Intelligent anti-overflow noodle cooking device for raw noodle making machine and control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of for raw mill powder machine intelligence anti-overflowing powder cooking device and control method thereof, intelligence anti-overflowing powder cooking device includes powder cooking barrel, heating device, high liquid level sensor and control unit.High liquid level sensor is located at the inner wall of powder cooking barrel at predetermined height, for real-time detection of the liquid level of foam and liquid.Control unit receives sensor signal, controls heating device to stop heating when liquid level reaches or exceeds predetermined height, to prevent boiling over.High liquid level sensor is preferably a capacitive liquid level sensor.Temperature sensor and low liquid level sensor are also provided to achieve precise temperature control and dry burning protection.The powder cooking barrel has a double-layer structure with an electric heating tube in the interlayer.The device achieves intelligent anti-overflowing and continuous automatic operation in the cooking process, is safe and reliable, clean and efficient.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of food processing machinery and equipment technology, and in particular to a device for the cooking process in the continuous production of fresh wet rice noodles, specifically to an intelligent anti-overflow cooking device and its control method for a freshly pressed rice noodle machine. Background Technology

[0002] Fresh, wet rice noodles, especially freshly pressed rice noodles, are highly favored for their "freshly pressed and eaten" quality and smooth, chewy texture. In automated freshly pressed rice noodle equipment, the pressed rice noodles need to be directly dropped into boiling water to cook and set. However, fresh, wet rice noodle dough has a high starch content, which generates a large amount of thick, persistent foam during continuous cooking. This foam rises rapidly under boiling conditions and easily overflows from the cooking tank, causing the following serious problems: 1) a messy production site, increasing cleaning burden and food safety risks; 2) wasted water and heat energy; 3) potential for short circuits or burns, forcing production to stop and preventing truly unattended continuous production.

[0003] In existing technologies, the main methods for solving the problem of boiling over are as follows: 1) Passive overflow: This involves installing a normally open overflow vent along the top edge of the pot or increasing the pot's volume to allow foam and excess liquid to overflow into the drip tray. This method only addresses the symptoms, not the root cause, resulting in waste and environmental pollution. Furthermore, the overflowing starch-containing foam is viscous and extremely difficult to clean. 2) Manual supervision: This method relies entirely on the operator's experience, controlling the boiling intensity by adjusting the heat or adding cold water. This contradicts the original intention of automated production, resulting in low efficiency and unreliability. 3) In addition, some household cooking appliances use anti-overflow electrode technology. The principle is that when boiling liquid comes into contact with the electrode above the pot lid, the current flow is detected to determine "overflow" and stop heating. However, this method has significant drawbacks: First, it is a "contact-based" detection method with a delayed response. It is not sluggish in reacting to the rapidly accumulating non-conductive foam layer generated when cooking rice noodles, and often only triggers the action after a large amount of foam has overflowed. Second, its electrodes are prone to scaling and damage in the high-temperature, high-humidity, and frequently scrubbing environments of commercial continuous production, resulting in poor reliability.

[0004] In addition, the existing equipment lacks precise temperature control during the cooking process, resulting in large water temperature fluctuations that affect the cooking quality and consistency of the rice noodles. It also lacks a dry-burn protection mechanism, so the heating device continues to work when the liquid level in the cooking tank is too low, posing a safety risk of dry-burn damage to the equipment. Furthermore, it relies entirely on the electronic control system, which loses its safety guarantee once it fails.

[0005] Therefore, the current market urgently needs a dedicated starch cooking device that can be integrated into automated production lines, effectively handle high starch foam, achieve intelligent overflow prevention, and has precise temperature control and multiple safety protections. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defects of the prior art in the automatic cooking of rice noodles, such as easy overflow, reliance on manual labor, inability to produce continuously and safely, poor reliability of anti-overflow detection, inaccurate cooking temperature control, and lack of safety redundancy protection mechanism, and to provide an intelligent anti-overflow cooking device and its control method for raw rice noodle machines.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: An intelligent anti-overflow cooking device for a freshly pressed rice noodle machine includes: A rice noodle cooking bucket is used to hold the cooking liquid and cook rice noodles. A heating device is installed inside the cooking tank to heat the cooking liquid inside. A high liquid level sensor is installed at a predetermined height on the inner wall of the cooking tank to detect the liquid level of foam and liquid in real time during the cooking process. The control unit, which is signal-connected to the high liquid level sensor and the heating device, is configured to: receive the detection signal from the high liquid level sensor, and when the detection signal indicates that the liquid level has reached or exceeded the predetermined height, control the heating device to stop heating to prevent the cooking liquid from overflowing.

[0008] Furthermore, the high liquid level sensor is a capacitive liquid level sensor; the cooking pot has a double-layer structure, including an inner liner and an outer shell, and the heating device is an electric heating tube located at the bottom of the cooking pot.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes a temperature sensor, which is installed inside the cooking tank to detect the temperature of the cooking liquid; the control unit is signal-connected to the temperature sensor and is configured to maintain the temperature of the cooking liquid within a preset cooking temperature range based on the feedback signal from the temperature sensor.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a low liquid level sensor, which is disposed on the inner wall of the cooking tank and positioned lower than the high liquid level sensor, for detecting the minimum safe liquid level; the control unit is signal-connected to the low liquid level sensor and is configured to control the heating device to stop heating when the low liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level is lower than the minimum safe liquid level, so as to prevent dry burning.

[0011] Furthermore, the wall of the rice noodle cooking tank is provided with an overflow outlet, the position of which corresponds to or is slightly lower than the predetermined height position of the high liquid level sensor; the overflow outlet is led out through an overflow pipe.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes an integrated drainage system, the integrated drainage system comprising: A drain outlet is provided at the bottom of the rice noodle cooking pot; The drain pipe of the rice noodle cooking tank is connected to the drain outlet; A drain control valve is installed on the drain pipe of the rice noodle cooking tank; The valve stem of the drainage control valve extends upward to the operating table, and a switch handle is provided at the top of the valve stem.

[0013] Furthermore, the outlet of the drain control valve of the noodle cooking tank drain pipe is connected to one end of the main passage of the second three-way pipe, the other end of the main passage of the second three-way pipe is connected to one end of the main passage of the first three-way pipe, and the other end of the main passage of the first three-way pipe is connected to the overflow pipe, forming a unified drainage network. The water is ultimately discharged into the equipment's drainage system through the middle branch of the second three-way pipe. The middle branch of the first three-way pipe can be connected to other components that require drainage.

[0014] Furthermore, the control unit is configured to: cut off the power supply to the heating device within a response time of less than 1 second when the high liquid level sensor detects foam touching the probe; and restart the heating device within 2 seconds after the foam dissipates and the liquid level is lower than the probe, forming a dynamic anti-overflow cycle.

[0015] A smart anti-overflow cooking control method for a freshly pressed rice noodle machine, applied to the aforementioned smart anti-overflow cooking device, includes the following steps: S1: Inject cooking liquid into the cooking tank, and the control unit controls the heating device to heat the cooking liquid to the preset cooking temperature range; S2: During the cooking process, the foam and liquid level in the cooking tank are detected in real time by a high liquid level sensor; S3: When the high liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level has reached or exceeded the predetermined height, the control unit controls the heating device to cut off the power supply to stop heating; S4: When the liquid level drops below the predetermined height, the control unit controls the heating device to resume heating, causing the cooking liquid to boil again; S5: Repeat steps S3 and S4 until cooking is complete, forming a dynamic anti-overflow cycle.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes a low liquid level protection step: a low liquid level sensor installed on the inner wall of the cooking tank and lower than the high liquid level sensor monitors the minimum safe liquid level in real time. When the liquid level is detected to be lower than the minimum safe liquid level, the control unit forcibly shuts down the heating device and issues an alarm signal to prevent dry burning. The temperature control steps include: monitoring the temperature of the cooking liquid in real time by a temperature sensor installed inside the cooking tank; and using a PID control algorithm based on the temperature feedback signal to maintain the temperature of the cooking liquid within the range of 95℃-100℃.

[0017] Furthermore, it also includes a drainage and cleaning step: After production is completed, the operator opens the drainage control valve through the switch handle to discharge the wastewater in the cooking tank through the drain outlet and the cooking tank drain pipe.

[0018] The present invention has the following beneficial effects: Active intelligent overflow prevention: The high liquid level sensor monitors the foam liquid level in real time and intelligently controls the heating device to prevent overflow from the source. This enables unattended and continuous automated operation of the cooking process, improves production safety and cleanliness, and ensures continuous production.

[0019] Highly targeted and reliable detection: The preferred method is to use a capacitive liquid level sensor, which is sensitive to changes in the dielectric constant of the medium, can effectively distinguish between foam and liquid, has a fast response speed, and is suitable for the special working conditions of rice noodle cooking that produces a large amount of viscous foam. Moreover, the non-contact detection method is more corrosion-resistant and easier to clean, solving the problem of poor reliability of general anti-overflow electrode contact detection.

[0020] Precise control and energy efficiency: Combined with a temperature sensor, precise closed-loop control of the cooking temperature can be achieved. A PID control algorithm ensures the water temperature remains stable within the optimal cooking range, guaranteeing consistent rice noodle quality. The anti-overflow control employs a dynamic cyclic strategy of "monitor-stop-decrease-restart," preventing overflow while maintaining the cooking temperature to the maximum extent possible, reducing energy waste.

[0021] Safety redundancy design: It is equipped with a low liquid level sensor to prevent dry burning, and combined with a physical overflow outlet as a last safety barrier, forming a multi-layered safety protection system that combines electromechanical components. Even if the electronic control system fails, the overflow outlet can still provide passive safety protection.

[0022] Compact structure and easy maintenance: The double-layer tank design provides insulation and energy saving, and the integrated drainage system makes the equipment compact and convenient for drainage and cleaning operations, meeting the requirements of high efficiency and easy maintenance for commercial equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an embodiment of the intelligent anti-overflow rice noodle cooking device of the present invention (integrated into the whole machine). Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the powder cooking bucket part in the intelligent anti-overflow powder cooking device in the embodiment; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the drainage system of the intelligent anti-overflow rice noodle cooking device in the embodiment; Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the control principle of the intelligent anti-overflow cooking device in the embodiment.

[0024] Explanation of the labels in the diagram: 1. Cabinet components; 1-1. Tabletop; 1-2. Base plate; 1-3. Rack; 2. Powder cooking tank; 3. High liquid level sensor; 4. Overflow outlet; 5. Temperature sensor; 6. Low liquid level sensor; 7. Heating element; 8. Drain outlet; 9. First tee pipe; 9-1. Middle branch of the first tee pipe; 10. Second tee pipe; 10-1. Middle branch of the second tee pipe; 11. Drain control valve; 12. Drain pipe of the powder cooking tank; 13. Valve stem; 14. Switch handle; 15. Overflow pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that the description of these embodiments is intended to aid in understanding the present invention and not to limit its scope of protection. Example

[0026] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the present invention provides an intelligent anti-overflow rice noodle cooking device, which is mainly used in automated raw rice noodle machines and is responsible for the cooking and shaping process of rice noodles.

[0027] Relationship with the overall machine like Figure 1 As shown, this intelligent anti-overflow rice noodle cooking device, as the core functional module of the automated rice noodle machine, is modularly integrated and installed on the main cabinet component 1. The main cabinet component 1 of the automated rice noodle machine includes a frame 1-3, a tabletop 1-1 fixed to the top of the frame 1-3, and a base plate 1-2 fixed to the bottom of the frame 1-3. The frame 1-3 is constructed from square tubing welded into a cubic frame structure, providing a stable installation foundation for each functional component. The cooking tank 2 is installed in the middle of the cabinet using a suspended or seated method. A flange or mounting lug is welded to the upper part of its outer wall, and it is fixed to the tabletop 1-1 by bolts. The opening of the tank passes through a circular mounting hole on the tabletop 1-1, protruding approximately 50-100mm above the tabletop. The central axis of the cooking tank 2 is coaxially aligned with the central axis of the forming disc of the pressing component above, and the opening of the tank is located 20-50mm directly below the forming disc, ensuring that the extruded rice noodles fall directly into the boiling water. The drain outlet 8 at the bottom of the rice noodle cooking tank is connected to the drain pipe 12 of the rice noodle cooking tank, and is connected to the integrated drainage system along the inner side of the frame; the signal lines of each sensor are sealed out from the lead-out holes on the tank wall, laid along the wire trough on the inner side of the frame, and converge into the electrical control box.

[0028] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, an intelligent anti-overflow cooking device for a freshly pressed rice noodle machine includes: The rice noodle cooking tank 2 is used to hold the cooking liquid and cook the rice noodles. The cooking tank 2 is the core container of the device and is preferably made of food-grade stainless steel, such as 304 stainless steel. The cooking tank 2 has a double-layer design, including an inner liner and an outer shell, forming a cavity between the two layers filled with heat-insulating material. An electric heating element 7 is arranged at the bottom of the cooking tank 2 as a heating device. The double-layer structure effectively insulates against heat, saves energy, prevents burns to operators, and ensures more even heating. The cooking tank 2 is fixedly installed in the middle of the frame 1-3 of the equipment.

[0029] To achieve intelligent overflow prevention, a high liquid level sensor 3 is installed on the inner wall of the rice noodle cooking bucket 2, about 100mm below the top edge of the bucket opening. This height is an optimized value determined experimentally based on the foam rise rate and system response time during the cooking of fresh wet rice noodles, and is a specific implementation of the "predetermined height".

[0030] In this embodiment, the high liquid level sensor 3 is a capacitive liquid level sensor. Its working principle is as follows: the sensor probe and the tank wall form a capacitor plate. When a medium, such as water or foam, covers the probe, the capacitance value changes because the dielectric constant of the medium differs from that of air. The controller detects this change to determine the liquid level. Capacitive sensors have good foam detection capabilities and are non-contact measurement devices. The probe surface is smooth and does not easily adhere to dirt, making it very suitable for food processing environments that are high-temperature, humid, and require frequent cleaning.

[0031] A low-level sensor 6 and a temperature sensor 5 are also installed on the inner wall of the cooking tank 2. The low-level sensor 6 is located above the heating zone and below the high-level sensor 3, and is used to detect the minimum safe liquid level to prevent the heating element 7 from burning dry. The temperature sensor 5 is immersed in the cooking liquid and is used to monitor the water temperature in real time. The temperature sensor 5 can be a PT100 platinum resistance thermometer.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, at a position similar in height to the high liquid level sensor 3, an overflow port 4 is provided on the side wall of the cooking tank 2. The overflow port 4 is led out of the machine through an overflow pipe 15. This design serves as a passive mechanical safety redundancy: in the event of a brief malfunction in the intelligent control system, the rising foam and liquid will overflow from the overflow port 4 into the water receiving tank outside the machine, rather than overflowing from the tank opening, thus still providing a certain degree of safety assurance.

[0033] like Figure 3As shown, this device is equipped with an integrated drainage system for easy cleaning after production. A drain outlet 8 is located at the center of the bottom of the cooking tank 2, connecting to the cooking tank drain pipe 12. A drain control valve 11 is installed on the cooking tank drain pipe 12. In this embodiment, the drain control valve 11 is a 1.2-inch ball valve with its stem 13 extending to the equipment platform and equipped with a switch handle 14 for easy operation. To further optimize the layout, the outlet of the drain control valve 11 of the cooking tank drain pipe 12 is connected to one end of the main passage of the second three-way pipe 10. The other end of the main passage of the second three-way pipe 10 is connected to one end of the main passage of the first three-way pipe 9. The other end of the main passage of the first three-way pipe 9 is connected to the overflow pipe 15, forming a unified drainage network. The water ultimately drains to the equipment's drainage system through the intermediate branch port 10-1 of the second three-way pipe, making the equipment structure more compact and the piping simpler. The intermediate branch port 9-1 of the first three-way pipe can be connected to other components requiring drainage.

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, the core of the control unit can be a programmable logic controller (PLC) or a microcontroller (MCU). The control unit is connected to the power module and is connected to the high liquid level sensor 3, the low liquid level sensor 6, and the temperature sensor 5 respectively. It outputs control signals to the heating device, the electric heating tube contactor or solid-state relay to control the opening and closing of the electric heating tube 7.

[0035] The control method for the intelligent anti-overflow rice noodle cooking device, and the workflow and control logic of this embodiment are as follows: 1. Initialization and heating (corresponding to S1): Before production begins, inject an appropriate amount of clean water into the rice flour cooking tank 2. The control unit starts the heating device and, based on the feedback from the temperature sensor 5, uses a PID control algorithm to quickly raise the water temperature to and stabilize it within the optimal rice flour cooking temperature range of 95℃-100℃. 2. Continuous cooking and intelligent anti-overflow (corresponding to S2-S5): When the pressed rice noodles fall into boiling water, starch is released, and foam begins to form. The foam gradually accumulates, and the liquid level rises. Normal state (corresponding to S2): When the foam level is lower than the high level sensor 3, the sensor outputs a "low level" signal, and the control unit controls the heating device to continue working to maintain boiling; Overflow prevention trigger (corresponding to S3): When foam touches the high liquid level sensor 3 probe, the sensor capacitance value changes abruptly and outputs a "high liquid level" signal. The control unit immediately (response time < 1 second) cuts off the power supply to the heating device to stop heating. Foam subsidence (corresponding to S4): After heating is stopped, boiling stops, the foam breaks up quickly, and the liquid level drops; 2 seconds later, when the high liquid level sensor 3 detects that the liquid level is lower than the probe again, i.e. the "low liquid level" signal is restored, the control unit restarts the heating device to restore the water temperature to boiling. Dynamic cycle (corresponding to S5): The above "detection-stop-decrease-restart" process will occur in a cycle during cooking. This dynamic control strategy takes advantage of the fact that the foam responds quickly to the heating stop. That is, after the heating stops, the foam will quickly disappear on its own due to the boiling subsidence. This achieves the maximum maintenance of high-temperature cooking state while preventing overflow, thus ensuring the cooking quality and efficiency of rice noodles. 3. Safety protection (corresponding to low liquid level protection steps): Throughout the process, the low liquid level sensor 6 continuously monitors the water level. Once the water level is too low, such as if the drain valve is accidentally opened or the water supply is insufficient, its signal will be triggered, and the control unit will forcibly shut down the heating device and sound an alarm to prevent dry burning accidents. 4. Drainage and Cleaning (corresponding drainage and cleaning steps): After production is completed, the operator opens the drainage control valve 11 via the switch handle 14, and the wastewater in the cooking tank 2 is quickly drained through the drain outlet 8 and the cooking tank drain pipe 12. The integrated drainage pipeline facilitates flushing and cleaning of the entire system.

[0036] In summary, this device effectively solves the problem of overflow in the automated cooking of fresh wet rice noodles through targeted sensor selection, ingenious installation location setting, and intelligent control logic, achieving safe, clean, and efficient continuous production, and has significant practical value and commercial prospects.

[0037] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention, based on the technical solution and inventive concept of the present invention, should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An intelligent anti-overflow cooking device for a freshly pressed rice noodle machine, characterized in that, include: Rice noodle cooking bucket (2) is used to hold the cooking liquid and cook rice noodles; A heating device is installed inside the cooking tank to heat the cooking liquid inside. A high liquid level sensor (3) is set at a predetermined height on the inner wall of the cooking tank to detect the liquid level of foam and liquid in real time during the cooking process. The control unit, which is signal-connected to the high liquid level sensor and the heating device, is configured to: receive the detection signal from the high liquid level sensor, and when the detection signal indicates that the liquid level has reached or exceeded the predetermined height, control the heating device to stop heating to prevent the cooking liquid from overflowing.

2. The intelligent anti-overflow rice noodle cooking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The high liquid level sensor (3) is a capacitive liquid level sensor; the cooking pot (2) has a double-layer structure, including an inner liner and an outer shell; and the heating device is an electric heating tube (7) located at the bottom of the cooking pot.

3. The intelligent anti-overflow rice noodle cooking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature sensor (5), which is installed in the cooking tank to detect the temperature of the cooking liquid; the control unit is connected to the temperature sensor and is configured to maintain the temperature of the cooking liquid within a preset cooking temperature range according to the feedback signal of the temperature sensor.

4. The intelligent anti-overflow rice noodle cooking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a low liquid level sensor (6), which is disposed on the inner wall of the cooking pot and positioned below the high liquid level sensor (3) to detect the minimum safe liquid level; the control unit is signal-connected to the low liquid level sensor and is configured to control the heating device to stop heating when the low liquid level sensor detects that the liquid level is lower than the minimum safe liquid level, so as to prevent dry burning.

5. The intelligent anti-overflow rice noodle cooking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooking pot (2) has an overflow outlet (4) on its wall. The position of the overflow outlet corresponds to or is slightly lower than the predetermined height position of the high liquid level sensor (3). The overflow outlet (4) is led out through an overflow pipe (15).

6. The intelligent anti-overflow rice noodle cooking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an integrated drainage system, which comprises: Drainage outlet (8) is provided at the bottom of the rice noodle cooking pot (2); The drain pipe (12) of the rice noodle cooking bucket is connected to the drain outlet (8); Drainage control valve (11) is installed on the drain pipe (12) of the rice noodle cooking bucket. The valve stem (13) of the drain control valve extends upward to the operating table, and a switch handle (14) is provided at the top of the valve stem.

7. The intelligent anti-overflow rice noodle cooking device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The outlet of the drain control valve (11) of the drain pipe (12) of the rice noodle cooking bucket is connected to one end of the main passage of the second three-way pipe (10), the other end of the main passage of the second three-way pipe (10) is connected to one end of the main passage of the first three-way pipe (9), and the other end of the main passage of the first three-way pipe (9) is connected to the overflow pipe (15), forming a unified drainage network, which is finally discharged to the equipment drainage system through the middle branch (10-1) of the second three-way pipe.

8. The intelligent anti-overflow rice noodle cooking device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is configured to: when the high liquid level sensor (3) detects that foam touches the probe, cut off the power supply to the heating device within a response time of less than 1 second; and restart the heating device within 2 seconds after the foam dissipates and the liquid level is lower than the probe, forming a dynamic anti-overflow cycle.

9. A smart anti-overflow cooking control method for a freshly pressed rice noodle machine, applied to the smart anti-overflow cooking device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Inject cooking liquid into the cooking tank (2), and control unit controls heating device to heat cooking liquid to preset cooking temperature range; S2: During the cooking process, the foam and liquid level in the cooking tank are detected in real time by a high liquid level sensor (3); S3: When the high liquid level sensor (3) detects that the liquid level has reached or exceeded the predetermined height, the control unit controls the heating device to cut off the power supply to stop heating; S4: When the liquid level drops below the predetermined height, the control unit controls the heating device to resume heating, causing the cooking liquid to boil again; S5: Repeat steps S3 and S4 until cooking is complete, forming a dynamic anti-overflow cycle.

10. The intelligent anti-overflow rice noodle cooking control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a low liquid level protection step: the minimum safe liquid level is monitored in real time by a low liquid level sensor (6) set on the inner wall of the cooking pot and lower than the high liquid level sensor (3). When the liquid level is detected to be lower than the minimum safe liquid level, the control unit forcibly shuts down the heating device and issues an alarm signal to prevent dry burning. Temperature control steps: The temperature of the cooking liquid is monitored in real time by a temperature sensor (5) installed in the cooking tank. The control unit uses a PID control algorithm to maintain the temperature of the cooking liquid within the range of 95℃-100℃ based on the temperature feedback signal.

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