Pull-out steam box, method for operating pull-out steam box, and program product

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the field of household appliances, and specifically, to a pull- out steam box. The pull-out steam box includes a housing; a box body, disposed in the housing in a pull-out manner and including an inner cavity, where the inner cavity is configured to accommodate to-be-cooked food and a liquid medium for cooking, and the to- be-cooked food is at least partially immersed in the liquid medium; a heating unit, configured to heat the liquid medium; a first temperature sensor, configured to detect a temperature of the liquid medium in the inner cavity; and a control unit, configured to receive temperature data from the first temperature sensor and control the heating unit based on the temperature data, to cook the to-be-cooked food that is at least partially immersed in the liquid medium. The present disclosure further relates to a method for operating a pull-out steam box. According to the present disclosure, different function modes can be implemented in the pull- out steam box, thereby improving function integration of a product, and improving user satisfaction.

Description

[0001] PULL-OUT STEAM BOX, METHOD FOR OPERATING PULL-OUT STEAM BOX, AND PROGRAM PRODUCT

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to the field of household appliances, and specifically, to a pullout steam box. In addition, the present disclosure further relates to a method for operating a pull-out steam box and a computer program product.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] As requirements of people for quality of life gradually increase, drawer-type steam boxes, as upgraded products of conventional steaming appliances such as steamers, have gradually entered daily lives of people.

[0006] In existing drawer-type steam boxes, a pull-out drawer is provided, and a steam generator, such as a heating plate, is provided at the bottom of the drawer. To-be-steamed food is accommodated in the drawer and is cooked by steam.

[0007] However, such drawer-type steam boxes typically have only a single steaming function and merely meet steaming requirements, failing to meet requirements of users for other cooking functions of drawer-type steam boxes, such as frying or water bath functions.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for further improvement with respect to at least some of the above problems, and in particular, there is a need for improvement of the pull-out steam box in the prior art.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] An objective of implementations of the present disclosure is to provide a pull-out steam box and a method for operating a pull-out steam box. Through at least one embodiment of the technical solutions of the present disclosure, the shortcomings of the pull-out steam box in the prior art can be overcome, and flexible selection and switching of multiple cooking functions of the pull-out steam box can be achieved, thereby improving user satisfaction.According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a pull-out steam box is provided, including:

[0011] a housing;

[0012] a box body, disposed in the housing in a drawable manner and including an inner cavity, where the inner cavity is configured to accommodate to-be-cooked food and a liquid medium for cooking, and the to-be-cooked food is at least partially immersed in the liquid medium; a heating unit, configured to heat the liquid medium;

[0013] a first temperature sensor, configured to detect a temperature of the liquid medium in the inner cavity; and

[0014] a control unit, configured to receive temperature data from the first temperature sensor and control the heating unit based on the temperature data, to cook the to-be-cooked food that is at least partially immersed in the liquid medium.

[0015] In this implementation of the pull-out steam box of the present disclosure, based on the existing heating unit and box body, such as a drawer, of the pull-out steam box, a liquid bath function of the pull-out steam box can be implemented by only one temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the liquid medium. Therefore, expansion of cooking functions of the pull-out steam box can be achieved using existing structural elements with little or no addition of additional structures or components, thereby improving the functional integration of the pull-out steam box and user satisfaction. In addition, by expanding the cooking functions of the pull-out steam box, simple and intelligent switching between these cooking functions can further be achieved. Therefore, user acceptance of the product is also improved.

[0016] Extensions and improvements of the technical solution of the present disclosure can be learned from the following optional embodiments.

[0017] According to an optional implementation of the pull-out steam box of the present disclosure, the first temperature sensor is detachably disposed in the inner cavity, and a connection interface configured to be connected to the first temperature sensor is provided in the inner cavity. Therefore, the first temperature sensor can be disposed particularly flexibly and simply. In addition, switching between cooking functions can also be achieved in a particularly simple manner through the detachable first temperature sensor.Alternatively, the first temperature sensor is non-detachably secured in the inner cavity. Therefore, a deployment of the first temperature sensor can be simplified and connection reliability of the first temperature sensor in the inner cavity can be improved.

[0018] According to an optional implementation of the pull-out steam box of the present disclosure, the first temperature sensor includes a sensor body and a sensor probe located at one end of the sensor body, where the sensor probe is capable of being at least partially immersed in the liquid medium for cooking. The implementation has a simple structure and can reliably ensure a temperature detection function of the first temperature sensor.

[0019] According to an optional implementation of the pull-out steam box of the present disclosure, the heating unit is configured as a heating plate and is disposed at the bottom of the inner cavity. Therefore, a particularly simple and compact deployment is implemented. In addition, in this implementation, different heating media can further be heated using the single heating unit, thereby ensuring different cooking modes.

[0020] According to an optional implementation of the pull-out steam box of the present disclosure, the first temperature sensor is disposed on a rear side wall of the inner cavity in a pull-out direction of the box body. Therefore, an interface deployment of the first temperature sensor is simplified.

[0021] According to an optional implementation of the pull-out steam box of the present disclosure, the pull-out steam box further includes a rack, configured to be accommodated in the inner cavity and hold the to-be-cooked food. In this implementation, a functional component adapted for an additional cooking function can be arranged, thereby facilitating the placement of to-be-cooked food by a user under, for example, an oil bath or water bath function, and ensuring cooking performance.

[0022] According to an optional implementation of the pull-out steam box of the present disclosure, the rack includes a holding surface configured to hold the to-be-cooked food, where a grid structure is provided in at least the holding surface, and in a state where the rack is accommodated in the inner cavity and the inner cavity is filled with the liquid medium for cooking, the liquid medium contacts the to-be-cooked food via the grid structure.According to an optional implementation of the pull-out steam box of the present disclosure, the rack includes at least one handle portion, where the user is capable of gripping the rack via the handle portion. Therefore, a gripping operation of the user can be facilitated.

[0023] According to an optional implementation of the pull-out steam box of the present disclosure, the rack is made of a heat-resistant material, such as metal or plastic. Therefore, it can be ensured that the rack can reliably provide a corresponding function in any cooking function or cooking mode of the pull-out steam box of this application without being damaged.

[0024] According to an optional implementation of the pull-out steam box of the present disclosure, a support portion for supporting the first temperature sensor is provided on the rack. The rack additionally provides reliable support for the first temperature sensor, thereby ensuring reliable detection of the first temperature sensor and precise control of the cooking process.

[0025] According to an optional implementation of the pull-out steam box of the present disclosure, a maximum liquid level indicator and / or a minimum liquid level indicator are provided on a side wall of the inner cavity, where the maximum liquid level indicator is lower than the connection interface, and the minimum liquid level indicator is higher than the holding surface. Therefore, an intuitive and quantitative liquid level indication can be provided for the user, and the risk of failure of the electrical connection and communication connection of the first temperature sensor due to the liquid level exceeding the connection interface configured to be connected to the sensor can be avoided, as well as the risk of poor cooking results or even cooking failure due to the liquid level falling below the holding surface.

[0026] According to an optional implementation of the pull-out steam box of the present disclosure, a ventilation opening is provided in an outer surface of the box body, where the ventilation opening is capable of communicating the inner cavity with an external environment of the pull-out steam box, to discharge steam from the inner cavity to the external environment via the ventilation opening, and the maximum liquid level indicator is lower than the ventilation opening. Therefore, the box body can be ventilated depending on the cooking function or cooking mode, thereby ensuring cooking results. In addition, the position of the maximum liquid level indicator also ensures that the liquid medium for cooking in the box body does not flow out into the environment via the ventilation opening, thereby also improving the reliability of the cooking functions.According to an optional implementation of the pull-out steam box according to the present disclosure, the pull-out steam box further includes a second temperature sensor, configured to detect an inner cavity temperature of the inner cavity. Therefore, the inner cavity temperature of the inner cavity can be reliably detected by the second temperature sensor, thereby reliably ensuring, for example, the steaming function, and additionally providing additional temperature data for other cooking modes, to achieve more precise and intelligent control.

[0027] According to an optional implementation of the pull-out steam box of the present disclosure, a cooking mode of the pull-out steam box at least includes a steaming mode and a liquid bath mode, where in the steaming mode, the to-be-cooked food is heated by steam, and in the liquid bath mode, the to-be-cooked food is heated by the liquid medium. Therefore, different cooking modes can be provided in the pull-out steam box and a possibility of switching between cooking modes can be provided.

[0028] According to an optional implementation of the pull-out steam box of the present disclosure, in the liquid bath mode, the control unit executes the liquid bath mode based on the temperature data from the first temperature sensor. In this implementation, liquid temperature can be reliably detected by the first temperature sensor to ensure reliable execution of the liquid bath mode.

[0029] According to an optional implementation of the pull-out steam box of the present disclosure, in the steaming mode, the control unit executes the steaming mode based on temperature data from the second temperature sensor, and the first temperature sensor is deactivated or removed. Therefore, switching between different cooking modes can be achieved by simple switching between the temperature sensors, thereby ensuring reliable execution of the cooking process.

[0030] Alternatively, in the steaming mode, the first temperature sensor is further configured to detect temperature data of the to-be-cooked food, and the control unit executes the steaming mode based on the temperature data from the second temperature sensor and temperature data from the first temperature sensor. Therefore, corresponding temperature data can be reliably detected by both the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, and the first temperature sensor does not need to be deactivated or, forexample, manually removed. Therefore, user operations are simplified, and the steaming mode can be controlled more precisely based on the temperature data.

[0031] According to an optional implementation of the pull-out steam box of the present disclosure, the second temperature sensor is disposed in the side wall of the inner cavity. Therefore, configuration and deployment of the second temperature sensor are simplified, and assembly costs are reduced.

[0032] According to an optional implementation of the pull-out steam box of the present disclosure, the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are identically or differently configured. Therefore, a simple, flexible, and low-cost configuration selection of the temperature sensor can be achieved.

[0033] According to an optional implementation of the pull-out steam box of the present disclosure, the second temperature sensor and the first temperature sensor operate cooperatively and / or simultaneously depending on the cooking mode. In this implementation, operation of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are coordinated, thereby achieving reliable and precise control for different cooking modes.

[0034] Alternatively, the second temperature sensor and the first temperature sensor operate independently of each other. Therefore, different temperature sensors may be enabled for different modes, thereby reducing operation costs and control complexity.

[0035] According to an optional implementation of the pull-out steam box of the present disclosure, the liquid medium is water or oil. In this way, a water bath cooking function and a deep-frying cooking function can be achieved.

[0036] According to an optional implementation of the pull-out steam box of the present disclosure, the pull-out steam box further includes a water supply unit, configured to supply water to the inner cavity, where water is heated by the heating unit. Therefore, reliable water supply control for different cooking processes can be achieved using the water supply unit of the pull-out steam box. In addition, the user does not need to, or at least does not need to frequently, manually refill the pull-out steam box during cooking, thereby simplifying user operations and further improving user experience.According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating the pull-out steam box according to any one of the foregoing implementations is provided, including at least the following steps:

[0037] step S1: receiving an input signal indicating a cooking mode for to-be-cooked food; step S2: selectively receiving, based on the input signal, temperature data corresponding to the cooking mode; and

[0038] step S3: outputting, based on the temperature data, a control signal configured for executing the cooking mode.

[0039] In this implementation of the method of the present disclosure, through selection or switching of the cooking mode of the pull-out steam box, temperature data from different temperature sensors can be received, thereby achieving reliable control and execution of a corresponding cooking mode. In this way, different cooking functions of the pull-out steam box are implemented.

[0040] According to an optional implementation of the method of the present disclosure, in step S2, the first temperature sensor and / or the second temperature sensor are selectively activated based on the input signal. In this implementation, the corresponding temperature sensor is adaptively activated depending on the selection of the cooking mode, thereby enabling different cooking functions of the pull-out steam box and reliable switching or selection thereof, and allowing reliable output of the corresponding temperature data and ensuring execution of the corresponding cooking mode.

[0041] According to an optional implementation of the method of the present disclosure, the cooking mode includes at least a steaming mode and a liquid bath mode, and step S2 further includes the following sub-steps:

[0042] sub-step S21: determining whether the input signal indicates the steaming mode or the liquid bath mode; and

[0043] sub-step S22: selectively receiving temperature data from the first temperature sensor if the input signal indicates the liquid bath mode, where the first temperature sensor detects temperature data of a liquid medium for cooking; or

[0044] sub-step S23: selectively receiving temperature data from the second temperature sensor if the input signal indicates the steaming mode, where the second temperature sensor detects a temperature of the inner cavity.In this implementation, particularly simple and intelligent cooking mode selection and cooking control are achieved, thereby achieving a fully automated cooking process and further improving user experience.

[0045] According to an optional implementation of the method of the present disclosure, in sub-step S23, the temperature data from the first temperature sensor is additionally received, where the first temperature sensor can detect a temperature of to-be-cooked food. In this implementation, the temperature data from the first temperature sensorthat indicates a food temperature is additionally utilized to more precisely control the steaming process.

[0046] Therefore, compared with the pull-out steam box in the prior art, the present disclosure improves control precision and achieves better cooking results of the cooked food.

[0047] According to an optional implementation of the method of the present disclosure, the liquid bath mode includes a water bath mode, and in step S3, in the water bath mode or in the steaming mode, the water supply unit is controlled to supply water to the inner cavity, and the heating unit is controlled to heat water in the inner cavity. Therefore, a water supply operation is simplified, and an intelligent water supply solution depending on the cooking mode is provided for the user.

[0048] According to an optional implementation of the method of the present disclosure, the liquid bath mode includes an oil bath mode, and in the oil bath mode, the heating unit is controlled to heat oil in the inner cavity. The different liquid media for cooking are heated by the heating unit in the pull-out steam box, thereby reducing costs and simplifying a heat function.

[0049] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a computer program product, for example, a computer-readable program carrier, is provided. The computer program product includes or stores computer program instructions, where the computer program instructions, when executed by a processor, at least assist in implementing the steps of the method for operating the pull-out steam box.

[0050] More features of the present disclosure become obvious in the claims, the drawings, and the description of the drawings. The features and feature combinations mentioned in the foregoing description and the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the drawings and / or shown only in the drawings can be used not only in correspondingly specified combinations, but also in other combinations without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following content is also considered to be covered and disclosed in the present disclosure: the content is not explicitly shown in the drawings and is not explicitly explained, but is derived from a combination formed by separate features from the explained content and is generated by the combination. The following content and feature combinations are also considered as being disclosed: the content and feature combinations do not have all the features of the originally drafted independent claims. In addition, the following content and feature combinations that exceed or deviate from the feature combinations defined in the reference relationships of the claims are considered to be especially disclosed by the foregoing content.

[0051] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] The following describes the present disclosure in more detail with reference to the drawings, to better understand the principles, features, and advantages of the present disclosure. The drawings include:

[0053] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a pull-out steam box of the present disclosure, where a box body of the pull-out steam box is in a closed state;

[0054] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the pull-out steam box in FIG. 1, where the box body of the pull-out steam box is in an open state;

[0055] FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of the box body of the pull-out steam box in FIG. 1 ;

[0056] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the box body of the pull-out steam box in FIG.

[0057] 1;

[0058] FIG. 5 is a schematic partial perspective view of the box body in FIG. 4;

[0059] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the box body of the pull-out steam box in FIG.

[0060] 1 , where a rack is disposed in the box body;

[0061] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a rack of the present disclosure;

[0062] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a rack of the present disclosure;

[0063] FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating a pull-out steam box of the present disclosure; and

[0064] FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart of another embodiment of a method for operating a pullout steam box of the present disclosure.List of reference signs

[0065] 1 Pull-out steam box

[0066] 2 Housing

[0067] 3 Box body

[0068] 4 Heating unit

[0069] 5 First temperature sensor

[0070] 6 Control unit

[0071] 7 Cover

[0072] 8 User interface

[0073] 9 Water supply unit

[0074] 10 Data interface

[0075] 11 Rack

[0076] 12 Ventilation opening

[0077] 13 Water outlet opening

[0078] 14 Cooling unit

[0079] 15 Guide unit

[0080] 16 Second temperature sensor 31 Inner cavity

[0081] 32 Outer surface

[0082] 51 Sensor body

[0083] 52 Sensor probe

[0084] 91 Pump

[0085] 92 Delivery pipe

[0086] 93 Water tank

[0087] 111 Holding surface

[0088] 112 Grid structure

[0089] 113 Handle portion

[0090] 114 Support portion

[0091] 311 Connection interface

[0092] 312 Maximum liquid level indicator 100 Method

[0093] XYZ XYZ coordinate systemDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial technical effects of the present disclosure clearer and more comprehensible, the present disclosure is further described in detail below with reference to the drawings and a plurality of exemplary implementations. It should be understood that the specific implementation described herein are provided for describing the present disclosure and not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0095] To better understand the foregoing pull-out steam box and the method for operating the pullout steam box, exemplary implementations of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that, the directional terms used in the description process refer to a common use state of a pull-out steam box, for ease of description, and cannot be understood as an absolute limitation on corresponding features.

[0096] Embodiments of a pull-out steam box 1 of the present disclosure are described below with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 8.

[0097] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the pull-out steam box 1 of the present disclosure, where a box body 3 of the pull-out steam box 1 is in a closed state. FIG.

[0098] 2 is a schematic perspective view of the pull-out steam box 1 in FIG. 1, where the box body 3 of the pull-out steam box 1 is in an open state. FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of the box body 3 of the pull-out steam box 1 in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the box body 3 of the pull-out steam box 1 in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a schematic partial perspective view of the box body 3 in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the box body 3 of the pull-out steam box 1 in FIG. 1 , where a rack 11 is disposed in the box body 3. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the rack 11 of the present disclosure, and FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the rack 11 of the present disclosure.

[0099] The pull-out steam box 1 may alternatively be a drawer-type steam box and is exemplarily configured as a built-in steam box that can be built in a cabinet to form an integrated structure with the cabinet, thereby achieving an integrated appearance of the pull-out steam box 1. Certainly, a freestanding steam box may alternatively be considered and can be flexibly disposed in the kitchen or another area.In addition, for the purpose of clarity, an XYZ coordinate system is further shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 8, respectively, the X direction represents a direction of the pull-out steam box 1 facing a user, and also represents a pull-out direction of the pull-out steam box 1, the Y direction represents a transverse direction of the pull-out steam box 1 , and the Z direction represents a vertical direction of the pull-out steam box 1.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, according to this embodiment, the pull-out steam box 1 includes a housing 2, the box body 3, a heating unit 4, and a cover 7. The box body 3 is exemplarily configured as a drawer and is disposed in the housing 2 in a drawable manner in the pull-out direction X through a guide unit 15 such as a guide rail. An inner cavity 31 is provided in the box body 3. The inner cavity 31 is configured to accommodate to-be-cooked food and a liquid medium for cooking. The to-be-cooked food can be at least partially immersed in the liquid medium. The cover 7 is disposed on the box body 3 in a movable manner, for example, in a rotatable manner, and is configured to open or close the inner cavity 31. Therefore, it can be ensured that no medium for cooking flows out from the inner cavity 31 in a cooking process, and temperature control in the cooking process can be ensured.

[0101] In addition, the pull-out steam box 1 further includes a heating unit 4. The heating unit 4 can heat the liquid medium. Exemplarily, the heating unit 4 is configured as a heating plate and is disposed at the bottom of the inner cavity 31. In this way, configuration and deployment of the heating unit 4 are simplified, and heating of the liquid medium accommodated in the inner cavity 31 can be reliably ensured.

[0102] Refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4. According to this embodiment, the pull-out steam box 1 further includes a first temperature sensor 5 and a second temperature sensor 16. The first temperature sensor 5 is configured to detect a temperature of the liquid medium in the inner cavity 31. The second temperature sensor 16 is configured to detect an inner cavity temperature of the inner cavity 31.

[0103] The pull-out steam box 1 further includes a control unit 6 (as shown only schematically in FIG. 4). The control unit 6 is exemplarily configured as a controller and is configured to receive temperature data from the first temperature sensor 5 and / or temperature data from the second temperature sensor 16 and control the heating unit 4 based on the temperature data.According to this embodiment, the pull-out steam box 1 includes a steaming mode and a liquid bath mode. In the steaming mode, the to-be-cooked food is heated by steam, as in the prior art, to implement the cooking process. In the liquid bath mode, the to-be-cooked food is heated by the liquid medium.

[0104] Therefore, in the steaming mode, the second temperature sensor 16 detects a temperature of steam in the inner cavity 31 , and the control unit 6 controls generation of steam in the inner cavity 31 based on the temperature of the steam, to cook the to-be-cooked food that is present in the steam environment. In the liquid bath mode, the first temperature sensor 5 detects a temperature of the liquid medium, and the control unit 6 controls, based on the temperature of the liquid medium, the heating unit 4 to heat the liquid medium, so as to cook the to-be-cooked food that is at least partially immersed in the liquid medium.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the liquid bath mode includes a water bath mode and an oil bath mode. Correspondingly, the liquid medium may be oil, especially cooking oil, or water.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, the pull-out steam box 1 further includes a water supply unit 9, configured to supply water to the inner cavity 31. Water is heated by the heating unit 4. In the water bath mode, the water supplied by the water supply unit 9 is heated, to cook the to-be-cooked food that is at least partially immersed in water. In the steaming mode, water is heated by the heating unit 4 to a gaseous state, and the to-be-cooked food accommodated in the inner cavity 31 is cooked by steam.

[0107] Exemplarily, as shown in FIG. 3, the water supply unit 9 includes a pump 91 , a delivery pipe 92, and a water tank 93. The user may manually add water to the water tank 93 before cooking. Alternatively, the water tank 93 may be connected to an external water source and automatically refilled with water based on a liquid level in the water tank 93. Therefore, the water supply unit 9 further includes a corresponding valve apparatus (not shown), such as a magnetic valve. The delivery pipe 92 is in fluid connection with the pump 91 and the water tank 93. Based on a control signal of the control unit 6, the pump 91 is controlled to pump water from the water tank 93 into the inner cavity 31 via the delivery pipe 92 through a water outlet opening 13.According to an embodiment, the pump 91 may be integrated into the water tank 93, thereby achieving a more compact configuration of the water supply unit 9.

[0108] In addition, the pull-out steam box 1 further includes a cooling unit 14, which is exemplarily configured as a cooling fan. The inner cavity 31 can be cooled by the cooling unit 14.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 4, the water supply unit 9 is exemplarily disposed on a front end portion of the box body 3 in the X direction, and a user interface 8, such as a touchscreen, is further disposed beside the water supply unit 9. The user may select a corresponding cooking mode and enter a corresponding parameter or instruction through the user interface 8.

[0110] In addition, a ventilation opening 12 is provided in an outer surface 32 of the box body 3. The ventilation opening 12 selectively communicates the inner cavity 31 with an external environment of the pull-out steam box 1, to discharge a gaseous medium, such as steam, in the inner cavity 31 to the external environment via the ventilation opening 12.

[0111] FIG. 4 schematically further shows a data interface 10, which is disposed on a rear end portion of the box body 3 in the pull-out direction X. The control unit 6 may be in communication connection with the data interface 10 and control operation of the pull-out steam box 1 based on a data signal transmitted via the data interface 10.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, a maximum liquid level indicator 312 is provided on a side wall of the inner cavity 31 , such as a rear side wall of the inner cavity 31 in the pull-out direction X of the box body 3, and indicates a maximum allowed liquid level height in the inner cavity 31.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the first temperature sensor 5 is detachably disposed on the rear side wall of the inner cavity 31 in the pull-out direction X of the box body 3.

[0114] Correspondingly, a connection interface 311 configured to be connected to the first temperature sensor 5 is disposed on the rear side wall. The connection interface 311 is disposed above the maximum liquid level indicator 312, that is, is higher than the maximum liquid level indicator 312 in the Z direction, thereby preventing the connection interface 311 from being immersed in the liquid medium. In addition, the ventilation opening 12 is also higher than the maximum liquid level indicator 312 in the Z direction, thereby preventing the liquid medium from flowing out to the external environment via the ventilation opening 12.In the present disclosure, "detachable" should be understood as separating two elements from each other in a non-destructive manner. According to an embodiment, the first temperature sensor 5 includes a sensor body 51 and a sensor probe 52 located at one end of the sensor body 51. For example, the sensor probe 52 can move, for example, bend or rotate, relative to the sensor body 51 and can be at least partially immersed in the liquid medium for cooking, to detect the temperature of the liquid medium.

[0115] The second temperature sensor 16 may be disposed in the side wall of the inner cavity 31 and is exemplarily integrated into the ventilation opening 12 in the embodiment in FIG. 4. This reduces installation space requirements and improves space utilization of the inner cavity 31.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the first temperature sensor 5 and the second temperature sensor 16 are configured differently. Depending on the cooking mode, the second temperature sensor 16 and the first temperature sensor 5 may operate cooperatively and / or simultaneously. Certainly, the second temperature sensor 16 and the first temperature sensor 5 may alternatively operate independently of each other.

[0117] In the liquid bath mode, the user may connect the first temperature sensor 5 to the connection interface 311. Therefore, in the liquid bath mode, the first temperature sensor 5 can detect the temperature of the liquid medium and the control unit 6 performs a corresponding cooking process based on temperature data from the first temperature sensor 5. In the steaming mode, the user may remove the first temperature sensor 5 from the connection interface 311 or deactivate the first temperature sensor 5, and the second temperature sensor 16 can detect a temperature of steam in the inner cavity 31 and the control unit 6 performs a corresponding cooking process based on temperature data from the second temperature sensor 16.

[0118] Alternatively, in the steaming mode, the user does not need to remove or deactivate the first temperature sensor 5. Instead, the first temperature sensor 5 is further configured to detect temperature data of the to-be-cooked food. Exemplarily, the user may bring the sensor probe 52 of the first temperature sensor 5 into contact with the to-be-cooked food, for example, by inserting the sensor probe 52 into the to-be-cooked food. During steaming, the control unit 6 performs a corresponding cooking process based on temperature data from the secondtemperature sensor 16 and temperature data from the first temperature sensor 5. This further improves precision of cooking control and a cooking result, thereby also improving user experience and satisfaction.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 6 to FIG. 8, the pull-out steam box 1 further includes a rack 11. The rack 11 can be accommodated in the inner cavity 31 and is configured to hold the to-be-cooked food.

[0120] In this embodiment, the rack 11 includes a holding surface 111 configured to hold the to-be-cooked food. A grid structure 112 is provided in the holding surface 111. Therefore, in a state where the rack 11 is accommodated in the inner cavity 31 and the inner cavity 31 is filled with the liquid medium for cooking, the liquid medium contacts the to-be-cooked food via the grid structure 112, so that the to-be-cooked food can be fully in contact with the liquid medium and is heated by the liquid medium. Exemplarily, the rack 11 is made of a heat-resistant material, such as metal or plastic.

[0121] According to an embodiment, a minimum liquid level indicator (not shown in detail) is further provided on the side wall of the inner cavity 31. The minimum liquid level indicator indicates a minimum allowed liquid level height, and in the state where the rack 11 is accommodated in the inner cavity 31 , the minimum liquid level indicator is higher than the holding surface 111 , to ensure that the liquid medium at least partially contacts the to-be-cooked food and heats the to-be-cooked food.

[0122] The rack 11 includes at least one handle portion 113, and the user can grip the rack 11 by the handle portion 113. Exemplarily, the handle portion 113 is integrally formed with the rack 11. Alternatively, the handle portion 113 may be separately configured on the rack 11 and made of a material with low thermal conductivity, such as plastic, thereby preventing the user from scalding the hand when removing the rack 11 after the cooking process is completed.

[0123] In the embodiment in FIG. 7, one handle portion 113 is provided at each of two opposite end portions of the rack 11 , and the handle portions are opposite to each other and configured identically.

[0124] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a support portion 114 for supporting the first temperature sensor 5 is provided on the rack 11. The support portion 114 exemplarily has a contour adapted to the sensor body 51 of the sensor 5 and holds the sensor body 51horizontally in a case that the sensor 5 is disposed on the connection interface 311.

[0125] Therefore, additional support for the first temperature sensor 5 is achieved and reliable operation of the first temperature sensor 5 is ensured.

[0126] In addition, the pull-out steam box 1 may further include a drainage apparatus or a collection apparatus (not shown) for the liquid medium. After cooking is completed, the liquid medium is drained or collected from the inner cavity 31 by the drainage apparatus or the collection apparatus, thereby preventing residue of the liquid medium in the inner cavity 31.

[0127] Next, embodiments of a method 100 for operating the pull-out steam box 1 are exemplarily described with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, as well as FIG. 1 to FIG. 8.

[0128] FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the method 100 for operating a pull-out steam box 1 of the present disclosure. According to this embodiment, the method 100 exemplarily includes step S1 to step S3.

[0129] Step S1: The control unit 6 receives an input signal indicating a cooking mode for to-be-cooked food. Herein, the cooking mode at least includes a steaming mode and a liquid bath mode, where the liquid bath mode exemplarily includes an oil bath mode and a water bath mode. The user may select a corresponding cooking mode through the user interface 8, such as a touchscreen, place to-be-cooked food that is prepared in advance according to a cooking recipe into the inner cavity 31 of the box body 3, for example, may place the to-be-cooked food onto the rack 11 and place the rack together with the to-be-cooked food into the inner cavity 31 , and close the cover 7 and push the box body 3 into the housing 2.

[0130] Step S2: The control unit 6 selectively receives, based on the input signal, temperature data corresponding to the cooking mode. In this embodiment, in step S2, the control unit 6 selectively activates the first temperature sensor 5 and / or the second temperature sensor 16 based on the input signal.

[0131] Step S3: The control unit 6 outputs a control signal configured for executing the cooking mode based on the temperature data. For example, the control unit 6 correspondingly controls the heating unit 4 and correspondingly adjusts heating power of the heating unit 4 based on the temperature data, to perform cooking.After cooking is completed, the user may take out the cooked food.

[0132] FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart of another embodiment of the method 100 for operating the pull-out steam box 1 of the present disclosure.

[0133] This method is similar to the method 100 in FIG. 9. Step S1: The control unit 6 receives an input signal indicating a cooking mode for to-be-cooked food.

[0134] Step S2: The control unit 6 selectively receives, based on the input signal, temperature data corresponding to the cooking mode.

[0135] According to this embodiment, step S2 further includes sub-step S21 to sub-step S23. Substep S21: Determine whether the input signal indicates a steaming mode or a liquid bath mode. Sub-step S22: Selectively receive temperature data from the first temperature sensor 5 if the input signal indicates the liquid bath mode, where the first temperature sensor 5 detects temperature data of a liquid medium for cooking.

[0136] That is, if a user intends to perform liquid bath cooking, in a case that the first temperature sensor 5 is configured as detachable, the user exemplarily connects the first temperature sensor 5 to the connection interface 311 , and the control unit 6 selectively activates the first temperature sensor 5 based on the liquid bath mode and

[0137] controls the heating unit 4 to heat the liquid medium based on temperature data from the first temperature sensor 5, so as to control a cooking process. In the liquid bath mode, the second temperature sensor 16 does not operate or is deactivated.

[0138] Sub-step S23: Selectively receive temperature data from the second temperature sensor 16 if the input signal indicates the steaming mode, where the second temperature sensor 16 detects a temperature of the inner cavity 31. That is, if the user intends to perform steaming cooking, the control unit 6 selectively activates the second temperature sensor 16 based on the steaming mode and controls, based on the temperature data from the second temperature sensor 16, the heating unit 4 to generate steam, so as to control a cooking process. In the steaming mode, the first temperature sensor 5 does not operate or is deactivated, or in a case that the first temperature sensor 5 is configured as detachable, the user directly removes the first temperature sensor 5 from the inner cavity 31.In another embodiment, in sub-step S23, temperature data from the first temperature sensor 5 is additionally received. The first temperature sensor 5 can detect a temperature of the to-be-cooked food.

[0139] That is, in this embodiment, in a case that the input signal indicates the steaming mode, the control unit 6 activates both the first temperature sensor 5 and the second temperature sensor 16. Herein, instead of deactivating the first temperature sensor 5, the first temperature sensor 5 may be additionally used to detect the temperature of the to-be-cooked food when the second temperature sensor 16 is used to detect the temperature of the inner cavity 31. Therefore, the control unit 6 comprehensively considers the temperature data from the first temperature sensor 5 and the temperature data from the second temperature sensor 16, and based on the temperature data, for example, controls the heating unit 4 to generate steam, so as to control the cooking process precisely. Therefore, cooking quality can be improved, and user experience can be improved.

[0140] According to an embodiment, in step S3, in the water bath mode, the water supply unit 9 is controlled to supply water to the inner cavity 31 , and the heating unit 4 is controlled to heat water in the inner cavity 31 , to heat food immersed in water. Alternatively, the user may manually add water to the inner cavity 31 before starting cooking, and does not need to use or completely use water supplied by the water supply unit 9. In the steaming mode, the water supply unit 9 is controlled to supply water to the inner cavity 31 , and the heating unit 4 is controlled to heat water in the inner cavity 31 , to generate steam. Similarly, in the oil bath mode, the heating unit 4 is controlled to heat oil in the inner cavity 31. Herein, the user needs to manually add oil to the inner cavity 31 before starting cooking. After cooking is completed, oil may be drained or collected by the drainage apparatus or the collection apparatus of the pull-out steam box 1.

[0141] The present disclosure further protects a computer program product, such as a computer-readable program carrier. The computer program product includes or stores computer program instructions. The computer program instructions, when executed by a processor, at least assist in implementing the steps of the method 100 for operating the pull-out steam box 1.

[0142] Although specific implementations have been described above, these implementations are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, even if only one implementation isdescribed with respect to specific features. The feature examples provided in the present disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting, unless otherwise stated. In specific implementation, multiple features may be combined with each other according to actual requirements and in a technically feasible case. Various replacements, changes, and alterations may further be conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A pull-out steam box (1), characterized by comprising:a housing (2);a box body (3), disposed in the housing (2) in a drawable manner and comprising an inner cavity (31), wherein the inner cavity (31) is configured to accommodate to-be- cooked food and a liquid medium for cooking, and the to-be-cooked food is at least partially immersed in the liquid medium;a heating unit (4), configured to heat the liquid medium;a first temperature sensor (5), configured to detect a temperature of the liquid medium in the inner cavity (31); anda control unit (6), configured to receive temperature data from the first temperature sensor (5) and control the heating unit (4) based on the temperature data, to cook the to-be-cooked food that is at least partially immersed in the liquid medium.

2. The pull-out steam box (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in thatthe first temperature sensor (5) is detachably disposed in the inner cavity (31), and a connection interface (311) configured to be connected to the first temperature sensor (5) is provided in the inner cavity (31); orthe first temperature sensor (5) is non-detachably secured in the inner cavity (31).

3. The pull-out steam box (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first temperature sensor (5) comprises a sensor body (51) and a sensor probe (52) located at one end of the sensor body (51), wherein the sensor probe (52) is capable of being at least partially immersed in the liquid medium for cooking.

4. The pull-out steam box (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in thatthe heating unit (4) is configured as a heating plate and is disposed at the bottom of the inner cavity (31); and / orthe first temperature sensor (5) is disposed on a rear side wall of the inner cavity (31) in a pull-out direction (X) of the box body (3).

5. The pull-out steam box (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by further comprising a rack (11), configured to be accommodated in the inner cavity (31) and hold the to-be-cooked food.

6. The pull-out steam box (1) according to claim 5, characterized in thatthe rack (11) comprises a holding surface (111) configured to hold the to-be-cooked food, wherein a grid structure (112) is provided in at least the holding surface (111), and in a state where the rack (11) is accommodated in the inner cavity (31) and the inner cavity (31) is filled with the liquid medium for cooking, the liquid medium contacts the to-be-cooked food via the grid structure (112); and / orthe rack (11) comprises at least one handle portion (113), wherein a user is capable of gripping the rack (11) via the handle portion (113); and / orthe rack (11) is made of a heat-resistant material, such as metal or plastic; and / or a support portion (114) for supporting the first temperature sensor (5) is provided on the rack (11).

7. The pull-out steam box (1) according to claim 6, characterized in thata maximum liquid level indicator (312) and / or a minimum liquid level indicator are provided on a side wall of the inner cavity (31), wherein the maximum liquid level indicator (312) is lower than the connection interface (311), and the minimum liquid level indicator is higher than the holding surface (111).

8. The pull-out steam box (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that a ventilation opening (12) is provided in an outer surface (32) of the box body (3), wherein the ventilation opening (12) is capable of communicating the inner cavity (31) with an external environment of the pull-out steam box (1), to discharge steam from the inner cavity (31) to the external environment via the ventilation opening (12), and the maximum liquid level indicator (312) is lower than the ventilation opening (12).

9. The pull-out steam box (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by further comprising a second temperature sensor (16), configured to detect an inner cavity temperature of the inner cavity (31).

10. The pull-out steam box (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that a cooking mode of the pull-out steam box (1) at least comprises a steaming mode and a liquid bath mode, wherein in the steaming mode, the to-be-cooked food is heated by steam, and in the liquid bath mode, the to-be-cooked food is heated by the liquid medium.

11. The pull-out steam box (1) according to claim 10, characterized in thatin the liquid bath mode, the control unit (6) executes the liquid bath mode based on the temperature data from the first temperature sensor (5); and / orin the steaming mode, the control unit (6) executes the steaming mode based on temperature data from the second temperature sensor (16), and the first temperature sensor (5) is deactivated or removed; orin the steaming mode, the first temperature sensor (5) is further configured to detect temperature data of the to-be-cooked food, and the control unit (6) executes the steaming mode based on the temperature data from the second temperature sensor (16) and the temperature data from the first temperature sensor (5).

12. The pull-out steam box (1) according to claim 11 , characterized in thatthe second temperature sensor (16) is disposed in the side wall of the inner cavity (31); and / orthe first temperature sensor (5) and the second temperature sensor (16) are identically or differently configured; and / ordepending on the cooking mode, the second temperature sensor (16) and the first temperature sensor (5) operate cooperatively and / or simultaneously; or the second temperature sensor (16) and the first temperature sensor (5) operate independently of each other.

13. The pull-out steam box (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the liquid medium is water or oil.

14. The pull-out steam box (1) according to claim 13, characterized by further comprising a water supply unit (9), configured to supply water to the inner cavity (31), wherein water is heated by the heating unit (4).

15. A method (100) for operating the pull-out steam box (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by comprising at least the following steps:step S1: receiving an input signal indicating a cooking mode for to-be-cooked food; step S2: selectively receiving, based on the input signal, temperature data corresponding to the cooking mode; andstep S3: outputting, based on the temperature data, a control signal configured for executing the cooking mode.

16. The method (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that in step S2, the first temperature sensor (5) and / or the second temperature sensor (16) are selectively activated based on the input signal.

17. The method (100) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the cooking mode comprises at least a steaming mode and a liquid bath mode, and step S2 further comprises the following sub-steps:sub-step S21: determining whether the input signal indicates the steaming mode or the liquid bath mode; andsub-step S22: selectively receiving temperature data from the first temperature sensor (5) if the input signal indicates the liquid bath mode, wherein the first temperature sensor (5) detects temperature data of a liquid medium for cooking; orsub-step S23: selectively receiving temperature data from the second temperature sensor (16) if the input signal indicates the steaming mode, wherein the second temperature sensor (16) detects a temperature of the inner cavity (31).

18. The method (100) according to claim 17, characterized in that in sub-step S23, the temperature data from the first temperature sensor (5) is additionally received, wherein the first temperature sensor (5) is capable of detecting a temperature of the to-be- cooked food.

19. The method (100) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in thatthe liquid bath mode comprises a water bath mode, and in step S3, in the water bath mode or in the steaming mode, the water supply unit (9) is controlled to supply water to the inner cavity (31), and the heating unit (4) is controlled to heat water in the inner cavity (31); and / orthe liquid bath mode comprises an oil bath mode, and in the oil bath mode, the heating unit (4) is controlled to heat oil in the inner cavity (31).

20. A computer program product, such as a computer-readable program carrier, characterized by comprising or storing computer program instructions, wherein thecomputer program instructions, when executed by a processor, at least assist in implementing the steps of the method (100) according to any one of claims 15 to 19.

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