Control method of a cooking apparatus

Abstract

This application belongs to the technical field of kitchen appliance equipment, specifically providing a control method for a cooking device. The cooking device includes: a cooking body; a door assembly disposed in an openable manner on the cooking body; and a panel portion disposed on the cooking body and including a first panel assembly, the first panel assembly including a first panel. The control method includes: determining whether the door assembly is opened; if so, moving the first panel from a user-friendly posture to a reference posture. This configuration improves the user experience by positioning the first panel in a user-friendly posture. Furthermore, by retracting the panel promptly at the same time / before the door assembly is opened, the usability of the first panel is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of kitchen appliance technology, specifically to a control method for cooking equipment. Background Technology

[0002] To meet user needs, cooking appliances such as steam ovens and ovens have emerged on the market that require no user intervention during the cooking process. For example, a steam oven works by continuously supplying high-temperature steam to the inner cavity containing the food, thus cooking it through pure steaming. A steam-oven oven works by continuously supplying circulating hot air to the inner cavity containing the food, thus cooking it through hot air baking. Accordingly, the most basic form of kitchen appliances is: using a steam oven to cook food by steaming, and using an oven to cook food by baking. Meanwhile, with the refinement of kitchen appliances, combined steaming and baking methods (such as a tender baking mode) have emerged. This necessitates the addition of steam-generating components in the oven (corresponding to the cooking medium of steaming), such as steam-generating plates, and configuring corresponding steam delivery pipes and control logic for these components. Because both cooking methods overlap to some extent (both include steam-based modes), integrated cooking appliances such as steam-grill combos, which combine steaming and baking functions (including baking and steam-grilling), have emerged on the market. It should be noted that a steam-grill combo is just one specific product form of integrated cooking equipment; any type of cooking appliance containing multiple cooking units (such as a steam-grill-fry combo, a dual-cavity steam / oven, etc.) can be considered applicable to this application. Furthermore, single-function cooking appliances installed in a low position can also be considered applicable to this application.

[0003] Meanwhile, due to limitations in apartment layouts and other factors, kitchen space available for cooking equipment is limited. Therefore, integrated cooking appliances, with their advantages of multiple functions and compact size, are increasingly favored by users. Taking a steam oven as an example, and considering the currently common built-in installation, one installation method involves mounting the gas stove on the kitchen countertop and installing the steam oven below it. The steam oven can be integrated with the gas stove (e.g., overlapping functions such as heat dissipation and ventilation) or installed in a compact manner (a combination of independent functions).

[0004] In this scenario, the steam oven is positioned low, and it has a control panel on the user-facing side (referred to as the front). This panel may only display functions or combine interactive and display functions. In situations where the user selects a mode before cooking or obtains / adjusts relevant parameters during cooking, the panel's position significantly impacts the user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application aims to solve at least part of the above-mentioned technical problems and / or at least part of the above-mentioned technical problems, specifically, how to improve the user experience of cooking equipment installed at a low position.

[0006] In view of this, this application provides a control method for a cooking device, the cooking device comprising: a cooking body; a door assembly disposed in the cooking body in an openable manner; and a panel portion disposed in the cooking body and including a first panel assembly, the first panel assembly including a first panel, the control method comprising: determining whether the door assembly is opened; if so, moving the first panel from a posture convenient for user operation to a reference posture.

[0007] This configuration, by positioning the first panel in a user-friendly orientation, aims to improve the user experience. Furthermore, by retracting the panel promptly, either simultaneously with or before the door assembly is opened, the usability of the first panel is ensured.

[0008] Those skilled in the art can determine the specific form of the reference posture according to actual needs. For example, it can be a posture that is roughly flush with the door assembly, or it can be stored in a preset space through further movement (such as rotation, extension, etc.).

[0009] In one possible implementation of the control method for the above-mentioned cooking equipment, the first panel assembly includes a drive mechanism, and the "moving the first panel from a posture that is convenient for user operation to a reference posture" includes: causing the drive mechanism to drive the first panel to move from a posture that is convenient for user operation to a reference posture in a downward flipping manner.

[0010] With this configuration, it is possible to switch the pose (position and posture) of the first panel by flipping it downwards.

[0011] In one possible implementation of the control method for the above-mentioned cooking equipment, the step of "determining whether the door assembly is opened" includes: detecting the temperature of the area of ​​the cooking equipment corresponding to the door assembly; and determining whether the door assembly is opened based on the temperature change.

[0012] This configuration allows for the determination of whether the door assembly has been opened by detecting temperature changes. For example, if the temperature rises rapidly (e.g., a temperature rise of ≥20°C within 3 seconds), it can be determined that the door assembly has opened. Clearly, those in the art can flexibly determine the correspondence between temperature changes and door assembly opening based on specific models, current cooking modes, etc. Temperature changes can be described by temperature rise over a certain period, or by factors such as the temperature difference between the current temperature and a reference temperature, or the relationship between temperatures from multiple detection points.

[0013] In one possible implementation of the control method for the above-mentioned cooking equipment, the door assembly is characterized by having a locking mechanism, wherein "determining whether the door assembly is opened" includes: detecting the locked state of the locking mechanism; and determining whether the door assembly is opened based on the locked state.

[0014] With this configuration, it is possible to determine whether the door assembly has been opened by detecting the locking status of the locking mechanism.

[0015] If a locking mechanism is detected to have a tendency to lock, the first panel should be retracted before the locking mechanism is allowed to lock. Clearly, any mechanism capable of locking the door assembly relative to the cooking body to a closed position can be used as the locking mechanism in this application, such as, but not limited to, latches, magnetic locks, and electronic locks.

[0016] In one possible implementation of the control method for the above-mentioned cooking equipment, the control method further includes: in response to the user's operation of applying an external force to the first panel, at least causing the drive mechanism to move the first panel in an upward flipping manner to a posture that facilitates user operation, so as to: at least cause the first panel to display cooking information and / or perform interactive operations.

[0017] This design aims to enhance the user experience through user-initiated external forces. Specifically, compared to the "blind" operation before flipping (e.g., in the base state), the first panel is switched to a more user-friendly position. Based on this, it is expected to be easier to perform further operations on the first panel or retrieve the information displayed on it.

[0018] For example, a controller for a cooking device (such as a controller installed on the cooking device) or a controller configured (such as a controller in a central control room, cloud, etc.) can cause the first panel to flip upward based on an interactive request corresponding to an operation that applies an external force. The external force can be applied in any perceptible form such as touch, press, or tap.

[0019] In one possible implementation of the control method for the aforementioned cooking equipment, the panel portion includes a second panel assembly, the second panel assembly includes a second panel, and the phrase "in response to a user applying an external force to the first panel, at least causing the drive mechanism to move the first panel in an upward flip-up manner to a posture conducive to user operation, so as to: at least cause the first panel to display cooking information and / or perform interactive operations" includes: in response to a user applying an external force to the first panel, at least causing the drive mechanism to move the first panel in an upward flip-up manner to a posture conducive to user operation, so as to: cause the first panel and / or the second panel to display cooking information and / or perform interactive operations; wherein at least a portion of the movement modes of the first panel and the second panel are different.

[0020] This configuration allows us to ensure a better user experience through the combination of the two panels.

[0021] It should be noted that cooking information should be understood as information related to the current cooking process. This information can include cooking parameters, reminders, and descriptions of ingredients (such as text indicating medium-rare, or images showing the outline of the ingredients or their state within the cooking chamber). The cooking information displayed on the first and second panels can include one or more types of information, and the displayed information can be the same or different. For example, cooking parameters may include the temperature of the cooking chamber, the current cooking stage, the remaining cooking time, and the fan speed during convection baking.

[0022] In one possible implementation of the control method for the aforementioned cooking equipment, the phrase "in response to the user's operation of applying an external force to the first panel, at least causing the drive mechanism to move the first panel in an upward flip manner to a posture conducive to user operation, so as to: cause the first panel and / or the second panel to display cooking information and / or perform interactive operations" includes: determining a request category based on the user's operation of applying an external force to the first panel; causing the drive mechanism to move the first panel in an upward flip manner to a posture corresponding to the request category based on the request category, and causing the first panel and / or the second panel to display cooking information corresponding to the request category and / or allow interactive operations corresponding to the request category.

[0023] With this configuration, it is possible to determine the angle at which the first panel flips upward, the specific content displayed on the first / second panel, and the types of interactions allowed by the request category.

[0024] It is understood that those skilled in the art can determine the mapping relationship between operation methods and request categories, and between request categories and display / interaction, based on actual needs.

[0025] For example, the operation methods include tapping once, tapping twice, and tapping three times. In the case of tapping once, cooking information is not displayed, only interactive functions are enabled (such as setting parameters before cooking begins). In the case of tapping twice, cooking information is displayed, but only some interactive functions are enabled (such as during the main cooking stage, some parameters are not adjustable). In the case of tapping three times, both the first and second panels display cooking information, and some interactive functions of the first panel are enabled (such as during the later stages of cooking, parameters such as internal temperature and remaining time can be displayed through a combination of the two panels, and some interactive functions that do not affect the cooking of the ingredients or ensure safe use are allowed).

[0026] In one possible implementation of the control method for the above-mentioned cooking equipment, the cooking equipment includes a receiving base with the receiving area formed thereon, the receiving area being disposed above the cooking body, the receiving area having an open side facing the operator, and the second panel being disposed in the receiving area in a downward-flipping manner.

[0027] This configuration provides a possible structural form for the second panel to constitute the cooking device.

[0028] In one possible implementation of the control method for the above-mentioned cooking equipment, in the step of "making the first panel and / or the second panel display cooking information corresponding to the request category and / or allowing interactive operations corresponding to the request category", when the second panel displays cooking parameters, the control method includes: determining whether to allow the second panel to be flipped down according to the operating parameters of the cooking equipment.

[0029] This design ensures the functionality of the control panel and / or guarantees the safety / reliability of the current cooking process.

[0030] The second panel is not allowed to be flipped downwards while the cooking device is operating a preset cooking mode (such as quick steaming) or is in a preset stage of the cooking program (such as the heating stage or the near-end stage).

[0031] In one possible implementation of the control method for the above-mentioned cooking equipment, the "moving the first panel from a posture that is convenient for user operation to a reference posture" includes: moving the first panel from a posture that is convenient for user operation to a reference posture within a preset time period.

[0032] This design ensures that hot airflow / steam from inside the cooking chamber does not enter the first panel.

[0033] In one possible implementation, the control method further includes: when the current cooking program has ended or is nearing its end, causing the first panel and / or the second panel to display cooking information, and / or at least causing the drive mechanism to rotate the first panel downwards.

[0034] This configuration allows for adaptive adjustments to the panel's interactive / display functions when the current cooking program has ended or is nearing its end. Here, the cooking program can be primarily understood as the program related to the cooking process itself; in this case, the program related to the panel's controls can be assumed to belong to a separate program.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the first panel or the first panel assembly is capable of flipping forward relative to the second panel assembly. Accordingly, "causing the drive mechanism to drive the first panel to flip downward" includes: flipping the first panel assembly forward relative to the second panel assembly and flipping the first panel downward; and / or the first panel assembly is capable of moving forward or upward linearly relative to the second panel assembly. Accordingly, "causing the drive mechanism to drive the first panel to flip downward" includes: moving the first panel assembly backward or downward linearly relative to the second panel assembly and flipping the first panel downward; and / or the panel portion includes a middle portion, and the first panel assembly and / or the second panel assembly are movably disposed in the middle portion. Accordingly, "causing the drive mechanism to drive the first panel to flip downward" includes: moving the first panel assembly and / or the second panel assembly relative to the middle portion and flipping the first panel downward.

[0036] This configuration provides a possible way for the panel to switch between working and non-working states.

[0037] In one possible implementation, the cooking device includes a receiving base, the receiving area including a plurality of chambers capable of accommodating components having or configured in the cooking device, and the second panel including a plurality of portions corresponding to the plurality of chambers, wherein at least one portion of the plurality of portions is integrally formed, independently disposed, or connected to each other; or the second panel assembly includes a panel base, at least one portion of the plurality of portions being disposed on the panel base, and at least one portion of the plurality of portions being movable along the panel base or capable of changing its relative position to the panel base through deformation.

[0038] With this configuration, only a portion of the second panel can be used as the display area. The panel base can be a frame, a mounting base, etc., and a slide rail can be provided on the mounting base.

[0039] In fact, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium including a memory adapted to store a plurality of program codes adapted to be loaded and run by a processor to perform the aforementioned control method of the cooking device.

[0040] It is understood that the computer-readable storage medium has all the technical effects of the aforementioned control method for the cooking equipment, which will not be elaborated here.

[0041] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0042] Those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both.

[0043] To demonstrate the interchangeability between hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been generally described above according to their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality in varying ways for specific applications; however, such implementation decisions should not be construed as departing from the scope of this application.

[0044] In fact, this application also provides a computer device including a memory and a processor, the memory being adapted to store a plurality of program codes, the program codes being adapted to be loaded and run by the processor to perform the aforementioned control method of the cooking device.

[0045] It is understood that this device possesses all the technical effects of the control methods of the aforementioned cooking equipment, which will not be elaborated upon here. This device can be a computer-controlled device comprising various electronic devices.

[0046] The computer device may include a processor, memory, input / output interfaces, a communication interface, a display unit, and an input device. The processor, memory, and input / output interfaces are connected via a system bus, and the communication interface, display unit, and input device are also connected to the system bus via the input / output interfaces. The processor provides computing and control capabilities. The memory includes non-volatile storage media and internal memory. The non-volatile storage media stores the operating system and computer programs. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs stored in the non-volatile storage media. The input / output interfaces are used for exchanging information between the processor and external devices. The communication interface is used for wired or wireless communication with external terminals; wireless communication can be achieved through Wi-Fi, mobile cellular networks, NFC (Near Field Communication), or other technologies. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements a method for controlling a cooking device. The display unit is used to form a visually visible image and may be a display screen, a projection device, or a virtual reality imaging device, etc. The display screen can be an LCD screen or an e-ink screen, etc. The input device of the computer device can be a touch layer covering the display screen, or buttons, trackballs or touchpads set on the computer device casing, or external keyboards, touchpads or mice, etc. Attached Figure Description

[0047] The present application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with an integrated cooking appliance, specifically a steam oven (including a steam cooking unit and a baking cooking unit), which is combined with a cooktop unit during installation (e.g., a cooktop-steam-oven integrated appliance). In the accompanying drawings:

[0048] Figure 1 This illustration shows the state of an integrated cooking device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 In the figure, both the first and second panels are in an unflipped state (the surfaces of the first and second panels are roughly flush).

[0049] Figure 2 This illustration shows the state of an integrated cooking device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 In the diagram, both the first and second panels are in a flipped state (the first panel is flipped up and the second panel is flipped down);

[0050] Figure 3 This illustration shows the state of the panel portion in an integrated cooking device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 1 In the diagram, both the first and second panels are in an unflipped state;

[0051] Figure 4 This illustration shows the state of the panel portion in an integrated cooking device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 In the diagram, both the first and second panels are in a flipped state;

[0052] Figure 5 An exploded view of the panel portion of an integrated cooking device according to an embodiment of this application is shown; and

[0053] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for an integrated cooking device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0054] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0055] 100. Steam oven / grill combo;

[0056] 1. Main cooking ingredients;

[0057] 2. Panel section;

[0058] 21. First panel component;

[0059] 211. First panel;

[0060] 212. Installation section;

[0061] 2121. Base;

[0062] 2122. Panel mounting section;

[0063] 21221. Mounting plate; 21222. Mounting frame;

[0064] 213. Drive mechanism;

[0065] 22. Second panel assembly;

[0066] 221. Second panel;

[0067] 222. Pusher; 223. Magnetic structure;

[0068] 3. Door components;

[0069] 4. Chamber;

[0070] 5. Accommodating the substrate;

[0071] 61. First water box; 62. Second water box. Detailed Implementation

[0072] Preferred embodiments of this application are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. For example, although this embodiment describes a cooking appliance in conjunction with a steam oven that includes steaming and baking functions (including convection baking and steam baking) and a steam oven positioned below the cooktop unit, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can apply this application to other application scenarios, such as a steam oven / fryer combo, a dual-cavity steam / oven, or a single-function cooking appliance. Furthermore, the integrated cooking appliance can also be placed in other locations (such as between the sink and the cooktop unit).

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the description is based on the statement that "the first panel is disposed on the right side of the second panel, and the second panel on the left side can cover the open areas of the two chambers." Obviously, the first panel can also be placed in the middle, the two chambers can be placed on the sides respectively, and a cover plate can be provided for each chamber. In this case, at least one of the cover plates can be used as the second panel.

[0074] It should be noted that in the description of this application, terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," indicating directions or positional relationships, are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are used merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0075] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setup," and "connection" 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 direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0076] Furthermore, to better illustrate this application, numerous specific details are provided in the following detailed embodiments. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application can still be implemented without certain specific details. In some instances, the principles of steaming / baking functions, which are well-known to those skilled in the art, are not described in detail in order to highlight the main points of this application.

[0077] The following will refer to the appendix. Figures 1 to 6 This application shall be described in at least a portion thereof.

[0078] Main reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one possible implementation, the integrated cooking appliance is a steam oven 100, which is installed in the kitchen using a recessed installation method. For example, the steam oven may be installed in a lower kitchen cabinet below the cooktop unit, with a heat dissipation area on the cooktop surface of the cooktop unit, and the heat dissipation outlet of the steam oven communicating with this area. The steam oven mainly includes a cooking body 1 and a control panel 2, such as the control panel being located on the side of the cooking body facing the operator (e.g., the front side) and positioned near the top of the cooking body. In this example, the cooking body includes a first cooking unit corresponding to the steaming function (e.g., a steam function cooking unit), a second cooking unit corresponding to the baking function (including pure baking and baking with steam participation) (e.g., a baking function cooking unit), and a steam unit capable of simultaneously distributing steam as the cooking medium to both the first and second cooking units. The cooking unit includes a cooking chamber (such as an inner pot) that can serve as both a first and second cooking unit for holding ingredients to be cooked. A shelf can be installed inside the inner pot, allowing ingredients to be placed directly on it or in containers (such as plates) placed on the shelf. Since the steaming and baking functions are closely related to the temperature of the cooking medium, heating elements such as heating tubes can be installed on the inner top, inner sides, and inner bottom of the inner pot. This allows for primary or auxiliary / supplementary heating of the cooking medium (hot airflow and / or steam) within the cooking chamber when needed.

[0079] In one possible implementation, an openable door assembly 3 is also provided on the front side of the cooking body 1, with the panel 2 and the door assembly 3 disposed on the cooking body, and the panel 2 located above the door assembly 3.

[0080] In one possible implementation, the steam unit mainly includes a steam generating device and a steam pipeline that can communicate with the cooking chamber. The steam generating device can be a steam plate, a steam generator, etc., and can be mounted on the top or back of the cooking unit via a bracket or other mounting structure. The steam generating device mainly includes a steam generating device body, a clean water box, and a water collection box. The steam generating device body forms a steam generating chamber and is equipped with steam generating heating components such as heating pipes. The clean water box is mainly used to supply water (steam generating agent) to the steam generating chamber to generate steam. For example, after water from the clean water box is pumped into the steam generating chamber by a water pump, the water in the steam generating chamber can be heated by the heating pipes to generate steam as the cooking medium. The water collection box is mainly used to collect water accumulated during the cooking process, high-humidity water vapor / high-temperature, high-humidity gas in the cooking chamber, condensate, etc. A drain pump can be provided for the collection box, and the wastewater collected in the collection box can be drained into a wastewater box provided with the entire unit (the wastewater box is cleaned and the accumulated water is emptied periodically). The steam pipes are mainly used to distribute the generated steam to the cooking chamber, so that the cooking chamber where the food to be cooked is located is filled with steam. Based on this, the food to be cooked can be cooked by pure steaming / steam baking (tender baking) or other methods through the corresponding control program.

[0081] In one possible implementation, the baking function cooking unit typically includes a fan hood assembly, which is primarily used to provide circulating hot airflow into the cooking chamber. The fan hood assembly mainly includes a centrifugal fan (such as a temperature equalizer) and a heating coil, etc., to ensure that the temperature of the hot airflow within the cooking chamber is as uniform and consistent as possible. Exemplarily, the fan hood assembly includes a fan hood, and the cooking body 1 includes a back plate. In this example, a hot air chamber is formed between the cooking body back plate and the fan hood. A centrifugal fan is disposed within the hot air chamber, and heating components such as the heating coil can be disposed within the hot air chamber or at other locations near the hot air chamber. Taking a heating coil as an example, the heating coil can be disposed within the hot air chamber, and the centrifugal fan can be disposed within the area enclosed by the heating coil. The fan hood has a return air vent near the centrifugal fan, and also has an air supply vent, such as the air supply vent positioned approximately circumferentially around the return air vent or at a partial circumferential location. For example, a centrifugal fan includes a motor and a fan. The motor drives the fan to rotate facing the return air vent. The fan's rotation draws air from inside the inner chamber through the return air vent into the hot air chamber. Exemplarily, a heating coil is positioned within the hot air chamber corresponding to the return air vent, and the fan is positioned within the area enclosed by the heating coil. Thus, under the action of the centrifugal fan, air from inside the inner chamber is drawn into the hot air chamber through the return air vent, heated by the heating coil, and converted into hot airflow carrying heat as a cooking medium. The fan then propels this hot airflow towards the outer air outlet and back into the inner chamber. This cycle continuously delivers hot airflow to the surface of the food to be cooked, allowing the food to be cooked using a hot air roasting method according to a corresponding control program.

[0082] It should be noted that the hot air chamber mentioned here is not necessarily a complete chamber, but rather should be understood as an installation location for accommodating the centrifugal fan and heating coil. Therefore, those skilled in the art can determine the structural form and communication configuration of the hot air chamber according to actual needs. For example, the centrifugal fan and heating coil can be placed in the same chamber or in two separate connected chambers. The hot air chamber can communicate with the cooking chamber through multiple connecting holes, or it can communicate with the cooking chamber by making a certain part of it an open structure.

[0083] In one possible implementation, the steam oven also includes a heat dissipation component, which may include a heat dissipation duct and a heat dissipation fan. The heat dissipation fan is mainly used to draw air out through the heat dissipation duct, thereby dissipating heat from components such as the power board, electrical components, the aforementioned door assembly, and the panel to ensure the operational reliability of the integrated cooking equipment.

[0084] The cooktop unit is located above the steam oven. The cooling fan's exhaust vent can be positioned above the cooling box, connecting to the exhaust area on the cooktop (e.g., with ventilation grilles) to allow heat to escape upwards. A range hood is typically installed above the cooktop unit (top or side), effectively removing the hot air and preventing the kitchen from overheating. The connection between the exhaust vent and the exhaust area on the cooktop can be achieved through connecting pipes (rigid pipes, corrugated pipes, etc.) and alignment.

[0085] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 And further refer to Figures 3 to 5 In one possible implementation, the panel 2 includes a first panel assembly 21 and a second panel assembly 22. The panel of the first panel assembly 21 (first panel 211) includes at least an interactive area, and may also include a display area. For example, before each cooking session, the user needs to set the mode in the interactive area of ​​the first panel. During cooking, operations such as allowing the user to adjust parameters also need to be performed in the interactive area of ​​the first panel. In this embodiment, the panel of the second panel assembly 22 (second panel 221) includes at least a display area, and may also include an interactive area with low (or even very low) operating frequency (such as periodic self-cleaning). Both the first and second panels are movably mounted on the cooking body. The first panel is at least movable in a posture conducive to user operation, and at least a portion of the movement of the first and second panels differs. When both the first and second panels are in a reference position (an inactive initial position or a default state in a non-use state), the surfaces of the first and second panels are approximately flush, such as the two panels being approximately flush with the surface of the door assembly 3 mounted on the cooking body. The structure of the first / second panel typically includes, from the outside in, the panel glass, the panel support, and the panel back cover. The front surface of the first / second panel is the outer surface of the panel glass, and the rear surface of the first / second panel is the inner surface of the panel back cover.

[0086] It is understandable that the first panel can move towards a posture that is convenient for user operation through one or more combinations of movements. Such a posture could be an upward-sloping posture, an extension forward followed by an upward movement to an upward / horizontal posture, or a vertical rise followed by maintaining a vertical posture / moving to an inclined / horizontal posture. If the movements involved include linear motion in the horizontal and vertical directions, rotation, etc., it is clear that those skilled in the art can determine the specific structure used to achieve the corresponding movements based on actual needs. Taking linear motion as an example, it can be achieved through any reasonable linear module (such as a combination of a power cylinder, a motor, and a gear and rack mechanism).

[0087] Understandably, in addition to moving in a posture that facilitates user operation, the first panel can also have other purposes of movement, such as retracting into a certain space when not in use, or generating a certain relative movement with the second panel to ensure the compactness of the whole machine.

[0088] It is understandable that the second panel can also move relative to the cooking body through a combination of one or more movements. The phrase "at least some of the movement methods of the first and second panels are different" should be understood as: the structural forms of the mechanisms are different, the specific combination methods between the mechanisms are different, and the movement results achieved by the combination of the mechanisms are different.

[0089] Because users need to crouch down to perform interactive operations, the operation is somewhat inconvenient. Therefore, this application first divides the functions of the panel into zones, specifically configuring display functions that require user operation and must be known each time cooking on the first panel. This allows for improved user experience through the movement of the first panel relative to the cooking object. In this example, the first panel can be rotated upwards relative to the cooking object (i.e., the aforementioned rotation). It is understood that those skilled in the art can determine the angle at which the first panel rotates upwards and how to achieve that angle based on actual needs. For example, it can stop at positions corresponding to one or more angles.

[0090] In this example, the first panel assembly 21 mainly includes the aforementioned first panel 211, mounting portion 212, and drive mechanism 213. The mounting portion is disposed on the cooking body, and the first panel is disposed on the mounting portion. In this example, the mounting portion 212 generally includes a base 2121 and a panel mounting portion 2122. The base is disposed on the cooking body, and the panel mounting portion has a mounting plate 21221 on the side facing the first panel. The first panel is disposed on the mounting plate and allows a certain amount of rotation relative to the inclined surface upwards. The drive mechanism can be a drive motor or any reasonable rotation module (such as a combination of a motor and a gear pair). Those skilled in the art can determine, based on actual needs, the specific structural form of a pair of mating features that ensures the pivotal movement of the first panel can be realized. This can include, but is not limited to, an arc-shaped hole and a spherical protrusion, a larger hole and a smaller protrusion, a mounting shaft disposed within a hole and a sleeve freely passing through the shaft, a rotating shaft and a hole on the mounting bracket, etc.

[0091] In this example, the panel mounting portion 2122 has a mounting frame 21222 on the side facing away from the first panel, forming a mounting space for the drive mechanism between the mounting frame and the base. The inner surface of the mounting plate (the surface facing away from the first panel) slopes outward from top to bottom, thus providing ample mounting space for the drive mechanism. The side of the frame is connected to the second panel by means of fasteners such as screws and bolts.

[0092] Obviously, the specific structure of the installation part described above is only an exemplary description. Those skilled in the art can determine the specific structural form of the installation part and the specific way in which it constitutes an integrated cooking device (such as its relative position and connection method with the cooking body, the second panel assembly, etc.) according to actual needs. For example, it may include, but is not limited to: the first panel assembly and the second panel assembly being independently disposed on the cooking body; one of the first panel assembly and the second panel assembly being disposed on the cooking body, and the other being connected to the other panel assembly to form an integrated cooking device; the first panel assembly and the second panel assembly being fixedly connected or movably connected (such as telescopic along the panel surface, rotating along a vertical axis, etc.); the first panel assembly and the second panel assembly being directly connected as described above, or an intermediate part being added, with the first panel assembly and the second panel assembly respectively disposed on the intermediate part in a fixed or movably connected manner. Taking the second panel assembly as an example, it may be a mounting frame connected to the intermediate part, or other structures of the second panel assembly connected to the intermediate part.

[0093] In one alternative embodiment, the middle portion (not shown) is provided with a drive transmission mechanism that enables the first panel (assembly) and / or the second panel (assembly) to move linearly (e.g., to move the first panel assembly forward / upward as a whole) and rotate (e.g., to rotate the first panel assembly forward in the working state and backward in the non-working state and be housed within the middle portion). Obviously, the drive transmission mechanism can be flexibly selected according to the actual form of movement. For example, linear movement can be achieved by a power cylinder or any reasonable linear module, and rotation can be achieved by a drive motor or any reasonable rotating module.

[0094] In one possible implementation, the top of the cooking body 1 is provided with a receiving base 5 having a receiving area, which is open on the side facing the operator. In this example, the receiving area includes two chambers (referred to as the first chamber and the second chamber, respectively), with a first water box 61 and a second water box 62 (e.g., both water boxes can be clean water boxes, or one can be a clean water box and the other a wastewater box) respectively disposed in the two chambers. If the chambers are located at the bottom of the cooking body or in other positions, it is inconvenient for the user to remove the water boxes. Especially when it is necessary to send a full clean water box into the chamber or take a full wastewater box out of the chamber, not only is the operation inconvenient, but leakage may also occur, affecting the cleanliness of the usage environment. In this application, by moving the chambers upward, the operational stability is significantly improved.

[0095] Unlike the first panel, the second panel can be configured to handle functions that require minimal user interaction, periodic notifications, or displays that don't require user awareness. In this example, the second panel can be flipped downwards relative to the cooking unit. This allows the second panel to function as both an interactive element and a cover for the storage area.

[0096] Obviously, the location of the containment area, the number of its chambers, and the specific form of the components inside can be flexibly adjusted according to actual needs. For example, it may include, but is not limited to: the containment area comprising only one chamber, such as placing one of the two water tanks in the top chamber (e.g., a chamber can also be provided at the bottom of the cooking body, with the other of the two water tanks placed in the bottom chamber); the cooking body is equipped with a storage box or other storage device, which is placed in one of the top chambers; etc.

[0097] In one possible implementation, the second panel 221 is disposed on the cooking body 1 at a position corresponding to the chamber 4, and the second panel is capable of covering at least a portion of the open side of the chamber. As in this example, the second panel comprises one unit, and the second panel is capable of completely covering the open side of the chamber 4.

[0098] Obviously, the structure / material of the second panel, its number, and the range of open sides it can cover can all be flexibly selected according to actual needs. For example, it may include, but is not limited to: multiple second panels (taking two corresponding to the first and second chambers as an example); two second panels can be relatively independently set, rigidly connected, pivotally connected (allowing relative rotation in any reasonable direction between them), or telescopically connected (e.g., the two panels can unfold / overlap along the direction of the panel surface); the second panel only covers a part of the chamber; the second panel can cover different parts of the chamber through sliding or other movable means; one (including multiple) or a part (including one, and a portion thereof) of the second panel is a flexible panel; etc.

[0099] In a specific example, a water container and a storage box are placed in the first chamber and the second chamber, respectively. The second panel can then have a display area only at the location corresponding to the storage box. This divides the second panel into two parts (referred to as the first part and the second part). The first part, with its display area, contains electronic components, while the second part, without a display area, primarily serves as a cover. In this case, the second part can be set relatively independently from the first part, or a base part can be added, with both the first and second parts mounted on it. The second part can move relative to the first part along the direction of the panel surface.

[0100] In this example, the second panel assembly 22 mainly includes the aforementioned second panel 211 and a docking assembly that enables the opening / closing of the open side of the receiving area of ​​the second panel. The receiving area includes a first chamber and a second chamber. The second panel can be pivotally mounted on the receiving base 5 of the receiving area via a hinge, etc. To ensure smooth opening, a damping function can be added to the pivoting structure. Alternatively, a stop, a stop bar, or other limiting structure can be set to limit the flipping limit position. In this example, the docking assembly includes a pusher 222 as the first docking structure and a magnetic structure 223 such as an iron sheet as the second docking structure. The pusher is located between the two chambers (with another magnetic structure (such as a magnetic attractor) at its end), and the magnetic structure is located on the inner side of the second panel. In this way, the user only needs to gently flip the panel upwards to seal the open sides of the two chambers through magnetic attraction. When the user needs to open the chamber, it can be pushed open by pressing the second panel. Obviously, the pusher and magnetic structure are only one exemplary description of the docking assembly. Those skilled in the art can flexibly adjust the structure, number, and placement of the docking assembly according to actual needs, such as a combination of magnetic attraction and a handle. For example, to prevent pressing from affecting the display / interaction area of ​​the second panel, the display / interaction area can be arranged to surround the pressing area or be placed on both sides of the pressing area.

[0101] As can be seen, in the preferred embodiment of this application, by dividing the interactive functions (including display-only, interaction-only, display and interaction, etc.) and configuring them on the first panel component and the second panel component, it is expected to improve the user experience of the integrated cooking device through the differentiated movement of the first panel component and the second panel component. For example, the first panel of the first panel component may include display and operation functions, while the second panel may only include display functions (preferably content that the user has a low probability of wanting to know).

[0102] Based on the above structure, this application provides a control method for an integrated cooking device, which is mainly used to control the display / interaction / motion of the panel to improve the user experience as much as possible while ensuring the reliability of the cooking device.

[0103] Main reference Figure 6 In a preferred embodiment, the control method for the integrated cooking equipment mainly includes the following steps:

[0104] S610. Before cooking the ingredients begins (before the cooking process related to cooking itself is run, such as in the cooking preparation stage), in response to the user's tapping action on the first panel, the first panel is flipped upward to a preset angle (such as an angle greater than or equal to 60° with the vertical direction).

[0105] In this way, users can perform operations such as parameter settings and mode selection on the first panel. Simultaneously, the panel can display information that can be conveyed to the user during the interactive phase, such as mode type and cooking time. For example, the first panel and / or the second panel can display cooking information and / or allow interactive operations. In this example, however, no content is displayed on the second panel at this time.

[0106] S620. During the cooking process of ingredients (such as the main cooking stage), cooking information (such as cooking mode name, cooking time) is displayed on the first panel and interactive operations are allowed. Auxiliary cooking information (such as the remaining cooking time displayed in the form of a countdown, and which step of the cooking program the current stage is in) is displayed on the second panel.

[0107] S630. During the main cooking stage, the temperature of the cooking device is detected in the area corresponding to the door assembly (e.g., a temperature sensor is provided on the lower side of the first panel assembly).

[0108] S640. Based on the temperature change, determine whether the door assembly has been opened. If not, return to S620; if yes, proceed to S650.

[0109] SS650: Quickly retrieve the first panel, such as within 5 seconds.

[0110] If the display and operation functions of the first / second panel are turned off before, at the same time as, or after the first panel is flipped down to be flush with the second panel, the cooking process ends.

[0111] It should be noted that although the steps in the above embodiments are described in a specific order, those skilled in the art will understand that in order to achieve the effect of this application, different steps do not necessarily have to be executed in such an order. They can be executed simultaneously or in other orders, and some steps can be added, replaced or omitted. For example, in S650, the temperature of the hot air / steam from the cooking chamber can be displayed on the second panel, and a high-temperature warning message can be given to prevent the user from being scalded; the logic of S630-S640 can be changed as follows: by detecting the status of the locking mechanism configured on the door assembly (execution statement), the first panel is retracted before locking, and the locking mechanism is opened after the first panel falls to ensure that the hot air / steam from the cooking chamber does not enter the first panel (execution action); after the door assembly closes again, the first panel can be flipped up again or stay in the current reference posture (e.g., if it is opened during the cooking program in the door assembly, it will be flipped up again after closing; if the cooking of the ingredients is finished / near the end (e.g., in the case of the final stage of cooking), it can stay in the current reference posture); S620 can be replaced with "flip the first panel down and display preset information such as mode name and cooking time on the second panel", etc.

[0112] It should be noted that although the feeding control method for the grinding machine constructed in the above specific manner has been described as an example, those skilled in the art will understand that this application is not limited thereto. In fact, users can flexibly adjust the relevant steps and parameters in the steps according to actual application scenarios, such as in S610, the cooking time can also be displayed in a countdown manner on the second panel.

[0113] The technical solutions of this application have been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of protection of this application is obviously not limited to these specific embodiments. Without departing from the principles of this application, those skilled in the art can make equivalent changes or substitutions to the relevant technical features, and the technical solutions after these changes or substitutions will all fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A control method of a cooking apparatus, characterized by, The cooking equipment includes: The main cooking ingredient; A door assembly, which is disposed in an openable manner within the cooking body; and A panel portion, disposed on the cooking body and including a first panel assembly, the first panel assembly including a first panel, The control method includes: Determine whether the door assembly has been opened; If so, move the first panel from a user-friendly position to a reference position.

2. The control method of a cooking appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first panel assembly includes a drive mechanism, and the phrase "moving the first panel from a user-friendly posture to a reference posture" includes: The drive mechanism causes the first panel to rotate downwards from a user-friendly position to a reference position.

3. The control method of a cooking appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that, characterized in that, The "determining whether the door assembly is opened" includes: Detect the temperature of the area of ​​the cooking device corresponding to the door assembly; The door assembly is determined to be open based on the temperature change.

4. The control method of a cooking appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that, characterized in that, The door assembly is equipped with a locking mechanism. The "determining whether the door assembly is opened" includes: Detect the locking status of the locking mechanism; Based on the locked state, determine whether the door assembly has been opened.

5. The control method of a cooking appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control method further includes: In response to a user applying an external force to the first panel, the drive mechanism at least causes the first panel to rotate upwards to a position conducive to user operation, so as to: At least enable the first panel to display cooking information and / or perform interactive operations.

6. The control method of a cooking appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that, The panel portion includes a second panel assembly, the second panel assembly including a second panel. The phrase "in response to a user applying an external force to the first panel, at least causing the drive mechanism to rotate the first panel upwards to a position conducive to user operation, so as to: at least cause the first panel to display cooking information and / or perform interactive operations" includes: In response to a user applying an external force to the first panel, the drive mechanism at least causes the first panel to rotate upwards to a position conducive to user operation, so as to: To enable the first panel and / or the second panel to display cooking information and / or perform interactive operations; The first panel and the second panel have at least some differences in their modes of operation.

7. The control method of a cooking appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that, The phrase "in response to a user applying an external force to the first panel, at least causing the drive mechanism to rotate the first panel upwards to a position conducive to user operation, so as to: enable the first panel and / or the second panel to display cooking information and / or perform interactive operations" includes: The request category is determined based on the user's application of external force to the first panel; According to the request category, the drive mechanism causes the first panel to rotate upwards to a position corresponding to the request category, and The first panel and / or the second panel may display cooking information corresponding to the requested category and / or allow interactive operations corresponding to the requested category.

8. The control method of a cooking appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cooking apparatus includes a containing main body formed with the containing area, the containing area being arranged above the cooking main body, the containing area having an open side on a side facing an operator, and the second panel being arranged in a downwardly flipped manner in the containing area.

9. The control method of a cooking appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that, In the step of "causing the first panel and / or the second panel to display cooking information corresponding to the requested category and / or allowing interactive operation corresponding to the requested category", in the case where the second panel displays a cooking parameter, The control method includes: According to the operating parameter of the cooking apparatus, it is determined whether the second panel is allowed to flip downward.

10. The control method of a cooking appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that, The "causing the first panel to move from the user-friendly posture to the reference posture" includes: Causing the first panel to move from the user-friendly posture to the reference posture within a preset time length.

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