Self-cleaning method of cooking equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-cleaning method of cooking equipment. The self-cleaning method of the cooking equipment comprises the following steps that water is injected into the inner container; after the starting condition of the circulating pump is met, water injection is stopped, the circulating pump is started, and a circulating washing stage is started; and monitoring the working power of the circulating pump, and judging whether to end the current circulating washing stage or not according to the working power of the circulating pump. The cleaning process is judged by monitoring the power of the circulating pump, and the inner cavity can be cleaned for multiple times, so that the inner cavity can be cleaned in place.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliances, and in particular to a self-cleaning method for cooking equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technical solution 1, a turbidity sensor is used to detect the turbidity of the water in the collection box, thereby reflecting the degree of dirtiness of the inner tank and matching cleaning parameters. In existing technical solution 1, circulating water enters the collection box, meaning that after each cleaning, all the water in the collection box is sent to the wastewater box, supporting only one cleaning cycle. In existing technical solution 2, a visual method is used to judge the degree of dirtiness of the inner tank and select a matching cleaning level. However, the visual method is prone to misjudgment, resulting in the inability to correctly match the appropriate cleaning level and thus incomplete cleaning. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a self-cleaning method for cooking equipment that can clean thoroughly.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a self-cleaning method for a cooking device, comprising the following steps: injecting water into the inner tank; after the conditions for starting the circulation pump are met, stopping the water injection and starting the circulation pump to enter the circulating water washing stage; monitoring the working power of the circulation pump, and determining whether to end the current circulating water washing stage based on the working power of the circulation pump.

[0005] As a further improvement of the present invention, the step of monitoring the operating power of the circulating pump includes monitoring both the magnitude of the operating power and the duration of the operating power maintenance.

[0006] If the operating power of the circulating pump is greater than the first set value and is maintained for the first preset time, it is determined that the water needs to be changed, and the next circulating water washing stage is executed.

[0007] If the operating power of the circulation pump is less than the second set value and is maintained for the second preset time, it is determined that the preset drainage conditions are met, and the wastewater circulated in the inner tank is discharged.

[0008] As a further improvement to the present invention, a steam generation step is included before the process of injecting water into the inner liner:

[0009] The water inlet valve is closed and the water inlet pump is started to inject water into the steam generator. The steam generator then sends the generated steam into the cooking cavity of the inner pot to soften the solid grease in the inner pot.

[0010] As a further improvement to the present invention, the process of injecting water into the inner tank also includes a water injection monitoring step:

[0011] Once the water injection volume meets the preset priming conditions, open the priming valve to close the main pipeline and continue injecting water.

[0012] When the water level is detected to meet the starting conditions of the circulation pump, water injection is stopped and the circulation pump is started. At the same time, the priming valve is closed to open the main pipeline.

[0013] As a further improvement of the present invention, before the steps of stopping water injection and starting the circulation pump while closing the priming pump valve to open the main pipeline, the circulation valve must be started first to open the spray pipeline.

[0014] As a further improvement of the present invention, after determining that the preset drainage conditions are met, a wastewater discharge step is also included:

[0015] Close the circulation valve, open the wastewater valve, and switch the branch line connected to the main pipeline to the wastewater discharge pipeline; the circulation pump continues to work as a wastewater pump, extracting the wastewater after circulation in the inner tank and sending it into the wastewater box.

[0016] As a further improvement to the present invention, after the wastewater discharge, a clean water rinsing stage is also included:

[0017] Open the water inlet valve and start the water inlet pump to fill the inner tank with water again.

[0018] Once the conditions for starting the circulating pump are met, stop water injection and restart the circulating pump to enter the clean water rinsing stage.

[0019] Monitor the operating power of the circulation pump again, and determine whether the drainage and rinsing stage should end based on the operating power of the circulation pump.

[0020] As a further improvement of the present invention, after determining that the preset drainage conditions are met, a wastewater discharge step is also included:

[0021] Turn off the circulation pump and start the other wastewater pump, namely the diaphragm pump, to extract the water from the inner tank and send it into the wastewater box.

[0022] As a further improvement to the present invention, after the wastewater discharge, a clean water rinsing stage is also included:

[0023] Open the water inlet valve and start the water inlet pump to fill the inner tank with water again.

[0024] Once the conditions for starting the circulating pump are met, stop water injection and restart the circulating pump to enter the clean water rinsing stage.

[0025] Monitor the operating power of the circulation pump again, and determine whether to end the clean water rinsing stage based on the operating power of the circulation pump.

[0026] As a further improvement of the present invention, the circulating water washing stage and / or the clean water rinsing stage further include a water heating step:

[0027] When the NTC detects that the water temperature T1 is less than 60 degrees, the heating element starts to work.

[0028] When the NTC detects that the water temperature T1 > 68 degrees, the heating element stops working;

[0029] The water temperature during the circulating water washing stage and / or the clean water rinsing stage is maintained between 60 degrees and 68 degrees.

[0030] Compared to existing technologies, this invention monitors the power of the circulation pump to determine the cleaning progress. The more dissolved oil in the water, the higher the power of the circulation pump. When the power of the circulation pump remains within a set range, it is determined that the water needs to be changed or the cleaning is complete, thus effectively controlling the cleaning process. The water from the purified water box will not re-enter the purified water box after being output, avoiding contamination of the clean water. Furthermore, the purified water box of this invention is not contaminated and has the ability to be cleaned multiple times, ensuring thorough cleaning. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the cooking equipment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a partial exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the cooking equipment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is another perspective view of an embodiment of the cooking equipment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of part A;

[0035] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Top view;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a partial perspective view of Embodiment 2 of the self-cleaning cooking device of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a partial exploded perspective view of Embodiment 2 of the self-cleaning cooking device of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 8 This is another three-dimensional assembly diagram of Embodiment 2 of the self-cleaning cooking device of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Enlarged view of part B;

[0040] Figure 10 yes Figure 6 Top view;

[0041] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the self-cleaning method of the cooking equipment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of the self-cleaning method of the present invention applied to Example 1;

[0043] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of the self-cleaning method of the present invention applied to Example 2. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. If several embodiments exist, features in these embodiments may be combined with each other without conflict. When the description refers to the drawings, unless otherwise stated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The descriptions in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with the present invention; rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses, products, and / or methods consistent with some aspects of the present invention as set forth in the claims.

[0045] The terminology used in this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” or “the” as used in the specification and claims of this invention are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0046] It should be understood that the terms "first," "second," and similar words used in the specification and claims of this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish features. Similarly, the terms "an" or "a" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "front," "back," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," and similar words appearing in this invention are for ease of explanation only and are not limited to a specific location or spatial orientation. The terms "comprising" or "including" are an open-ended expression, meaning that the element preceding "comprising" or "including" encompasses the element following "comprising" or "including" and its equivalents, but this does not preclude the element preceding "comprising" or "including" from also including other elements. In this invention, the term "several" means two or more.

[0047] Please refer to Figures 1 to 10As shown, this invention discloses a cooking device, comprising: an inner pot 1, a nozzle assembly 2, a water purification box 3, a first pipe 41, a second pipe 42, a third pipe 43, a fourth pipe 44, a fifth pipe 45, a water inlet pump 5, a circulation pump 6, a water inlet valve 7, and a first connector 101. The inner pot 1 has a cooking cavity 10 and includes a top plate 11 and a bottom plate 12, with a water outlet 120 on the bottom plate 12. The nozzle assembly 2 is disposed on the top plate 11. The first connector 101 has a first interface 1011, a second interface 1012, and a third interface 1013.

[0048] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 Example 1 and Figures 6 to 10 In the second embodiment shown, the first pipe 41 is connected between the water purification box 3 and the water inlet pump 5, the second pipe 42 is connected between the water inlet pump 5 and the first interface 1011, the third pipe 43 is connected between the circulation pump 6 and the second interface 1012, the fourth pipe 44 is connected between the nozzle assembly 2 and the third interface 1013, and the fifth pipe 45 is connected between the circulation pump 6 and the water outlet 120 of the cooking chamber 10.

[0049] In Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, the water inlet pipe 201 includes the first pipe 41, the second pipe 42, the third pipe 43 and the fifth pipe 45. The water purification box 3 is connected to the inner tank 1 through the water inlet pipe 201, and the water inlet valve 7 is installed on the water inlet pipe 201.

[0050] In Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, the circulating water pipeline 202 includes the fifth pipeline 45, the third pipeline 43 and the fourth pipeline 44, and the water outlet 120 is connected to the nozzle assembly 2 through the circulating water pipeline 202.

[0051] Please refer to Figures 1 to 10 And focus on reference Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the circulation pump 6 is located outside the inner tank 1, near the bottom plate 12. The water purification box 3 is located above the top plate 11, and the water inlet pump 5 is located on the top plate 11 of the inner tank 1. This close proximity facilitates water inlet and circulation.

[0052] Please refer to Figures 1 to 10 And focus on reference Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the cooking equipment also includes a steam generator 16, a steam pipe 204, and a second connector 102. The second connector 102 has a fourth interface 1021, a fifth interface 1022, and a sixth interface 1023. The steam pipe 204 includes a pre-steam pipe 2041 and a post-steam pipe 2042. The second pipe 2041 is interrupted in the middle to accommodate the second connector 102. The fourth interface 1021 is connected to a portion of the second pipe 42, the fifth interface 1022 is connected to the other portion of the second pipe 42, and the sixth interface 1023 is connected to the steam generator 16 via the pre-steam pipe 2041. The steam generator 16 is connected to the side wall of the cooking chamber 10 via the post-steam pipe 2042. The function of the steam pipe 204 is to generate steam during the spraying process, thereby aiding in cleaning.

[0053] Please refer to Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in a further embodiment, it also includes a wastewater box 17 and a wastewater discharge pipe 203, and the outlet 120 is connected to the wastewater box 17 through the wastewater discharge pipe 203.

[0054] Please refer to Figures 1 to 10 And focus on reference Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, preferably, the wastewater box 17 is disposed above the top plate 11 so as to effectively utilize the space above the top plate 11 by being placed side by side with the water purification box 3.

[0055] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in one embodiment, it further includes a third connector 103 and a wastewater valve 9. The third connector 103 has a seventh interface 1031, an eighth interface 1032 and a ninth interface 1033. The fourth pipeline 44 is interrupted in the middle to accommodate the third connector 103. The seventh interface 1031 is connected to one part of the fourth pipeline 44, and the eighth interface 1032 is connected to the other part of the fourth pipeline 44. The wastewater discharge pipeline 203 includes a sixth pipeline 46 connected between the ninth interface 1033 and the wastewater box 17. The wastewater valve 9 is disposed on the sixth pipeline 46.

[0056] The wastewater discharge pipeline 203 is formed by connecting the fifth pipeline 45, the third pipeline 43, a part of the fourth pipeline 44, and the sixth pipeline 46.

[0057] Please refer to Figures 1 to 5 As shown, in one embodiment, a circulation valve 8 is also included, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the fourth pipeline 44, and the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the nozzle assembly 2.

[0058] Please refer to Figures 1 to 10 As shown, in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, a wastewater pump 18 and a fourth connector 104 are also included. The wastewater pump 18 is a diaphragm pump 19 disposed above the top plate 11. The fifth pipeline 45 is interrupted in the middle to accommodate the fourth connector 104. The fourth connector 104 has a tenth interface 1041, an eleventh interface 1042, and a twelfth interface 1043. The tenth interface 1041 is connected to a portion of the fifth pipeline 45, and the eleventh interface 1042 is connected to another portion of the fifth pipeline 45. The wastewater discharge pipeline 203 includes a seventh pipeline 47 and an eighth pipeline 48. One end of the seventh pipeline 47 is connected to the twelfth interface 1043, and the other end is connected to the diaphragm pump 19. One end of the eighth pipeline 48 is connected to the diaphragm pump 19, and the other end is connected to the wastewater box 17.

[0059] The wastewater discharge pipeline 203 is formed by connecting a portion of the fifth pipeline 45, the seventh pipeline 47, and the eighth pipeline 48.

[0060] Please refer to Figure 6 and Figure 10 As shown, in one embodiment not illustrated, a wastewater valve 9 is included, which is disposed on the seventh pipe 47 or the eighth pipe 48.

[0061] Please refer to Figures 1 to 10 As shown, a priming valve 20 is also connected between the circulating pump 6 and the fifth pipeline 45. The function of the priming valve 20 is to fill the circulating pump 6, which uses a centrifugal pump, with water.

[0062] The cooking device of the present invention has at least the following two embodiments: Figures 1 to 5 Example 1 and Figure 6 and Figure 10 Example 2 is shown.

[0063] The cooking equipment of the present invention in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 are similar in that they include a water inlet pipe 201, a circulating water pipe 202, a wastewater discharge pipe 203, and a steam pipe 204.

[0064] The following describes the differences between Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 of the cooking device of the present invention:

[0065] The differences between Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 are as follows: Embodiment 1 has two pumps (inlet pump 5 and circulation pump 6, i.e., wastewater pump 18) and three valves (inlet valve 7, circulation valve 8 and wastewater valve 9); Embodiment 2 has three pumps (inlet pump 5, circulation pump 6 and wastewater pump 18, i.e., the diaphragm pump 19) and one valve (inlet valve 7); Secondly, the key difference between Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 lies in the different configuration of the wastewater discharge pipeline 203.

[0066] The water intake and circulation principles of Embodiment 1 are as follows: When the water intake valve 7 is open, the circulation valve 8 is closed, the circulation pump 6 is stopped, and the water intake pump 5 is working, the water intake pump 5 pumps the purified water in the purified water box 3 into the bottom of the cooking cavity 10 through the water intake pipe 201; this is the water intake process. When the water intake valve 7 is closed, the circulation valve 8 is open, the water intake pump 5 is stopped, and the circulation pump 6 is working, the purified water stored at the bottom of the cooking cavity 10 is pumped by the circulation pump 6 to the spray head assembly 2 through the circulation water pipe 202, and the spray head assembly 2 sprays and cleans the cooking cavity 10; this is the circulation water process. The third pipe 43 and the fifth pipe 45 are shared by the water intake pipe 201 and the circulation water pipe 202. The function of the steam pipe 204 is to generate steam during the spraying process, thereby aiding in cleaning.

[0067] The water intake and circulation principles of Embodiment 2 are as follows: When the water intake valve 7 is open and the circulation pump 6 is stopped while the water intake pump 5 is working, the water intake pump 5 pumps the purified water in the purified water box 3 into the bottom of the cooking cavity 10 through the water intake pipe 201; this is the water intake process. When the water intake valve 7 is closed and the water intake pump 5 is stopped while the circulation pump 6 is working, the purified water stored at the bottom of the cooking cavity 10 is pumped by the circulation pump 6 to the spray head assembly 2 through the circulation water pipe 202. The spray head assembly 2 sprays and cleans the cooking cavity 10; this is the water circulation process. The third pipe 43 and the fifth pipe 45 are shared by the water intake pipe 201 and the circulation water pipe 202. The function of the steam pipe 204 is to generate steam during the spraying process, thereby aiding in cleaning.

[0068] The wastewater discharge principle of Embodiment 1 is as follows: with the inlet valve 7 closed, the circulation valve 8 closed, the wastewater valve 9 open, and the inlet pump 5 stopped working, while the wastewater pump 18 (i.e., the circulation pump 6) is working, the wastewater stored at the bottom of the cooking cavity 10 is pumped by the circulation pump 6 through the wastewater discharge pipe 203 to the wastewater box 17. In Embodiment 1, the third pipe 43 and the fifth pipe 45 are shared by the inlet pipe 201, the circulation water pipe 202, and the wastewater discharge pipe 203.

[0069] The wastewater discharge principle in Embodiment 2 is as follows: with the inlet valve 7 closed and the inlet pump 5 and the circulation pump 6 stopped working, and the wastewater pump 18 (i.e., the diaphragm pump 19) working, the wastewater stored at the bottom of the cooking cavity 10 is pumped by the circulation pump 6 through the wastewater discharge pipe 203 to the wastewater box 17. In Embodiment 2, the second sub-pipeline 452 is a shared pipe among the inlet pipe 201, the circulation water pipe 202, and the wastewater discharge pipe 203. The diaphragm pump 19 used in Embodiment 2 can completely remove the wastewater, leaving no wastewater residue in the pipe, further ensuring the inner tank 1 is clean and preventing odors caused by wastewater residue.

[0070] First, it should be noted that, functionally, the basic piping system of the cooking equipment of this invention primarily includes a water inlet pipe 201 and a circulating water pipe 202. A wastewater discharge pipe 203 and / or a steam pipe 204 can be added to this basic piping system. In other words, the presence of water inlet and circulation ensures that the cooking equipment of this invention can perform its basic cleaning function. Therefore, the water inlet pipe 201 and the circulating water pipe 202 are the main pipes. Whether or not wastewater needs to be discharged through pipes is only considered after the basic cleaning function has been implemented. Furthermore, when the bottom plate 12 is equipped with a water outlet 120, wastewater can be discharged without pipes, although this is not ideal. As for generating steam through pipes, this is a further optimization of the spray cleaning process and is not essential. Therefore, the wastewater discharge pipe 203 and / or the steam pipe 204 are auxiliary pipes.

[0071] Secondly, it should be noted that the inlet water pipe 201, circulating water pipe 202, wastewater discharge pipe 203, and steam pipe 204 are all higher-level concepts. In specific implementation, they include multiple actual pipes. For example, the inlet water pipe 201 includes the first pipe 41, the second pipe 42, the third pipe 43, and the fifth pipe 45; the circulating water pipe 202 includes the fifth pipe 45, the third pipe 43, and the fourth pipe 44. In a specific embodiment, since the wastewater box 17 is located above the top plate 11, the wastewater discharge pipeline 203 includes two methods: the first method is that the circulating pump 6 drives the wastewater discharge, that is, the circulating pump 6 is equivalent to the wastewater pump 18, and the wastewater discharge pipeline 203 is composed of the fifth pipeline 45, the third pipeline 43, a part of the fourth pipeline 44 and the sixth pipeline 46 connected together; the second method is that the wastewater pump 18 is a diaphragm pump 19 located above the top plate 11, instead of using the circulating pump 6 to drive the wastewater discharge, and the wastewater pump 18 is connected together. The wastewater discharge pipeline 203 is composed of a part of the fifth pipeline 45, the seventh pipeline 47 and the eighth pipeline 48 connected together.

[0072] It should be emphasized that: the third pipe 43 and the fifth pipe 45 are shared by the inlet pipe 201 and the circulating water pipe 202; in Embodiment 1, the third pipe 43 and the fifth pipe 45 are shared by the inlet pipe 201, the circulating water pipe 202 and the wastewater discharge pipe 203; in Embodiment 2, a small section of the fifth pipe 45, namely the second sub-pipe 452, is shared by the inlet pipe 201, the circulating water pipe 202 and the wastewater discharge pipe 203.

[0073] It should be noted that: generally, the water purification box 3 is located above the top plate 11, which facilitates the use of the space above the top plate 11, and the height difference between the top plate 11 and the cooking cavity 10 is conducive to water intake. The water inlet pump 5 and the circulation pump 6 are necessary. The water inlet pump 5 drives the purified water from the water purification box 3 through the water inlet pipe 201 into the cooking cavity 10 of the inner pot 1. The circulation pump 6 drives the water in the cooking cavity 10 of the inner pot 1 through the circulation water pipe 202 to the nozzle assembly 2, and then the nozzle assembly 2 sprays it into the cooking cavity 10 of the inner pot 1, thus circulating the cycle. If the wastewater box 17 is not located above the top plate 11, the wastewater pump 18 is not needed. The wastewater pump 18 is not essential. If the wastewater pump 18 is present, two options are available: the circulation pump 6 can act as the wastewater pump 18, or the wastewater pump 18 can be a diaphragm pump 19 located above the top plate 11.

[0074] Furthermore, it should be noted that this invention includes multiple valves: an inlet valve 7, a circulation valve 8, a wastewater valve 9, and a priming pump valve 20. The inlet valve 7 is essential; its opening and closing controls the flow of the inlet pipe 201. When the inlet valve 7 is open, the inlet pipe 201 is open; when the inlet valve 7 is closed, the inlet pipe 201 is closed. In Embodiment 1, the circulation valve 8 and the wastewater valve 9 are required, but in Embodiment 2, they are not necessary. Therefore, the circulation valve 8 and the wastewater valve 9 are not essential. The priming pump valve 20 is also not essential; it is only necessary when the circulation pump 6 is a centrifugal pump.

[0075] Finally, it should be noted that the cooking cavity 10 also includes an outer casing 13 and a front door panel 14. The front door panel 14 is movably mounted on the outer casing 13 and can open and close relative to the outer casing 13. The circulation pump 6 is located in the rear receiving cavity 15 outside the inner pot 1 and inside the outer casing 13. The circulation pump 6 is also located near the bottom plate 12 of the inner pot 1 and away from the front door panel 14.

[0076] In summary, by designing the third pipe 43 and the fifth pipe 45 to be shared by both the water inlet pipe 201 and the circulating water pipe 202, and in a further embodiment, by designing at least a portion of the fifth pipe 45 to be shared by the water inlet pipe 201, the circulating water pipe 202, and the wastewater discharge pipe 203, the cooking equipment of the present invention achieves self-cleaning while also alleviating the problem of insufficient space.

[0077] like Figure 11 The self-cleaning method for cooking equipment of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0078] Water is injected into the inner tank 1; after the starting conditions of the circulation pump 6 are met, water injection is stopped and the circulation pump 6 is started to enter the circulating water washing stage; the working power of the circulation pump 6 is monitored, and it is determined whether the current circulating water washing stage should end based on the working power of the circulation pump 6.

[0079] The key to the self-cleaning method of the cooking equipment of this invention lies in determining the amount of dissolved oil in the water based on the power monitoring results of the circulation pump 6. The more dissolved oil in the water, the higher the power of the circulation pump 6. When the power of the circulation pump 6 remains unchanged within a set range, it is determined that the water needs to be changed or the cleaning is complete. Compared with the prior art, this invention can achieve multiple cleanings of the inner cavity, thereby improving the degree of cleaning and reliability.

[0080] The starting condition for the circulation pump 6 is that the water level in the main pipeline is higher than that of the circulation pump 6, that is, the circulation pump 6 is filled with water to ensure that the circulation pump 6 can operate normally.

[0081] Furthermore, the step of monitoring the operating power of the circulating pump 6 also includes monitoring the magnitude of the operating power and monitoring the duration of the operating power maintenance.

[0082] If the operating power of the circulating pump 6 is greater than the first set value and is maintained for the first preset time, it is determined that the water needs to be changed and the next circulating water washing stage is executed; at this time, the water in the inner tank 1 can no longer dissolve the oil stains, and the water needs to be changed to continue the circulating water washing stage.

[0083] If the operating power of the circulating pump 6 is less than the second preset value and remains so for the second preset duration, it is determined that the preset drainage conditions are met, and the circulated wastewater in the inner tank 1 is discharged. At this time, all the oil stains in the inner tank 1 have dissolved into the water, and the circulating water washing stage can be ended.

[0084] Therefore, by monitoring both the magnitude and duration of the operating power, this invention can effectively ensure that the current circulating water washing stage should be ended based on the operating power of the circulating pump 6, thus improving the accuracy of the information.

[0085] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 Furthermore, prior to the process of injecting water into the inner liner 1, a steam generation step is also included:

[0086] The water inlet valve 7 is closed and the water inlet pump 5 is started to inject water into the steam generator 16. The steam generator 16 sends the generated steam into the cooking cavity 10 of the inner pot 1 to soften the solid oil stains in the inner pot 1.

[0087] Therefore, this invention first softens the oil stains in the inner liner with steam, and then cleans the inner liner by injecting water circulation, thereby improving cleaning efficiency and cleanliness.

[0088] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 Furthermore, the process of injecting water into the inner liner 1 also includes a water injection monitoring step:

[0089] Once the water injection volume meets the preset priming conditions, open the priming valve 20 to close the main pipeline and continue water injection;

[0090] When the water level is detected to meet the starting conditions of the circulation pump 6, the water injection is stopped and the circulation pump 6 is started, while the priming valve 20 is closed to open the main pipeline.

[0091] The main pipeline specifically refers to the inlet water pipeline 201 and the circulating water pipeline 202, including the portion of the third pipeline 43 and the fifth pipeline 45. In other words, the pipeline shared by the inlet water pipeline 201 and the circulating water pipeline 202 is part of the main pipeline. Therefore, this invention simultaneously injects water into the circulating pump 6 during the process of injecting water into the inner tank 1. After stopping the water injection, the circulating pump 6 can be started to clean the inner tank 1, saving time and costs.

[0092] The preset priming condition is that the water level in the main pipeline is higher than the priming valve 20. At this time, the priming valve 20 is activated to close the main pipeline and continue to inject water into the main pipeline. The water level in the main pipeline will continue to rise until the starting condition of the circulation pump 6 is met. When the circulation pump 6 is started, the priming valve 20 is closed at the same time. The circulation pump sends the water in the main pipeline and the inner tank 1 to the nozzle assembly 2 and sprays it into the inner tank 1 to achieve circulation cleaning.

[0093] Before the priming valve 20 is started, the water level in the inner tank 1 and the water level in the main pipeline are always at the same height. After the priming valve 20 is started, the water that continues to be injected into the main pipeline cannot enter the inner tank 1. Therefore, the water level in the inner tank 1 remains unchanged, while the water level in the main pipeline will continue to rise until it exceeds the level of the circulating pump 6. By setting the priming valve 20, the amount of water required to start the circulating pump 6 is reduced, the water injection time is reduced, and the cleaning efficiency is improved.

[0094] Furthermore, before the steps of stopping water injection and starting the circulation pump 6 while simultaneously closing the priming valve 20 to open the main pipeline, the circulation valve 8 must first be started to open the spray pipeline. Therefore, this invention only starts the circulation cleaning of the inner tank 1 after ensuring that the spray pipeline is open, which helps to ensure effective circulation.

[0095] like Figure 12 Furthermore, as described above, the cooking device in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, after determining that the preset drainage conditions are met, also includes a wastewater discharge step:

[0096] Close the circulation valve 8 and open the wastewater valve 9 to switch the branch line connected to the main pipeline to the wastewater discharge pipeline; the circulation pump 6 continues to work as the wastewater pump 18, drawing water out of the inner tank 1 and sending it into the wastewater box 17.

[0097] Therefore, the wastewater from the circulating water washing process is discharged through the wastewater discharge step described above, which facilitates the next circulating water washing or subsequent rinsing. Thus, the present invention performs circulating water washing on the inner pot 1 of the cooking equipment in Embodiment 1, essentially ensuring a cleaning effect.

[0098] Furthermore, as described above in the cooking device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention, after the wastewater discharge, a clean water rinsing stage is also included:

[0099] The inlet valve 7 is opened and the inlet pump 5 is started to fill the inner tank 1 with water again.

[0100] Once the start-up conditions of the circulation pump 6 are met, stop water injection and restart the circulation pump 6 to enter the clean water rinsing stage.

[0101] Monitor the operating power of the circulation pump 6 again, and determine whether the clean water rinsing stage should end based on the operating power of the circulation pump 6.

[0102] Therefore, the present invention determines the degree of oil stains in the inner pot 1 by monitoring the working power of the circulating pump 6. In addition to circulating water washing of the inner pot 1 of the cooking equipment in Example 1, the present invention also performs drainage rinsing to further ensure the cleaning effect.

[0103] like Figure 13Furthermore, as described above, the cooking device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention, after determining that the preset drainage conditions are met, also includes a wastewater discharge step:

[0104] Turn off the circulation pump 6 and start the other wastewater pump 18, i.e., the diaphragm pump 19, to extract the water from the inner tank 1 and send it into the wastewater box 17.

[0105] Therefore, the wastewater from the circulating water washing process is discharged through the wastewater discharge step described above, which facilitates the next circulating water washing or subsequent rinsing. Thus, the present invention performs circulating water washing on the inner pot 1 of the cooking equipment in Embodiment 2, essentially ensuring a cleaning effect.

[0106] Furthermore, as described above in the cooking device of Embodiment 2 of the present invention, after the wastewater discharge, a clean water rinsing stage is also included:

[0107] The inlet valve 7 is opened and the inlet pump 5 is started to fill the inner tank 1 with water again.

[0108] Once the start-up conditions of the circulation pump 6 are met, stop water injection and restart the circulation pump 6 to enter the clean water rinsing stage.

[0109] Monitor the operating power of the circulation pump 6 again, and determine whether the clean water rinsing stage should end based on the operating power of the circulation pump 6.

[0110] Therefore, the present invention determines the degree of oil contamination in the inner pot 1 by monitoring the working power of the circulating pump 6. In addition to circulating water washing of the inner pot 1 of the cooking equipment in Example 2, the present invention also performs drainage rinsing to further ensure the cleaning effect.

[0111] like Figure 12 and 13 Furthermore, as described above, the cooking equipment in Embodiments 1 and 2 of the present invention further includes a water heating step in the circulating water washing stage and / or the clean water rinsing stage:

[0112] When the NTC detects that the water temperature T1 is less than 60 degrees, the heating element starts to work.

[0113] When the NTC detects that the water temperature T1 > 68 degrees, the heating element stops working;

[0114] The water temperature during the circulating water washing stage and / or the clean water rinsing stage is maintained between 60 degrees and 68 degrees.

[0115] Therefore, the present invention can heat and wash the cooking equipment in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, further accelerating the dissolution of oil stains and improving the cleaning effect.

[0116] In summary, the self-cleaning method of the cooking equipment of the present invention determines the cleaning progress by monitoring the power of the circulation pump 6. The more oil dissolved in the water, the greater the power of the circulation pump 6. When the power of the circulation pump 6 remains unchanged within a set range, it is determined that the water needs to be changed or the cleaning is complete. The self-cleaning method of the cooking equipment of the present invention can effectively control the cleaning process; the water in the self-cleaning method of the cooking equipment of the present invention will not re-enter the water purification box 3 after being output from it, avoiding contamination of the clean water. That is, the water purification box 3 of the present invention will not be contaminated and has the ability to be cleaned multiple times, further ensuring the cleaning effect.

[0117] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described in the present invention. The understanding of the present invention should be based on those skilled in the art. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still make modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention. All technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning method for cooking equipment, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: Fill the inner liner (1) with water; Once the starting conditions of the circulating pump (6) are met, stop water injection and start the circulating pump (6) to enter the circulating water washing stage; The operating power of the circulating pump (6) is monitored, and the current circulating water washing stage is determined based on the operating power of the circulating pump (6).

2. The self-cleaning method for cooking equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The step of monitoring the operating power of the circulating pump (6) includes monitoring the magnitude of the operating power and monitoring the duration of the operating power maintenance. If the working power of the circulating pump (6) is greater than the first set value and is maintained for the first preset time, it is determined that water needs to be changed and the next circulating water washing stage is executed. If the working power of the circulation pump (6) is less than the second set value and is maintained for the second preset time, it is determined that the preset drainage conditions are met, and the wastewater circulated in the inner tank (1) is discharged.

3. The self-cleaning method for cooking equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Before the process of injecting water into the inner liner (1), a steam generation step is also included: The water inlet valve (7) is closed and the water inlet pump (5) is started to inject water into the steam generator (16). The steam generator (16) sends the generated steam into the cooking chamber (10) of the inner pot (1) to soften the solid oil stains in the inner pot (1).

4. The self-cleaning method for cooking equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The process of injecting water into the inner tank (1) also includes a water injection monitoring step: Once the water injection volume meets the preset priming conditions, open the priming valve (20) to close the main pipeline and continue water injection; When it is detected that the water level has met the starting conditions of the circulation pump (6), the water injection is stopped and the circulation pump (6) is started, while the priming valve (20) is closed to open the main pipeline.

5. The self-cleaning method for cooking equipment as described in claim 4, characterized in that: Before the steps of stopping water injection and starting the circulation pump (6) while closing the priming pump valve (20) to open the main pipeline, the circulation valve (8) must be started first to open the spray pipeline.

6. The self-cleaning method for cooking equipment as described in claim 2, characterized in that: After determining that the preset drainage conditions are met, the process also includes a wastewater discharge step: Close the circulation valve (8), open the wastewater valve (9), and switch the branch line connected to the main pipeline to the wastewater discharge pipeline; the circulation pump (6) continues to work as the wastewater pump (18), extracting the wastewater after circulation in the inner tank (1) and sending it into the wastewater box (17).

7. The self-cleaning method for cooking equipment as described in claim 6, characterized in that: Following the wastewater discharge, a clean water rinsing stage is also included: The inlet valve (7) is opened and the inlet pump (5) is started to inject water into the inner tank (1) again; After the starting conditions of the circulating pump (6) are met, stop water injection and restart the circulating pump (6) to enter the clean water rinsing stage; Monitor the operating power of the circulation pump (6) again, and determine whether the clean water rinsing stage should end based on the operating power of the circulation pump (6).

8. The self-cleaning method for cooking equipment as described in claim 2, characterized in that: After determining that the preset drainage conditions are met, the process also includes a wastewater discharge step: Turn off the circulation pump (6) and start another wastewater pump (18), namely the diaphragm pump (19), to extract the water in the inner tank (1) and send it into the wastewater box (17).

9. The self-cleaning method for cooking equipment as described in claim 8, characterized in that: Following the wastewater discharge, a clean water rinsing stage is also included: The inlet valve (7) is opened and the inlet pump (5) is started to inject water into the inner tank (1) again; After the starting conditions of the circulating pump (6) are met, stop water injection and restart the circulating pump (6) to enter the clean water rinsing stage; Monitor the operating power of the circulation pump (6) again, and determine whether the clean water rinsing stage should end based on the operating power of the circulation pump (6).

10. The self-cleaning method for cooking equipment as described in claim 7 or 9, characterized in that: The circulating water washing stage and / or the clean water rinsing stage include a water heating step: When the NTC detects that the water temperature T1 is less than 60 degrees, the heating element starts to work. When the NTC detects that the water temperature T1 > 68 degrees, the heating element stops working; The water temperature during the circulating water washing stage and / or the clean water rinsing stage is maintained between 60 degrees and 68 degrees.

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