipment can determine the operating time of the solenoid valve of that sub-cavity based on the total operating time and the proportion of the steam demand of that sub-cavity in the total steam demand of all cooking cavities.

[0089] S403, based on a preset opening interval, sequentially opens the solenoid valves of each sub-chamber in descending order of solenoid valve running time, and closes them after reaching the corresponding solenoid valve running time.

[0090] In implementation, the main control unit of the cooking equipment can sort the secondary chambers according to their steam demand from high to low, and sequentially activate the solenoid valves of each secondary chamber according to a preset opening interval. For example, if the second cooking chamber has a running time of 10 seconds and the third cooking chamber has a running time of 5 seconds, with an opening interval of 3 seconds, then the solenoid valve of the main chamber remains open, closes the solenoid valve of the second cooking chamber after 10 seconds of operation, opens the solenoid valve of the third chamber after 3 seconds of operation, and closes it after 5 seconds (8 seconds). This embodiment of the application reduces the instantaneous peak steam load by staggering the opening of the secondary chamber solenoid valves, effectively alleviating the problem of pressure fluctuation in the steam generator.

[0091] As an optional implementation, in S302 or S402, the formula for determining the operating time of the solenoid valve of each sub-cavity, based on the total operating time and the proportion of the steam demand of that sub-cavity in the total steam demand of all cooking cavities, is as follows:

[0092]

[0093] Among them, t m Q is the operating time of the solenoid valve in the secondary cavity m. m Q is the steam demand of the secondary cavity m. i Let n be the steam requirement of cooking cavity i, and n be the total number of cooking cavities.

[0094] As an optional implementation method, Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a method for determining an abnormality in a solenoid valve, as provided in this application embodiment, is shown below. Figure 5 As shown, the specific steps are as follows:

[0095] S501 energizes the solenoid valve of the cooking cavity.

[0096] In practice, before the cooking cavity enters the steam working state, the main control device can first energize the target solenoid valve through a relay or MOS switch circuit to put it into the working preparation state and provide the basic conditions for subsequent current detection.

[0097] S502, obtain the input current value of the solenoid valve.

[0098] In practice, the main control device can measure the input current of the solenoid valve in real time after it is powered on through the integrated current sampling circuit. The sampling results will serve as the basis for determining whether the solenoid valve is responding normally.

[0099] S503 calculates the current difference between the input current value and the pre-stored solenoid valve shut-off current value.

[0100] In practice, the main control device can compare the currently sampled input current value with the internally stored current value of the solenoid valve in its "off state". For example, if the current value of a certain type of solenoid valve in its inactive state is 0.02A (off current), and the currently sampled value is 0.38A, then the difference is 0.36A. The larger the difference, the higher the degree of actuation of the solenoid valve, and the more likely it is to be in the open state.

[0101] S504 If the current difference is greater than or equal to the preset solenoid valve opening current threshold, the solenoid valve is determined to be opening normally; otherwise, the solenoid valve is determined to be faulty, and fault information is fed back to the user.

[0102] During implementation, the main control device can compare the current difference with a set threshold (e.g., 0.2A): if the difference is ≥0.2A, it indicates that the solenoid valve has entered the normal engaging state; if the difference is <0.2A, it may not open due to coil open circuit, jamming, or electromagnetic damage, and the main control device can determine that the solenoid valve is faulty. Fault information can be pushed to the user via the cooking equipment panel, buzzer, or APP, such as "The steam channel of the second cooking chamber is abnormal, please check the equipment."

[0103] As an optional implementation, before the steam generator is operated, water from the water tank of the multi-chamber steam cooking equipment is transported to the steam generator via the water pump of the steam generator.

[0104] In practice, if the solenoid valve is already open, water can be pumped from the water tank of the cooking equipment to the steam generator, and then the steam generator can be started. This can prevent the solenoid valve from malfunctioning and closing the channel, which could cause excessive pressure in the steam pipe, resulting in steam leakage and affecting safety.

[0105] As an optional implementation, for each cooking cavity, if other cooking cavities are still running after cooking in that cooking cavity, the solenoid valve of that cooking cavity is closed.

[0106] If other cooking cavities are not in operation, the solenoid valve of that cooking cavity will be closed after a preset delay.

[0107] In implementation, the main control device can, upon detecting that the target steam operation time for a certain cooking cavity (such as the first cooking cavity) has ended, first determine whether other cooking cavities (such as the second and third cooking cavities) are still in steam supply operation. If at least one other cooking cavity is still operating, it indicates that the steam generator still needs to continuously supply steam, and the main control device can immediately close the solenoid valve corresponding to the first cooking cavity to release steam resources for the remaining cooking cavities. At this time, steam input to the first cooking cavity stops, terminating the heating process. Conversely, if the main control device determines that all other cavities have completed steam supply, it can delay closing the solenoid valve of that cooking cavity after cooking ends, preventing the steam generated by the residual heat of the steam generator from having nowhere to dissipate.

[0108] This application provides a steam control method applied to a multi-cavity steam cooking device with only one steam generator. The multi-cavity steam cooking device includes multiple cooking cavities with independent solenoid valves. The method includes: receiving a user's target steam level and start command set for one or more cooking cavities; querying the target external pipe working time and target internal pipe working time corresponding to the target steam level for each cooking cavity from a pre-stored correspondence between cooking cavities, steam levels, external pipe working time, and internal pipe working time; if only one cooking cavity is in operation, controlling the steam generator to operate according to the target external pipe working time and target internal pipe working time; if multiple cooking cavities are in operation simultaneously, determining the total operating time of the steam generator based on the target external pipe working time, target internal pipe working time, preset external pipe power, internal pipe power, and total power for each cooking cavity; and calculating the steam demand for each cooking cavity based on the target external pipe working time, target internal pipe working time, external pipe power, and internal pipe power. Based on the steam demand of each cooking cavity and preset division rules, each cooking cavity is divided into a main cavity and a secondary cavity. Based on a preset solenoid valve control strategy, the opening and closing of the solenoid valves in the main cavity and secondary cavity are controlled respectively, and the steam generator is controlled to operate within the total running time. The technical solution provided by the embodiments of this application brings at least the following beneficial effects: This application, by receiving the user-set steam level and start command, can query the target heating parameters corresponding to each cooking cavity from the pre-stored correspondence between steam levels and the working time of the outer / inner pipe, thereby realizing parameterized steam control. When only one cavity is working, the control system directly drives the steam generator to operate according to the target working time of the outer and inner pipes of that cavity, simplifying the control logic while ensuring high-efficiency output in single-cavity working mode. For scenarios where multiple cavities work simultaneously, this application introduces the calculation of "steam demand," that is, based on the working time of the outer and inner pipes of each cavity and its corresponding power, quantifies the steam consumption demand of each cavity, and determines the total running time of the steam generator accordingly, rationally configuring the heating cycle within the total power limit. Furthermore, based on the distribution of steam demand, the control system designates the chamber with the highest steam demand as the primary chamber, continuously opening its solenoid valve. The remaining chambers, designated as secondary chambers, have their solenoid valve opening duration determined according to their respective demand proportions. The system then precisely controls the steam input process of each secondary chamber according to a pre-defined control strategy (such as simultaneous opening followed by timed closing, or sequential alternating opening). Through this method, this application not only achieves on-demand dynamic allocation of steam resources across multiple chambers but also improves energy efficiency and consistency in multi-tasking cooking, effectively reduces steam supply interference, and enhances system stability and user experience.

[0109] It should be understood that, although Figures 2 to 5The steps in the flowchart are shown sequentially as indicated by the arrows, but these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise specified herein, there is no strict order in which these steps are executed, and they can be performed in other orders. Figures 2 to 5 At least some of the steps in the process may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but may be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but may be executed in turn or alternately with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages in other steps.

[0110] It is understood that the same / similar parts between the various embodiments of the methods described above in this specification can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and relevant parts can be referred to the description of other method embodiments.

[0111] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0112] It should also be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for display, data used for analysis, etc.) involved in this application are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties.

[0113] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a related manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the system embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions of the method embodiments.

[0114] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0115] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A steam control method, characterized in that, The method is applied to a multi-chamber steam cooking device with only one steam generator, the multi-chamber steam cooking device comprising multiple cooking chambers with independent solenoid valves, the method comprising: Receives the target steam level and start command set by the user for one or more cooking cavities; In the pre-stored correspondence between cooking cavity, steam setting, outer tube working time and inner tube working time, query the target outer tube working time and target inner tube working time corresponding to the target steam setting of each cooking cavity. If only one of the cooking cavities is in operation, the steam generator is controlled to operate according to the target outer pipe operating time and the target inner pipe operating time. If multiple cooking cavities are in operation at the same time, the total operating time of the steam generator is determined based on the target outer tube operating time, target inner tube operating time, preset outer tube power, inner tube power, and total power of each cooking cavity. Based on the working time of the target outer pipe, the working time of the target inner pipe, the power of the outer pipe, and the power of the inner pipe, the steam demand of each cooking cavity is calculated respectively; Based on the steam demand of each cooking cavity and the preset division rules, each cooking cavity is divided into a main cavity and a secondary cavity; Based on a preset solenoid valve control strategy, the opening and closing of the solenoid valves in the main chamber and the auxiliary chamber are controlled respectively, and the steam generator is controlled to operate within the total running time.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The formula for determining the total operating time of the steam generator based on the target outer pipe working time, target inner pipe working time, preset outer pipe power, inner pipe power, and total power of each cooking cavity is as follows: Among them, T total W is the total operating time of the steam generator. total For total power, T out(i) W represents the target outer tube working time corresponding to cooking cavity i. out For the power of the external tube, T in(i) W represents the target inner tube working time corresponding to cooking cavity i. in denoted as η, where η is the power of the inner tube and n is the total number of cooking cavities.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The formula for calculating the steam demand of each cooking cavity based on the target outer pipe working time, the target inner pipe working time, the outer pipe power, and the inner pipe power is as follows: Q i =T out(i) ×W out +T in(i) ×W in ; Among them, Q i For the steam requirement of cooking cavity i, T out(i) W represents the target outer tube working time corresponding to cooking cavity i. out For the power of the external tube, T in(i) W represents the target inner tube working time corresponding to cooking cavity i. in This refers to the power of the internal tube.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset solenoid valve control strategy controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valves in the main chamber and the auxiliary chamber, respectively, including: Upon receiving the start command, the solenoid valves of the main cavity and the auxiliary cavity are opened respectively; For each of the sub-cavities, the operating time of the solenoid valve of the sub-cavity is determined based on the total operating time and the proportion of the steam demand of the sub-cavity in the total steam demand of each of the cooking cavities. The solenoid valve in the secondary cavity is closed according to the operating time of the solenoid valve.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset solenoid valve control strategy controls the opening and closing of the solenoid valves in the main chamber and the auxiliary chamber, respectively, including: Upon receiving the start command, the solenoid valve of the main cavity is opened. For each of the sub-cavities, the operating time of the solenoid valve of the sub-cavity is determined based on the total operating time and the proportion of the steam demand of the sub-cavity in the total steam demand of each of the cooking cavities. Based on a preset opening interval, the solenoid valves of each of the sub-cavities are opened sequentially in descending order of the solenoid valve's operating time, and then closed after the corresponding solenoid valve's operating time has been reached.

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The formula for determining the operating time of the solenoid valve of each of the sub-cavities, based on the total operating time and the proportion of the steam demand of the sub-cavity to the total steam demand of all the cooking cavities, is as follows: Among them, t m Q is the operating time of the solenoid valve in the secondary cavity m. m Q is the steam demand of the secondary cavity m. i Let n be the steam requirement of cooking cavity i, and n be the total number of cooking cavities.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: The solenoid valve of the cooking cavity is energized; Obtain the input current value of the solenoid valve; Calculate the current difference between the input current value and the pre-stored solenoid valve shut-off current value; If the current difference is greater than or equal to the preset solenoid valve opening current threshold, the solenoid valve is determined to be opening normally; otherwise, the solenoid valve is determined to be faulty, and fault information is fed back to the user.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Before the steam generator is operated, water from the water tank of the multi-chamber steam cooking equipment is transported to the steam generator by the water pump of the steam generator.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: For each of the aforementioned cooking cavities, if the other cooking cavities are still operating after the cooking in that cooking cavity has finished cooking, the solenoid valve of that cooking cavity shall be closed. If other cooking cavities are not in operation, the solenoid valve of that cooking cavity will be closed after a preset delay.

10. A multi-cavity steam cooking device, characterized in that, The device includes a main control unit, a steam generator, and multiple cooking chambers with independent solenoid valves. The main control unit controls the opening and closing of the steam generator and the solenoid valves of each cooking chamber to achieve the steam control method as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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