Electric heating lunch box and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses an electric heating lunch box and a control method thereof, and the electric heating lunch box comprises: a shell, which is internally provided with a heating cavity; the storage box is arranged at the top of the shell, a dish storage cavity capable of containing dishes is formed in the storage box, a dish outlet is formed in the bottom of the storage box, and the bottom end of the dish storage cavity leads to the top end of the heating cavity through the dish outlet; the first meal box and the second meal box are arranged in the heating cavity, and the first meal box is arranged above the second meal box and located below the dish outlet; the heating module is arranged on the shell and is used for heating the second meal box; the opening and closing mechanism is arranged at the bottom of the storage box and used for opening or closing the vegetable outlet so that the bottom end of the vegetable storage cavity can be communicated with or isolated from the heating cavity. According to the electric heating lunch box, dishes can be automatically put into the electric heating lunch box for heating after rice is heated for a period of time, the problem that a user needs to manually add the dishes halfway after rice steaming is solved, and the user experience feeling is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electric lunch box technology, and more particularly to an electric lunch box and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] An electric lunch box is a portable small appliance that uses a built-in heating element to generate high-temperature steam, thus heating and keeping food warm. Its core principle is to convert electrical energy into heat energy, using steam circulation or direct heating technology to ensure even heating of food. It also features layered packaging and leak-proof sealing, making it suitable for office workers, students, and other groups.

[0003] Currently, electric lunch boxes on the market have relatively limited functions, typically only capable of steaming rice, steaming vegetables, and keeping rice warm. Furthermore, because the steaming time for vegetables differs from that for rice, vegetables and rice cannot be placed into the electric lunch box container at the same time for steaming. Generally, vegetables can only be placed in the container after the rice has been steaming for a while, making the operation steps cumbersome and complicated, resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an electric lunch box and its control method, solving the problem that existing electric lunch boxes require separate cooking of rice and dishes, resulting in a cumbersome and complicated operation.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an electric lunch box, comprising: a shell having a heating cavity inside; a storage box disposed at the top of the shell, the storage box having a food storage cavity inside for holding food, and a food outlet at the bottom, the bottom end of the food storage cavity connecting to the top end of the heating cavity through the food outlet; a first lunch box and a second lunch box disposed in the heating cavity, the first lunch box being disposed above the second lunch box and below the food outlet; a heating module disposed in the shell for heating the second lunch box; and an opening and closing mechanism disposed at the bottom of the storage box for opening or closing the food outlet to allow the bottom end of the food storage cavity to communicate with or be isolated from the heating cavity.

[0006] Furthermore, the opening and closing mechanism includes a baffle and a drive assembly. The baffle is rotatably mounted on the bottom of the storage box, and the drive assembly is located on the top of the housing and connected to the baffle. The drive assembly is used to cooperate with the baffle to drive the baffle to open or close the food outlet.

[0007] Furthermore, the bottom of the storage box has an annular protrusion at the edge of the outlet, and the upper side of the baffle has an annular groove with a sealing element in the annular groove. When the baffle closes the outlet, the annular protrusion is embedded in the annular groove and fits against the sealing element.

[0008] Furthermore, the baffle is provided with a rotating shaft, and the end of the rotating shaft is provided with a toggle part extending radially outward. The bottom of the storage box is provided with a rotating part. The baffle is rotatably connected to the rotating part through the rotating shaft and closes the outlet. The drive assembly pushes the toggle part to make the rotating shaft rotate relative to the rotating part, thereby driving the baffle to open the outlet.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes a torsion spring, which is sleeved on the rotating shaft and has one end connected to the bottom of the storage box and the other end connected to the baffle. The baffle relies on the torsion force of the torsion spring to press against the outlet to close it.

[0010] Furthermore, the drive assembly includes a solenoid valve and a telescopic shaft. The solenoid valve is fixed to the top of the housing, and the telescopic shaft is connected to the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve drives the telescopic shaft to push the actuating part, thereby causing the rotating shaft to rotate relative to the rotating part.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a steaming rack, which is horizontally arranged in the heating cavity, with the first food container placed on the upper side of the steaming rack and the second food container located below the steaming rack.

[0012] Furthermore, the first food container has an upward-protruding convex surface at the center of its inner side, and the convex surface is located directly below the food outlet.

[0013] Furthermore, the housing includes a base and a top cover, the top cover being detachably disposed on the base, a portion of the heating cavity being formed on the base and another portion being formed on the top cover, the heating module being disposed on the base, and the storage box being disposed on top of the top cover.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a weighing sensor. The top of the housing is provided with a bracket, the weighing sensor is mounted on the bracket, and the bottom of the storage box is movably mounted on the bracket and connected to the weighing sensor. The weighing sensor is used to detect the weight of the storage box.

[0015] Furthermore, a temperature sensor is provided inside the heating cavity, wherein the temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature inside the heating cavity.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes a lid, the lower side of which is provided with an annular rib, and the top of the storage box is provided with a vegetable outlet leading to the vegetable storage cavity. The lid is disposed on the top of the storage box to open or close the vegetable outlet, and when the lid closes the vegetable outlet, the annular rib extends into the vegetable outlet and fits against its side wall.

[0017] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for controlling an electric lunchbox. The method is applied to the electric lunchbox described in the first aspect above. The method includes: if a start command is received, controlling the heating module to operate at a first power; acquiring the temperature inside the heating cavity and determining whether the temperature inside the heating cavity has reached a preset target temperature; if the temperature inside the heating cavity reaches the preset target temperature, controlling the heating module to operate at a second power for a first preset time, wherein the second power is less than the first power; controlling the opening and closing mechanism to open the food outlet and then close the food outlet; and controlling the heating module to operate at the first power for a second preset time.

[0018] This invention provides an electric lunch box and its control method. The electric lunch box includes: a shell with a heating cavity inside; a storage box located at the top of the shell, the storage box having a food storage cavity inside and a food outlet at the bottom, the bottom of the food storage cavity connecting to the top of the heating cavity through the food outlet; a first lunch box and a second lunch box disposed in the heating cavity, the first lunch box being above the second lunch box and below the food outlet; a heating module located in the shell for heating the second lunch box; and an opening and closing mechanism located at the bottom of the storage box for opening or closing the food outlet to connect or isolate the bottom of the food storage cavity from the heating cavity. This electric lunch box automatically adds food for heating after rice has been heated for a period of time, solving the problem of users needing to manually add food during cooking, freeing users' hands and improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a front view of the electric lunch box provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an electric lunch box provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 A side sectional view of the electric lunch box provided in the embodiment of the present invention with the food outlet closed; Figure 4 A side view of the electric lunch box provided in an embodiment of the present invention with the food outlet closed; Figure 5 for Figure 3 Enlarged view of part A; Figure 6 A side view of the electric lunch box provided in an embodiment of the present invention with the food outlet open; Figure 7 for Figure 6 Enlarged view of part A; Figure 8 A side cross-sectional view of the electric lunch box provided in the embodiment of the present invention with the food outlet opened; Figure 9 for Figure 8 Enlarged view of part A; Figure 10 A perspective view of a first lunchbox provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of an electric lunch box provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 for Figure 11 Enlarged view of part A; Figure 13 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of part A; Figure 14 A flowchart illustrating the steps of the method provided in this embodiment of the invention; Figure 15 A flowchart of the sub-steps of the method provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] The labels for the attached figures are as follows: 10. Shell; 101. Heating cavity; 11. Base; 12. Top cover; 121. Bracket; 20. Storage box; 201. Vegetable storage cavity; 202. Vegetable outlet; 203. Vegetable filling outlet; 21. Rotating part; 22. Annular protrusion; 23. Box lid; 231. Annular rib; 30. First lunch box; 301. Convex part; 40. Second lunch box; 50. Heating module; 60. Opening and closing mechanism; 61. Baffle; 601. Annular groove; 602. Seal; 611. Rotating shaft; 612. Actuating part; 62. Drive assembly; 621. Solenoid valve; 622. Telescopic shaft; 70. Steaming rack; 80. Weighing sensor; 90. Torsion spring. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] The directional terms used in this invention, such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," and "side," are merely for reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for illustrating and understanding this invention, and not for limiting it. Furthermore, in the drawings, structures that are similar or identical are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0024] Reference Figures 1 to 13 This invention provides an electric lunch box, which can be referred to in detail below. Figures 1 to 4 The electric lunch box includes: a shell 10, which has a heating cavity 101 inside; a storage box 20, which is located on the top of the shell 10, and has a food storage cavity 201 inside the storage box 20 for holding food, and a food outlet 202 at the bottom, the bottom end of the food storage cavity 201 connecting to the top end of the heating cavity 101 through the food outlet 202; a first lunch box 30 and a second lunch box 40, which are disposed in the heating cavity 101, the first lunch box 30 being located above the second lunch box 40 and below the food outlet 202; a heating module 50, which is located on the shell 10 and is used to heat the second lunch box 40; and an opening and closing mechanism 60, which is located at the bottom of the storage box 20 and is used to open or close the food outlet 202 so that the bottom end of the food storage cavity 201 is connected to or isolated from the heating cavity 101.

[0025] In practice, users can use the electric lunch box to steam rice and vegetables, meeting their daily dining needs. For example... Figures 1 to 4As shown, the electric lunch box mainly includes a shell 10, a storage box 20, a first lunch box 30, a second lunch box 40, a heating module 50, and an opening and closing mechanism 60. The shell 10 serves as the basic frame of the electric lunch box and houses components such as the main control board and control panel. A heating cavity 101 is located inside the shell 10, serving as the primary space for steaming and heating food. The heating cavity 101 can simultaneously accommodate the first lunch box 30 and the second lunch box 40. The storage box 20 is positioned on top of the shell 10 and contains a food storage cavity 201, primarily for holding food. The food storage cavity 201 can be designed as a funnel-shaped cavity, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, which facilitates the falling of food. A food outlet 202 is provided at the bottom of the storage box 20. The bottom of the food storage cavity 201 inside the storage box 20 connects to the top of the heating cavity 101 through the food outlet 202. That is, the heating cavity 101 and the storage box 20 are connected by the food outlet 202. The size of the food outlet 202 can be appropriately set to avoid blockage by some larger food items. The first food container 30 and the second food container 40 are both arranged in the heating cavity 101. The first food container 30 is mainly used for steaming or heating food, and the second food container 40 is mainly used for steaming or heating rice. The first food container 30 is located above the second food container 40 and below the food outlet 202, so as to receive food that falls from the food outlet 202. The heating module 50 is located at the bottom of the housing 10. The heating module 50 can be configured as a heating wire structure or an eddy current heating structure. The heating module 50 is driven by the main control board, which can control the heating module 50 to heat at a predetermined power, thus achieving controllable cooking temperature. The heating module 50 mainly heats the second food container 40. Specifically, inside the heating cavity 101, the first food container 30 is located on the upper layer of the heating cavity 101, and the second food container 40 is located on the lower layer of the heating cavity 101. Heating the second food container 40 on the lower layer of the heating cavity 101 causes the water in the second food container 40 to evaporate, forming a steam heat flow in the heating cavity 101, thereby heating the first food container 30 on the upper layer of the heating cavity 101 together. The opening and closing mechanism 60 is located at the bottom of the storage box 20. The opening and closing mechanism 60 is used to open or close the vegetable outlet 202 at the bottom of the storage box 20, so that the bottom end of the storage cavity 201 is connected to or isolated from the heating cavity 101. Specifically, when the opening and closing mechanism 60 controls the vegetable outlet 202 to open, the bottom end of the storage cavity 201 is connected to the heating cavity 101. When the opening and closing mechanism 60 controls the vegetable outlet 202 to open, the bottom end of the storage cavity 201 is isolated from the heating cavity 101. The operation of the opening and closing mechanism 60 is controlled by the main control board.

[0026] In practical applications, the electric lunch box defaults to closing the food outlet 202 by the opening and closing mechanism 60 when it is turned on. When using the lunch box, the user first adds an appropriate amount of rice and water to the second lunch box 40, then adds the pre-prepared food to the storage chamber 201 inside the storage box 20. Finally, the user starts the heating and cooking program of the electric lunch box. The heating and cooking program of the electric lunch box is described in detail below in the instruction manual and will not be elaborated upon here. After the heating program is started, after the rice in the first lunch box 30 has been heated and cooked for a period of time, the water in the first lunch box 30 evaporates, forming steam that diffuses into the heating chamber 101. The opening and closing mechanism 60 opens the food outlet 202 at the bottom of the storage box 20. Once open, the food stored in the storage chamber 201 falls precisely into the first food container 30 within the heating chamber 101 under gravity, where it is received. After the opening and closing mechanism 60 opens the food outlet 202 and ensures all the food in the storage chamber 201 has fallen, it closes the outlet 202, keeping the heating chamber 101 sealed and preventing heat loss. The steam heat flowing through the heating chamber 101 then heats the food in the first food container 30, achieving steaming or cooking. At this point, the rice and food are steamed together. Once the set time is reached, heating can be stopped or the system can enter a keep-warm mode. Throughout the process, even if the rice and food have different cooking times, the user does not need to add food midway, as the opening and closing mechanism 60 automatically adds food midway. The process is simple and provides a better user experience.

[0027] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figures 2 to 4 The opening and closing mechanism 60 includes a baffle 61 and a drive assembly 62. The baffle 61 is rotatably mounted on the bottom of the storage box 20. The drive assembly 62 is located on the top of the housing 10 and connected to the baffle 61. The drive assembly 62 is used to cooperate with the baffle 61 to drive the baffle 61 to open or close the vegetable outlet 202.

[0028] In specific implementation, the opening and closing mechanism 60 mainly consists of a baffle 61 and a drive assembly. The baffle 61 is a plate-shaped structure, which can be designed using stainless steel. The shape of the baffle 61 is designed according to the size of the outlet 202, and it can completely close the outlet 202. The baffle 61 is movably installed at the bottom of the storage box 20, and can be designed to slide or rotate with the bottom of the storage box 20. The drive assembly 62 is mainly located at the top of the housing 10 and is connected to the baffle 61. The drive assembly 62 can also be located at the bottom of the storage box 20. The drive assembly 62 is used to cooperate with the baffle 61 to open or close the outlet 202. It can be designed so that the drive assembly 62 drives the baffle 61 to move horizontally to open the outlet 202, or it can be designed so that the drive assembly 62 drives the baffle 61 to rotate to open the outlet 202. There is no limitation on this. In practical applications, the drive component 62 is controlled by the main control board of the electric lunch box. When the drive component 62 drives the baffle 61 to close the food outlet 202, the food in the food storage cavity 201 is blocked by the baffle 61 and will not fall. When the drive component 62 drives the baffle 61 to open the food outlet 202, since there is no obstruction from the baffle 61, the bottom end of the food storage cavity 201 passes through the top end of the heating cavity 101, and the food in the food storage cavity 201 falls through the food outlet 202 and falls into the first lunch box 30 located below the food outlet 202, thus realizing the addition of food for steaming and cooking.

[0029] Furthermore, referring to Figure 5 The bottom of the storage box 20 is provided with an annular protrusion 22 at the edge of the outlet 202, and the upper side of the baffle 61 is provided with an annular groove 601. A sealing element 602 is provided in the annular groove 601. When the baffle 61 closes the outlet 202, the annular protrusion 22 is embedded in the annular groove 601 and fits against the sealing element 602.

[0030] In specific implementation, an annular protrusion 22 is provided at the bottom of the storage box 20 on the edge of the outlet 202. The annular protrusion 22 is a raised structure surrounding the outlet 202. An annular groove 601 is provided on the upper side of the baffle 61. The annular groove 601 matches the shape of the annular protrusion 22. A sealing element 602 is provided in the annular groove 601. The sealing element 602 is mainly used to improve the sealing performance. The sealing element 602 can be designed as an annular silicone ring. In specific application, when the baffle 61 closes the outlet 202, the annular protrusion 22 is embedded in the annular groove 601 and fits against the sealing element 602, so that the outlet 202 is completely sealed by the baffle 61. During use, the steam heat flow in the heating chamber 101 will not enter the storage chamber 201 inside the storage box 20.

[0031] Furthermore, referring to Figures 6 to 9The baffle 61 is provided with a rotating shaft 611, and the end of the rotating shaft 611 is provided with a toggle part 612 extending radially outward. The bottom of the storage box 20 is provided with a rotating part 21. The baffle 61 is rotatably connected to the rotating part 21 through the rotating shaft 611 and closes the vegetable outlet 202. The drive assembly 62 pushes the toggle part 612 to make the rotating shaft 611 rotate relative to the rotating part 21, thereby driving the baffle 61 to open the vegetable outlet 202.

[0032] In specific implementation, a rotating shaft 611 is provided on the baffle 61, located on the side or edge of the baffle 61. A toggle part 612 is provided at the end of the rotating shaft 611, extending radially outward from the rotating shaft 611. A rotating part 21 is provided at the bottom of the storage box 20. The rotating part 21 has a shaft hole structure and matches the rotating shaft 611. The baffle 61 is rotatably connected to the rotating part 21 at the bottom of the storage box 20 via the rotating shaft 611. The baffle 61 remains closed at the food outlet 202 when not driven by the drive assembly 62. In practical application, the drive assembly 62 pushes the toggle part 612 to rotate the rotating shaft 611 relative to the rotating part 21, thereby causing the baffle 61 to rotate and open the food outlet 202. By designing the baffle 61 to rotate and open the food outlet 202, the problem of food getting stuck can be effectively avoided, allowing the food to fall more smoothly into the first food container 30.

[0033] Furthermore, referring to Figure 9 It also includes a torsion spring 90, which is sleeved on the rotating shaft 611 and has one end connected to the bottom of the storage box 20 and the other end connected to the baffle 61. The baffle 61 is closed by the torsion of the torsion spring 90 pressing against the vegetable outlet 202.

[0034] In practice, the electric lunch box also includes a torsion spring 90, which is an industrial helical spring made of spring steel. It generates rotational torque through elastic deformation. The torsion spring 90 is sleeved on the rotating shaft 611. The torsion spring 90 has two extended ends for cooperation with other structures. One end of the torsion spring 90 is connected to the bottom of the storage box 20, and the other end is connected to the baffle 61. When the baffle 61 closes the food outlet 202, the torsion spring 90 is in a torsional and compressed state. The baffle 61 relies on the torque of the torsion spring 90 to press against the food outlet 202, thereby closing the food outlet 202. In practical applications, the baffle 61 closes the outlet 202 under the torque of the torsion spring 90, preventing the food in the storage cavity 201 from falling out. When the drive assembly 62 pushes the actuating part 612 at the end of the rotating shaft 611, the actuating part 612 rotates around the rotating shaft 611, thereby causing the baffle 61 to rotate and open the outlet 202. After the outlet 202 is opened, the food in the storage cavity 201 falls into the first food container 30. At the same time as the baffle 61 rotates to open the outlet 202, the two ends of the torsion spring 90 move towards each other, thereby generating torque, causing the baffle 61 to rotate in the opposite direction. When the drive assembly 62 does not push the actuating part 612, the baffle 61, relying on the torque of the torsion spring 90, presses against the outlet 202 to close it again.

[0035] Furthermore, referring to Figure 7 The drive assembly 62 includes a solenoid valve 621 and a telescopic shaft 622. The solenoid valve 621 is fixed to the top of the housing 10, and the telescopic shaft 622 is connected to the solenoid valve 621. The solenoid valve 621 drives the telescopic shaft 622 to push the actuating part 612 to drive the rotating shaft 611 to rotate relative to the rotating part 21.

[0036] In specific implementation, the drive assembly 62 includes a solenoid valve 621 and a telescopic shaft 622. The solenoid valve 621 is fixed to the top of the housing 10, and the telescopic shaft 622 is connected to the solenoid valve 621. The solenoid valve 621 and the telescopic shaft 622 form a cylinder structure. In specific applications, the solenoid valve 621 controls the telescopic shaft 622 to move telescopically under signal drive. The solenoid valve 621 drives the telescopic shaft 622 to translate, thereby pushing the actuating part 612. This causes the actuating part 612 to drive the rotating shaft 611 to rotate relative to the rotating part 21, which in turn causes the baffle 61 to rotate as a whole, opening the outlet 202. When the solenoid valve 621 drives the telescopic shaft 622 to retract, the baffle 61 rotates back by the torque of the torsion spring 90, thereby closing the outlet 202.

[0037] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 2 and Figure 3It also includes a steaming rack 70, which is horizontally arranged in the heating cavity 101. The first food container 30 is placed on the upper side of the steaming rack 70, and the second food container 40 is located below the steaming rack 70.

[0038] In practical implementation, the electric lunch box also includes a steaming rack 70. The steaming rack 70 can be a perforated grid frame structure or a perforated plate structure. The steaming rack 70 is horizontally set in the heating cavity 101, dividing the heating cavity 101 into upper and lower layers. The first lunch box 30 is placed on the upper side of the steaming rack 70, in the upper layer of the heating cavity 101, and the second lunch box 40 is located below the steaming rack 70, in the lower layer of the heating cavity 101. In practical application, the steaming rack 70 divides the heating cavity 101 into upper and lower layers, providing stable support for the first lunch box 30 in the upper layer, while separating the rice cooking and the food cooking, reducing the mutual interference between the different cooking processes.

[0039] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The first food container 30 has an upwardly protruding convex part 301 at the center of its inner side, and the convex part 301 is located directly below the food outlet 202.

[0040] In practice, to ensure that the food falling from the outlet 202 is evenly distributed in the first food container 30 without piling up, a raised convex surface 301 is provided at the center of the inner side of the first food container 30. The convex surface 301 is a smooth spherical structure and is located directly below the outlet 202. The convex surface 301 causes the first food container 30 to bulge in the center and gradually tilt outwards. In actual application, when the opening and closing mechanism 60 opens the outlet 202, the food, under the impact of falling and the combined effect of the convex surface 301, disperses outwards, ensuring that the food is evenly distributed in the first food container 30, which is beneficial for even steaming and cooking.

[0041] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figures 1 to 4 The housing 10 includes a base 11 and a top cover 12. The top cover 12 is detachably disposed on the base 11. A portion of the heating cavity 101 is formed on the base 11 and another portion is formed on the top cover 12. The heating module 50 is disposed on the base 11 and the storage box 20 is disposed on the top of the top cover 12.

[0042] In practice, the housing 10 mainly consists of a base 11 and a top cover 12. The top cover 12 is detachably mounted on the base 11 and can be removed independently for user convenience. The top cover 12 and the base 11 are connected by a snap-fit ​​mechanism. A portion of the heating cavity 101 is formed in the base 11, and another portion is formed in the top cover 12. The first food container 30 is mainly housed in the heating cavity 101 within the top cover 12, and the second food container 40 is mainly housed in the heating cavity 101 within the base 11. After the top cover 12 and the base 11 are assembled, a complete heating cavity 101 is formed for heating. The heating module 50 is mainly located on the base 11 to heat the second food container 40. The storage box 20 is located on top of the top cover 12 for easy addition of food by the user. In practical applications, the user can remove the top cover 12 from the base 11 to remove the first food container 30 and the second food container 40.

[0043] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figure 11 and Figure 12 It also includes a weighing sensor 80. The top of the housing 10 is provided with a bracket 121, and the weighing sensor 80 is disposed on the bracket 121. The bottom of the storage box 20 is movably disposed on the bracket 121 and connected to the weighing sensor 80. The weighing sensor 80 is used to detect the weight of the storage box 20.

[0044] In practical implementation, the electric lunch box also includes a weighing sensor 80, which is a force-to-electricity conversion device that converts gravity into an electrical signal. Here, the weighing sensor 80 is used to detect the weight of the storage box 20. A bracket 121 is set on the top of the shell 10, and the storage box 20 is installed in conjunction with the bracket 121. The bottom of the storage box 20 is movably mounted on the bracket 121, specifically, the bottom of the storage box 20 can move freely up and down relative to the bracket 121. The weighing sensor 80 is mounted on the bracket 121, and the bottom of the storage box 20 is connected to the weighing sensor 80, specifically to the sensing component of the weighing sensor 80, so that the weighing sensor 80 can sense the weight of the storage box 20. In practical applications, the weighing sensor 80 is connected to the main control board of the electric lunch box. The main control board can obtain the weight information of the food through the weighing sensor 80, and thus control the opening and closing mechanism 60 to repeatedly open and close according to the different weights of the food, ensuring that no food remains in the food storage cavity 201.

[0045] In one embodiment, a temperature sensor (not shown) is provided inside the heating cavity 101, wherein the temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature in the heating cavity 101.

[0046] In practice, a temperature sensor is installed inside the heating cavity 101 to detect the temperature of the heating cavity 101. The temperature sensor is connected to the main control board of the electric lunch box. The main control board can obtain the temperature inside the heating cavity 101 through the temperature sensor, and then control the heating module 50 according to the detected temperature, adjust the power output of the heating module 50, and realize intelligent steaming and cooking control.

[0047] In one embodiment, reference is made to Figures 1 to 4 as well as Figure 13 It also includes a box cover 23, the lower side of which is provided with an annular rib 231. The top of the storage box 20 is provided with a vegetable opening 203 leading to the vegetable storage cavity 201. The box cover 23 is disposed on the top of the storage box 20 for opening or closing the vegetable opening 203. When the box cover 23 closes the vegetable opening 203, the annular rib 231 extends into the vegetable opening 203 and fits against its side wall.

[0048] In specific implementation, the storage box 20 is designed with a top opening. A food inlet 203 leading to the food storage cavity 201 is provided on the top of the storage box 20. The food inlet 203 is relatively large, and the user adds food into the food storage cavity 201 through the food inlet 203. The electric lunch box is also equipped with a lid 23, which is located on the top of the storage box 20 and is used to open or close the food inlet 203. After the user adds food, the food inlet 203 on the top of the storage box 20 is closed by operating the lid 23. The lid 23 can be configured as an independent structure that is detachable from the top of the storage box 20, or it can be configured as a non-detachable structure that is rotatably connected to the top of the storage box 20. The lower side of the lid 23 is provided with an annular rib 231. The annular rib 231 is an annular rubber strip structure protruding from the lower side of the lid 23. When the lid 23 closes the vegetable opening 203, the annular rib 231 extends into the vegetable opening 203 and fits together with the side wall of the vegetable opening 203, thereby enhancing the sealing performance and ensuring the hygiene of the vegetables.

[0049] Furthermore, a handle is provided on the upper side of the lid 23. In specific implementations, providing a handle on the upper side of the lid 23 facilitates user operation of the lid 23.

[0050] In summary, the electric lunch box provided by this invention can automatically add food for heating after the rice has been heated for a period of time, solving the problem that users need to manually add food during the cooking process, freeing up users' hands and improving the user experience.

[0051] Please see Figure 14 The present invention also provides a method for controlling an electric lunch box. The method is applied to the electric lunch box described in the above embodiments. Since the electric lunch box has been described in detail in the above embodiments, it will not be described again here for the sake of brevity. Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of the electric lunchbox control method. The electric lunchbox control method will be described in detail below. Figure 14 As shown, the electric lunch box control method includes steps S110-S150.

[0052] S110. If a start command is received, control the heating module to operate at the first power. In practice, the user prepares for cooking by adding an appropriate amount of rice and water to the second food container and placing the prepared ingredients into the storage compartment of the storage box. When the user enters the cooking program by pressing the corresponding option button on the control panel and issuing a start command, the main control board receives the command and controls the heating module to operate at its highest power level, heating the first food container. This first power level can be 80% to 90% of full power, thus initiating the high-heat rice cooking stage.

[0053] S120. Obtain the temperature inside the heating cavity and determine whether the temperature inside the heating cavity has reached the preset target temperature.

[0054] In practice, the heating module heats the first lunchbox at the first power. The main control board uses a temperature sensor to detect and obtain the temperature of the heating cavity in real time, and determines whether the temperature inside the heating cavity has reached the preset target temperature, which can be set to 100℃.

[0055] S130. If the temperature inside the heating cavity reaches the preset target temperature, the heating module is controlled to operate at a second power for a first preset time, wherein the second power is less than the first power.

[0056] In practice, if the system determines that the temperature inside the heating cavity has reached the preset target temperature, such as 100°C, the system controls the heating module to work at the second power for the first preset time. The second power is less than the first power. The second power can be set to 60% to 70% of the full power, and the first preset time can be set to 5 to 10 minutes, thereby reducing the heat to cook rice.

[0057] S140. Control the opening and closing mechanism to open the food outlet and then close the food outlet.

[0058] In practice, after the heating module operates at the second power for a first preset time, it enters the steaming stage. At this time, the system controls the opening and closing mechanism to open the outlet and then close it. When the outlet is opened, the food in the storage chamber inside the storage box falls into the first food container in the heating chamber under the action of gravity. Then the outlet is closed to keep the heating chamber sealed and prevent heat loss.

[0059] Furthermore, such as Figure 15As shown, step S140 includes steps S141-S143.

[0060] S141. Obtain the weight of the storage box and determine whether the weight of the storage box is less than or equal to a first preset weight.

[0061] In practice, in order to ensure that no food remains in the storage chamber, the control system obtains the weight of the storage box through a weighing sensor. The weight of the food can be obtained by subtracting the weight of the storage box itself. After obtaining the weight of the storage box, the system determines whether the weight of the storage box is less than or equal to a first preset weight, which can be set to 150g. Based on the weight of the storage box, the system controls the opening and closing mechanism to repeatedly open and close the food outlet.

[0062] S142. If the weight of the storage box is less than or equal to the first preset weight, then control the opening and closing mechanism to repeatedly open and close the food outlet for the first number of times.

[0063] In practice, after the system obtains the weight of the storage box, if it determines that the weight of the storage box is less than or equal to a first preset weight, it controls the opening and closing mechanism to repeatedly open and close the food outlet for the first number of times, which can be set to 3 times. Specifically, one opening and closing process involves first opening the food outlet and then closing it. The interval between the opening and closing actions of the opening and closing mechanism can be set to 30 seconds to ensure that the food in the storage chamber of the storage box has enough time to fall into the first food container (the time required for the food to fall freely is relatively short), ensuring that no food remains.

[0064] S143. If the weight of the storage box is greater than the first preset weight, then control the opening and closing mechanism to repeatedly open and close the food outlet for a second number of times, wherein the second number of times is greater than the first number of times.

[0065] In practice, if the system determines that the weight of the storage box is greater than the first preset weight, it controls the opening and closing mechanism to repeatedly open and close the food outlet for a second number of times. The second number of times must be greater than the first preset number of times. The second number of times can be set to 5 times. The interval between opening and closing the food outlet can be set to 30 seconds, so as to ensure that the food in the storage chamber of the storage box has enough time to fall into the first meal box and avoid food residue.

[0066] S150, Control the heating module to operate at the first power for a second preset time.

[0067] In practice, the food is placed into the first food container, and the system controls the heating module to operate at the first power level for a second preset time. The first power level can be set to 80% to 90% of the full power, and the second preset time can be adjusted according to the type of food. After the second preset time is completed, the food in the first food container is steamed, and the rice in the second food container is also steamed. Finally, the system can exit the steaming mode and enter the keep-warm mode, thus completing the entire cooking process. During the process, the user only needs to prepare before cooking. Once cooking begins, there is no need to manually add food midway, freeing the user's hands and making cooking simple and convenient.

[0068] In summary, the method provided by the embodiments of the present invention can accurately control the time of food addition to the storage box and automatically open or close the food outlet, solving the problem that users need to manually add food midway through the cooking process, realizing intelligent steaming and cooking control, freeing users' hands and improving the user experience.

[0069] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An electrically heated lunch box, characterized by comprising: The application relates to a food heating device. The device comprises a shell, a storage box, a first meal box and a second meal box, a heating module and an opening and closing mechanism. The shell is internally provided with a heating cavity. The storage box is arranged on the top of the shell and internally provided with a food storage cavity capable of containing food. The bottom of the storage box is provided with a food outlet, and the bottom end of the food storage cavity is communicated with the top end of the heating cavity through the food outlet. The first meal box is arranged above the second meal box and below the food outlet.

2. The electrically heated bento box according to claim 1, characterized by The heating module is arranged on the shell and used for heating the second meal box.

3. The electrically heated bento box according to claim 2, characterized by The opening and closing mechanism is arranged on the bottom of the storage box and used for opening or closing the food outlet to communicate or isolate the bottom end of the food storage cavity with the heating cavity.

4. The electrically heated bento box according to claim 2, characterized by The opening and closing mechanism comprises a baffle and a driving assembly.

5. The electrically heated bento box according to claim 4, characterized by The baffle is rotatably arranged on the bottom of the storage box.

6. The electrically heated bento box according to claim 4, characterized by The driving assembly is arranged on the top of the shell and connected with the baffle.

7. The electrically heated bento box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by The driving assembly is used for driving the baffle to open or close the food outlet in cooperation with the baffle.

8. The electrically heated bento box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by The bottom of the storage box is provided with an annular protrusion at the edge of the food outlet.

9. The electrically heated bento box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by The upper side of the baffle is provided with an annular groove.

10. The electrically heated bento box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by The annular groove is provided with a sealing element.

11. The electrically heated bento box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by When the baffle closes the food outlet, the annular protrusion is embedded in the annular groove and matched with the sealing element. The baffle is provided with a rotating shaft. The end of the rotating shaft is provided with a radial outward extending pushing part. The bottom of the storage box is provided with a rotating part. The baffle is rotatably connected with the rotating part through the rotating shaft and the rotating part to close the food outlet. The driving assembly drives the rotating shaft to rotate relative to the rotating part by pushing the pushing part to drive the baffle to open the food outlet. The device further comprises a torsion spring. One end of the torsion spring is connected with the bottom of the storage box, and the other end is connected with the baffle. The baffle is pressed against the food outlet by the torsion force of the torsion spring to close the food outlet. The driving assembly comprises an electromagnetic valve and a telescopic shaft. The electromagnetic valve is fixed on the top of the shell. The telescopic shaft is connected with the electromagnetic valve. The electromagnetic valve drives the telescopic shaft to push the pushing part to drive the rotating shaft to rotate relative to the rotating part. The device further comprises a steaming rack. The first meal box is placed on the upper side of the steaming rack. The second meal box is arranged below the steaming rack. The inside of the first meal box is provided with a convex part protruding upward. The convex part is arranged below the food outlet. The shell comprises a base and an upper cover. The upper cover is detachably arranged on the base. The heating cavity is formed in the base and the upper cover. The heating module is arranged on the base. The storage box is arranged on the top of the upper cover. The device further comprises a weighing sensor. The top of the shell is provided with a support. The weighing sensor is arranged on the support. The bottom of the storage box is movably arranged on the support and connected with the weighing sensor. The weighing sensor is used for detecting the weight of the storage box. The heating cavity is provided with a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is used for detecting the temperature in the heating cavity.

12. The electrically heated bento box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by The box cover is provided with an annular rib on the lower side, the top of the storage box is provided with a food outlet opening into the food storage cavity, the box cover is arranged on the top of the storage box to open or close the food outlet opening, and the annular rib extends into the food outlet opening and is attached to the side wall when the box cover closes the food outlet opening.

13. An electric hotlunchbox control method, characterized by comprising: The method is applied to the electric heating lunch box according to any one of claims 1-12, and the method comprises: If the start instruction is received, the heating module is controlled to work at a first power; The temperature in the heating cavity is obtained, and it is determined whether the temperature in the heating cavity reaches a preset target temperature; If the temperature in the heating cavity reaches the preset target temperature, the heating module is controlled to work at a second power for a first preset time, wherein the second power is less than the first power; The opening and closing mechanism is controlled to open and then close the food outlet opening; The heating module is controlled to work at the first power for a second preset time.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The control of the opening and closing mechanism to open and then close the food outlet opening comprises: The weight of the storage box is obtained, and it is determined whether the weight of the storage box is less than or equal to a first preset weight; If the weight of the storage box is less than or equal to the first preset weight, the opening and closing mechanism is controlled to repeatedly open and close the food outlet opening for a first number of times; If the weight of the storage box is greater than the first preset weight, the opening and closing mechanism is controlled to repeatedly open and close the food outlet opening for a second number of times, wherein the second number of times is greater than the first number of times.

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