Cooking apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a cooking device and a control method thereof. The cooking device comprises: an inner container; a cover capable of covering an opening of the inner container; a steamer arranged in the inner container and provided with a through hole; an elastic member in contact with the inner container and the steamer; and a water delivery assembly comprising a driving mechanism connected to the cover and a delivery pipe provided with an inlet and an outlet for water delivery and water absorption. The driving mechanism can push the steamer from an initial position to the bottom of the inner container and drive the inlet and outlet to descend to the bottom of the inner container. The elastic member is used to apply elastic force to the steamer when the steamer deviates from the initial position so as to return the steamer to the initial position. The application aims to solve the problem that the existing cooking device cannot automatically wash rice after the steamer is installed in the inner container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of home appliances, and more specifically to a cooking device and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] The automatic cooker includes an inner pot and a steamer basket. The steamer basket has multiple holes. When cooking rice, the steamer basket is placed inside the inner pot, and the inner pot is heated to steam the rice in the steamer basket.

[0003] Because the bottom wall of the steamer and the bottom wall of the inner liner are separate, and the water pumping mechanism is located above the steamer, the water pumping mechanism cannot pump the water between the bottom wall of the steamer and the bottom wall of the inner liner. Therefore, automatic rice washing cannot be achieved, and the rice can only be washed manually by the user. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a cooking device that solves the problem that existing cooking devices cannot automatically wash rice after a steamer is installed in the inner pot.

[0005] A cooking apparatus comprising

[0006] Inner liner;

[0007] The lid can cover the opening of the inner liner;

[0008] A steamer basket is installed inside the inner liner and has through holes;

[0009] An elastic element, connected to the inner liner and the steamer; and

[0010] Water delivery components, including

[0011] A drive mechanism, connected to the cover; and

[0012] The conveying pipe is equipped with inlets and outlets for water discharge and water intake;

[0013] The drive mechanism can push the steamer from its initial position to the bottom of the inner liner and drive the inlet and outlet to descend to the bottom of the inner liner. The elastic element is used to apply elastic force to the steamer when it deviates from its initial position so that the steamer returns to its initial position.

[0014] In one illustrative embodiment, the steamer is suspended from the inner liner by an elastic element.

[0015] In one illustrative embodiment, the opening edge of the inner liner is provided with a first flange that extends radially outward;

[0016] The steamer has a second flange extending outwards at the opening edge;

[0017] The elastic element includes:

[0018] The first hook engages with the first flange;

[0019] The second hook engages with the second flange; and

[0020] The elastic part is elastic and is connected to the first hook and the second hook at opposite ends.

[0021] In one illustrative embodiment, the elastic element is clamped between the bottom wall of the steamer and the bottom wall of the inner liner, and the elastic element supports the steamer.

[0022] In one illustrative embodiment, the elastic element is fixed to the bottom wall of the steamer.

[0023] In one illustrative embodiment, the drive mechanism includes a first end connected to the cover and a second end facing the bottom of the steamer;

[0024] The inlet and outlet are located at the second end, and the drive mechanism can extend and retract. When the drive mechanism extends, the second end can push the steamer from its initial position to the bottom of the inner liner.

[0025] In one illustrative embodiment, the drive mechanism includes a cylinder and a plurality of piston cylinders disposed on the cover;

[0026] Multiple piston cylinders are assembled together in sequence, with the cylinder barrel mounted on the piston cylinder with the largest diameter, and the inlet and outlet located at the end of the piston cylinder with the smallest diameter facing the steamer;

[0027] The cooking device also includes a power source for injecting fluid into the cylinder to drive the drive mechanism to extend.

[0028] In one illustrative embodiment, the delivery pipe extends through multiple piston cylinders and cylinder barrels, and the length of the delivery pipe is greater than the length of the drive mechanism in its extended state.

[0029] In one illustrative embodiment, the delivery tube is constructed in a spiral shape, and the delivery tube is stretched when the drive mechanism extends to apply a spring force toward the cover to the piston cylinder with the smallest diameter.

[0030] In one illustrative embodiment, the drive mechanism includes:

[0031] A rotating rod, one end of which is rotatably connected to the cover;

[0032] An electric motor is used to drive the rotating rod to rotate;

[0033] The inlet and outlet are located at the other end of the rotating rod. When the motor drives the rotating rod to swing the end with the inlet and outlet toward the bottom of the inner liner, it can push the steamer from its initial position toward the bottom of the inner liner.

[0034] This embodiment also proposes a control method for a cooking apparatus, implemented based on the cooking apparatus described above, the control method comprising:

[0035] Water is injected into the steamer containing the food through the inlet and outlet;

[0036] The drive mechanism pushes the steamer from its initial position toward the bottom of the inner liner;

[0037] The water inside the steamer is drained through the inlet and outlet.

[0038] Stop driving the drive mechanism to push the steamer to the bottom of the inner liner so that the steamer returns to its initial position under the elastic force applied by the elastic element.

[0039] In the technical solution of this invention, when cooking with the cooking device, the ingredients are first placed in the steamer, and then the ingredients are washed. During washing, water is injected into the steamer through a delivery pipe, rinsing the ingredients inside. A portion of the water flows through the steamer's opening into the cavity between the bottom wall of the inner pot and the bottom wall of the steamer, at which point the steamer is in its initial position. The drive mechanism then pushes the steamer towards the bottom of the inner pot. After the steamer is pushed to the bottom of the inner pot, the volume of the cavity between the steamer and the inner pot decreases, and water in this cavity flows into the steamer through the steamer's opening. At this time, the elastic element undergoes elastic deformation, applying a spring force towards the lid to the steamer. When the drive mechanism pushes the steamer towards the bottom of the inner pot, it also causes the inlet and outlet to descend to the bottom of the inner pot, submerging in water. Water is then drawn in and discharged through the delivery pipe. Therefore, this cooking device can automatically wash ingredients even when the steamer is installed inside the inner pot. Alternatively, during the cooking process of ingredients such as rice in the steamer, water can be injected into the steamer through a delivery pipe to rinse the rice while it is cooking. Then, the drive mechanism can be driven to push the steamer to the bottom of the inner pot to drain the water after rinsing, thus achieving the cooking of low-sugar rice. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0041] Figure 1This is a perspective view of the cooking apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a full cross-sectional schematic diagram of the cooking device in the initial position of the steamer in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3 This is a full sectional schematic diagram of the cooking device with the drive mechanism in the extended state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the pipeline connection of the water supply component in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a top view schematic diagram of the cooking apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Schematic cross-sectional view along the AA direction;

[0047] Figure 7 for Figure 6 An enlarged view at point B;

[0048] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the cooking apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 9 This is a full cross-sectional schematic diagram of the cooking device in the initial position of the steamer in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 10 This is a full sectional schematic diagram of the cooking device in the extended state of the driving mechanism according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of the control method in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the drive mechanism in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

[0053] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0054] 1. Cooking apparatus; 1a. Cooking apparatus; 2. Shell; 21. Mounting cavity; 3. Lid 3; 4. Inner liner; 4a. Inner liner; 41. First flange; 42. Chamber; 42a. Chamber; 5. Steamer; 51. Through hole; 5a. Steamer; 51a. Through hole; 52. Second flange; 6. Food supply assembly; 61. Food box; 62. Feed inlet; 7. Water supply assembly; 71. Water tank; 711. Clean water chamber; 712. Waste water chamber; 72. Drive mechanism; 7 21. First end; 722. Second end; 723. Cylinder barrel; 724. Cylinder head; 7241. Water pipe connector; 725. Piston cylinder; 726. Cylinder body; 727. Piston ring; 728. Limiting groove; 73. Delivery pipe; 731. Inlet and outlet; 74. Reversing valve; 75. Water pump; 8. Elastic element; 81. First hook; 82. Second hook; 83. Elastic part; 8a. Elastic element; 9. Heating assembly; 72a. Drive mechanism; 721a. Rotating rod.

[0055] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0057] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0058] Furthermore, in this invention, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0059] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixed" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0060] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, but only if they are feasible for those skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by the present invention.

[0061] Example 1

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 A cooking device 1 is shown. The cooking device 1 may be an electric rice cooker. The cooking device 1 includes a shell 2, a lid 3, an inner pot 4, a steamer 5, an elastic element 8, an electric heating element 9, a food supply element 6, and a water supply element 7.

[0063] The housing 2 has a mounting cavity 21 inside. The cross-section of the mounting cavity 21 can be circular, and the top of the mounting cavity 21 has an opening.

[0064] like Figure 2 , 3 As shown, the inner liner 4 is a vessel-shaped container. Both the inner liner 4 and the heating element 9 are disposed within the mounting cavity 21, with the opening of the inner liner 4 facing upwards. The heating element 9 may be located at the bottom of the inner liner 4, and is used to convert electrical energy into heat energy to heat the inner liner 4. The heating element 9 may be a heating plate.

[0065] The steamer 5 has a pot-shaped structure. The steamer 5 is placed inside the inner liner 4. The opening of the steamer 5 faces upward. The steamer 5 has multiple through holes 51. The multiple through holes 51 are distributed at least on the side wall or bottom wall of the steamer 5.

[0066] The elastic element 8 includes a first hook portion 81, an elastic portion 83, and a second hook portion 82. The first hook portion 81 is positioned above the second hook portion 82, and the elastic portion 83 is positioned between the first hook portion 81 and the second hook portion 82. The two ends of the elastic portion 83 are respectively connected to the first hook portion 81 and the second hook portion 82. The first hook portion 81 is connected to the inner liner 4, and the second hook portion 82 is connected to the steamer 5. The elastic portion 83 is elastic and undergoes elastic deformation when stretched. Thus, the steamer 5 is suspended on the elastic element 8, forming an elastic connection between the inner liner 4 and the steamer 5, and a chamber 42 is formed between the bottom wall of the steamer 5 and the bottom wall of the inner liner 4.

[0067] The cover 3 is hinged to the shell 2. The cover 3 can open and close the opening of the inner liner 4. The cover 3 is provided with an installation cavity.

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown, the water supply assembly 7 includes a water tank 71, a reversing valve 74, a water pump 75, a drive mechanism 72, and a delivery pipe 73. The water tank 71 is located on one side of the housing 2, and contains a clear water chamber 711 and a wastewater chamber 712. The clear water chamber 711 holds clear water, and the wastewater chamber 712 holds wastewater. The bottom of the clear water chamber 711 has an outlet. The top of the wastewater chamber 712 has an inlet. The reversing valve 74 is connected via pipes to the outlet of the clear water chamber 711, the inlet of the wastewater chamber 712, and one port of the water pump 75. The other port of the water pump 75 is connected to one end of the delivery pipe 73. The other end of the delivery pipe 73 has an inlet / outlet 731. The reversing valve 74 can selectively connect one of the clear water chamber 711 and the wastewater chamber 712 to the water pump 75. When the reversing valve 74 connects the clear water chamber 711 to the water pump 75, the water pump 75, when rotating forward, delivers the clear water from the clear water chamber 711 to the delivery pipe 73, and outputs it from the inlet and outlet 731 of the delivery pipe 73. When the reversing valve 74 connects the sewage chamber 712 to the water pump 75, the water pump 75, when rotating in reverse, pumps the liquid at the inlet and outlet 731 of the delivery pipe 73 to the sewage chamber 712, and the inlet and outlet 731 of the delivery pipe 73 draws in liquid.

[0069] The water supply assembly 7 also includes a drive mechanism 72. The drive mechanism 72 can be a multi-stage hydraulic cylinder, a single-rod piston cylinder, or an electric cylinder. The drive mechanism 72 is straight. The drive mechanism 72 includes a first end 721 and a second end 722 opposite to the first end 721. The first end 721 is located within the mounting cavity of the cover 3. The second end 722 of the drive mechanism 72 faces the bottom of the steamer 5. The inlet and outlet 731 of the delivery pipe 73 are located on the second end 722. The drive mechanism 72 is capable of extending and retracting. During the extension of the drive mechanism 72, the second end 722 extends towards the bottom of the steamer 5, and after the second end 722 abuts against the bottom of the steamer 5, it pushes the steamer 5 towards the bottom of the inner liner 4.

[0070] The food supply assembly 6 includes a food container 61, a conveyor, and a feed inlet 62. The food container 61 is located on one side of the housing 2. The food container 61 is used to hold food, such as rice. The feed inlet 62 is located on the cover 3 and faces the steamer 5. The conveyor is used to transport the food from the food container 61 to the feed inlet 62 and from the feed inlet 62 into the steamer 5.

[0071] When cooking with the cooking device 1, first suspend the steamer 5 inside the inner pot 4 via the elastic element 8, then close the lid 3, select the cooking mode and set the ingredient quantity, and start the cooking device 1 after completing the settings. After the cooking device 1 is started, first drive the ingredient supply component 6 to input the ingredients in the ingredient box 61 into the steamer 5 according to the set ingredient quantity, and then start washing the ingredients. During the washing process, first drive the reversing valve 74 to connect the water pump 75 to the clean water chamber 711, and then drive the water pump 75 to inject the water in the clean water chamber 711 into the steamer 5 through the delivery pipe 73 according to the preset washing water volume, rinsing the ingredients in the steamer 5. Some of the water flows into the chamber 42 between the bottom wall of the inner pot 4 and the bottom wall of the steamer 5 through the through hole 51 of the steamer 5. At this time, the steamer 5 is in the initial position. The drive mechanism 72 is then extended. During this extension, the second end 722 extends towards the bottom of the steamer 5. After the second end 722 abuts against the bottom wall of the steamer 5, it pushes the steamer 5 towards the bottom of the inner liner 4. After the steamer 5 is pushed to the bottom of the inner liner 4, the volume of the chamber 42 between the steamer 5 and the inner liner 4 decreases. Water in the chamber 42 flows into the steamer 5 through the through hole 51. At this time, the elastic element 8 is stretched by the steamer 5 towards the bottom of the inner liner 4 and undergoes elastic deformation. The elastic element 8 applies an elastic force towards the lid 3 to the steamer 5. Since the inlet and outlet 731 of the conveying pipe 73 is located at the second end 722, which abuts against the bottom wall of the steamer 5, the inlet and outlet 731 are submerged in water. Then, the reversing valve 74 connects the water pump 75 to the sewage chamber 712, and the water pump 75 reverses direction. Water in the steamer 5 is drawn in from the inlet and outlet 731 of the conveying pipe 73 and pumped into the sewage chamber 712 by the water pump 75, thus achieving water discharge. After the water in the steamer 5 is drained, water can be refilled through the water supply assembly 7 to wash the food, and then the water can be drained from the steamer 5. Multiple water filling and draining steps can be set to thoroughly clean the food.

[0072] After the ingredients are washed, the drive mechanism 72 shortens, and the second end 722 of the drive mechanism 72 moves towards the first end 721. Under the elastic force applied by the elastic element 8, the steamer 5 moves towards the lid 3 and returns to its initial position, increasing the volume of the cavity 42 between the bottom wall of the steamer 5 and the bottom wall of the inner liner 4. The shortening of the drive mechanism 72 can be active or passive, caused by the steamer 5 being pushed upwards after power is lost.

[0073] After the steamer 5 returns to its initial position, the ingredients can be cooked according to the preset process. For example, first, water corresponding to the set amount of rice is injected into the steamer 5 through the water supply component. Some of the water flows into the cavity 42 between the bottom wall of the steamer 5 and the bottom wall of the inner pot 4. Then, the inner pot 4 is heated by the electric heating component 9. During the heating process, some of the sugar in the rice in the steamer 5 is drained into the bottom of the steamer 5 along with the water. After the rice in the steamer 5 is cooked, it becomes a low-sugar food.

[0074] In one illustrative embodiment, the opening edge of the inner liner 4 is provided with a first flange 41. The first flange 41 may be annular. The first flange 41 is fitted onto the side wall of the inner liner 4 at the end opposite to the bottom wall of the inner liner 4. The first flange 41 extends radially outward from the side wall of the inner liner 4.

[0075] The steamer 5 has a second flange 52 at the edge of its opening. The second flange 52 can be annular. The second flange 52 is fitted onto the side wall of the steamer 5 at the end opposite to the bottom wall of the steamer 5. The second flange 52 extends radially outward from the side wall of the steamer 5.

[0076] Both the first hook portion 81 and the second hook portion 82 are constructed with a hook-shaped structure. The elastic portion 83 is constructed with a bellows structure, and the middle part of the elastic portion 83 allows the drive mechanism 72 to pass through. The axis of the second elastic portion 83 is coaxial with the axis of the inner liner 4. The first hook portion 81 is located on the outer side of the elastic portion 83, and the second hook portion 82 is located on the inner side of the elastic portion 83. The first hook portion 81 hooks onto the first flange 41. The second hook portion 82 hooks onto the second flange 52.

[0077] This design facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the inner liner 4, the steamer 5, and the elastic element 8. For example, when assembly is required, simply hook the second hook 82 onto the second flange 52 to assemble the elastic element 8 and the steamer 5 together, then place the elastic element 8 and the steamer 5 into the inner liner 4, and then hook the first hook 81 onto the first flange 41. This completes the assembly. When disassembly is required, simply separate the first hook 81 and the first flange 41, then remove the elastic element 8 and the steamer 5 from the inner liner 4, and then separate the second hook 82 and the second flange 52.

[0078] In one illustrative embodiment, such as Figure 5-7 As shown, the drive mechanism 72 includes multiple piston cylinders 725, a cylinder head 724, and a cylinder barrel 723. The cylinder barrel 723 is cylindrical. The cylinder head 724 covers one end of the cylinder barrel 723. Both the cylinder head 724 and the cylinder barrel 723 are fixed within the mounting cavity of the cover body 3, with the cylinder head 724 located at the bottom of the hole in the mounting cavity. A pressure inlet hole may be provided on either the cylinder head 724 or the cylinder barrel 723.

[0079] The piston cylinder 725 includes a cylinder body 726 and a piston ring 727. The cylinder body 726 is cylindrical, and the piston ring 727 is fitted onto the cylinder body 726 and fixed to one end of the cylinder body 726. A limiting groove 728 can be provided on the outer peripheral wall of the cylinder body 726. The limiting groove 728 is annular and coaxial with the cylinder body 726. The inner edge of the piston ring 727 is embedded in the limiting groove 728, and the outer edge of the piston ring 727 extends out of the limiting groove 728.

[0080] Multiple piston cylinders 725 have progressively larger diameters. These piston cylinders 725 are sequentially fitted together. Adjacent pistons can slide relative to each other. The piston ring 727 of the smaller-diameter piston cylinder 725 abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the cylinder body 726 of the larger-diameter piston cylinder 725. The piston ring 727 seals the gap between adjacent piston cylinders 725. A cylinder barrel 723 is fitted onto the piston cylinder 725 with the largest diameter, and the piston ring 727 of this piston cylinder abuts against the inner circumferential wall of the cylinder barrel 723.

[0081] The cooking apparatus 1 also includes a power source (not shown). The power source is connected via a pipe to a pressure inlet on the cylinder head 724 or cylinder barrel 723. The power source can inject fluid, which can be gas or liquid, into the pressure inlet. After the fluid is injected into the cylinder barrel 723, the pressure inside the cylinder barrel 723 increases, pushing the piston cylinder 725 to slide towards the side closer to the steamer 5, thereby extending the drive mechanism 72. The inlet and outlet 731 of the delivery pipe 73 are located at the end of the cylinder body 726 of the piston cylinder 725 with the smallest diameter facing the steamer 5. When the drive mechanism 72 extends, the cylinder body 726 of the piston cylinder 725 with the smallest diameter abuts against the steamer 5.

[0082] In one illustrative embodiment, a delivery pipe 73 is disposed within a drive mechanism 72. A water pipe connector 7241 is disposed on the inner side of a cylinder head 724. One end of the delivery pipe 73, away from the inlet / outlet 731, is fitted onto the water pipe connector 7241, which is also connected to a water pump 75. The two ends of the delivery pipe 73 are respectively fixed to a first end 721 and a second end 722 of the drive mechanism 72.

[0083] The delivery pipe 73 is housed within the drive mechanism 72, which protects the delivery pipe 73. This also reduces exposed components and simplifies cleaning. The length of the delivery pipe 73 is greater than the length of the drive mechanism 72 in its extended state, ensuring that the delivery pipe 73 does not obstruct the extension of the drive mechanism 72.

[0084] In one illustrative embodiment, the delivery pipe 73 extends in a spiral shape. Preferably, the delivery pipe 73 extends in a cylindrical spiral shape.

[0085] The structure of the delivery pipe 73 is similar to that of a coil spring; the delivery pipe 73 is also elastic and can undergo tensile elastic deformation. The delivery pipe 73 is only in a non-stretched state when the drive mechanism 72 is in the shortened state. When the drive mechanism 72 is extended, the delivery pipe 73 is stretched, and the delivery pipe 73 applies a spring force toward the cover body 3 to the piston cylinder 725 with the smallest diameter.

[0086] Thus, after the power source drives the drive mechanism 72 to extend, it stops supplying hydraulic or pneumatic pressure, and the delivery pipe 73 applies a spring force toward the cover 3 to the piston cylinder 725, causing the drive mechanism 72 to shorten.

[0087] Example 2

[0088] The only difference between the cooking device 1 in Embodiment 1 and the cooking device 1a in Embodiment 2 is the structure of the elastic element 8 and the connection relationship between the elastic element 8, the inner pot 4 and the steamer 5a, as detailed below.

[0089] like Figure 8 The cooking device 1a includes a shell 2, a cover 3, an inner liner 4a, a steamer 5a, an elastic element 8, an electric heating element 9, a food supply element 6, and a water supply element 7.

[0090] The housing 2 has a mounting cavity 21 inside, and the top of the mounting cavity 21 has an opening.

[0091] The inner liner 4a is a vessel-shaped container. Both the inner liner 4a and the heating element 9 are housed within the mounting cavity 21, with the opening of the inner liner 4a facing upwards. The heating element 9 may be located at the bottom of the inner liner 4a, and it is used to convert electrical energy into heat energy to heat the inner liner 4a. The heating element 9 may be a heating plate.

[0092] The steamer 5a has a pot-shaped structure. The steamer 5a is housed inside the inner liner 4a. The opening of the steamer 5a faces upwards. Multiple through holes 51a are provided on the steamer 5a. These through holes 51a are distributed on the side walls and bottom wall of the steamer 5a.

[0093] like Figure 9 , 10 As shown, the elastic element 8a is elastic. The elastic element 8a is sandwiched between the bottom wall of the steamer 5a and the bottom of the inner liner 4a. The elastic element 8a supports the steamer 5a. The elastic element 8a can be a bellows, wave spring, disc spring, compression spring, silicone pad, rubber pad, rubber cylinder, or silicone cylinder.

[0094] In this embodiment, the elastic element 8a is generally cylindrical and may be made of silicone. One end of the elastic element 8a is fixed to the bottom wall of the steamer 5a, and the other end abuts against the bottom wall of the inner liner 4a. The elastic element 8a may be fixed to the bottom wall of the steamer 5a by adhesive bonding, or the elastic element 8a and the bottom wall of the steamer 5a may be connected by a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0095] In this way, the inner liner 4a elastically supports the steamer 5a through the elastic element 8a, and a chamber 42a is formed between the bottom wall of the steamer 5a and the bottom wall of the inner liner 4a.

[0096] The cover 3 is hinged to the shell 2. The cover 3 can open and close the opening of the inner liner 4a. The cover 3 is provided with an installation cavity.

[0097] like Figure 4 As shown, the water supply assembly 7 includes a water tank 71, a reversing valve 74, a water pump 75, a drive mechanism 72, and a delivery pipe 73. The water tank 71 is located on one side of the housing 2, and contains a clear water chamber 711 and a wastewater chamber 712. The clear water chamber 711 holds clear water, and the wastewater chamber 712 holds wastewater and other sewage. The bottom of the clear water chamber 711 has an outlet. The top of the wastewater chamber 712 has an inlet. The reversing valve 74 is connected via pipes to the outlet of the clear water chamber 711, the inlet of the wastewater chamber 712, and one port of the water pump 75. The other port of the water pump 75 is connected to one end of the delivery pipe 73. The other end of the delivery pipe 73 has an inlet / outlet 731. The reversing valve 74 can selectively connect one of the clear water chamber 711 and the wastewater chamber 712 to the water pump 75. When the reversing valve 74 connects the clear water chamber 711 to the water pump 75, the water pump 75, when rotating forward, delivers the clear water from the clear water chamber 711 to the delivery pipe 73, and outputs it from the inlet and outlet 731 of the delivery pipe 73. When the reversing valve 74 connects the sewage chamber 712 to the water pump 75, the water pump 75, when rotating in reverse, pumps the liquid at the inlet and outlet 731 of the delivery pipe 73 to the sewage chamber 712, and the inlet and outlet 731 of the delivery pipe 73 draws in liquid.

[0098] The water supply assembly 7 also includes a drive mechanism 72. The drive mechanism 72 can be a multi-stage hydraulic cylinder, a piston cylinder 725, or an electric cylinder. The drive mechanism 72 is straight. The drive mechanism 72 includes a first end 721 and a second end 722 opposite to the first end 721. The first end 721 is located within the mounting cavity of the cover 3. The second end 722 of the drive mechanism 72 faces the bottom of the steamer 5a. The inlet and outlet 731 of the delivery pipe 73 are located on the second end 722. The drive mechanism 72 is capable of extending and retracting. During the extension process, the second end 722 extends towards the bottom of the steamer 5a, and after the second end 722 abuts against the bottom of the steamer 5a, it pushes the steamer 5a towards the bottom of the inner liner 4a.

[0099] The food supply assembly 6 includes a food container 61, a conveyor, and a feed inlet 62. The food container 61 is located on one side of the housing 2. The food container 61 is used to hold food, such as rice. The feed inlet 62 is located on the cover 3 and faces the steamer 5a. The conveyor is used to transport the food from the food container 61 to the feed inlet 62 and from the feed inlet 62 into the steamer 5a.

[0100] When cooking rice using the cooking device 1a, place the elastic element 8a and the steamer 5a into the inner pot 4a, ensuring that the elastic element 8a is positioned between the bottom wall of the steamer 5a and the bottom wall of the inner pot 4a. Then, close the lid 3, select the rice mode, and set the ingredient quantity. After completing the settings, start the cooking device 1a. After the cooking device 1a starts, first drive the ingredient supply component 6 to input the ingredients from the ingredient box 61 into the steamer 5a according to the set ingredient quantity, and then begin washing the ingredients. During the washing process, first drive the reversing valve 74 to connect the water pump 75 to the clean water chamber 711, and then drive the water pump 75 to inject the water from the clean water chamber 711 into the steamer 5a through the delivery pipe 73 according to the preset washing water volume, rinsing the ingredients in the steamer 5a. Some of the water flows through the through hole 51a of the steamer 5a into the chamber 42a between the bottom wall of the inner pot 4a and the bottom wall of the steamer 5a. At this time, the steamer 5a is in its initial position. The drive mechanism 72 is then extended. During this extension, the second end 722 extends towards the bottom of the steamer 5a. After the second end 722 abuts against the bottom wall of the steamer 5a, it pushes the steamer 5a towards the bottom of the inner liner 4a. After the steamer 5a is pushed to the bottom of the inner liner 4a, the volume of the chamber 42a between the steamer 5a and the inner liner 4a decreases. Water in the chamber 42a flows into the steamer 5a through the through hole 51a. At this time, the elastic element 8a is clamped and compressed by the bottom walls of the steamer 5a and the inner liner 4a, resulting in compressive elastic deformation. The elastic element 8a applies an elastic force towards the lid 3 to the steamer 5a. Since the inlet and outlet 731 of the conveying pipe 73 is located at the second end 722, which abuts against the bottom wall of the steamer 5a, the inlet and outlet 731 are submerged in water. Then, the reversing valve 74 connects the water pump 75 to the sewage chamber 712, and the water pump 75 is driven to reverse. Water in the steamer 5a is drawn in from the inlet and outlet 731 of the conveying pipe 73 and pumped into the sewage chamber 712 by the water pump 75, thus achieving water discharge. After the water in the steamer 5a is drained, water can be refilled through the water supply assembly 7 to wash the food, and then the water can be drained from the steamer 5a. Multiple water filling and draining steps can be set to thoroughly clean the food.

[0101] After the ingredients are washed, the drive mechanism 72 shortens, and the second end 722 of the drive mechanism 72 moves towards the first end 721. Under the elastic force applied by the elastic member 8a, the steamer 5a moves towards the lid 3 and returns to its initial position, increasing the volume of the cavity 42a between the bottom wall of the steamer 5a and the bottom wall of the inner liner 4a. The shortening of the drive mechanism 72 can be active or passive, caused by the steamer 5a being pushed upwards after power is lost.

[0102] After the steamer 5a returns to its initial position, the rice can be cooked according to the preset process. For example, first, water corresponding to the set amount of rice is injected into the steamer 5a through the water supply component. Some of the water flows into the cavity 42a between the bottom wall of the steamer 5a and the bottom wall of the inner pot 4a. Then, the inner pot 4a is heated by the electric heating component 9. During the heating process, some of the sugar in the food in the steamer 5a is drained into the bottom of the steamer 5a along with the water. After the food in the steamer 5a is cooked, it becomes a low-sugar food.

[0103] Example 3

[0104] This embodiment provides a control method for a cooking device, which is implemented based on the cooking device in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2.

[0105] The control method includes:

[0106] Step S1: Water is injected into the steamer 5a containing the food through the inlet and outlet 731 of the conveying pipe 73;

[0107] The ingredient can be rice. This ingredient can be pre-added to the steamer 5a by the ingredient supply component 6 according to a set amount.

[0108] First, the reversing valve 74 is driven to connect the water pump 75 to the clean water chamber 711. Then, the water pump 75 is driven to inject water from the clean water chamber 711 into the steamer 5a through the delivery pipe 73 according to the preset cleaning water volume, rinsing the food in the steamer 5a. Some of the water flows through the through hole 51a of the steamer 5a into the chamber 42a between the bottom wall of the inner liner 4a and the bottom wall of the steamer 5a.

[0109] Step S2: Drive the drive mechanism 72 to push the steamer 5a to the bottom of the inner liner 4a;

[0110] The drive mechanism 72 extends, and during this extension, the second end 722 extends towards the bottom of the steamer 5a. After the second end 722 abuts against the bottom wall of the steamer 5a, it pushes the steamer 5a towards the bottom of the inner liner 4a. After the steamer 5a is pushed to the bottom of the inner liner 4a, the volume of the chamber 42a between the steamer 5a and the inner liner 4a decreases, and the water in the chamber 42a flows into the steamer 5a through the through hole 51a. At this time, the elastic element 8a is stretched by the steamer 5a towards the bottom of the inner liner 4a and undergoes elastic deformation, applying an elastic force towards the lid 3 to the steamer 5a.

[0111] Step S3: Drain water from the steamer 5a through the inlet and outlet 731 of the conveying pipe 73;

[0112] Since the inlet and outlet 731 of the conveying pipe 73 is located at the second end 722, and the second end 722 abuts against the bottom wall of the steamer 5a, the inlet and outlet 731 is submerged in water. Then, the reversing valve 74 is driven to connect the water pump 75 to the sewage chamber 712, and the water pump 75 is driven to reverse. The water in the steamer 5a is drawn in from the inlet and outlet 731 of the conveying pipe 73 and pumped into the sewage chamber 712 by the water pump 75, thereby realizing the automatic discharge of water from the steamer 5a.

[0113] In step S3, after the water in the steamer 5a is drained, water can be injected again through the water supply component 7 to clean the food, and then the water can be drained from the steamer 5a. Multiple water injection and drainage steps can be set to clean the food thoroughly.

[0114] Step S4: Stop the drive mechanism 72 to push the steamer 5 to the bottom of the inner liner 4 so that the steamer 5 returns to its initial position under the elastic force applied by the elastic member 8.

[0115] After the ingredients are washed, the drive mechanism 72 shortens, and the second end 722 of the steamer 72 moves towards the first end 721. Under the elastic force applied by the elastic element 8a, the steamer 5a moves towards the lid 3 and returns to its initial position. The volume of the chamber 42a between the bottom wall of the steamer 5a and the bottom wall of the inner liner 4a increases. The shortening of the steamer 72 can be active or passive, caused by the steamer 5a being pushed upwards after the power is lost.

[0116] Thus, by implementing this control method based on the cooking device 1a, the food inside the steamer 5a can be automatically cleaned.

[0117] Example 4

[0118] This embodiment provides a control method for a cooking device, which is implemented based on the cooking device in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2.

[0119] The control method includes steps S1a to S7a.

[0120] Step S1a: Drive the water supply component 7 to clean the ingredients;

[0121] Step S1a includes steps S1 to S4 in Example 3.

[0122] Step S2a: Drive the water supply component 7 to inject a preset amount of water into the steamer 5;

[0123] The water supply component 7 injects water into the steamer 5 through the inlet and outlet 731 of the delivery pipe 73. The preset water volume can be the amount of water that submerges the food.

[0124] Step S3a: Drive the electric heating element 9 to heat the inner tank 4 so that the water boils;

[0125] When water boils, the sugars in the ingredients dissolve into the water, thus reducing the total sugar content of the ingredients.

[0126] Step S4a: Drive the drive mechanism 72 to push the steamer 5 to the bottom of the inner liner 4;

[0127] The drive mechanism 72 extends, and during this extension, the second end 722 extends towards the bottom of the steamer 5. After the second end 722 abuts against the bottom wall of the steamer 5, it pushes the steamer 5a towards the bottom of the inner liner 4a. After the steamer 5 is pushed to the bottom of the inner liner 4a, the volume of the chamber 42 between the steamer 5 and the inner liner 4 decreases, and the water in the chamber 42 flows into the steamer 5 through the through hole 51. At this time, the elastic member 8 is stretched by the steamer 5 towards the bottom of the inner liner 4 and undergoes elastic deformation. The elastic member 8 applies an elastic force towards the lid 3 to the steamer 5.

[0128] Step S5a: Drain water from the steamer 5 through the inlet and outlet 731 of the conveying pipe 73;

[0129] Since the inlet and outlet 731 of the conveying pipe 73 is located at the second end 722, and the second end 722 abuts against the bottom wall of the steamer 5, the inlet and outlet 731 is submerged in water. Then, the reversing valve 74 is driven to connect the water pump 75 to the sewage chamber 712, and the water pump 75 is driven to reverse. Water in the steamer 5a is drawn in from the inlet and outlet 731 of the conveying pipe 73 and pumped into the sewage chamber 712 by the water pump 75. The sugar in the water is discharged into the sewage chamber 712 along with the water.

[0130] Step S6a: Stop the drive mechanism 72 to push the steamer 5 to the bottom of the inner liner 4 so that the steamer 5 returns to its initial position under the elastic force applied by the elastic member 8.

[0131] After the ingredients are washed, the drive mechanism 72 shortens, and the second end 722 of the steamer 72 moves towards the first end 721. Under the elastic force applied by the elastic element 8, the steamer 5 moves towards the lid 3 and returns to its initial position, increasing the volume of the chamber 42 between the bottom wall of the steamer 5 and the bottom wall of the inner liner 4. The shortening of the steamer 72 can be active or passive, caused by the steamer 5 being pushed upwards after the power is lost.

[0132] Step S7a: After the water supply component 7 injects the cooking water into the steamer 5, the electric heating component 9 is driven to heat the inner pot 4 to cook the food.

[0133] The water supply component 7 injects cooking water into the steamer 5 through the inlet and outlet 731 of the delivery pipe 73, with the amount of cooking water matching the quantity of the ingredients to be cooked. The electric heating component 9 heats the inner pot 4 to cook the ingredients. Since the total sugar content of the ingredients has been reduced in steps S2a to S5a, during the heating of the inner pot 4, some of the sugar in the ingredients in the steamer 5 is drained into the bottom of the steamer 5 with the water, further reducing the total sugar content of the ingredients. After the ingredients in the steamer are cooked, they become low-sugar food.

[0134] Example 5

[0135] like Figure 12 As shown, Embodiment 4 also proposes another driving mechanism 72a, which includes a rotating rod 721a and a motor. The rotating rod 721a can be constructed as a straight rod. One end of the rotating rod 721a is rotatably connected to the cover 3, and the rotating rod 721a can be hinged to the cover 3. The motor is mounted on the cover 3, and the motor can be connected to the rotating rod through a transmission mechanism, which can be a gear transmission mechanism or a belt transmission mechanism. The torque output by the motor is transmitted to the rotating rod 721a through the transmission mechanism to drive the rotating rod 721a to swing.

[0136] The conveying pipe 73 extends along the rotating rod 721a from one end of the rotating rod connected to the cover to the other end of the rotating rod. The inlet and outlet 731 of the conveying pipe 73 are located at the free end of the rotating rod not connected to the cover. The conveying pipe 73 is connected to the rotating rod 721a, and the rotating rod 721a swings, causing the conveying pipe 73 to swing.

[0137] When the motor drives the rotating rod 721a, the end with the inlet / outlet 731, to swing towards the bottom of the inner liner 4, it can push the steamer 5 from its initial position towards the bottom of the inner liner 4. The motor can also drive the rotating rod 721a, the end with the inlet / outlet 731, to swing in the opposite direction, that is, towards the lid 3.

[0138] During rice washing, the reversing valve 74 is first activated to connect the water pump 75 to the clear water chamber 711. Then, the water pump 75 is activated to inject water from the clear water chamber 711 into the steamer 5 through the delivery pipe 73 according to the preset washing water volume, rinsing the rice in the steamer 5. Some water flows through the through hole 51 of the steamer 5 into the chamber 42 between the bottom wall of the inner pot 4 and the bottom wall of the steamer 5. At this time, the steamer 5 is in the initial position. Then, the motor drives the rotating rod 721a to swing towards the bottom of the inner pot 4 at one end with the inlet and outlet 731. During the swinging process of the rotating rod 721a towards the bottom of the inner pot 4, the end with the inlet and outlet 731 abuts against the bottom wall of the steamer 5 and pushes the steamer 5 towards the bottom of the inner pot 4. After the steamer 5 is pushed to the bottom of the inner pot 4, the volume of the chamber 42 between the steamer 5 and the inner pot 4 becomes smaller, and the water in the chamber 42 flows into the steamer 5 through the through hole 51 of the steamer 5. At this time, the elastic element 8 is stretched by the steamer 5 towards the bottom of the inner liner 4, causing elastic deformation. The elastic element 8 applies an elastic force towards the lid 3 to the steamer 5. At this time, the inlet / outlet 731 is submerged in water. Then, the reversing valve 74 is driven to connect the water pump 75 to the sewage chamber 712, and the water pump 75 is driven to reverse. Water in the steamer 5 is drawn in from the inlet / outlet 731 of the delivery pipe 73 and pumped into the sewage chamber 712 by the water pump 75, thus realizing the drainage of water. After the water in the steamer 5 is drained, water can be injected again through the water supply component 7 to wash the rice, and then the water is drained from the steamer 5. Multiple water injection and drainage steps can be set to clean the rice.

[0139] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings under the concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cooking apparatus, characterized in that, include Inner liner; The lid can cover the opening of the inner liner; A steamer basket is installed inside the inner liner and has through holes; An elastic element, connected to the inner liner and the steamer; and Water delivery components, including A drive mechanism is connected to the cover. and The conveying pipe is equipped with inlets and outlets for water discharge and water intake; The drive mechanism can push the steamer from its initial position to the bottom of the inner liner and drive the inlet and outlet to descend to the bottom of the inner liner. The elastic element is used to apply elastic force to the steamer when it deviates from its initial position so that the steamer returns to its initial position.

2. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steamer is suspended from the inner liner by an elastic element.

3. The cooking apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The opening edge of the inner liner is provided with a first flange that extends radially outward; The steamer has a second flange extending outwards at the opening edge; The elastic element includes: The first hook catches the first flange; The second hook engages with the second flange; and The elastic part is elastic and is connected to the first hook and the second hook at opposite ends.

4. The cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic element is sandwiched between the bottom wall of the steamer and the bottom wall of the inner liner, and the elastic element supports the steamer.

5. The cooking apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The elastic element is fixed to the bottom wall of the steamer.

6. The cooking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The drive mechanism includes a first end connected to the cover and a second end facing the bottom of the steamer. The inlet and outlet are located at the second end, and the drive mechanism can extend and retract. When the drive mechanism extends, the second end can push the steamer from its initial position to the bottom of the inner liner.

7. The cooking apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The drive mechanism includes a cylinder and multiple piston cylinders disposed on the cover; Multiple piston cylinders are assembled together in sequence, with the cylinder barrel mounted on the piston cylinder with the largest diameter, and the inlet and outlet located at the end of the piston cylinder with the smallest diameter facing the steamer; The cooking device also includes a power source for injecting fluid into the cylinder to drive the drive mechanism to extend.

8. The cooking apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The delivery pipe passes through multiple piston cylinders and cylinder barrels, and the length of the delivery pipe is greater than the length of the drive mechanism in its extended state.

9. The cooking apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The delivery pipe is constructed in a spiral shape, and when the drive mechanism extends, the delivery pipe is stretched to apply a spring force toward the cover to the piston cylinder with the smallest diameter.

10. The cooking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The drive mechanism includes: A rotating rod, one end of which is rotatably connected to the cover; An electric motor is used to drive the rotating rod to rotate; The inlet and outlet are located at the other end of the rotating rod. When the motor drives the rotating rod to swing the end with the inlet and outlet toward the bottom of the inner liner, it can push the steamer from its initial position toward the bottom of the inner liner.

11. A method for controlling a cooking apparatus, characterized in that, Based on the cooking apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, the control method includes: Water is injected into the steamer containing the food through the inlet and outlet; The drive mechanism pushes the steamer from its initial position toward the bottom of the inner liner; The water inside the steamer is drained through the inlet and outlet. Stop driving the drive mechanism to push the steamer to the bottom of the inner liner so that the steamer returns to its initial position under the elastic force applied by the elastic element.

12. A method for controlling a cooking apparatus, characterized in that, Based on the cooking apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, the control method includes: The water supply component is driven to inject a preset amount of water into the steamer containing the food. The electric heating element is driven to heat the inner pot so that the water boils and the sugar in the food dissolves into the water. The drive mechanism pushes the steamer to the bottom of the inner liner; Water is pumped out of the steamer through the inlet and outlet of the delivery pipe; The stop drive mechanism pushes the steamer to the bottom of the inner liner so that the steamer returns to its initial position under the elastic force applied by the elastic element. After the water supply component is driven to inject the cooking water into the steamer, the heating component is driven to heat the inner pot to cook the food.

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