An electric rice cooker and a method for detecting a failure of an exhaust device thereof

Abstract

The application discloses an electric rice cooker, which comprises an electric rice cooker body, wherein the electric rice cooker body comprises a cooker cover, and the electric rice cooker body further comprises a control module; an exhaust device is arranged on the cooker cover; the exhaust device comprises an air inlet pipe, a monitoring component and an air outlet pipe which are sequentially connected; a fan is arranged in the air outlet pipe; gas in an inner container flows to the outside through the air inlet pipe, the monitoring component and the air outlet pipe in sequence; a temperature and humidity sensor is arranged on one side of the cooker cover which faces the inner container; the control module is connected with the exhaust device, the fan and the temperature and humidity sensor; and a fault detection method for the exhaust device of the electric rice cooker is also provided. The fan is arranged to enable the exhaust device to have the function of active exhaust; the monitoring component is arranged to obtain the real-time state of the exhaust device of the electric rice cooker, so that the fault can be timely eliminated and the content of the fault can be distinguished; and the temperature and humidity sensor is used to more accurately obtain the source of the fault, thereby having good practicability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cooking equipment technology, and more specifically, to a method for detecting faults in an electric rice cooker and its exhaust device. Background Technology

[0002] Many smart rice cookers now come with a vent, which automatically releases steam after the rice is cooked within the set time. This avoids the problem of traditional rice cookers failing to release steam in time, resulting in poor-tasting rice.

[0003] However, after prolonged use, the vent of the rice cooker may malfunction and fail to function properly, resulting in poor cooking results or even affecting the operation of the equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, in order to solve the problem that existing rice cooker exhaust vent malfunctions cannot be detected, this invention provides a method for detecting malfunctions in rice cookers and their exhaust devices, the specific technical solution of which is as follows:

[0005] An electric rice cooker includes a rice cooker body, the rice cooker body including a pot body and a pot lid connected to the pot body, the pot body is hollow to form an inner cavity, the inner cavity is provided with an inner pot, the rice cooker body also includes a control module, and the pot lid is provided with an exhaust device, when the pot lid is connected to the pot body, the inner pot is connected to the outside through the exhaust device;

[0006] The exhaust device includes an intake pipe, a monitoring component, and an exhaust pipe connected in sequence. A fan is installed in the exhaust pipe. The gas in the inner liner flows to the outside through the intake pipe, the monitoring component, and the exhaust pipe in sequence.

[0007] A temperature and humidity sensor is provided on the side of the pot lid facing the inner pot, and the control module is connected to the exhaust device, the fan and the temperature and humidity sensor.

[0008] The rice cooker described above features a fan that enables the exhaust device to actively exhaust air. It also incorporates a monitoring component to acquire the real-time status of the exhaust device, allowing for timely troubleshooting and identification of faults. Furthermore, when used in conjunction with a temperature and humidity sensor, it can more accurately pinpoint the source of the fault, making it highly practical.

[0009] Furthermore, the monitoring component includes a through-tube and a pressure sensing mechanism. The inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are respectively connected to both ends of the tube. The pressure sensing mechanism includes a pressure-sensitive diaphragm, a contact rod, a first contact, and a second contact. A through hole is opened on the side wall of the tube. The pressure-sensitive diaphragm is disposed on the inner wall of the tube and covers the through hole. One end of the contact rod passes through the through hole and is connected to the pressure-sensitive diaphragm. A contact is provided on the other end of the contact rod. The first contact and the second contact are both disposed outside the tube. The contact moves between the first contact and the second contact. The first contact, the second contact, and the contact are all connected to the control module.

[0010] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the contact is larger than the outer diameter of the contact rod, the first contact point is further away from the tube body than the second contact point, the second contact is an annular structure and sleeved on the contact rod, and the outer diameters of both the first and second contact points are larger than the outer diameter of the contact.

[0011] Furthermore, a photoelectric sensor is provided on the first contact point, and a reflector is provided on the contact head opposite to the photoelectric sensor. The photoelectric sensor is connected to the control module.

[0012] Furthermore, a recessed area is provided on the inner wall of the tube, the pressure-sensitive diaphragm is attached to the inner surface of the tube and seals the recessed area, and the contact rod is connected to the pressure-sensitive diaphragm in the recessed area.

[0013] Furthermore, a pressure plate is provided at the end of the contact rod that connects to the pressure-sensitive diaphragm.

[0014] Furthermore, a spring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the contact rod within the recessed area, with one end of the spring abutting against the pressure plate and the other end abutting against the recessed area.

[0015] Furthermore, the pressure plate has a curved structure, and the bending direction is the same as the bending direction of the inner wall of the pipe.

[0016] A method for detecting a fault in the exhaust device of a rice cooker, characterized by comprising the following steps: determining the current state of the rice cooker, acquiring the state of the monitoring components and the state of the fan;

[0017] If the rice cooker is powered on but not running, and the fan is not running, the monitoring component will remain in either the first or second state, indicating a malfunction in the exhaust device.

[0018] If the rice cooker is powered on but not running, and the fan is running, and the status of the monitored component remains in the first state for a first preset time, it is determined that the exhaust device is faulty.

[0019] If the rice cooker is running and the fan is running, and the status of the monitored component remains in the second state for a first preset time, it is determined that the exhaust device is faulty.

[0020] If the rice cooker is running and the fan is running, and the status of the monitored component remains in the first state for a second preset time, it is determined that the exhaust device is faulty.

[0021] If the rice cooker is running and the fan is running, and the status of the monitored component remains in the second state for a second preset time, it is determined that the exhaust device is faulty.

[0022] Furthermore, the detection method further includes:

[0023] If the rice cooker is running and the fan is running, and the status of the monitored component remains in the third state for a second preset time, it is determined that the exhaust device is faulty. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a rice cooker in this embodiment;

[0025] Figure 2 This is the second structural schematic diagram of a rice cooker in this embodiment;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the exhaust device of a rice cooker in this embodiment;

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified structural diagram of part A.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0029] 110. Pot body; 120. Pot lid; 130. Inner pot; 200. Exhaust device; 211. Inlet pipe; 212. Outlet pipe; 221. Pipe body; 222. Pressure-sensitive diaphragm; 223. Contact rod; 224. Recessed area; 225. Spring; 226. Pressure plate; 231. First contact point; 232. Second contact point; 233. Contact; 234. Photoelectric sensor; 235. Reflector. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to its embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and do not limit the scope of protection of the invention.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the description of the invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0032] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, an electric rice cooker according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electric rice cooker body, the electric rice cooker body including a pot body 110 and a pot lid 120 connected to the pot body 110, the pot body 110 is hollow to form an inner cavity, the inner cavity is provided with an inner pot 130, the electric rice cooker body also includes a control module, the pot lid 120 is provided with an exhaust device 200, when the pot lid 120 covers and is connected to the pot body 110, the inner pot 130 is connected to the outside through the exhaust device 200;

[0033] The exhaust device 200 includes an intake pipe 211, a monitoring component, and an exhaust pipe 212 connected in sequence. A fan is installed in the exhaust pipe 212. The gas in the inner liner 130 flows to the outside through the intake pipe 211, the monitoring component, and the exhaust pipe 212 in sequence.

[0034] A temperature and humidity sensor is provided on the side of the lid 120 facing the inner pot 130. The control module is connected to the exhaust device 200, the fan, and the temperature and humidity sensor.

[0035] The rice cooker described above has an active exhaust function in its exhaust device 200 by setting a fan. It also has a monitoring component that can obtain the real-time status of the exhaust device 200, thereby promptly troubleshooting and identifying the nature of the fault. Furthermore, when used in conjunction with a temperature and humidity sensor, it can more accurately determine the source of the fault, making it highly practical.

[0036] In one embodiment, the monitoring component includes a through tube 221 and a pressure sensing mechanism. The air inlet pipe 211 and the air outlet pipe 212 are respectively connected to both ends of the tube 221. The pressure sensing mechanism includes a pressure-sensitive diaphragm 222, a contact rod 223, a first contact 231, and a second contact 232. A through hole is opened on the side wall of the tube 221. The pressure-sensitive diaphragm 222 is disposed on the inner wall of the tube 221 and covers the through hole. One end of the contact rod 223 passes through the through hole and is connected to the pressure-sensitive diaphragm 222. A contact 233 is disposed on the other end of the contact rod 223. The first contact 231 and the second contact 232 are both disposed outside the tube 221. The contact 233 moves between the first contact 231 and the second contact 232. The first contact 231, the second contact 232, and the contact 233 are all connected to the control module.

[0037] Specifically, when the rice cooker and the fan are both working normally, the airflow direction should be from the inner pot 130 through the air inlet pipe 211, the monitoring component, and the air outlet pipe 212. During the flow, the monitoring component detects an increase in air pressure that gradually reaches a stable range, meaning the rice water in the inner pot 130 reaches boiling point and produces sufficient steam, which is then discharged through the exhaust device 200. Before steam is generated, i.e., when the air pressure in the inner pot 130 is low, the fan does not need to operate, and the gas in the inner pot 130 is naturally discharged through the exhaust device 200. However, when steam is generated and gradually reaches saturation, the air pressure in the inner pot 130 is high and needs to be discharged promptly. At this time, the fan operates to actively exhaust the gas, improving the pressure relief capacity. Simultaneously, due to the fan... With constant power, the air pressure detected by the monitoring component should be a stable value during the steam discharge process until the cooking is finished, and the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor should also be stable values. The first contact 231 and the second contact 232 respectively serve as the movement limit range of the contact 233. When the contact 233 contacts the first contact 231 or the second contact 232 respectively, an electrical signal is generated and sent to the control module, thereby indicating that the contact 233 has reached its movement limit state. When the rice cooker and the fan are working normally, the movement range of the contact 233 should be between the first contact 231 and the second contact 232, and the contact 233 will not touch the first contact 231 or the second contact 232.

[0038] In one embodiment, to improve the stability of the monitoring component and ensure that no poor contact occurs during each necessary contact between the contact 233 and the first contact 231 or the second contact 232, the outer diameter of the contact 233 is larger than the outer diameter of the contact rod 223. The first contact 231 is further away from the tube body 221 than the second contact 232. The second contact 233 has an annular structure and is sleeved on the contact rod 223. The outer diameters of both the first contact 231 and the second contact 232 are larger than the outer diameter of the contact 233. More specifically, both the contact rod 223 and the tube body 221 are made of insulating material.

[0039] In one embodiment, the installation positions of the first contact 231 and the second contact 232 can be determined by the internal structural design of the pot lid 120. That is, the support for the first contact 231 and the second contact 232 can be achieved by the pot lid 120 without the need to add other support structures.

[0040] In one embodiment, a photoelectric sensor 234 is disposed on the first contact 231, and a reflector 235 is disposed on the contact 233 opposite to the photoelectric sensor 234. The photoelectric sensor 234 is connected to the control module. Specifically, the center of the reflector 235 coincides with the center of the contact 233.

[0041] The light emitted by the emitting end of the photoelectric sensor 234 is reflected by the reflector 235 and then received by the receiving end of the photoelectric sensor 234, which can accurately determine the moving distance and position of the contact 233 with an accuracy of micrometer level. By setting the photoelectric sensor 234, the status of the monitored components can be further obtained, thereby providing more accurate fault indications for the exhaust device 200.

[0042] In one embodiment, a recessed area 224 is provided on the inner wall of the tube 221, the pressure-sensitive diaphragm 222 is attached to the inner surface of the tube 221 and seals the recessed area 224, and the contact rod 223 is connected to the pressure-sensitive diaphragm 222 in the recessed area 224.

[0043] In the specific implementation process, increasing the extension area of ​​the recessed region 224 as much as possible can increase the sensitivity of the pressure-sensitive diaphragm 222 to air pressure sensing. At the same time, the sealing of the tube 221 is guaranteed in this way, and the installation of the contact rod 223 is also more convenient during product assembly.

[0044] In one embodiment, a pressure plate 226 is provided at the end of the contact rod 223 that is connected to the pressure-sensitive diaphragm 222.

[0045] Specifically, a spring 225 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the contact rod 223 within the recessed area 224. One end of the spring 225 abuts against the pressure plate 226, and the other end abuts against the recessed area 224.

[0046] The above design increases the contact area with the pressure-sensitive diaphragm 222, ensuring rapid and effective sensing of the deformation of the pressure-sensitive diaphragm 222. At the same time, the spring 225 ensures that the contact rod 223 can automatically reset during operation and prevents it from falling off the tube 221.

[0047] More specifically, the pressure plate 226 has a curved structure, and the bending direction is the same as the bending direction of the inner wall of the tube 221. As a preferred embodiment, this design allows the pressure plate 226 and the pressure-sensitive diaphragm 222 to obtain a larger contact area.

[0048] In this specific embodiment, a fault detection method for the exhaust device 200 of the rice cooker is also provided, characterized by including the following steps: determining the current state of the rice cooker, acquiring the state of the monitoring components and the state of the fan;

[0049] If the rice cooker is powered on but not running, and the fan is not running, and the monitoring component remains in the first or second state, the exhaust device 200 is determined to be faulty due to the failure of the spring 225.

[0050] If the rice cooker is powered on but not running, and the fan is running, and the status of the monitored component remains in the first state for a first preset time, it is determined that the exhaust device 200 malfunctions as a blockage in the exhaust pipe 212.

[0051] If the rice cooker is running and the fan is running, and the state of the monitored component remains in the second state for a first preset time, it is determined that the exhaust device 200 malfunctions due to fan reversal.

[0052] If the rice cooker is running and the fan is running, and the status of the monitored component remains in the first state for a second preset time, it is determined that the exhaust device 200 is faulty due to blockage of the exhaust pipe 212.

[0053] If the rice cooker is running and the fan is running, and the status of the monitored component remains in the second state for a second preset time, it is determined that the exhaust device 200 malfunctions due to fan reversal.

[0054] In one embodiment, the detection method further includes:

[0055] If the rice cooker is running and the fan is running, and the status of the monitored component remains in the third state for a second preset time, it is determined that the exhaust device 200 is malfunctioning due to fan instability.

[0056] Specifically, the monitoring component's state includes a first state, a second state, a third state, and a fourth state, wherein...

[0057] The first state refers to the contact 233 being in contact with the first contact point 231;

[0058] The second state refers to the contact 233 being in contact with the second contact point 232;

[0059] The third state refers to the movement amplitude of the contact 233 between the first contact point 231 and the second contact point 232 being greater than a preset value. The third state is achieved by using the photoelectric sensor 234 in conjunction with the reflector 235 to accurately determine the position of the contact 233, thereby determining whether the movement amplitude of the contact 233 is greater than the preset value. The preset value can be obtained through a limited number of experiments based on data from different rice cooker models and different cooking types, and will not be elaborated here.

[0060] More specifically, the first preset time is the time when the rice cooker is powered on but not in operation, and the first preset time is also the power-on self-test time.

[0061] The second preset time is the time during which the rice cooker performs a self-check every certain period of time when it is in operation; that is, the second preset time is the self-check time.

[0062] 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.

[0063] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electric rice cooker comprising an electric rice cooker body, the electric rice cooker body comprising a cooker body and a cooker cover connected with the cooker body, an inner cavity is hollowly formed in the cooker body, an inner container is arranged in the inner cavity, the electric rice cooker body further comprises a control module, characterized in that, The lid is equipped with an exhaust device. When the lid is connected to the pot body, the inner pot is connected to the outside through the exhaust device. The exhaust device includes an intake pipe, a monitoring component, and an exhaust pipe connected in sequence. A fan is installed in the exhaust pipe. The gas in the inner liner flows to the outside through the intake pipe, the monitoring component, and the exhaust pipe in sequence. A temperature and humidity sensor is provided on the side of the pot lid facing the inner pot, and the control module is connected to the exhaust device, the fan and the temperature and humidity sensor; The monitoring component includes a through-tube and a pressure sensing mechanism. The inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are respectively connected to both ends of the tube. The pressure sensing mechanism includes a pressure-sensitive diaphragm, a contact rod, a first contact, and a second contact. A through hole is opened on the side wall of the tube. The pressure-sensitive diaphragm is disposed on the inner wall of the tube and covers the through hole. One end of the contact rod passes through the through hole and is connected to the pressure-sensitive diaphragm. A contact is provided on the other end of the contact rod. The first contact and the second contact are both disposed outside the tube. The contact moves between the first contact and the second contact. The first contact, the second contact, and the contact are all connected to the control module. The control module is configured to: comprehensively determine the fault type of the exhaust device based on the operating stage of the rice cooker, the operating status of the fan, the detection value of the temperature and humidity sensor, and the contact status of the contacts with the first and second contacts; The method for detecting malfunctions in the exhaust device of the rice cooker includes the following steps: Determine the current state of the rice cooker, obtain the state of the monitoring components, and the state of the fan; If the rice cooker is powered on but not running, and the fan is not running, and the monitoring component remains in state one or two, the exhaust device malfunction is determined to be due to spring failure. If the rice cooker is powered on but not running, and the fan is running, and the status of the monitoring component remains in the first state for a first preset time, it is determined that the exhaust device malfunction is a blockage in the exhaust pipe. If the rice cooker is running and the fan is running, and the state of the monitored component remains in the second state for a first preset time, it is determined that the exhaust device malfunction is due to the fan reversing. If the rice cooker is running and the fan is running, and the status of the monitored component remains in the first state for a second preset time, it is determined that the exhaust device malfunction is a blockage in the exhaust pipe. If the rice cooker is running and the fan is running, and the state of the monitored component remains in the second state for a second preset time, it is determined that the exhaust device malfunction is due to the fan reversing. If the rice cooker is running and the fan is running, and the status of the monitored component remains in the third state for a second preset time, it is determined that the exhaust device malfunctions due to fan instability. Wherein, the first state refers to the contact of the contact head being in contact with the first contact point; The second state refers to the contact point being in contact with the second contact point; The third state refers to the fact that the movement amplitude of the contact between the first contact point and the second contact point is greater than a preset value. The third state is achieved by using a photoelectric sensor and a reflector to accurately determine the position of the contact, thereby determining whether the movement amplitude of the contact is greater than the preset value.

2. The rice cooker as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the contact is larger than the outer diameter of the contact rod. The first contact point is further away from the tube body than the second contact point. The second contact is an annular structure and is sleeved on the contact rod. The outer diameters of both the first and second contact points are larger than the outer diameter of the contact.

3. The rice cooker as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A photoelectric sensor is provided on the first contact point, and a reflector is provided on the contact head opposite to the photoelectric sensor. The photoelectric sensor is connected to the control module.

4. The rice cooker as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A recessed area is provided on the inner wall of the tube body. The pressure-sensitive diaphragm is attached to the inner surface of the tube body and seals the recessed area. The contact rod is connected to the pressure-sensitive diaphragm in the recessed area.

5. The rice cooker as described in claim 4, characterized in that, A pressure plate is provided at the end of the contact rod that connects to the pressure-sensitive diaphragm.

6. The rice cooker as described in claim 5, characterized in that, A spring is fitted on the outer periphery of the contact rod within the recessed area. One end of the spring abuts against the pressure plate, and the other end abuts against the recessed area.

7. A rice cooker as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The pressure plate has a curved structure, and the bending direction is the same as the bending direction of the inner wall of the pipe.

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