Cooking utensil and control method thereof
By providing steam heating to the surface of the spill-proof cover, the problem of condensation dripping back into the cooking utensils was solved, resulting in reduced costs and improved food quality.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FOSHAN SHUNDE MIDEA ELECTRICAL HEATING APPLIANCES MFG CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-19
AI Technical Summary
Condensation generated by existing cooking appliances during cooking tends to drip back onto the food surface, affecting the taste and texture of the food. Furthermore, existing solutions are either costly or have complex designs.
A steam generator is used to supply steam to the surface of the overflow cover. The steam heats the overflow cover to maintain a high temperature, reducing the generation of condensate. The design is simple and low-cost.
It effectively reduces condensation from dripping back onto food surfaces, minimizing its impact on taste and texture, while also lowering system costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN122056510A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a cooking appliance and its control method. Background Technology
[0002] In related technologies, cooking appliances produce a lot of condensation during the cooking process. Most of the condensation is generated on the anti-overflow cover at the top of the cooking cavity, which can easily fall back onto the food surface, affecting the taste and texture of the food.
[0003] In related technologies, cooking appliances generally employ one of the following two solutions to reduce condensation:
[0004] First, designing the top of the spill cover as concave with a drainage groove, or setting a water recovery structure on the movable cover, can mitigate the risk of condensation dripping back onto the food surface if there is a lot of condensation or if grease blocks part of the drainage groove.
[0005] Secondly, heating devices such as heating wires and light wave tubes are installed on the lid of the cooking appliance to keep the anti-overflow lid at a high temperature. Although this design does not easily produce condensation, the design of the lid is relatively complex and the material selection has high requirements for high temperature resistance, resulting in higher costs. Summary of the Invention
[0006] The main objective of this invention is to provide a cooking appliance and its control method, which aims to reduce the generation of condensate, thereby reducing the amount of condensate that falls back onto the food surface, and at the same time, can reduce system costs.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a cooking utensil comprising:
[0008] The main body includes a cooking container and a lid. The cooking container has a cooking cavity with an opening. The inner side of the lid is provided with an overflow preventer. The lid is closable at the opening of the cooking cavity. When the lid is closed, the overflow preventer covers the opening of the cooking cavity.
[0009] A steam generator, the steam outlet of which faces the surface of the overflow cover.
[0010] In one embodiment, the steam generating device includes a nozzle, which is a forward nozzle, and the steam outlet of the steam generating device includes an outlet hole of the forward nozzle, the outlet hole of the forward nozzle facing the surface of the anti-overflow cover away from the cooking cavity.
[0011] In one embodiment, the forward nozzle is located on the side of the spill cover away from the cooking cavity.
[0012] In one embodiment, the cover is further provided with an exhaust port, which connects the cavity of the cover provided with the forward nozzle and the cooking cavity.
[0013] In one embodiment, the steam generating device includes a nozzle, the nozzle being a reverse nozzle, and the steam outlet of the steam generating device includes an outlet of the reverse nozzle, the outlet of the reverse nozzle facing the surface of the anti-overflow cover facing the cooking cavity.
[0014] In one embodiment, the reverse nozzle is located on the side of the spill containment cover facing the cooking cavity.
[0015] In one embodiment, the reverse nozzle extends from the spill cover into the cooking chamber;
[0016] The overflow cover is detachably installed on the cover body, the reverse nozzle is installed on the overflow cover, and the reverse nozzle can be removed from the cover body together with the overflow cover.
[0017] Alternatively, the overflow cover can be detachably installed on the cover body, the reverse nozzle can be installed on the cover body, and the reverse nozzle can be detachably connected to the overflow cover.
[0018] In one embodiment, the steam generating device further includes a composite heating plate, the composite heating plate comprising:
[0019] A heating plate is located below the cooking cavity and in contact with the bottom wall of the cooking cavity, and the heat from the heating plate can be transferred to the bottom wall of the cooking cavity;
[0020] The heating element is embedded in the heating plate;
[0021] A water guide pipe is embedded in the heating plate. The heat generated by the electric heating tube can be transferred to the water guide pipe to heat the water flowing through the water guide pipe and generate steam. The outlet of the water guide pipe is connected to the steam outlet of the steam generator.
[0022] In one embodiment, the steam generating device further includes a water tank, the water in which flows through a liquid supply pipeline to the water guide pipe; a pump body is also provided on the liquid supply pipeline.
[0023] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention also proposes a method for controlling a cooking appliance, the cooking appliance including the aforementioned cooking appliance, the control method comprising the following steps:
[0024] Before the moisture in the food in the cooking chamber is heated to form steam, the steam generator is controlled to produce a first type of steam and continuously for a preset first duration;
[0025] After the first type of steam has been continuously generated for a preset first time, the steam generating device is controlled to generate a second type of steam, wherein the humidity of the second type of steam is greater than that of the first type of steam.
[0026] In one embodiment, the step of controlling the steam generator to produce first-type steam includes:
[0027] The heating element of the steam generator is controlled to operate at a first power or at a first power ratio;
[0028] The steps for controlling the steam generator to produce the second type of steam include:
[0029] The heating element of the steam generator is controlled to operate at a second power or at a second power ratio.
[0030] Wherein, the first power is greater than the second power, or the first power regulation ratio is greater than the second power regulation ratio.
[0031] In one embodiment, the step of controlling the steam generator to produce first-type steam includes:
[0032] The water flow rate in the flow channel of the steam generator is controlled to a first flow rate;
[0033] The steps for controlling the steam generator to produce the second type of steam include:
[0034] The water flow rate in the flow channel of the steam generator is controlled to be the second flow rate;
[0035] Wherein, the first flow rate is less than the second flow rate.
[0036] The technical solution of this invention employs a steam generator to supply steam to the surface of the overflow-proof cover, continuously heating the cover to maintain a high temperature during cooking. This reduces the temperature difference between the cover and the steam inside the cooking cavity, thereby reducing condensation and minimizing its impact on the food's taste and texture. Furthermore, compared to methods that incorporate heating wires, light wave tubes, or other heating devices on the cover, this design is simpler, does not require high-temperature resistance in material selection, and has a lower overall cost. Attached Figure Description
[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.
[0038] Figure 1 A simplified structural diagram of an embodiment of the cooking utensil provided by the present invention;
[0039] Figure 2 A simplified structural diagram of another embodiment of the cooking utensil provided by the present invention;
[0040] Figure 3 The control process of an embodiment of the cooking appliance provided by the present invention;
[0041] Figure 4 The specific control process of an embodiment of the cooking utensil provided by the present invention;
[0042] Figure 5 The specific control process of another embodiment of the cooking appliance provided by the present invention.
[0043] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0044] label name label name 100 Cooking utensils 21 Liquid supply line 10 Ontology 211 nozzle 11 Cooking containers 211a Forward nozzle 11a Cooking cavity 211b Reverse nozzle 12 Cover 22 water tank 121 Overflow cover 23 Composite hot plate 20 Steam generator 24 pump body
[0045] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation
[0046] 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 a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0047] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.
[0048] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.
[0049] During cooking, the temperature of the steam inside the cooking cavity of the cooking appliance gradually increases, while the temperature of the anti-overflow cover on the lid rises more slowly. This results in a large temperature difference between the anti-overflow cover and the steam inside the cooking cavity. When the high-temperature steam comes into contact with the low-temperature anti-overflow cover, condensation will form on the anti-overflow cover. This condensation can easily fall back onto the food surface, affecting the taste and texture of the food.
[0050] In related technologies, cooking appliances generally employ one of the following two solutions to reduce condensation:
[0051] First, designing the top of the spill cover as concave with a drainage groove, or setting a water recovery structure on the movable cover, can mitigate the risk of condensation dripping back onto the food surface if there is a lot of condensation or if grease blocks part of the drainage groove.
[0052] Secondly, heating devices such as heating wires and light wave tubes are installed on the lid of the cooking appliance to keep the anti-overflow lid at a high temperature. Although this design does not easily produce condensation, the design of the lid is relatively complex and the material selection has high requirements for high temperature resistance, resulting in higher costs.
[0053] Based on this, the present invention proposes a cooking appliance 100 designed to reduce the generation of condensation, thereby reducing the amount of condensation falling onto the food surface and thus minimizing its impact on the taste and texture of the food, while also keeping the overall cost low. This cooking appliance 100 can be a rice cooker, pressure cooker, steamer, or similar appliance. The structure of the cooking appliance 100 will be described below by way of embodiments.
[0054] Please see Figure 1In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooking appliance 100 includes a body 10 and a steam generator 20; the body 10 includes a cooking container 11 and a cover 12, the cooking container 11 is provided with a cooking cavity 11a with an opening, the cover 12 is provided with an overflow cover 121 on the inner side, and the cover 12 is closable at the opening of the cooking cavity 11a; when the cover 12 closes the cooking cavity 11a, the overflow cover 121 covers the opening of the cooking cavity 11a; the steam outlet of the steam generator 20 faces the surface of the overflow cover 121.
[0055] In this embodiment, the cooking container 11 may include a base and an inner pot. The base has a cavity for placing the inner pot and provides support for it. Components on the base also function to heat and vent the food inside the inner pot. The inner pot has a cooking cavity 11a, and a lid 12 covers the opening of the inner pot. In practical applications, the lid 12 can be rotatably connected to the base to open or close the inner pot; alternatively, the lid 12 can be directly removed from the base to open the inner pot.
[0056] It should be noted that the steam outlet of the steam generator 20 faces the surface of the overflow cover 121. That is, the steam generator 20 can supply steam to the surface of the overflow cover 121. Here, "facing" means that when this direction is decomposed, there is at least one component pointing towards the surface of the overflow cover 121.
[0057] In practical applications, the steam supplied by the steam generator 20 to the overflow cover 121 can be either dry steam (Type I steam) or wet steam (Type II steam). Dry steam refers to steam that does not contain liquid water; it is superheated steam formed by heating saturated steam. Wet steam refers to steam that contains some liquid water droplets. The main difference between dry steam and wet steam lies in their composition. Dry steam is almost entirely water vapor, while wet steam contains a mixture of water vapor and liquid water droplets.
[0058] Specifically, the cooking appliance 100 typically has three stages during the cooking process: the cooking start stage, the cooking stage, and the heat-keeping stage. The cooking start stage refers to the period from the start of cooking until the food boils; the cooking stage refers to the period from the food boiling until the cooking ends; and the heat-keeping stage refers to the period from the end of cooking until the appliance is turned off.
[0059] During the initial cooking stage, as the temperature inside the cooking chamber 11a continuously rises, in order to rapidly heat up the overflow cover 121 and bring it to a high temperature quickly, the steam generated by the steam generator 20 needs to be adjusted to dry steam. This dry steam is then supplied to the surface of the overflow cover 121 through the steam generator 20, guiding it towards the lower-temperature overflow cover 121. This effectively ensures that while rapidly heating the overflow cover 121, the probability of the dry steam condensing on the overflow cover 121 to form condensate is minimized.
[0060] During the cooking stage, steam is supplied to the food in the cooking cavity 11a to heat it. To ensure proper cooking and prevent the food from becoming too dry, the steam generated by the steam generator 20 is adjusted to be humid steam. This humid steam is supplied to both the inside of the cooking cavity 11a and the surface of the overflow cover 121. Since the temperature of the overflow cover 121 has already reached a high level during this process, condensation will not form on its surface when humid steam is supplied. Alternatively, dry steam and humid steam can be supplied to the inside of the cooking cavity 11a and the overflow cover 121 alternately during the cooking stage. The specific time period and frequency of this alternation can be selected according to the ingredients and cooking mode, and are not specifically limited here. Of course, in other embodiments, an additional heating plate or electric heating plate is also used to heat the food in the cooking cavity 11a.
[0061] During the heat preservation stage, since the food has already been cooked, the moisture content in the cooking cavity 11a is low. A small amount of dry steam can be provided to the inside of the cooking cavity 11a and the anti-overflow cover 121 as needed. This can ensure that the food inside the cooking cavity 11a is effectively kept warm, while preventing condensation from forming on the anti-overflow cover 121. The amount of steam provided can be selected according to the different ingredients and cooking modes, and no specific limit is made here.
[0062] In summary, the technical solution of this invention provides steam to the surface of the overflow cover 121 using a steam generator 20, continuously heating the overflow cover 121 to maintain a high temperature during cooking. This reduces the temperature difference between the overflow cover 121 and the steam inside the cooking cavity 11a, thereby reducing condensation and minimizing the amount of condensation falling back onto the food surface, thus minimizing its impact on the taste and texture of the food. Furthermore, compared to methods that incorporate heating devices such as heating wires or light wave tubes on the cover 12, this design is simpler, does not require high-temperature resistance in material selection, and has a lower overall cost.
[0063] Please see Figure 1In one embodiment of the present invention, the steam generating device 20 includes a nozzle 211, which is a forward nozzle 211a. The steam outlet of the steam generating device 20 includes an outlet hole of the forward nozzle 211a, which faces the surface of the anti-overflow cover 121 away from the cooking chamber 11a.
[0064] With this configuration, the steam generated by the steam generator 20 can be sprayed onto the surface of the anti-overflow cover 121 away from the cooking chamber 11a through the forward nozzle 211a, so that the steam is more evenly distributed on the surface of the anti-overflow cover 121 away from the cooking chamber 11a, which allows the anti-overflow cover 121 to heat up more quickly and can further reduce the generation of water vapor.
[0065] In this embodiment, the steam generator 20 is provided with a positive nozzle 211a, one end of which can extend from one side of the cover 12 into the area between the cover 12 and the anti-overflow cover 121, so that the steam outlet of the positive nozzle 211a can smoothly face the surface of the anti-overflow cover 121 away from the cooking chamber 11a.
[0066] In practical applications, the forward nozzle 211a can be located above the center of the overflow cover 121, or it can be located at other positions corresponding to the surface of the overflow cover 121 that is away from the cooking cavity 11a. As long as the air outlet of the forward nozzle 211a can be directed toward the surface of the overflow cover 121 that is away from the cooking cavity 11a, steam can be sprayed onto the surface of the overflow cover 121 that is away from the cooking cavity 11a.
[0067] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment of the present invention, the forward nozzle 211a is located on the side of the anti-overflow cover 121 away from the cooking cavity 11a.
[0068] This configuration, by placing the forward nozzle 211a on the side of the overflow cover 121 away from the cooking chamber 11a, allows the steam sprayed from the vent of the forward nozzle 211a to be more evenly distributed on the inner surface of the overflow cover 121 away from the cooking chamber 11a. This enables the overflow cover 121 to heat up more quickly and further reduces the generation of water vapor. Since the forward nozzle 211a is located on the side of the overflow cover 121 away from the cooking chamber 11a, there is no need to provide a through hole on the overflow cover 121 for the forward nozzle 211a to pass through.
[0069] In practical applications, the distance between the forward nozzle 211a and the inner surface of the anti-overflow cover 121 away from the cooking cavity 11a can be determined according to the actual usage. As long as the steam sprayed from the air outlet of the forward nozzle 211a can be evenly distributed on the inner surface of the anti-overflow cover 121 away from the cooking cavity 11a, no specific limitation is made here.
[0070] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cover 12 is further provided with an exhaust hole (not shown in the figure), which connects the cavity of the cover 12 with a forward nozzle 211a and the cooking cavity 11a.
[0071] With this configuration, a large amount of steam injected into the lid 12 from the forward nozzle 211a can enter the cooking chamber 11a through the exhaust port, thereby relieving pressure on the cavity of the lid 12 with the forward nozzle 211a and preventing excessive steam pressure inside the lid 12.
[0072] Please see Figure 2 In another embodiment of the present invention, the steam generating device 20 includes a nozzle 211, which is a reverse nozzle 211b. The steam outlet of the steam generating device 20 includes an outlet of the reverse nozzle 211b, which faces the surface of the anti-overflow cover 121 facing the cooking cavity 11a.
[0073] With this configuration, the steam generated by the steam generator 20 can be sprayed onto the surface of the anti-overflow cover 121 facing the cooking cavity 11a through the reverse nozzle 211b, so that the steam is more evenly distributed on the surface of the anti-overflow cover 121 facing the cooking cavity 11a, which allows the anti-overflow cover 121 to heat up more quickly, and can also further reduce the generation of water vapor.
[0074] In this practical application, the end of the steam generator 20 equipped with the reverse nozzle 211b can extend from one side of the cover 12 into the area between the cover 12 and the anti-overflow cover 121, then pass through the anti-overflow cover 121 and extend into the cooking chamber 11a, so that the air outlet of the reverse nozzle 211b can smoothly face the outer surface of the anti-overflow cover 121 facing the cooking chamber 11a; or, the end of the flow channel 21 equipped with the reverse nozzle 211b can also extend directly from the base into the cooking chamber 11a, so that the air outlet of the reverse nozzle 211b can also smoothly face the outer surface of the anti-overflow cover 121 facing the cooking chamber 11a.
[0075] In practical applications, the reverse nozzle 211b can be located below the center of the overflow cover 121, or it can be located at other positions corresponding to the outer surface of the overflow cover 121 facing the cooking cavity 11a, as long as the air outlet of the reverse nozzle 211b can be directed toward the outer surface of the overflow cover 121 facing the cooking cavity 11a, so as to spray steam onto the outer surface of the overflow cover 121 facing the overflow cover 121.
[0076] Please see Figure 2 In another embodiment of the invention, the reverse nozzle 211b is located on the side of the spill cover 121 facing the cooking cavity 11a.
[0077] With this configuration, by placing the reverse nozzle 211b on the side of the overflow cover 121 facing the cooking chamber 11a, the steam sprayed from the air outlet of the reverse nozzle 211b can be more evenly distributed on the outer surface of the overflow cover 121 facing the cooking chamber 11a, allowing the overflow cover 121 to heat up more quickly, and further reducing the generation of water vapor.
[0078] In practical applications, the distance between the reverse nozzle 211b and the outer surface of the anti-overflow cover 121 facing the cooking cavity 11a can be determined according to the actual usage. As long as the steam sprayed from the air outlet of the reverse nozzle 211b can be evenly distributed on the outer surface of the anti-overflow cover 121 facing the cooking cavity 11a, no specific limitation is made here.
[0079] Please see Figure 2 In another embodiment of the invention, the reverse nozzle 211b extends from the spill cover 121 into the cooking chamber 11a.
[0080] This configuration allows the end of the flow channel 21 with the reverse nozzle 211b to extend from one side of the cover 12 into the area between the cover 12 and the anti-overflow cover 121, then through the anti-overflow cover 121 and into the cooking cavity 11a. This ensures that the air outlet of the reverse nozzle 211b can smoothly face the outer surface of the anti-overflow cover 121 facing the cooking cavity 11a. This also avoids interference between the flow channel 21 and the inner pot, making the structural design simpler.
[0081] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the overflow cover 121 is detachably installed on the cover 12, and the user can remove the overflow cover 121 from the cover 12 for cleaning as needed.
[0082] In some embodiments, the reverse nozzle 211b is mounted on the overflow cover 121, and the reverse nozzle 211b can be removed from the cover 12 together with the overflow cover 121. When the steam generator 20 includes a pipeline for conveying steam, such as a water pipe, when the reverse nozzle 211b is mounted on the cover 12 together with the overflow cover 121, the reverse nozzle 211b is aligned and communicated with the pipeline for conveying steam, and the reverse nozzle 211b and the pipeline for conveying steam are detachably assembled.
[0083] In other embodiments, a reverse nozzle 211b is mounted on the cover 12 and is detachably connected to the overflow cover 121. When the overflow cover 121 is mounted on the cover 12, the reverse nozzle 211b extends through the overflow cover 121 into the cooking chamber 11a. When the overflow cover 121 is removed from the cover 12, the reverse nozzle 211b separates from the overflow cover 121.
[0084] In one embodiment of the present invention, the steam generating device 20 further includes a composite heating plate 23, which includes a heating plate, an electric heating element, and a water guide pipe. The heating plate is located below the cooking cavity 11a and in contact with the bottom wall of the cooking cavity 11a, and the heat from the heating plate can be transferred to the bottom wall of the cooking cavity 11a. The electric heating element is embedded in the heating plate. The water guide pipe is embedded in the heating plate, and the heat generated by the electric heating element can be transferred to the water guide pipe to heat the water flowing through the water guide pipe and generate steam. The outlet of the water guide pipe is connected to the steam outlet of the steam generating device 20. The water guide pipe is equivalent to the pipeline used for transporting steam in the steam generating device 20.
[0085] This design, with the addition of a water pipe inside the heating plate, allows the heating plate to operate at a higher power. Part of the heat from the heating plate is conducted to the food via heat transfer from the bottom of the cooking cavity, while the other part is transferred to the water in the water pipe. The water is heated to form steam, which is then transported into the cooking cavity to heat the food. Essentially, the heat from the heating plate is rapidly transferred to the food through two methods. Therefore, even with a higher heating plate power, there is no risk of scorching or melting of the food. For the entire cooking appliance, higher heating power can shorten cooking time to some extent.
[0086] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the steam generating device 20 further includes a water tank 22, and the water in the water tank 22 flows through the liquid supply pipeline 21 to the water guide pipe.
[0087] With this setup, users only need to add water to the water tank 22 periodically, so that the water in the water tank 22 flows through the liquid supply pipe 21 to the water guide pipe. Under the action of the electric heating element, the water flowing through the water guide pipe can be heated into steam, making it more convenient for users.
[0088] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the liquid supply pipeline 21 is further provided with a pump body 24.
[0089] With this setup, the liquid supply flow rate and speed can be controlled via the pump body 24 to meet the needs of different cooked foods and different cooking stages.
[0090] Please see Figure 3 The present invention also proposes a control method for a cooking utensil 100. The specific structure of the cooking utensil 100 is as described in the above embodiments. Since the cooking utensil 100 adopts all the technical solutions of all the above embodiments, it has at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be described in detail here.
[0091] The control method for the cooking appliance 100 includes the following steps:
[0092] S10. Before the moisture in the food in the cooking cavity 11a is heated to form steam, the steam generating device 20 is controlled to generate first type of steam and continuously for a preset first duration.
[0093] S20. After the first type of steam has been continuously generated for a preset first time, the steam generating device 20 is controlled to generate a second type of steam, wherein the humidity of the second type of steam is greater than that of the first type of steam.
[0094] It should be noted that the description of "performing a certain step after the first type of steam has been continuously generated for a preset first time" only means that the step is performed after "the first type of steam has been continuously generated for a preset first time". Whether this step is performed immediately after "the first type of steam has been continuously generated for a preset first time" or after a certain interval is not specifically limited here.
[0095] With this configuration, at the beginning of cooking, before the moisture in the food in the cooking chamber 11a is heated to form steam, the steam generator 20 generates a first type of steam (dry steam) with relatively low humidity to provide dry steam to the overflow cover 121. Since the temperature inside the cooking chamber 11a is constantly rising during this stage, in order to rapidly heat up the overflow cover 121 and quickly reach a high temperature, the steam generated by the steam generator 20 needs to be adjusted to dry steam. This allows the steam generator 20 to provide dry steam to the surface of the overflow cover 121, guiding the dry steam to the lower-temperature overflow cover 121, effectively preventing condensation from forming on the overflow cover 121.
[0096] During the cooking stage, the steam generator 20 produces relatively high-humidity second-type steam (wet steam) to provide wet steam to the overflow cover 121 and the cooking cavity 11a. Since steam needs to be supplied to the food in the cooking cavity 11a at this stage to heat it, and to ensure the cooking effect and prevent the food from becoming too dry after cooking, the steam generated by the steam generator 20 needs to be adjusted to wet steam. This wet steam is supplied to the interior of the cooking cavity 11a and simultaneously to the surface of the overflow cover 121. Because the temperature of the overflow cover 121 has already reached a high level during this process, condensation will not form on the surface of the overflow cover 121 when wet steam is supplied. Alternatively, dry steam and wet steam can be supplied to the interior of the cooking cavity 11a and the overflow cover 121 alternately at different times during the cooking stage. The specific time periods and frequencies of this alternation can be selected according to the ingredients and cooking mode, and are not specifically limited here.
[0097] In addition, during the heat preservation stage, the steam generator 20 generates dry steam to provide dry steam to the overflow cover 121. Since the food has been cooked at this stage, the moisture content in the cooking cavity 11a is low. A small amount of dry steam can be provided to the inside of the cooking cavity 11a and the overflow cover 121 as needed. This ensures effective heat preservation of the food inside the cooking cavity 11a without condensation on the overflow cover 121. The specific amount of steam provided can be selected according to the food and cooking mode, and no specific limitation is made here.
[0098] Please see Figure 4 In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of controlling the steam generator 20 to generate first-type steam includes:
[0099] S11. Control the heating element of the steam generator 20 to operate at a first power or at a first power ratio;
[0100] The steps for controlling the steam generator 20 to generate second-type steam include:
[0101] S21. Control the heating element of the steam generator 20 to operate at the second power or at the second power ratio;
[0102] Wherein, the first power is greater than the second power, or the first power regulation ratio is greater than the second power regulation ratio.
[0103] In this embodiment, when the first type of steam is required, the heating element of the steam generator 20 can be controlled to operate at a first power or a first power adjustment ratio; when the second type of steam is required, the heating element of the steam generator 20 can be controlled to operate at a second power or a second power adjustment ratio. In this way, the first type of steam or the second type of steam can be provided according to different stages of the cooking process, effectively ensuring that no condensation is generated on the anti-overflow cover 121 and meeting the needs of different cooking stages.
[0104] When the heating element operates at a higher power or a higher power ratio, the steam generated by the steam generator 20 has lower humidity. Specifically, in some embodiments, the heating element of the steam generator can be the electric heating tube of the composite heating plate 23.
[0105] Please see Figure 5 In another embodiment of the present invention, the step of controlling the steam generator 20 to generate the first type of steam includes:
[0106] S12. The water flow rate in the flow channel of the steam generator 20 is controlled to be the first flow rate;
[0107] The steps for controlling the steam generator 20 to generate second-type steam include:
[0108] S22. The water flow rate in the flow channel of the steam generator 20 is controlled to be the second flow rate;
[0109] The first flow rate is less than the second flow rate.
[0110] In this embodiment, when the first type of steam needs to be generated, the water flow rate in the channel of the steam generator 20 can be controlled to a first flow rate; and when the second type of steam needs to be generated, the water flow rate in the channel of the steam generator 20 can be controlled to a second flow rate. Given a fixed amount of heat provided by the heating element, the higher the water flow rate in the channel, the higher the humidity of the steam generated by the steam generator 20. Therefore, by controlling the water flow rate in the channel, the first type of steam or the second type of steam can be provided according to different stages of the cooking process, effectively ensuring that no condensation occurs on the anti-overflow cover 121 and meeting the needs of different cooking stages.
[0111] Specifically, in some embodiments, the water flow rate in the flow channel of the steam generator 20 refers to the water flow rate in the water guide pipe of the composite heat plate 23.
[0112] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings under the technical concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A cooking utensil, characterized in that, include: The main body includes a cooking container and a lid. The cooking container has a cooking cavity with an opening. The inner side of the lid is provided with an overflow preventer. The lid is closable at the opening of the cooking cavity. When the lid is closed, the overflow preventer covers the opening of the cooking cavity. A steam generator, the steam outlet of which faces the surface of the overflow cover.
2. The cooking appliance as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The steam generating device includes a nozzle, which is a forward nozzle. The steam outlet of the steam generating device includes an air outlet of the forward nozzle, which faces the surface of the anti-overflow cover away from the cooking cavity.
3. The cooking utensil as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The forward nozzle is located on the side of the spill cover away from the cooking cavity.
4. The cooking utensil as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The cover is also provided with an exhaust hole, which connects the cavity of the cover with the forward nozzle and the cooking cavity.
5. The cooking appliance as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The steam generating device includes a nozzle, which is a reverse nozzle. The steam outlet of the steam generating device includes an air outlet of the reverse nozzle, which faces the surface of the anti-overflow cover facing the cooking cavity.
6. The cooking appliance as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The reverse nozzle is located on the side of the spill cover facing the cooking cavity.
7. The cooking utensil as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The reverse nozzle extends from the spill cover into the cooking chamber; The overflow cover is detachably installed on the cover body, the reverse nozzle is installed on the overflow cover, and the reverse nozzle can be removed from the cover body together with the overflow cover. Alternatively, the overflow cover can be detachably installed on the cover body, the reverse nozzle can be installed on the cover body, and the reverse nozzle can be detachably connected to the overflow cover.
8. The cooking utensil as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The steam generating device further includes a composite heating plate, which comprises: A heating plate is located below the cooking cavity and in contact with the bottom wall of the cooking cavity, and the heat from the heating plate can be transferred to the bottom wall of the cooking cavity; The heating element is embedded in the heating plate; A water guide pipe is embedded in the heating plate. The heat generated by the electric heating tube can be transferred to the water guide pipe to heat the water flowing through the water guide pipe and generate steam. The outlet of the water guide pipe is connected to the steam outlet of the steam generator.
9. The cooking appliance as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The steam generating device also includes a water tank, and the water in the water tank flows to the water guide pipe through the liquid supply pipeline; a pump body is also provided on the liquid supply pipeline.
10. A method for controlling a cooking utensil, characterized in that, The cooking appliance includes the cooking appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and the control method includes the following steps: Before the moisture in the food in the cooking chamber is heated to form steam, the steam generator is controlled to produce a first type of steam and continuously for a preset first duration; After the first type of steam has been continuously generated for a preset first time, the steam generating device is controlled to generate a second type of steam, wherein the humidity of the second type of steam is greater than that of the first type of steam.
11. The method for controlling a cooking appliance as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The steps for controlling the steam generator to produce the first type of steam include: The heating element of the steam generator is controlled to operate at a first power or at a first power ratio; The steps for controlling the steam generator to produce the second type of steam include: The heating element of the steam generator is controlled to operate at a second power or at a second power ratio. Wherein, the first power is greater than the second power, or the first power regulation ratio is greater than the second power regulation ratio.
12. The method for controlling a cooking appliance as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The steps for controlling the steam generator to produce the first type of steam include: The water flow rate in the flow channel of the steam generator is controlled to a first flow rate; The steps for controlling the steam generator to produce the second type of steam include: The water flow rate in the flow channel of the steam generator is controlled to be the second flow rate; Wherein, the first flow rate is less than the second flow rate.