Cooking apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

The application relates to a cooking device and a control method thereof. The cooking device comprises a pot body, a pot cover, a water flow detection sensor and a locking mechanism. The pot body comprises a pot body and a water collecting part. The water collecting part is detachably arranged on the pot body. The pot cover is rotationally connected to the pot body to open or close the pot body. The water flow detection sensor is arranged on the inner side surface of the pot cover facing the pot body, and is used for detecting the water flow information of the inner side surface of the pot cover. The locking mechanism is connected to the water flow detection sensor in communication, and is used for locking or unlocking the pot body and the water collecting part in response to the water flow information of the inner side surface of the pot body. Thus, the problem that a user cannot intuitively judge the water accumulation and drainage state is solved, and secondary pollution caused by the user's early disassembly of the water collecting part is avoided in structure. In addition, the timely drainage of the condensed water avoids the heat energy loss caused by the accumulation of the condensed water in the device, and reduces unnecessary energy waste.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of kitchen household appliances technology, and in particular to a cooking device and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Rice cookers, pressure cookers, and other cooking appliances are energy-saving household kitchen appliances. During cooking, the cooking cavity contains high-temperature gas. When the lid is opened after cooking, the lid heats up quickly from the outside, causing condensation to form on the inner surface of the lid. Subsequently, the condensation on the lid flows down the surface of the lid under its own gravity.

[0003] In related technologies, in order to prevent condensation on the surface of the pot lid from dripping onto the table or the ground, a water collection box is usually installed on the side where the pot body and the pot lid are pivotally connected. However, it is difficult for users to judge the water accumulation in the water collection box, and they often clean it before the condensation has completely drained, resulting in secondary pollution of the table or the ground. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a cooking device and its control method to address the problem that users often have difficulty judging the water accumulation in the water collection box and often clean it before the condensate has completely drained, resulting in secondary pollution of the table or floor.

[0005] On one hand, this application provides a cooking device, including:

[0006] The pot body includes the pot body and the water collection device, which is detachably installed on the pot body.

[0007] The lid is rotatably connected to the pot body to open or close the pot.

[0008] A water flow detection sensor is installed on the pot lid to detect water flow information from the pot lid toward the inner surface of the pot body;

[0009] The locking mechanism is installed on the pot body and is connected to the water flow detection sensor. It is used to lock or unlock the pot body and the water collection device in response to the water flow information on the inner surface of the pot body.

[0010] The aforementioned cooking equipment features a water flow detection sensor that can acquire real-time water flow status on the inner surface of the pot lid, determining whether condensate has completely flowed into the water collection component. The locking mechanism automatically controls the detachable state of the water collection component based on the water flow information. This solves the problem that users cannot intuitively judge the water accumulation and drainage status, and structurally avoids secondary pollution caused by users prematurely disassembling the water collection component, effectively ensuring a clean kitchen environment and improving the user experience of the cooking equipment.

[0011] In one embodiment, the water flow detection sensor includes a near-infrared spectral sensor located inside the pot lid.

[0012] In this way, a near-infrared spectral sensor can be used to detect whether condensation is flowing down the inner surface of the lid. This type of sensor is small in size, does not need to be in direct contact with condensation to complete the detection, is not easily contaminated or damaged by impurities, has a longer service life, and the detection results are more stable.

[0013] In one embodiment, the pot lid has an inner lid area and a peripheral area surrounding the inner lid area. The inner lid area is provided corresponding to the cooking cavity of the pot body, and a water flow detection sensor is provided in the peripheral area and is located directly below the inner lid area in the vertical direction.

[0014] The condensate formed in the inner cover area will flow downwards along the inner cover area under the action of gravity, eventually flowing along the edge of the inner cover area and into the lowest vertical position of the inner cover area, and then falling into the peripheral area below. Therefore, placing the water flow detection sensor in the peripheral area and directly below the inner cover area is exactly on the necessary path of the condensate flow, which can more accurately capture the state of water flow and further improve the accuracy of detection.

[0015] In one embodiment, the pot lid is disposed on the open side of the pot body, and the water collection component is detachably disposed on the open side of the pot body and has a collection opening.

[0016] The collection opening is positioned facing the lid when the pot body is closed, and extends to the junction of the pot body and the lid.

[0017] By placing the water collection device on the open side of the pot body and extending the collection opening to the junction of the pot body and the lid, condensate can flow directly from the lid into the collection opening along the junction, shortening the flow path of the condensate, reducing unnecessary dripping during flow, and improving water collection efficiency. Furthermore, the collection opening facing the lid can catch a larger area of ​​condensate flowing from the lid, preventing water from overflowing from the side of the collection device and further reducing the possibility of contamination.

[0018] In one embodiment, the water collecting element has a water collecting cavity, a collection opening is formed on one side of the water collecting cavity, and the bottom of the water collecting cavity also has a bottom wall that is inclined relative to the vertical direction.

[0019] In this way, the condensate is guided to flow into the depth of the collection chamber by the inclined bottom wall of the tank, which avoids the condensate from accumulating near the collection opening, improves the space utilization of the collection chamber, and also reduces the risk of overflow caused by excessive water accumulation at the opening.

[0020] In one embodiment, the pot body includes a pot base and a support ring, the support ring being connected to the top of the pot base, and a water collection device being detachably disposed on the support ring.

[0021] Placing the water collection component on the support ring not only provides a stable mounting base but also ensures that the collection component precisely catches the condensate flowing from the lid, resulting in a higher degree of positioning and better water collection. Furthermore, when the lid is opened, the support ring is exposed, making the water collection component visible as well. This allows for direct observation of the water level and the internal water condition, and also facilitates easy disassembly and emptying of the water. The process is more convenient and aligns with users' daily habits.

[0022] In one embodiment, the support ring is provided with a mounting groove, and the water collection component is slidably disposed in the mounting groove for disassembly or installation relative to the support ring.

[0023] Thus, the sliding installation and removal of the water collection component is simple to operate, and users can complete the installation and removal of the water collection component without complicated actions, which reduces the difficulty of operation for users. At the same time, the installation groove can also limit the circumferential position of the water collection component, improve the positional stability of the water collection component after installation, and prevent the water collection component from shifting during use and causing water leakage.

[0024] In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a locking member and a mating member. The water collecting member has a head end that first enters the mounting groove when installed in the mounting groove. The mating member is disposed at or near the head end. The locking member is disposed on the pot base or support ring and can be locked and unlocked with the mating member.

[0025] When the mating part is located at or near the head of the water collection component, and the locking part is located on the pot base or support ring, and can be locked and unlocked with the mating part, the locking part can cooperate with the mating part to lock the water collection component after it has completely slid into the mounting groove, so as to stably restrict the water collection component within the mounting groove and prevent the water collection component from accidentally sliding out during cooking; when the water flow detection sensor detects that the condensate has been completely drained, the locking part and the mating part automatically separate and unlock, and the user can directly pull out the water collection component to complete the emptying and cleaning.

[0026] In one embodiment, a guide rod is also provided in the mounting groove. The guide rod extends in the sliding direction, and the water collecting component can cooperate with the guide rod to slide along the guide rod in the mounting groove.

[0027] In this way, the water collection component can move along the extension direction of the guide rod during the disassembly and sliding process, avoiding the water collection component from tilting or getting stuck during the sliding process, further improving the smoothness of the disassembly and assembly process of the water collection component, and ensuring that the disassembly and assembly operation can be completed stably.

[0028] In one embodiment, the locking mechanism includes an electromagnet, a permanent magnet, and a controller. One of the electromagnet and the permanent magnet is disposed on the pot body, and the other of the electromagnet and the permanent magnet is disposed on the water collection component. The controller is configured to switch the polarity of the electromagnet to attract or repel the permanent magnet.

[0029] Thus, by switching the polarity of the electromagnet through the controller, the repulsive force generated by like polarities and the attractive force generated by opposite polarities can be used to switch between unlocked and locked states. The structure is simple, the control logic is clear, and there is no need for additional complex mechanical transmission structures, which reduces the probability of failure and also reduces the manufacturing cost of the cooking equipment. At the same time, the method of popping the permanent magnet allows the water collection component to automatically pop out a short distance during unlocking, providing the user with a clear unlocking prompt and making it easier for the user to grasp and pull out the water collection component, further improving operational convenience. In addition, the electromagnetic adsorption locking structure does not require a large operating gap between the water collection component and the pot body, ensuring a tight fit between the water collection component and the pot body after installation, further reducing the possibility of condensate leakage from gaps.

[0030] Another aspect of this application provides a control method for a cooking device, applied to the cooking device in the above embodiments, the method comprising:

[0031] In response to the user's command to open the pot lid, the water flow detection sensor is controlled to detect the water flow information of the pot lid toward the inner surface of the pot body;

[0032] If water flow is detected, the water flow detection sensor is continuously or intermittently controlled to detect water flow from the lid to the inner surface of the pot body until no water flow is detected, at which point the locking mechanism is controlled to unlock the pot body and the water collection component.

[0033] If no water flow information is detected, the water flow detection sensor will stop detecting.

[0034] In another aspect, this application also provides a method for controlling a cooking device, applied to the cooking device in the above embodiments, the method comprising:

[0035] In response to the user's command to open the pot lid, the water flow detection sensor is controlled to detect the water flow information of the pot lid toward the inner surface of the pot body;

[0036] If water flow is detected, the water flow detection sensor is continuously or intermittently controlled to detect water flow from the lid to the inner surface of the pot until no water flow is detected. Then, the polarity of the electromagnet is controlled to unlock the pot body and the water collection device. After a preset time, the polarity of the electromagnet is switched.

[0037] If no water flow information is detected, the water flow detection sensor will stop detecting.

[0038] In this way, the electromagnet automatically switches back to the desired adsorption polarity after unlocking, which not only prepares the user for the locking operation after pushing the water collection component back in, but also reduces the device's standby power consumption and improves the rationality of the control logic. After the user pushes the water collection component back into the pot body, the electromagnet can directly lock it through opposite polarity adsorption without additional triggering, further simplifying the user's installation steps and improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a cooking device in one or more embodiments of this application.

[0040] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the structure of the water collection box of the cooking device during disassembly.

[0041] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the inner lid in the cooking device.

[0042] Figure 4 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the water collection box in the cooking equipment shown.

[0043] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the inner lid and support ring in the cooking device shown.

[0044] Figure 6 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the pot base in the cooking equipment shown.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the steps of a control method for a cooking device according to one or more embodiments of this application.

[0046] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0047] 100. Cooking equipment; 10. Pot body; 11. Pot body; 111. Pot base; 112. Support ring; 1121. Mounting groove; 113. Guide rod; 114. Cooking cavity; 12. Water collection component; 121. Water collection chamber; 122. Collection opening; 123. Head end; 20. Pot lid; 21. Rotating side; 22. Outer lid; 23. Inner lid; 30. Water flow detection sensor; 40. Locking mechanism; 41. Locking component; 411. Electromagnet; 42. Fitting component; 421. Permanent magnet; AA. Inner lid area; BB. Peripheral area. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0049] In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" appear, these terms indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0050] Furthermore, where the terms "first" and "second" appear, these terms are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying 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 that feature. In the description of this application, where the term "multiple" appears, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0051] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0052] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below" the second feature indicates that the first and second features are in direct contact or indirect contact via an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0053] It should be noted that if an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. If an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. If so, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0054] As described in the background section, cooking appliances such as rice cookers and pressure cookers contain high-temperature gas inside the cooking cavity during cooking. When the lid is opened after cooking, the lid heats up quickly against the outside environment, causing condensation to form on the inner surface of the lid. Subsequently, the condensation on the lid flows down the surface of the lid under its own gravity.

[0055] In existing technologies, to effectively prevent condensation from the inner surface of the pot lid caused by temperature differences from dripping onto the table or floor and causing pollution or safety hazards, a water collection box is usually installed on the side where the pot body and the lid are connected by a pivot to collect the condensation. This structural design allows the condensation on the lid to be guided along the inner wall of the lid towards the edge of the pot body under the combined action of gravity and the tilt angle of the lid, and then flows into the pre-set water collection box, thus achieving centralized collection of the condensation.

[0056] However, these water collection boxes are typically located on the back side of the pot, away from the user's line of sight, making it difficult for the user to directly observe the water accumulation inside during normal use. Furthermore, because the condensate may contain trace amounts of grease, food residue, or other impurities carried by steam, the water is often quite turbid, further increasing the difficulty of visually assessing the water level.

[0057] In this situation, users face two main problems if they need to manually disassemble the water collection box for cleaning or emptying: First, because the actual water volume in the box cannot be accurately determined, even slight shaking or tilting during disassembly can easily cause water to overflow when there is a lot of water inside. Second, users usually only realize that the water collection box is likely full or nearly full after opening the pot lid and suddenly noticing a large amount of condensation flowing rapidly down from the inside of the lid, requiring immediate attention. However, at this point, users often cannot determine whether the condensation inside the lid and in the drainage channels has been completely drained. If the box is disassembled prematurely while there is still residual water that has not completely flowed into the collection box, the remaining water will drip directly onto the table or floor, causing secondary pollution and affecting the cleanliness and hygiene of the kitchen environment.

[0058] Therefore, this application proposes a cooking device that uses a water flow detection sensor to detect water flow information on the inner surface of the pot lid, thereby determining whether the locking mechanism should unlock the pot body and the water collection component, thus achieving automatic control over the timing of disassembling the water collection component and avoiding secondary pollution caused by residual condensate dripping.

[0059] See Figures 1-4 This application provides a cooking device 100, comprising a pot body 10, a pot lid 20, a water flow detection sensor 30, and a locking mechanism 40. The cooking device 100 can be a rice cooker, pressure cooker, etc. This application protects a cooking device 100 belonging to the energy-saving and environmental protection industry, specifically an energy-saving household kitchen appliance. During operation, this cooking device effectively collects condensate generated during heating and discharges it promptly through a specially designed drainage structure, thereby avoiding heat loss caused by condensate accumulation inside the device. Through this mechanism, the device not only improves the efficiency of heat energy utilization but also reduces unnecessary energy waste, ultimately achieving significant energy-saving effects.

[0060] The pot body 10 includes a pot body 11 and a water collection component 12, the water collection component 12 being detachably mounted on the pot body 11; the pot lid 20 is rotatably connected to the pot body 11 to open or close the pot body 10; a water flow detection sensor 30 is mounted on the pot lid 20 to detect water flow information from the pot lid 20 toward the inner surface of the pot body 10; a locking mechanism 40 is mounted on the pot body 10 and is communicatively connected to the water flow detection sensor 30 to lock or unlock the pot body 11 and the water collection component 12 in response to water flow information on the inner surface of the pot body 10.

[0061] The pot body 11 refers to the main structure of the cooking equipment 100 used to hold food and provide cooking space. The pot lid 20 is a structure used to seal the opening of the pot body 10, allowing a large amount of steam to escape during cooking while reducing heat loss and ensuring a stable internal temperature to meet cooking requirements. Specifically, the rotating side 21 of the pot lid 20 is rotatably connected to the pot body 11. The water collector 12 is part of the pot body 10 and can collect condensate from the pot lid 20. The location of the water collector 12 is not limited here. In the embodiments of this application, the water collector 12 can be located on the outside of the pot body 11, on the inside of the pot body 11, or on the top or bottom of the pot body 11, etc. The water collector 12 typically has a water collection cavity 121 to contain the condensate.

[0062] The locking mechanism 40 is a mechanism that can automatically switch between locking and unlocking states between the water collector 12 and the pot body 11 based on the water flow information detected by the water flow detection sensor 30 inside the pot lid 20. Locking the water collector 12 and the pot body 11 means that they are not detachable, while unlocking the water collector 12 and the pot body 11 means that they are detachable. The locking and unlocking methods of the locking mechanism 40 are not limited to mechanical engagement or electromagnetic adsorption; any method that can switch states based on water flow information is acceptable.

[0063] Specifically, when the water flow detection sensor 30 detects that there is still condensation flowing inside the pot lid 20, the locking mechanism 40 remains locked, locking the water collection component 12 onto the pot body 11, preventing the user from removing the water collection component 12; when the water flow detection sensor 30 detects that the condensation inside the pot lid 20 has completely stopped flowing, it can be determined that all the condensation has flowed into the water collection component 12, and the locking mechanism 40 responds to the water flow information and switches to the unlocked state, allowing the user to remove the water collection component 12 from the pot body 11 and pour out the accumulated water.

[0064] Through the above structure, the water flow detection sensor 30 can obtain the water flow status of the inner surface of the pot lid 20 in real time, and determine whether the condensate has completely flowed into the water collection component 12. The locking mechanism 40 automatically controls the detachable state of the water collection component 12 according to the water flow information. This not only solves the problem that users cannot intuitively judge the water accumulation and drainage status, but also avoids secondary pollution caused by users disassembling the water collection component 12 in advance from the structure, effectively ensuring the cleanliness of the kitchen environment and improving the user experience of the cooking equipment 100.

[0065] Specifically, in the embodiments of this application, the pot lid 20 includes an outer lid 22 and an inner lid 23. The inner lid 23 is located inside the outer lid 22, and the water flow detection sensor 30 can be disposed on the inner lid 23. Since the inner lid 23 is in direct contact with the high-temperature steam in the cooking cavity, and condensate mainly forms and flows on the inner surface of the inner lid 23, disposing of the water flow detection sensor 30 on the inner lid 23 can more accurately collect real water flow information and improve the accuracy of the detection results.

[0066] In some embodiments, the water flow detection sensor 30 includes a near-infrared spectral sensor disposed inside the pot lid 20. Specifically, the near-infrared spectral sensor is disposed on the inner lid 23 and located between the inner lid 23 and the outer lid 22.

[0067] Near-infrared spectroscopy sensors are based on the selective absorption characteristics generated by molecular vibrational energy level transitions. They measure changes in the absorption intensity of infrared light of a specific wavelength to determine the chemical composition or concentration of a substance. In the embodiments of this application, the working principle of the near-infrared spectroscopy sensor is as follows: the infrared LED inside the sensor emits near-infrared light of constant intensity. The light passes through the lid 20 to its inner surface. If the surface is dry, the light is reflected back; if there are water droplets on the surface, the light is partially absorbed by the water and partially diffusely reflected, resulting in a reduced intensity of light returning to the detector.

[0068] In this way, the presence of condensation flowing down the inner surface of the lid 20 can be detected by using a near-infrared spectral sensor. This type of sensor is small in size, does not need to be in direct contact with condensation to complete the detection, is not easily contaminated or damaged by impurities, has a longer service life, and the detection results are more stable.

[0069] Specifically, the pot lid has an inner lid area AA and a peripheral area BB surrounding the inner lid area AA. The inner lid area AA is set in the cooking cavity 114 of the pot body 11. The water flow detection sensor 30 is set in the peripheral area BB and is located directly below the inner lid area AA in the vertical direction.

[0070] The inner lid area AA is set in the cooking cavity 114 of the pot body 11. The inner lid area AA covers the opening of the cooking cavity 114. Therefore, the high-temperature steam generated during the cooking process will mainly condense on the inner surface of the inner lid area AA to form condensate.

[0071] The condensate formed in the inner cover area AA will flow downwards along the inner cover area AA under the action of gravity, and eventually flow along the edge of the inner cover area AA to the lowest position in the vertical direction, and then fall into the peripheral area BB below. Therefore, placing the water flow detection sensor 30 in the peripheral area BB and directly below the inner cover area AA is exactly on the necessary path of the condensate flow, which can more accurately capture the state of water flow and further improve the accuracy of detection.

[0072] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the pot lid 20 is disposed on the open side of the pot body 11, and the water collection component 12 is detachably disposed on the open side of the pot body 11 and has a collection opening 122. The collection opening 122 is disposed facing the pot lid 20 when the pot body 10 is closed by the pot lid 20, and extends to the connection between the pot body 11 and the pot lid 20.

[0073] The open side of the pot body 11 refers to the side of the pot body 10 where food is placed and left open for food to be put in. The collection opening 122 of the water collection device 12 refers to the inlet where condensate enters the water collection chamber 121. The connection between the pot body 11 and the pot lid 20 refers to the position where the pot body 11 and the pot lid 20 are rotatably connected.

[0074] By positioning the water collection component 12 on the open side of the pot body 11 and extending the collection opening 122 to the connection between the pot body 11 and the pot lid 20, condensate can flow directly from the pot lid 20 into the collection opening 122 along the connection, shortening the flow path of the condensate, reducing unnecessary dripping during the flow, and improving water collection efficiency. Furthermore, the collection opening 122, facing the pot lid 20, can also collect a larger area of ​​condensate flowing from the pot lid 20, preventing water from overflowing from the side of the water collection component 12 and further reducing the possibility of contamination.

[0075] It should be noted that although the collection opening 122 extends to the connection between the pot body 11 and the pot lid 20, there is no restriction on the specific location of the collection opening 122. Therefore, some condensate may first flow to the surface of the opening side and then be introduced into the collection opening 122 to be collected by the water collecting component 12. Some condensate may also flow directly into the collection opening 122 along the connection.

[0076] Specifically, in the embodiments of this application, the water collecting component 12 is seamlessly connected to the surface of the open side of the pot body 11, so that during the collection process, condensate will not leak from the gap between the water collecting component 12 and the surface of the open side of the pot lid 20, thereby improving the reliability of the collection.

[0077] Combination Figure 4 Furthermore, the water collecting component 12 has a water collecting cavity 121, a collecting opening 122 is formed on one side of the water collecting cavity 121, and the bottom of the water collecting cavity 121 also has a bottom wall that is inclined relative to the vertical direction.

[0078] In this way, the condensate is guided to flow into the depth of the water collection chamber 121 by the inclined bottom wall of the tank, which avoids the condensate from accumulating near the collection opening 122, improves the space utilization of the water collection chamber 121, and also reduces the risk of overflow caused by excessive water accumulation at the opening.

[0079] See Figures 1-5 In some embodiments, the pot body 11 includes a pot base 111 and a support ring 112. The support ring 112 is connected to the top of the pot base 111, and the water collection component 12 is detachably disposed on the support ring 112.

[0080] The pot base 111 refers to the outermost structural component on the pot body 11 that directly contacts the placement surface and the external environment. It serves to house and protect the internal components while maintaining the overall structural stability of the pot body 11. Typically, the top of the pot base 111 is concave, forming a cavity to accommodate other structures of the pot body 11. The support ring 112 is a ring-shaped support structure that reinforces the opening of the pot base 111 and also supports the inner pot of the cooking device 100. The inner pot is the container for holding food; during cooking, it directly holds the food and water and is placed on the support ring 112 for stable support.

[0081] The water collection component 12 is positioned on the support ring 112, providing a stable installation base and allowing it to precisely catch the condensate flowing from the lid 20. This results in a higher degree of positioning and better water collection. Furthermore, when the user opens the lid 20, the support ring 112 is exposed, making the water collection component 12 also visible. This allows for direct observation of the accumulated water and its internal condition, and facilitates easy disassembly and emptying of the water. The assembly and disassembly process is more convenient and aligns with the user's daily habits.

[0082] Furthermore, the support ring 112 is provided with a mounting groove 1121, and the water collecting component 12 is slidably disposed in the mounting groove 1121 so as to be disassembled or installed relative to the support ring 112.

[0083] The mounting groove 1121 is a groove-shaped structure opened on the support ring 112 to accommodate and limit the water collection component 12. The water collection component 12 can slide into or out of the mounting groove 1121 along the extension direction of the mounting groove 1121 to realize the disassembly or installation relative to the support ring 112, and thus realize the disassembly or installation relative to the pot body 11.

[0084] Thus, the sliding installation and removal of the water collection component 12 is simple to operate, and users can complete the installation and removal of the water collection component 12 without complicated actions, which reduces the difficulty of operation for users. At the same time, the installation groove 1121 can also limit the circumferential position of the water collection component 12, improve the positional stability of the water collection component 12 after installation, and prevent the water collection component 12 from shifting during use and causing water leakage.

[0085] Specifically, in the embodiments of this application, the mounting groove 1121 extends from one side of the support ring 112 to the opposite side along the width direction of the pot body 11.

[0086] In other words, the mounting groove 1121 is actually a through groove structure set horizontally on the support ring 112. Thus, after the water collecting component 12 is inserted into the support ring 112, it needs to cover the entire mounting groove 1121. Therefore, the volume of the water collecting component 12 is increased, which can store more condensate and prevent overflow when there is too much condensate. At the same time, the through groove structure is easy to process and shape, which also reduces the overall processing and manufacturing cost of the cooking equipment 100.

[0087] Combination Figure 6 Furthermore, a guide rod 113 is also provided in the mounting groove 1121. The guide rod 113 extends in the sliding direction, and the water collecting component 12 can cooperate with the guide rod 113 to slide along the guide rod 113 in the mounting groove 1121.

[0088] The guide rod 113 refers to the rod-shaped guide structure set in the mounting groove 1121 along the sliding direction. The water collecting part 12 may have a guide hole or guide groove adapted to the guide rod 113 at the corresponding position.

[0089] In this way, during the disassembly and sliding process, the water collection component 12 can move along the extension direction of the guide rod 113, avoiding the water collection component 12 from tilting or getting stuck during the sliding process, further improving the smoothness of the disassembly and assembly process of the water collection component 12, and ensuring that the disassembly and assembly operation can be completed stably.

[0090] Furthermore, in the embodiments of this application, the guide rod 113 engages with the bottom wall of the water collection component 12 at least in the vertical direction. This allows the guide rod 113 to support the water collection component 12, improving its structural stability after installation and preventing it from sinking or shifting within the mounting groove 1121 due to its own weight. This ensures that the collection opening 122 is always aligned with the direction of condensate outflow, maintaining a stable water collection effect.

[0091] See Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 40 includes a locking member 41 and a mating member 42. The water collecting member 12 has a head end 123 that first enters the mounting groove 1121 when it is installed in the mounting groove 1121. The mating member 42 is disposed at the head end 123 of the water collecting member 12 or adjacent to the head end of the water collecting member 12. The locking member 41 is disposed on the pot base 111 or the support ring 112 and can be locked and unlocked with the mating member 42.

[0092] Locking component 41 and mating component 42 are mating structures that can cooperate with each other to lock or unlock the water collecting component 12 and the support ring 112 or the pot base 111. When locking component 41 and mating component 42 are locked together, the water collecting component 12 is restricted in the mounting groove 1121 and cannot be pulled out. When locking component 41 and mating component 42 are unlocked and separated, the water collecting component 12 can slide out along the mounting groove 1121 to complete the disassembly.

[0093] The water collecting component 12 has a head end 123 that first enters the mounting groove 1121 when installed in the mounting groove 1121, specifically referring to... Figure 3 The right end of the water collection component 12 shown.

[0094] When the mating part 42 is located at or near the head 123 of the water collection part 12, and the locking part 41 is located on the pot base 111 or the support ring 112, and can be locked and unlocked with the mating part 42, the locking part 41 can cooperate with the mating part 42 to lock the water collection part 12 after it has completely slid into the mounting groove 1121, so as to stably restrict the water collection part 12 within the mounting groove 1121 and prevent the water collection part 12 from accidentally sliding out during cooking; and when the water flow detection sensor 30 detects that the condensate has been completely drained, the locking part 41 and the mating part 42 automatically separate and unlock, and the user can directly pull out the water collection part 12 to complete the water emptying and cleaning.

[0095] In addition, by setting the locking structure at or near the head end 123 of the water collection component 12, the locking mechanism can be completed immediately after the water collection component 12 is installed in place, and the locking mechanism can avoid causing additional obstacles to the sliding and disassembly of the water collection component 12.

[0096] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism 40 includes an electromagnet 411, a permanent magnet 421, and a controller. One of the electromagnet 411 and the permanent magnet 421 is disposed on the pot body 11, and the other of the electromagnet 411 and the permanent magnet 421 is disposed on the water collection member 12. The controller is configured to switch the polarity of the electromagnet 411 to attract or repel the permanent magnet 421.

[0097] Thus, by switching the polarity of the electromagnet 411 through the controller, the repulsive force generated by the same polarity and the attractive force generated by the opposite polarity can be used to switch between the unlocking and locking states. The structure is simple, the control logic is clear, and there is no need to set up a complex mechanical transmission structure, which can reduce the probability of failure and reduce the manufacturing cost of the cooking device 100. At the same time, the way the permanent magnet 421 is popped open allows the water collection component 12 to automatically pop out a short distance when unlocking, giving the user a clear unlocking prompt and making it easier for the user to grasp the water collection component 12 and pull it out, further improving the convenience of operation. In addition, the electromagnetic adsorption locking structure does not require a large operating gap between the water collection component 12 and the pot body 11, which can ensure that the water collection component 12 fits tightly with the pot body 11 after installation, further reducing the possibility of condensate leakage from gaps.

[0098] Specifically, the electromagnet 411 can be installed on the pot body 11, and the permanent magnet 421 can be installed at the head end 123 of the water collecting component 12.

[0099] To better understand the working principle of the cooking device 100 according to the embodiments of this application, the following detailed description is provided:

[0100] After the pot lid 20 is opened, condensed water flows down the inner lid 23 of the pot lid 20; the water flow detection sensor 30 sends the detection signal to the main controller in real time, and the main controller can start the pop-up program; at this time, the flowing water is collected by the water collection component 12; when the water flow detection sensor 30 does not detect the water flow signal within a preset time threshold, that is, at this time, no more condensed water flows down the inner lid 23. The main controller outputs a first-direction current to the electromagnet 411 fixed to the pot body 11, so that it generates the same N pole as the permanent magnet 421 on the water collection component 12. Using the repulsive force of like poles, the water collection component 12 is pushed from the storage position to the pop-up position, and the water collection component 12 will pop up automatically. The user can remove the water collection component 12 to pour out the water. Furthermore, when the user manually inserts the water collection component 12 into the support ring 112, the electromagnet 411 can quickly switch to the S pole by sending a reverse current through the main controller. At this time, the electromagnet 411 and the permanent magnet 421 are attracted by each other due to their opposite polarity, thus firmly locking the water collection component 12 in the storage position. In addition, the pop-up program will only start when the water flow detection sensor 30 detects water flow; otherwise, it will not start.

[0101] See Figure 7 This application also provides a control method for a cooking device, applied to the cooking device in any of the above embodiments, the method comprising:

[0102] S100: In response to the user's command to open the pot lid, control the water flow detection sensor 30 to detect the water flow information of the pot lid 20 toward the inner surface of the pot body 10;

[0103] The user's command to open the pot lid can be obtained by detecting the open status of the pot lid 20. When cooking is complete, the user can open the pot lid 20. At this time, the main controller can obtain the user's command to open the pot lid, and then control the water flow detection sensor 30 to detect the water flow information of the pot lid 20 toward the inner surface of the pot body 10.

[0104] S200: If water flow information is detected, the water flow detection sensor 30 is continuously or intermittently controlled to detect the water flow information of the lid 20 toward the inner surface of the pot body 10 until no water flow information is detected, and the locking mechanism 40 is controlled to unlock the pot body 11 and the water collection component 12.

[0105] When water flow is detected, it indicates that there is still condensation flowing downwards on the lid 20. At this time, the locking mechanism 40 needs to be kept locked to prevent the water collection component 12 from accidentally coming off before the condensation is collected and causing water to spill. Only when the water flow disappears, it means that all the condensation has been collected and drained into the water collection component 12. At this time, the locking mechanism 40 is unlocked. This ensures that the water collection operation is completed and also prompts the user to empty the water in time after unlocking. The user does not need to manually judge whether the water collection is complete, which improves the automation and convenience of use.

[0106] S300: If no water flow information is detected, the water flow detection sensor will be controlled to stop detection.

[0107] When no water flow information is detected, it means that there is no condensation flowing down the lid. At this time, the water flow detection sensor 30 can be directly controlled to stop detection without continuous operation, which can reduce the energy consumption of the equipment and extend the service life of the sensor.

[0108] Therefore, through the above control method, the collection and detection of condensate can be completed automatically after the lid 20 is opened. After the collection is completed, the water collection component 12 will be automatically unlocked and popped out. This eliminates the need for the user to manually check whether the condensate has been completely collected and also avoids the water collection component 12 from unlocking prematurely and causing water to spill. This improves the cleanliness and automation level of the cooking equipment 100 and optimizes the user experience.

[0109] Furthermore, when the locking mechanism 40 includes an electromagnet, the permanent magnet, and the controller, the control method includes:

[0110] If water flow information is detected, the water flow detection sensor 30 is continuously or intermittently controlled to detect water flow information on the inner surface of the pot lid 20 toward the pot body 10 until no water flow information is detected. The polarity of the electromagnet 411 is controlled to unlock the pot body 11 and the water collection component 12. After a preset time, the polarity of the electromagnet 411 is switched.

[0111] The process of controlling the polarity of electromagnet 411 to unlock the pot body 11 and the water collector 12 involves controlling the output polarity of electromagnet 411 to be the same as the current polarity of permanent magnet 421. This repulsive force pushes the water collector 12 outward a short distance, thus unlocking the pot body 11 and the water collector 12. After unlocking and a preset time has elapsed, the polarity of electromagnet 411 is switched again. If the user then pushes the water collector 12 back into the pot body 11, the pot body 11 and the water collector 12 will be locked together. If the water collector 12 is still in the pop-out, reversing the polarity will not affect its removal and will allow electromagnet 411 to return to standby mode, reducing unnecessary energy consumption and avoiding power waste caused by maintaining the same polarity for extended periods.

[0112] In this way, the device automatically switches back to the desired adsorption polarity after unlocking, which not only prepares for the locking operation after the user pushes the water collection component 12 back in, but also reduces the device's standby power consumption and improves the rationality of the control logic. After the user pushes the water collection component 12 back into the pot body 11, the electromagnet 411 can directly lock the device through opposite polarity adsorption without additional triggering, further simplifying the user's installation steps and improving the user experience.

[0113] Specifically, the preset time can be from 0.5 seconds to 20 seconds. When the preset time is 0.5 seconds, the electromagnet 411 has enough time to complete the polarity switch and eject the water collection component 12, avoiding the waste of power by maintaining a repulsive state for a long time. When the preset time is extended to 20 seconds, it allows the user sufficient time to remove the water collection component 12, preventing the electromagnet 411 from switching back to standby polarity before the user removes the water collection component 12. This adapts to the needs of users with different operating habits and has stronger adaptability.

[0114] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0115] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A cooking device, characterized in that, include: The pot body includes a pot body and a water collection device, wherein the water collection device is detachably disposed on the pot body; The lid is rotatably connected to the pot body to open or close the pot body; A water flow detection sensor is installed on the pot lid to detect water flow information from the pot lid toward the inner surface of the pot body; A locking mechanism is installed on the pot body and is communicatively connected to the water flow detection sensor. It is used to lock or unlock the pot body and the water collection component in response to water flow information on the inner surface of the pot body.

2. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water flow detection sensor includes a near-infrared spectral sensor, which is located inside the pot lid.

3. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pot lid has an inner lid area and a peripheral area surrounding the inner lid area. The inner lid area is set in the cooking cavity of the pot body. The water flow detection sensor is located in the peripheral area and is directly below the inner lid area in the vertical direction.

4. The cooking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The pot lid is placed on the open side of the pot body, and the water collecting component is detachably disposed on the open side of the pot body and has a collection opening; The collection opening is positioned facing the lid when the pot body is closed, and extends to the junction of the pot body and the lid.

5. The cooking apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The water collecting device has a water collecting cavity, and the collecting opening is formed on one side of the water collecting cavity. The bottom of the water collecting cavity also has a bottom wall that is inclined relative to the vertical direction.

6. The cooking apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pot body includes a pot base and a support ring. The support ring is connected to the top of the pot base, and the water collection component is detachably disposed on the support ring.

7. The cooking apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The support ring is provided with an installation groove, and the water collection component is slidably disposed in the installation groove so as to be disassembled or installed relative to the support ring.

8. The cooking apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The locking mechanism includes a locking component and a mating component. The water collecting component has a head end that first enters the mounting groove when installed in the mounting groove. The mating component is located at or near the head end. The locking component is located on the pot base or the support ring and can be locked and unlocked with the mating component.

9. The cooking apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The mounting groove is also provided with a guide rod, which extends in the sliding direction. The water collecting component can cooperate with the guide rod to slide along the guide rod in the mounting groove.

10. The cooking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The locking mechanism includes an electromagnet, a permanent magnet, and a controller. One of the electromagnet and the permanent magnet is disposed on the pot body, and the other of the electromagnet and the permanent magnet is disposed on the water collection component. The controller is configured to switch the polarity of the electromagnet to attract or repel the permanent magnet.

11. A method for controlling a cooking device, characterized in that, Applied to the cooking apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprises: In response to a user's command to open the pot lid, the water flow detection sensor is controlled to detect water flow information of the pot lid toward the inner surface of the pot body; If water flow information is detected, the water flow detection sensor is continuously or intermittently controlled to detect water flow information of the pot lid toward the inner surface of the pot body until no water flow information is detected, and the locking mechanism is controlled to unlock the pot body and the water collection component. If no water flow information is detected, the water flow detection sensor is controlled to stop detection.

12. A method for controlling a cooking device, characterized in that, Applied to the cooking apparatus of claim 10, the method comprises: In response to a user's command to open the pot lid, the water flow detection sensor is controlled to detect water flow information of the pot lid toward the inner surface of the pot body; If water flow information is detected, the water flow detection sensor is continuously or intermittently controlled to detect water flow information of the pot lid towards the inner surface of the pot body until no water flow information is detected. The polarity of the electromagnet is then controlled to unlock the pot body and the water collection component. After a preset time, the polarity of the electromagnet is switched. If no water flow information is detected, the water flow detection sensor is controlled to stop detection.

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