Water supplementing control method for steam generator and steam cooking equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of intelligent cooking, in particular to a steam generator water supplementing control method and steam cooking equipment, the method is applied to the steam cooking equipment, the steam cooking equipment comprises a cooking cavity, and a first temperature sensor used for detecting the temperature in the cooking cavity is arranged in the cooking cavity. The steam consumption is dynamically pre-judged by calculating the temperature rise rate of the cooking cavity in real time, the water supplementing frequency is intelligently adjusted accordingly, dynamic balance of the water supply amount and the water consumption amount is achieved, the continuity and stability of steam output are effectively ensured, and the cooking effect is remarkably improved; meanwhile, compared with a traditional water level sensor easy to fail, accurate control can be achieved only through an original temperature sensor in the cooking cavity of the steam cooking equipment, the system hardware cost and the structural complexity are greatly reduced, the reliability is improved, the service life is prolonged, and therefore the cooking self-adaptive capacity and the user experience are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of intelligent cooking technology, and in particular to a control method for water replenishment in a steam generator and a steam cooking device. Background Technology

[0002] With rising living standards, consumers are increasingly emphasizing healthy eating. Kitchen appliances with steam cooking functions (such as steam ovens, steamers, and rice cookers) are gaining popularity because they better preserve the original flavor and nutrients of ingredients. The core of effective steam cooking lies in the performance of the steam generator, and a stable and continuous steam supply directly depends on precise control of its water replenishment process. Therefore, achieving intelligent and efficient water replenishment control has become a key technical issue for improving the user experience and market competitiveness of such products.

[0003] Currently, common steam generator water replenishment control schemes mostly adopt water replenishment methods based on fixed time intervals or simple liquid level detection methods. For example, the water pump is controlled to start and stop by setting a fixed time period, or a water level sensor is installed on the steam generator, and water is replenished when the water level is detected to be below a certain threshold.

[0004] However, this type of solution has obvious limitations: First, water replenishment at fixed time intervals cannot respond to the dynamic changes in steam consumption caused by factors such as cavity temperature, food quantity, and door opening during cooking, which can easily lead to insufficient water replenishment (resulting in steam interruption or generator dry burning) or excessive water replenishment (resulting in large cavity temperature fluctuations and poor cooking results); Second, relying on water level sensors not only increases the hardware cost and structural complexity of the system, but also makes it difficult to guarantee the accuracy and stability of control in harsh working environments with high temperature and high humidity, as the sensors are prone to generating false signals, reduced reliability, and shortened lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a control method for water replenishment of a steam generator and a steam cooking device, so as to solve the problems of discontinuous steam supply, control lag, low system reliability and high cost caused by fixed interval water replenishment or reliance on water level sensors in the prior art.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide a water replenishment control method for a steam generator, applied to a steam cooking device. The steam cooking device includes a cooking cavity, and a first temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the cooking cavity is disposed within the cooking cavity. The method includes: The first temperature rise rate inside the cooking cavity is determined by the first temperature value collected by the first temperature sensor. Based on the first temperature rise rate, water is supplied to the steam generator in the first water supply mode.

[0007] In conjunction with the first aspect, the steam cooking equipment is also equipped with a second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the steam generator, and the method further includes: The second temperature value of the steam generator is determined by the second temperature sensor; If the second temperature value exceeds the corresponding temperature threshold, water will be supplied to the steam generator in the second water supply mode.

[0008] In conjunction with the first aspect, the steam cooking equipment includes a water tank, a water pump, and a steam generator. The water pump is connected between the water tank and the steam generator and is used to pump water from the water tank to the steam generator. The step of replenishing water to the steam generator in a first water replenishment mode based on a first temperature rise rate includes: Based on the magnitude of the first temperature rise rate, determine the water replenishment frequency and the duration of each water replenishment to the steam generator; The water pump is controlled to operate at the specified water replenishment frequency and duration to replenish water to the steam generator.

[0009] In conjunction with the first aspect, the steam cooking equipment also includes a generator water tank, which is connected to or integrated with the steam generator; the inlet of the water pump is connected to the water storage tank, and the outlet is connected to the generator water tank, for pumping water from the water storage tank to the generator water tank.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, the steps for determining the water replenishment frequency and duration of each replenishment to the steam generator based on the magnitude of the first temperature rise rate include: The frequency of water replenishment increases with the increase of the first temperature rise rate, while the duration of a single water replenishment decreases with the increase of the first temperature rise rate.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, the water replenishment frequency and the duration of each water replenishment are determined based on the correspondence between the temperature rise rate and the preset water replenishment parameters. The correspondence between the water replenishment parameters is used to achieve a dynamic balance between the water supply and water consumption per unit time.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, water is supplied to the steam generator using the second water supply mode, including: Control the water pump to operate for a preset water replenishment duration; The preset water replenishment duration is longer than the single water replenishment duration in the first water replenishment mode.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, the temperature threshold corresponds to the temperature value at which the steam generator begins to dry-burn.

[0014] Secondly, this application also provides a steam cooking device, comprising: Cooking cavity; The first temperature sensor is installed inside the cooking cavity to detect the temperature inside the cooking cavity; Steam generator; The main water tank is used to store the water supplied to the steam generator; The generator water tank is connected to or integrated with the steam generator. The water pump has its inlet connected to the main water tank and its outlet connected to the generator water tank. The controller is electrically connected to the first temperature sensor and the water pump, and is used to execute the above-described method.

[0015] In conjunction with the second aspect, it also includes: The second temperature sensor is installed on the steam generator to detect the temperature of the steam generator; The controller is electrically connected to the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the water pump, and is used to execute the above method.

[0016] The embodiments of the present invention bring the following beneficial effects: The steam generator water replenishment control method and steam cooking equipment provided in this application are applied to the steam cooking equipment, which includes a cooking cavity. A first temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the cooking cavity is provided inside the cooking cavity. The method includes: determining a first temperature rise rate inside the cooking cavity by a first temperature value collected by the first temperature sensor; and replenishing water to the steam generator in a first water replenishment mode based on the first temperature rise rate.

[0017] The water replenishment control method for the steam generator provided in this application dynamically predicts steam consumption by calculating the temperature rise rate of the cooking cavity in real time, and intelligently adjusts the water replenishment frequency accordingly. This achieves a dynamic balance between water supply and consumption, effectively ensuring the continuity and stability of steam output and significantly improving cooking results. At the same time, compared with traditional water level sensors that are prone to failure, this method can achieve precise control using only the original temperature sensor in the cooking cavity of the steam cooking equipment. This not only greatly reduces the system hardware cost and structural complexity, but also improves reliability and lifespan, thereby enhancing the cooking adaptability and user experience.

[0018] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention are realized and obtained in accordance with the structures particularly pointed out in the description, claims and drawings.

[0019] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic flowchart of the steam generator water supply control method provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the control method for water replenishment in a steam generator provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic device structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure label: 130 - Processor, 131 - Memory, 132 - Bus, 133 - Communication interface. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. 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.

[0024] To facilitate understanding of this embodiment, the application scenarios and design concepts of this application embodiment will be briefly introduced below.

[0025] The existing technology that uses fixed time intervals for water replenishment cannot respond to the dynamic changes in steam consumption during cooking, which can easily lead to insufficient water replenishment (resulting in steam interruption or dry burning of the generator) or excessive water replenishment (resulting in large fluctuations in cavity temperature and poor cooking results). Furthermore, relying on water level sensors not only increases the hardware cost and structural complexity of the system, but also makes it difficult to guarantee the accuracy and stability of control.

[0026] Based on this, this application provides a steam generator water replenishment control method and a steam cooking device to replace the problems of discontinuous steam supply, control lag, low system reliability and high cost caused by relying on position sensors in the prior art.

[0027] Example 1 This application provides a water supply control method for a steam generator, applied to a steam cooking device. The steam cooking device includes a cooking chamber, and a first temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the cooking chamber is installed within the cooking chamber. Figure 1 As shown, the method includes: S110, using the first temperature value collected by the first temperature sensor, determines the first temperature rise rate inside the cooking cavity.

[0028] S120, based on the first temperature rise rate, replenishes water to the steam generator in the first water replenishment mode.

[0029] This application relates to a water replenishment control method for a steam generator, applied to a steam cooking device. The steam cooking device includes a cooking cavity, a steam generator, a first temperature sensor, a small water tank, a storage tank, a water pump, and a control system. The cooking cavity is used to accommodate food and form a closed or semi-closed cooking space. The steam generator, typically a disc or box-type structure, is located outside or inside the cooking cavity, with its steam outlet connected to the cavity to generate steam and deliver it into the cavity. The first temperature sensor is installed on the inner wall of the cooking cavity or close to the cavity to monitor the temperature inside the cavity in real time. The small water tank and the steam generator are connected to each other at the same liquid level to ensure the steam generator receives water promptly. The storage tank is connected to the small water tank via a water pump to replenish water to the small water tank. The control system (typically a microcontroller) is electrically connected to the first temperature sensor, the water pump, and the steam generator to receive temperature signals and control the start / stop of the water pump and the water replenishment duration.

[0030] In the water replenishment control process, step S110 firstly collects the first temperature values ​​at multiple consecutive time points within the cooking cavity using a first temperature sensor. Specifically, the control system records the temperature once every N seconds at fixed intervals, for a total of K times, thus obtaining the temperature sequence T1, T2, T3…TK. Based on this sequence, the control system calculates the first temperature rise rate V within the cooking cavity, using the formula V=(TK-T1)÷(N×(K-1)); if TK≤T1, then V=0. This temperature rise rate V essentially reflects how quickly the cavity temperature rises per unit time. The rate of temperature rise is closely related to the intensity of steam supplied to the cavity by the steam generator. When the steam demand increases (e.g., due to food absorbing heat or heat dissipation from opening the door), the cavity temperature rise rate will slow down or even decrease. In this case, the steam generator needs to replenish water more frequently to maintain steam production. Conversely, if the cavity temperature rise rate is fast, it indicates that the steam demand is relatively small, and the water replenishment frequency can be reduced accordingly. Therefore, the temperature rise rate V indirectly reflects the real-time water consumption rate of the steam generator.

[0031] Subsequently, in step S120, based on the obtained first temperature rise rate, the control system replenishes water to the steam generator using a first water replenishment mode. The first water replenishment mode dynamically adjusts the water replenishment strategy according to the magnitude of the first temperature rise rate V: when the first temperature rise rate V is large, it indicates that the cavity is heating up rapidly and the steam demand is low. In this case, the control system controls the water pump to inject water into the small water tank at a low frequency, replenishing small amounts each time, to avoid excessive water addition leading to water accumulation or discontinuous steam production. When the first temperature rise rate V is small, it indicates that the cavity is heating up slowly and the steam demand is high. In this case, the control system increases the water replenishment frequency, also using a small amount multiple times, to ensure sufficient water in the steam generator and continuous steam production. Through this "small amount multiple times, frequency varying as needed" water replenishment method, the water supply and water consumption are always dynamically balanced, enabling the steam generator to produce steam smoothly and continuously, effectively avoiding the steam fluctuation problems caused by delayed or excessive water replenishment in traditional water level control.

[0032] This invention fully utilizes the existing primary temperature sensor in steam cooking equipment—which is originally used to monitor the cavity temperature for cooking control—eliminating the need for an additional water level sensor or probe. This reduces hardware costs and avoids reliability issues caused by scale buildup or mechanical jamming in water level sensors. Through secondary analysis of temperature data using algorithms, indirect sensing and prediction of water consumption are achieved, resulting in a "soft sensing" intelligent water replenishment effect.

[0033] In conjunction with the first aspect, the steam cooking equipment includes a water tank, a water pump, and a steam generator. The water pump is connected between the water tank and the steam generator to pump water from the water tank to the steam generator. Step S120 includes: S121, based on the magnitude of the first temperature rise rate, determine the water replenishment frequency and the duration of each water replenishment to the steam generator.

[0034] S122 controls the water pump to operate at the water replenishment frequency and the duration of each water replenishment to replenish water to the steam generator.

[0035] Step S120, based on determining the first temperature rise rate, is further refined into steps S121 and S122 to achieve precise control of the water pump.

[0036] It should be noted that the steam cooking equipment used in this method specifically includes a water tank, a water pump, and a steam generator. The water pump's inlet is connected to the water tank's outlet via a water pipe, and the water pump's outlet is connected to the steam generator's inlet, thus establishing a complete water supply path. The control system is electrically connected to the water pump and is used to send start / stop commands to the pump and control its operating time to achieve precise regulation of the water flow.

[0037] Specifically, step S121 determines the water replenishment frequency and single replenishment duration to the steam generator based on the magnitude of the first temperature rise rate. This establishes a mapping relationship between the temperature rise rate and the water replenishment parameters. The first temperature rise rate V reflects the rate of temperature change within the cooking cavity, which is closely related to the amount of steam input. When the first temperature rise rate V is small, it means the cavity heats up slowly, usually due to the consumption of a large amount of steam (e.g., the food absorbs a lot of heat), indicating that the steam generator consumes a large amount of water and requires frequent replenishment to ensure continuous steam production. Conversely, when the first temperature rise rate V is large, it means the cavity heats up rapidly, the steam demand is small, and the water consumption is correspondingly small. The control system has preset segmented intervals or continuous functions for the temperature rise rate. Based on the interval into which the V value falls in real-time or through function calculation, it dynamically matches the most suitable water replenishment frequency f (e.g., several times per minute) and single replenishment duration t (e.g., a few seconds per replenishment). The combination of these two parameters essentially defines the total amount of water replenished per unit time, i.e., the water replenishment rate.

[0038] After determining the water replenishment parameters, the control system generates corresponding control commands based on step S122. For example, if the determined water replenishment frequency is high (e.g., once per minute) and the duration of each replenishment is short (e.g., 2 seconds each time), the control system will periodically output a high-level signal lasting 2 seconds to the water pump at a rhythm of once per minute, driving the water pump to draw water from the storage tank and inject it into the steam generator through the water pipe. If the determined water replenishment frequency is low (e.g., once every three minutes) and the duration of each replenishment is short (e.g., 2 seconds each time), the interval of the control signal will be extended accordingly.

[0039] Through the above steps, this application achieves refined control of the water replenishment process. The parameter of the cavity temperature rise rate, which indirectly represents water consumption, is transformed into specific control commands that can directly drive the hardware (water pump). This method avoids the water replenishment lag caused by reliance on physical thresholds (such as high and low water level switches) in traditional water level control, achieving real-time tracking of the water replenishment rate to the water consumption rate. Since the water pump in the water supply path is directly connected to the water storage tank and the steam generator, the control system can precisely control the amount of water injected each time. Combined with the principle of small, frequent injections, the water level in the steam generator is always maintained within a dynamic equilibrium range that ensures continuous steam production without affecting vaporization due to excessive water. Ultimately, the steam generator can generate steam smoothly and continuously, effectively improving the cooking effect. Furthermore, the entire process is completed based on the existing temperature sensor in the equipment, eliminating the need for an additional water level sensor, thus reducing hardware costs and maintenance complexity.

[0040] In conjunction with the first aspect, the steam cooking equipment also includes a generator water tank, which is connected to or integrated with the steam generator; the inlet of the water pump is connected to the water storage tank, and the outlet is connected to the generator water tank, for pumping water from the water storage tank to the generator water tank.

[0041] Understandably, steam cooking equipment also includes a generator water tank. It's important to clarify that this generator water tank is structurally closely integrated with the steam generator: they can be independent components connected by a connecting structure (such as a water pipe or channel), or the generator water tank and steam generator can be integrally formed. Regardless of the specific form, the ultimate goal is to ensure that the liquid levels inside the generator water tank and the steam generator remain connected or consistent, thus allowing the generator water tank to serve as the direct water source for the steam generator.

[0042] Based on this, the connection between the water pump, storage tank, and generator tank is as follows: the water pump inlet is connected to the storage tank outlet via a water pipe, and the water pump outlet is connected to the generator tank inlet via a water pipe. Thus, the water pump draws water from the storage tank and delivers it to the generator tank for storage. Since the generator tank and steam generator are connected at the liquid level, when the steam generator operates and consumes water, the water in the generator tank is automatically replenished to maintain the water level in the steam generator.

[0043] Through the aforementioned structural design and control methods, the generator water tank acts as an intermediate buffer unit, ensuring more stable water replenishment to the steam generator. The water pump does not need to frequently inject water directly into the steam generator; instead, it first sends water into the generator water tank, and then the water is naturally replenished to the steam generator through the principle of liquid level balance, avoiding the shocks or water level fluctuations that may occur with direct water injection. Simultaneously, the control system indirectly judges water consumption by the rate of temperature rise in the chamber, dynamically adjusting the water replenishment rhythm to the generator water tank to ensure that there is always sufficient water in the generator water tank for the steam generator's use, thus enabling the steam generator to continuously and stably produce steam. In this way, by fully utilizing the existing temperature sensor and simple liquid level connection principle, precise and intelligent water replenishment control is achieved without adding a water level sensor, reducing hardware costs and improving system reliability and cooking results.

[0044] In conjunction with the first aspect, step S121 includes: S1210, the water replenishment frequency increases with the increase of the first temperature rise rate, and the duration of a single water replenishment decreases with the increase of the first temperature rise rate.

[0045] As mentioned before, the first temperature rise rate V reflects how quickly the temperature of the cooking cavity rises per unit time. During steam cooking, the rate of temperature rise in the cavity directly depends on the intensity of steam supplied to the cavity by the steam generator: when the steam demand is high (e.g., when the food absorbs a large amount of heat, or when the cavity's sealing changes), a large amount of steam is consumed, and the cavity temperature rise rate will relatively slow down, meaning the V value will be smaller; conversely, when the steam demand is low, a small amount of steam is sufficient to rapidly heat the cavity, meaning the V value will be larger. Therefore, the first temperature rise rate V is inversely proportional to the actual water consumption of the steam generator; that is, the smaller the V value, the greater the water consumption; the larger the V value, the smaller the water consumption. Based on the above inverse relationship, step S1210 sets the control law of water replenishment parameters changing with the V value, which is described in detail below: When the V value is small (i.e., water consumption is large), the steam generator needs to frequently receive large amounts of water to meet the continuous steam production demand. According to the settings in step S1210, the water replenishment frequency decreases as the V value decreases, while the duration of a single water replenishment increases as the V value decreases. In other words, under the condition of high water consumption, the system adopts a "low-frequency, long-duration" water replenishment method, that is, injecting a large amount of water each time, but injecting relatively few times. In this way, by replenishing a large amount of water at a time, it is ensured that there is sufficient water in the steam generator to cope with the high-intensity steam output demand; at the same time, due to the buffering effect of the generator water tank (the generator water tank and the steam generator are connected in terms of liquid level), even if the single water replenishment volume is large, it can still be smoothly replenished to the steam generator through the principle of liquid level balance, avoiding drastic fluctuations in water level caused by direct impact.

[0046] When the V value is high (i.e., water consumption is low), the steam generator only needs a small amount of water replenishment to maintain normal operation. According to the settings in step S1210, the water replenishment frequency increases with the increase of the V value, while the duration of each water replenishment decreases. In other words, under low water consumption conditions, the system adopts a "high-frequency, extremely short-duration" water replenishment method, meaning only a very small amount of water is injected each time, but the injections are frequent. This maintains a micro-dynamic balance of water volume within the steam generator—due to the low water consumption rate, only a very small amount of water needs to be added each time to meet the demand, while the high-frequency operation ensures minimal fluctuations in water volume, keeping the steam generator always near the optimal operating water level, thereby guaranteeing the continuity and stability of steam output.

[0047] In this way, through the inverse control of frequency and duration, the total water replenishment per unit time (i.e., water replenishment rate = frequency × single water replenishment volume) always remains consistent with the actual water consumption rate. When the V value is small (high water consumption rate), although the frequency is low, the single water replenishment time is long, and the total water replenishment volume is large; when the V value is large (low water consumption rate), although the frequency is high, the single water replenishment time is extremely short, and the total water replenishment volume is small. This control method ensures that the water supply accurately follows changes in water consumption.

[0048] When the water consumption rate is low, high-frequency, extremely short-duration water replenishment minimizes water level fluctuations within the steam generator, ensuring stable steam production. Even with high water consumption rates, although the amount of water replenished at a time is large, the buffering effect of the generator's water tank ensures a smooth replenishment process, preventing drastic water level fluctuations. The entire control process is based entirely on temperature data collected by the primary temperature sensor. Algorithms indirectly sense water consumption and dynamically match replenishment parameters, eliminating the need for any water level detection components. This achieves intelligent and precise control of steam generator replenishment, ensuring continuous and stable steam production while minimizing hardware costs and system complexity, and enhancing the user experience.

[0049] In conjunction with the first aspect, the water replenishment frequency and the duration of each water replenishment are determined based on the correspondence between the temperature rise rate and the preset water replenishment parameters. The correspondence between the water replenishment parameters is used to achieve a dynamic balance between the water supply and water consumption per unit time.

[0050] Understandably, the determination of the water replenishment frequency and the duration of each replenishment is not arbitrary, but rather derived from the temperature rise rate based on a preset correspondence between water replenishment parameters. This preset correspondence is a mapping rule pre-stored in the control system, and its core purpose is to ensure a dynamic balance between the amount of water supplied to the steam generator per unit time (i.e., the water supply) and the actual water consumption of the steam generator under this operating condition. Specifically, since there is a clear physical inverse relationship between the first temperature rise rate V and the water consumption, a smaller V value indicates a larger water consumption, and a larger V value indicates a smaller water consumption. The control system, through experimental calibration or theoretical calculation, matches the corresponding water replenishment frequency f and the duration of each replenishment t for different V value ranges, so that when running according to this parameter combination, the water supply Qsupply per unit time of the pump (which can be expressed as the product of f and the amount of water replenished per replenishment) is exactly equal to the current water consumption rate Qdemand.

[0051] This correspondence can be implemented in the form of a segmented interval table. For example, V can be divided into multiple intervals of low, medium, and high, with each interval assigned a fixed low-frequency long-duration, medium-frequency medium-duration, or high-frequency short-duration water replenishment parameter. Alternatively, a continuous function can be used to establish a direct proportional relationship between f and V and an inverse proportional relationship between t and V, thereby enabling the calculation of the optimal water replenishment parameter in real time for any V value. Regardless of the specific form used, this preset correspondence follows the control law defined in step S1210, namely, the water replenishment frequency increases with increasing V, and the duration of a single water replenishment decreases with increasing V, thus ensuring real-time matching between water supply and water consumption as a whole.

[0052] Through this mechanism, the control system can adaptively adjust the water replenishment strategy under complex conditions such as different cooking stages and varying food loads: when water consumption is high (low V value), a larger volume of water is injected in a low-frequency, long-duration mode to meet the demand for high-intensity steam output; when water consumption is low (high V value), a very small amount of water is injected in a high-frequency, short-duration mode to maintain a micro-dynamic balance of water volume. Simultaneously, combined with the buffering effect of the generator's water tank, even with a large single water replenishment volume, the water level can be smoothly replenished to the steam generator through level balancing, avoiding drastic fluctuations in water level. The entire process is based entirely on existing data from the primary temperature sensor, eliminating the need for any additional water level detection components. This reduces hardware costs while ensuring the continuity and stability of steam production, ultimately achieving intelligent and precise control of water replenishment to the steam generator.

[0053] Example 2 In conjunction with the first aspect, the steam cooking equipment is also equipped with a second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the steam generator. Figure 2 As shown, the method also includes: S210, the second temperature value of the steam generator is determined by the second temperature sensor.

[0054] S220, if the second temperature value exceeds the corresponding temperature threshold, water is supplied to the steam generator in the second water supply mode.

[0055] In the water replenishment control method of the first aspect of this application, to further improve the reliability and safety of system operation, the steam cooking equipment is also equipped with a second temperature sensor for monitoring the working status of the steam generator. This sensor is specifically installed inside the steam generator or close to its outer surface, capable of sensing the temperature change of the steam generator body in real time, and is electrically connected to the control system, transmitting the detected temperature signal to the control system for processing in real time. Based on this hardware configuration, this method further includes a second water replenishment mode based on the temperature of the steam generator itself, which is described below in conjunction with... Figure 2 The control logic shown will be explained in detail.

[0056] Step S210 determines the second temperature value of the steam generator using the second temperature sensor. During the operation of the steam cooking equipment, the control system continuously reads the temperature data detected by the second temperature sensor at a preset sampling period to obtain the actual temperature value T of the steam generator at the current moment. This temperature value directly reflects the internal thermal state of the steam generator. When there is sufficient water in the steam generator, the heat generated is absorbed by the water to produce steam, and the shell temperature is maintained within the normal operating range. When there is insufficient water or even a lack of water, the heat cannot be effectively absorbed, and the temperature of the steam generator will rise rapidly.

[0057] Step S220 is as follows: If the second temperature value exceeds the corresponding temperature threshold, water is replenished to the steam generator in the second water replenishment mode. The control system has a preset temperature threshold H, which corresponds to the critical temperature value at which the steam generator begins to dry-burn. This threshold is usually obtained through experimental calibration, specifically within the range above the highest normal operating temperature of the steam generator but before damage to the components; that is, the temperature value at which the steam generator is about to enter dry-burning or has just begun dry-burning. When the control system determines that the measured temperature T reaches or exceeds the threshold H, it determines that an abnormal operating condition of insufficient water supply has occurred. At this time, the first water replenishment mode (dynamic water replenishment based on the cavity temperature rise rate) can no longer meet the water replenishment demand in time, and the system immediately switches to the second water replenishment mode to intervene.

[0058] The control strategy of the second water replenishment mode differs significantly from that of the first mode: it employs a large-volume, infrequent water replenishment approach. Specifically, the duration X of each replenishment cycle is set relatively long, typically several seconds or even more than ten seconds, ensuring a large volume of water is injected into the steam generator at once. Furthermore, this mode is only activated once or a very small number of times when trigger conditions are met, and is not used as a regular, continuous water replenishment strategy. The specific value of the replenishment duration X is preset based on actual parameters such as the steam generator's volume and the water pump flow rate, ensuring that a single replenishment cycle restores the steam generator to a safe water level. Through this forced, rapid water replenishment, the control system can eliminate the risk of dry burning immediately, protect the steam generator and related components from damage, and quickly restore normal steam production.

[0059] It is important to note that the second water replenishment mode and the first water replenishment mode are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary. During normal cooking, the control system primarily operates in the first water replenishment mode as described in Example 1, dynamically adjusting the water replenishment frequency and duration based on the cavity temperature rise rate to achieve a precise match between water supply and consumption. When abnormal conditions occur (such as delayed response of the first water replenishment mode, blockage of the water supply pipeline, or pump failure) leading to actual water shortage in the steam generator, the temperature anomaly detected by the second temperature sensor will trigger the intervention of the second water replenishment mode in this example, providing a safety net through forced water replenishment. The coexistence of these two modes allows this water replenishment control method to cover various operating conditions of the system: it can achieve intelligent and energy-efficient stable water replenishment under normal conditions, while providing reliable safety assurance under abnormal conditions, thereby comprehensively ensuring that the steam generator always operates under ideal conditions, ultimately guaranteeing the stability of cooking results and the long-term reliability of the equipment.

[0060] In conjunction with the first aspect, in step S220, water is supplied to the steam generator in the second water supply mode, specifically including: S221 controls the water pump to operate for a preset water replenishment time to replenish water to the steam generator.

[0061] The preset water replenishment duration is longer than the single water replenishment duration in the first water replenishment mode.

[0062] Specifically, when the control system detects that the temperature of the steam generator exceeds a preset threshold through the second temperature sensor and triggers the second water replenishment mode, the specific execution method is as follows: the water pump is controlled to run for a preset water replenishment duration to replenish water to the steam generator. It is worth noting that this preset water replenishment duration is set to be longer than the single water replenishment duration in the first water replenishment mode. This parameter setting reflects the essential difference in control strategy between the second and first water replenishment modes. The first water replenishment mode uses a small amount of water replenished frequently, and its single water replenishment duration is usually short to ensure a micro-dynamic balance of water volume under low water consumption conditions.

[0063] The second water replenishment mode, serving as a protection mechanism under abnormal operating conditions, aims to quickly eliminate the risk of dry burning in the shortest possible time. Therefore, it employs a "large volume, few repetitions" approach, significantly extending the duration of each water replenishment to ensure a sufficient amount of water is injected at once to restore the steam generator to a safe water level. This preset water replenishment duration is not arbitrarily set but is obtained through experimental calibration based on the steam generator's volume, the water pump's rated flow rate, and the required safe water replenishment. Its specific value must be sufficient to cover the water shortage under dry burning conditions while avoiding excessive water injection due to excessive length. At the control execution level, when the control system determines that the measured temperature has reached or exceeded the threshold, it immediately generates and outputs a control command to the water pump for a duration equal to the preset water replenishment duration. This drives the water pump to draw water from the storage tank, inject it into the generator's water tank through water pipes, and ultimately replenish the steam generator through the principle of liquid level balance. Throughout the entire water replenishment process, the control system does not perform any dynamic adjustments; it neither references the current temperature rise rate nor monitors temperature changes during the replenishment process, but rather enforces the entire preset duration in an open-loop manner. By setting the preset water replenishment time to be longer than that of the first water replenishment mode, the second water replenishment mode can quickly eliminate the risk of dry burning: when the steam generator's temperature rises abnormally due to lack of water, the longer forced water replenishment can inject sufficient water within seconds, rapidly reducing the generator's temperature and preventing damage to the heating element due to continuous dry burning. Simultaneously, this setting creates a clear gradient protection between the two modes: short-duration water replenishment maintains dynamic balance under normal operating conditions, while long-duration water replenishment provides forced intervention under abnormal conditions. The two modes work together without interfering with each other. Even with a longer single water replenishment time, because the generator's water tank and the steam generator's liquid level are connected, the injected water will still be smoothly replenished to the steam generator through the principle of liquid level balance, avoiding the drastic water level fluctuations that might occur if water is directly injected into the steam generator. Ultimately, this differentiated parameter setting allows the second water replenishment mode to effectively intervene in abnormal operating conditions in a simple and reliable manner. Together with the first water replenishment mode, it constitutes a complete intelligent water replenishment control system for the steam generator, significantly improving the safety and reliability of the equipment while ensuring cooking results.

[0064] In conjunction with the first aspect, the temperature threshold corresponds to the temperature value at which the steam generator begins to dry-burn.

[0065] The temperature threshold was set to the temperature at which the steam generator begins to dry-burn. This threshold was not arbitrarily selected, but rather determined through experimental calibration based on the thermal characteristics of the steam generator under different water flow conditions.

[0066] Specifically, when there is sufficient water in the steam generator, the heat generated by the heating element is effectively absorbed by the water for phase change steam production, and the shell temperature of the steam generator remains stable within the normal operating range. As the water gradually decreases until it is almost dry, the heat cannot be carried away in time, and the temperature of the steam generator begins to deviate from the normal range and shows a rapid upward trend. By monitoring this temperature change process, the critical temperature value when the steam generator is about to enter a dry-burning state or has just begun to dry-burn can be accurately captured. This critical value is the basis for setting the preset temperature threshold.

[0067] In practical applications, this threshold is typically set slightly higher than the highest stable temperature of the steam generator under full load, but lower than the safe limit temperature that could damage the components. This ensures that the second water replenishment mode is not mistakenly triggered under normal operating conditions, while allowing timely intervention when the risk of dry burning actually occurs. When the control system detects that the measured temperature reaches or exceeds this threshold through the second temperature sensor, it determines that an abnormal condition of insufficient water supply has occurred. At this point, the dynamic adjustment of the first water replenishment mode based on the cavity temperature rise rate can no longer meet the water replenishment demand. The control system immediately switches to the second water replenishment mode, forcibly replenishing water in large quantities and in small increments to quickly restore the normal water volume in the steam generator. By precisely positioning the temperature threshold at the dry burning initiation point, accurate identification and timely response to abnormal conditions are achieved: if the threshold is set too high, the best intervention opportunity may be missed, causing the steam generator to enter a deep dry burning state, resulting in component damage or cooking failure; if the threshold is set too low, it may be mistakenly judged as dry burning when the water volume is still sufficient, triggering unnecessary forced water replenishment and interfering with the normal cooking process. Therefore, the precise correspondence between this temperature threshold and the initial dry-burning state of the steam generator forms the basis for the reliable operation of the second water replenishment mode, enabling it to accurately intervene and effectively protect at critical moments, and together with the first water replenishment mode, it forms a complete intelligent water replenishment control system.

[0068] Secondly, this application provides a steam cooking device, comprising: Cooking cavity; The first temperature sensor is installed inside the cooking cavity to detect the temperature inside the cooking cavity; Steam generator; The main water tank is used to store the water supplied to the steam generator; The generator water tank is connected to or integrated with the steam generator. The water pump has its inlet connected to the main water tank and its outlet connected to the generator water tank. The controller is electrically connected to the first temperature sensor and the water pump, and is used to execute the method provided in Example 1.

[0069] The second aspect of this application provides a steam cooking device based on the water replenishment control method of the first aspect. Through the organic combination of hardware structures and the coordinated operation of the controller, intelligent control of water replenishment to the steam generator is achieved. The steam cooking device includes a cooking chamber, a first temperature sensor, a steam generator, a main water tank, a generator water tank, a water pump, and a controller. The cooking chamber is a cavity structure used to accommodate food and form a cooking space. It is typically made of metal and has good sealing and high-temperature resistance. The first temperature sensor is located inside the cooking chamber or close to the inner wall to detect temperature changes within the cooking chamber in real time. Its sensing end is exposed to the cavity environment, enabling accurate perception of the thermal state within the cavity. The steam generator is the core component for generating steam. It typically adopts a disc or box-type structure, and its steam outlet is connected to the cooking chamber through a pipe or a direct opening to deliver the generated steam into the cavity for steaming and cooking the food.

[0070] In terms of water supply system design, the equipment adopts a dual-tank structure combining a main water tank and a generator water tank. The main water tank is the primary container for storing water, with a large volume sufficient to meet the water requirements of a complete cooking process. The generator water tank has a unique structural relationship with the steam generator: they can be independent components connected by a connecting pipe, or they can be integrally formed. Regardless of the form, the ultimate goal is to ensure that the liquid levels inside the generator water tank and the steam generator remain connected or at the same level. This interconnected structure allows the generator water tank to effectively act as the direct water source for the steam generator. When the steam generator operates and consumes its internal water, the water in the generator water tank is automatically replenished to the steam generator through a liquid level balance principle, thereby maintaining a stable water level within the steam generator.

[0071] The water pump, acting as the power component, has its inlet connected to the outlet of the main water tank via a water pipe, and its outlet connected to the inlet of the generator water tank via a water pipe. This connection establishes a complete water supply path: when the pump starts, it pumps water stored in the main water tank to the generator water tank for storage and backup. Since the generator water tank and the steam generator are connected at the same level, the water injected into the generator water tank gradually replenishes the steam generator, thus achieving indirect water replenishment to the steam generator. This method of replenishing water through an intermediate buffer tank effectively avoids the impact and drastic water level fluctuations that may occur when directly injecting water into the steam generator.

[0072] The controller is the core of the entire device, typically employing a microcontroller system. Its input is electrically connected to the first temperature sensor to receive the cavity temperature signal collected by the sensor; its output is electrically connected to the water pump to send start / stop control commands and control the operating duration. The controller has a pre-stored computer program configured to execute the steam generator water replenishment control method as described in Example 1. Specifically, the controller records multiple temperature values ​​at preset time intervals based on real-time temperature data collected by the first temperature sensor, calculating the temperature rise rate V within the cooking cavity. Then, based on the magnitude of the temperature rise rate V, it dynamically determines the water replenishment frequency and duration according to preset water replenishment parameter correspondences, and controls the water pump to operate intermittently at the determined frequency and duration, pumping water from the main water tank to the generator water tank, thereby replenishing the steam generator through the liquid level balance principle, achieving intelligent control of the first water replenishment mode. When the temperature rise rate V is large, the controller operates at a higher frequency and shorter single water replenishment time; when the V value is small, it operates at a lower frequency and longer single water replenishment time, thereby ensuring that the water supply per unit time and the actual water consumption of the steam generator are always in dynamic balance.

[0073] In conjunction with the second aspect, the steam cooking device also includes a second temperature sensor.

[0074] The second temperature sensor is installed on the steam generator to detect the temperature of the steam generator; the controller is electrically connected to the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the water pump, and the controller is used to execute the method provided in Example 2.

[0075] To further enhance the safety and reliability of the equipment, the steam cooking device may optionally include a second temperature sensor. This second temperature sensor is located inside or on the outer surface of the steam generator and is electrically connected to the controller to monitor the operating temperature of the steam generator in real time. The controller has a preset temperature threshold, which corresponds to the critical temperature at which the steam generator begins to dry-burn. When the controller detects that the measured temperature of the steam generator reaches or exceeds this threshold via the second temperature sensor, it determines that an abnormal condition of insufficient water supply has occurred and immediately switches to a second water replenishment mode, controlling the water pump to run once for a preset fixed water replenishment duration. This preset water replenishment duration is longer than the single water replenishment duration in the first water replenishment mode, ensuring that sufficient water is injected at once to restore the steam generator to a safe water level, thereby quickly eliminating the risk of dry burning and protecting the equipment from damage.

[0076] Through the above structural design and control logic, the steam cooking equipment provided in this application makes full use of the existing temperature sensor. Without adding a water level sensor, it achieves indirect sensing of water consumption and dynamic matching of water replenishment parameters through algorithms, reducing hardware costs and system complexity. The dual-tank structure combining the main water tank and the generator water tank, along with the liquid level connection design, ensures a smooth and gentle water replenishment process, avoiding drastic water level fluctuations. The first and second water replenishment modes work together to achieve intelligent and energy-saving precise water replenishment under normal operating conditions, while providing reliable safety guarantees under abnormal operating conditions. This comprehensively ensures that the steam generator always operates under ideal conditions, thereby significantly improving the stability of cooking effects and the long-term reliability of the equipment.

[0077] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide an electronic device, combined with Figure 3 As shown, the electronic device includes a memory 131 and a processor 130. The memory 131 stores a computer program, and the processor 130 runs the computer program to make the electronic device perform the above-described method.

[0078] Furthermore, combined Figure 3 The electronic device shown also includes a bus 132 and a communication interface 133, with the processor 130, the communication interface 133 and the memory 131 connected via the bus 132.

[0079] The memory 131 may include high-speed random access memory (RAM) and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device. Communication between this system network element and at least one other network element is achieved through at least one communication interface 133 (which can be wired or wireless), such as the Internet, wide area network, local area network, metropolitan area network, etc. The bus 132 may be an ISA bus, PCI bus, or EISA bus, etc. The bus can be divided into address bus, data bus, control bus, etc. For ease of representation, Figure 3 The symbol is represented by a single double-headed arrow, but this does not mean that there is only one bus or one type of bus.

[0080] Processor 130 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, each step of the above method can be completed by the integrated logic circuitry in the hardware of processor 130 or by instructions in software form. Processor 130 may be a general-purpose processor, including a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Network Processor (NP), etc.; it may also be a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, or discrete hardware components. It can implement or execute the methods, steps, and logic block diagrams disclosed in the embodiments of this invention. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor. The steps of the methods disclosed in the embodiments of this invention can be directly manifested as execution by a hardware decoding processor, or execution by a combination of hardware and software modules in the decoding processor. The software module can reside in a mature storage medium in the art, such as random access memory, flash memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable memory, or registers. This storage medium is located in memory 131, and processor 130 reads the information in memory 131 and, in conjunction with its hardware, completes the steps of the method described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0081] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a readable storage medium storing computer program instructions, which are read and executed by a processor to perform the above-described method.

[0082] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working process of the system and apparatus described above can be referred to the corresponding process in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0083] Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0084] If the aforementioned functions are implemented as software functional units and sold or used as independent products, they can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this invention, essentially, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a portion of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0085] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0086] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely specific implementations of the present invention, used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit it. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any person skilled in the art can still modify or easily conceive of changes to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features; and these modifications, changes, or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and 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. A water supply control method for a steam generator, applied to steam cooking equipment, characterized in that, The steam cooking device includes a cooking cavity, and a first temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the cooking cavity is disposed therein. The method includes: The first temperature rise rate inside the cooking cavity is determined by the first temperature value collected by the first temperature sensor. Based on the first temperature rise rate, water is replenished to the steam generator in the first water replenishment mode.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam cooking equipment is further equipped with a second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the steam generator, and the method further includes: The second temperature value of the steam generator is determined by the second temperature sensor. If the second temperature value exceeds the corresponding temperature threshold, water is replenished to the steam generator in the second water replenishment mode.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam cooking equipment includes a water tank, a water pump, and a steam generator. The water pump is connected between the water tank and the steam generator and is used to pump water from the water tank to the steam generator. The step of replenishing water to the steam generator in a first water replenishment mode based on the first temperature rise rate includes: Based on the magnitude of the first temperature rise rate, determine the water replenishment frequency and the duration of each water replenishment to the steam generator; The water pump is controlled to operate at the stated water replenishment frequency and the stated duration of each water replenishment to replenish water to the steam generator.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The steam cooking equipment also includes a generator water tank, which is connected to or integrated with the steam generator; the inlet of the water pump is connected to the water storage tank, and the outlet is connected to the generator water tank, for pumping water from the water storage tank to the generator water tank.

5. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The steps for determining the water replenishment frequency and duration of each replenishment based on the magnitude of the first temperature rise rate include: The water replenishment frequency increases with the increase of the first temperature rise rate, and the duration of a single water replenishment decreases with the increase of the first temperature rise rate.

6. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The water replenishment frequency and the duration of a single water replenishment are determined based on the correspondence between the temperature rise rate and the preset water replenishment parameters. The correspondence between the water replenishment parameters is used to achieve a dynamic balance between the water supply and water consumption per unit time.

7. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Water is supplied to the steam generator in the second water supply mode, including: Control the water pump to operate for a preset water replenishment duration; The preset water replenishment duration is longer than the single water replenishment duration in the first water replenishment mode.

8. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The temperature threshold corresponds to the temperature value at which the steam generator begins to dry-burn.

9. A steam cooking device, characterized in that, include: Cooking cavity; A first temperature sensor is installed inside the cooking cavity to detect the temperature inside the cooking cavity; Steam generator; The main water tank is used to store the water supplied to the steam generator; The generator water tank is connected to or integrated with the steam generator. The water pump has its inlet connected to the main water tank and its outlet connected to the generator water tank. The controller is electrically connected to the first temperature sensor and the water pump, and the controller is used to perform the method of claim 1.

10. The steam cooking equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that, Also includes: A second temperature sensor is installed on the steam generator to detect the temperature of the steam generator. The controller is electrically connected to the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, and the water pump, and the controller is used to execute the method described in claim 2.

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