Electric pressure cooker and cooking control method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses an electric pressure cooker and a cooking control method thereof, and the electric pressure cooker comprises a cooker cover which is provided with a first air pipe; the pot body is provided with a heating mechanism and a second air pipe; when the cooker cover is rotated to be locked with the cooker body, the first air pipe is in sealed connection with the second air pipe; the pressurization and exhaust detection mechanism comprises a four-way air pipe, and four passages of the four-way air pipe are communicated with a fourth port of the second air pipe, the pressurization part, the detection part and the exhaust part respectively; and the control mechanism is in signal connection with the heating mechanism, the pressurizing part, the detection part and the exhaust part. According to the pressure cooker, the interior of the sealed cooker body is actively pressurized, the limitation that a traditional pressure cooker only depends on heating to generate steam pressure is broken through, the technical vacancy of zero pressure in the cooker before steam is generated is effectively filled up, certain pressure is applied to the interior of the cooker body when the pressure cooker is powered on, food can have longer pressurization time, and the food can be more thoroughly pressurized. In addition, after pressurization, along with the rise of the temperature in the pot body, cold air in the pot body is exhausted through the exhaust part, so that the temperature of the food rises rapidly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electric pressure cookers, and in particular to an electric pressure cooker and a cooking control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Traditional electric pressure cookers usually use a flip-top structure to connect the lid and the pot body. The flip-top lid can only be opened and closed along a fixed axis. This structure requires space for hinge installation on the side of the pot body, which takes up more space, and frequent opening and closing can easily cause wear of the connecting parts. More importantly, in order to achieve signal transmission (such as temperature / pressure signals) or functional connection (such as active pressurization and exhaust) between the lid and the pot body, it is often necessary to set a wire or air pipe interface at the connection between the lid and the pot body. These interfaces are usually exposed or connected by movable cables, which not only affects the neat appearance, but also easily causes sealing failure, line aging, poor contact and other problems at the interface after long-term use, posing a safety hazard and limiting the development of electric pressure cookers towards being more convenient, smarter and more reliable. In addition, during the pressure relief and exhaust process after cooking, traditional electric pressure cookers usually directly discharge high-temperature and high-pressure steam into the kitchen environment, which not only instantly and significantly increases the temperature and humidity in the kitchen, causing a stuffy and humid discomfort, but also poses a serious safety hazard. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide an electric pressure cooker and a cooking control method thereof to solve the above problems.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electric pressure cooker is provided, comprising: a pot lid, a bottom surface of which is provided with a first port of a first air pipe, a side of the pot lid is provided with a blocking block, the second port of the first air pipe is provided on the blocking block, and the pot lid is rotatably detachably connected to the pot body; a pot body with a heating mechanism, a top of which is provided with a slot for movably engaging the blocking block, the pot body is provided with a second air pipe, the third port of the second air pipe is provided at the end of the blocking slot, and the fourth port of the second air pipe is connected to a pressurization and exhaust detection mechanism; wherein, when the pot lid is rotated to lock with the pot body, the blocking block is engaged in the blocking slot, and the second port of the first air pipe is sealed and connected to the third port of the second air pipe; the pressurization and exhaust detection mechanism comprises a four-way air pipe, the four passages of the four-way air pipe are respectively connected to the fourth port of the second air pipe, the pressurization part, the detection part and the exhaust part; a control mechanism is signal-connected to the heating mechanism, the pressurization part, the detection part and the exhaust part.

[0005] In some embodiments, the block is in an arc-shaped structure, the slot is in an arc-shaped structure matching the block, and the pot cover is rotated to connect or separate the second port and the third port.

[0006] In some embodiments, limit baffles are provided on both sides of the upper portion of the card slot, and a limit slot is formed between the limit baffles on both sides for the upper portion of the card block to pass through, and the width of the lower portion of the card block is greater than the width of the limit slot.

[0007] In some embodiments, the second port is a male interface and the third port is a female interface, or vice versa.

[0008] In some embodiments, the detection unit includes a temperature sensor and an air pressure sensor. The temperature sensor is used to monitor the gas temperature inside the pot in real time, and the air pressure sensor is used to monitor the gas pressure inside the pot in real time. The temperature sensor and the air pressure sensor are both connected to the control mechanism signal.

[0009] In some embodiments, the pressurizing unit includes an air pump, and an air outlet of the air pump is connected to the four-way air pipe.

[0010] In some embodiments, the exhaust portion includes a one-way solenoid valve, an air inlet end of the one-way solenoid valve is connected to the four-way air pipe, and an exhaust end of the one-way solenoid valve is connected to the outside.

[0011] In some embodiments, a water tank is further included, which is arranged on one side of the pot body, and the exhaust end of the one-way solenoid valve extends below the liquid level of the water tank.

[0012] In some embodiments, when the interior of the pot body is in a high-pressure state, the pot cover produces an upward axial displacement due to the internal pressure, so that the lower part of the block is tightly abutted against the lower surface of the limit baffle; at this time, the block cannot rotate under the limiting action of the limit baffle, thereby ensuring that the second port of the first air pipe and the third port of the second air pipe remain connected.

[0013] A cooking control method for an electric pressure cooker according to claims 1 to 9, comprising the following steps:

[0014] S1. Loading and sealing:

[0015] Put food into the pot body, and rotate the pot cover to seal the second end of the first air pipe and the third end of the second air pipe;

[0016] S2, combined inflation and heating:

[0017] The control mechanism synchronously starts the pressurizing part to inflate the pot body and starts the heating mechanism for heating;

[0018] S3, cold air circulation replacement:

[0019] a) when the detection unit detects that the air pressure in the pot reaches a first preset pressure threshold, closing the pressurizing unit and starting the exhaust unit to release pressure;

[0020] b) continuing to release pressure until the pressure in the pot drops to a second preset pressure threshold and then closing the exhaust portion;

[0021] c) Circulation condition judgment: if the detection unit detects that the gas temperature in the pot is lower than the boiling point threshold, repeat steps a)-b);

[0022] S4, temperature triggers heat source cut-off:

[0023] When the detection unit detects that the gas temperature in the pot has reached the boiling point threshold, the exhaust unit is closed;

[0024] When the detection unit detects that the air pressure in the pot reaches a third preset pressure threshold, the heating mechanism is controlled to stop working;

[0025] S5, pressure holding cycle control:

[0026] d) restarting the heating mechanism for heating when the detection unit detects that the air pressure in the pot is lower than a third preset pressure threshold;

[0027] e) stopping the heating mechanism when the detection unit detects that the air pressure in the pot reaches the third preset pressure threshold again;

[0028] f) Repeat steps d)-e) until cooking is complete.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are:

[0030] 1. Convenient and reliable rotary connection and air circuit integration: The lid can be rotatably installed and removed by the cooperation of the curved block on the side of the lid and the curved slot on the top of the pot body. This structure cleverly integrates the second port of the first air pipe on the block and the third port of the second air pipe at the end of the slot. When the lid is rotated and locked, the block snaps into the slot, and the ports of the first and second air pipes are automatically and precisely aligned and sealed. No additional operation is required, completely eliminating the exposed cable or air pipe interface in traditional designs. This greatly simplifies the operation steps of opening and closing the lid, improving the user experience. At the same time, it effectively avoids the risks of wear, leakage, poor contact, etc. caused by exposed interfaces, significantly improving the reliability and airtightness of the connection, and saving lateral space.

[0031] 2. Intelligent pressurized cooking and precise control: The integrated pressurization unit (such as an air pump) can actively pressurize the sealed pot through the four-way air pipe and the second air pipe. This breaks the limitation of traditional pressure cookers that rely solely on heating to generate steam pressure and effectively fills the technical gap of zero pressure in the pot before steam is generated. From the moment the power is turned on, a certain pressure is applied to the pot, allowing the food to be pressurized for a longer time. In addition, after pressurization, as the temperature inside the pot rises, the cold air inside the pot is discharged through the exhaust unit, raising the temperature of the food. This enables higher pressure, faster cooking, or cooking modes with specific pressure curves (such as constant pressure), expanding cooking recipes and effects. The detection unit (temperature and pressure sensors) monitors the status of the pot in real time. The control mechanism intelligently adjusts the heating power, the start and stop of the pressurization unit, and the operation of the exhaust unit based on the detection data to ensure a safe, precise, and efficient cooking process.

[0032] 3. Safe, Controllable Exhaust and Environmentally Friendly Design: The exhaust system (e.g., one-way solenoid valve) is controlled by a control mechanism. After cooking is complete or when pressure is excessive, high-temperature steam is safely and precisely discharged through the four-way and second air pipes. In particular, routing the exhaust line below the water tank level effectively condenses the high-temperature steam, recovering heat energy and reducing direct water vapor emissions. This reduces energy consumption and kitchen humidity, resulting in a more environmentally friendly design.

[0033] 4. Optimized Structure and Easy Maintenance: The retaining plate and retaining groove design of the card slot, as well as the wide bottom and narrow top structure of the card block, ensure the stability and guidance of the card connection. The convex-concave interface design (such as convex-concave) facilitates quick alignment and forms a reliable seal. The entire air circuit and control system are highly integrated, with a clear modular design and easy maintenance.

[0034] 5. This control method completely removes the cold air in the pot through the circulating pressure relief and cooling mechanism, thereby improving thermal efficiency; the temperature-triggered hard closing design of the exhaust part eliminates the risk of high-temperature steam leakage; the dual-threshold coordinated control ensures that the cold air replacement is completed before the boiling point threshold is reached, and seamlessly switches to the pure pressure maintenance cycle after reaching the boiling point threshold, thereby accelerating the cooking speed of the food. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the pressurized exhaust detection mechanism of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic structural diagram of the pot cover and pot body of the present invention before being screwed in. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] refer to Figures 1 to 2 The present application provides an electric pressure cooker, comprising: a pot cover 1, a first port of a first air pipe 2 being provided on the bottom surface of the pot cover 1, a clamping block 3 being provided on one side of the pot cover 1, a second port of the first air pipe 2 being provided on the clamping block 3, the pot cover 1 being rotatably detachably connected to a pot body 4; a pot body 4 having a heating mechanism, a clamping slot 5 being provided on the top thereof for movably clamping the clamping block 3, a second air pipe 6 being provided on the pot body 4, a third port of the second air pipe 6 being provided at the end of the clamping slot 5, and a fourth port of the second air pipe 6 being provided at the end of the clamping slot 5. It is connected to the pressurization and exhaust detection mechanism; wherein, when the pot cover 1 is rotated to lock with the pot body 4, the block 3 is locked in the slot 5, and the second port of the first air pipe 2 is sealed with the third port of the second air pipe 6; the pressurization and exhaust detection mechanism includes a four-way air pipe 7, and the four passages of the four-way air pipe 7 are respectively connected to the fourth port of the second air pipe 6, the pressurization part 8, the detection part 9 and the exhaust part 10; the control mechanism is connected to the heating mechanism, the pressurization part 8, the detection part 9 and the exhaust part 10 by signal.

[0039] In some embodiments, the block 3 is an arc-shaped structure, the block 3 is an arc-shaped structure, the slot 5 is an arc-shaped structure matching it, and the pot cover 1 is connected or separated from the second port by rotation.

[0040] In some embodiments, limit baffles 11 are respectively provided on both sides of the upper portion of the card slot 5, and a limit slot for the upper portion of the card block 3 to pass through is formed between the limit baffles 11 on both sides, and the width of the lower portion of the card block 3 is greater than the width of the limit slot.

[0041] In some embodiments, the second port is a convex interface and the third port is a concave interface, or vice versa, which results in better docking effect and better sealing.

[0042] In some embodiments, the detection unit 9 includes a temperature sensor and an air pressure sensor. The temperature sensor is used to monitor the gas temperature inside the pot body 4 in real time, and the air pressure sensor is used to monitor the gas pressure inside the pot body 4 in real time. The temperature sensor and the air pressure sensor are both connected to the control mechanism signal; the air pressure sensor can be set inside the pot body 4.

[0043] In some embodiments, the pressurizing unit 8 includes an air pump, the air outlet of the air pump is connected to the four-way air pipe 7, and the air pump is used to inflate and pressurize the pot body 4.

[0044] In some embodiments, the exhaust portion 10 includes a one-way solenoid valve, an air inlet end of the one-way solenoid valve is connected to the four-way air pipe 7, and an exhaust end of the one-way solenoid valve is connected to the outside.

[0045] In some embodiments, a water tank 12 is further included, positioned on one side of the pot body 4. The exhaust port of the one-way solenoid valve extends below the liquid level of the water tank 12. This allows for safe and targeted exhaust of high-temperature steam through the four-way air pipe 7 and the second air pipe 6 after cooking is complete or when pressure is too high. In particular, routing the exhaust line below the liquid level of the water tank 12 effectively condenses the high-temperature steam.

[0046] In some embodiments, when the interior of the pot body 4 is in a high-pressure state, the pot cover 1 produces an upward axial displacement due to the internal pressure, so that the lower part of the block 3 is tightly abutted against the lower surface of the limiting baffle 11; at this time, the block 3 cannot rotate under the limiting action of the limiting baffle 11, thereby ensuring that the second port of the first air pipe 2 and the third port of the second air pipe 6 remain connected.

[0047] In some embodiments, the heating mechanism is an electric hot plate commonly used in the industry.

[0048] In some embodiments, the control mechanism is a microcontroller or a programmable logic controller.

[0049] The following steps are involved:

[0050] S1. Loading and sealing:

[0051] Place food into the pot body 4, and rotate the pot cover 1 to seal the second end of the first air pipe 2 and the third end of the second air pipe 6;

[0052] S2, combined inflation and heating:

[0053] The control mechanism synchronously starts the pressurizing unit 8 to inflate the pot body 4 and starts the heating mechanism for heating;

[0054] S3, cold air circulation replacement:

[0055] a) when the detection unit 9 detects that the air pressure in the pot body 4 reaches a first preset pressure threshold, the pressurizing unit 8 is closed and the exhaust unit 10 is activated to release the pressure;

[0056] b) the pressure relief continues until the pressure in the pot body 4 drops to a second preset pressure threshold, and then the exhaust portion 10 is closed;

[0057] c) Circulation condition judgment: if the detection unit 9 detects that the gas temperature in the pot body 4 is lower than the boiling point threshold, then repeat steps a)-b);

[0058] S4, temperature triggers heat source cut-off:

[0059] When the detection unit 9 detects that the gas temperature in the pot body 4 reaches the boiling point threshold, the exhaust unit 10 is closed;

[0060] When the detection unit 9 detects that the air pressure in the pot body 4 reaches a third preset pressure threshold, the heating mechanism is controlled to stop working;

[0061] S5, pressure holding cycle control:

[0062] d) when the detection unit 9 detects that the air pressure in the pot body 4 is lower than the third preset pressure threshold, the heating mechanism is restarted for heating;

[0063] e) when the detection unit 9 detects that the air pressure in the pot body 4 reaches the third preset pressure threshold again, the heating mechanism is stopped;

[0064] f) Repeat steps d)-e) until cooking is complete.

[0065] The pot cover 1 of the present application is provided with an air outlet, and the air outlet is provided with an air outlet float. When a certain air pressure is reached in the pot body 4, the air pressure can push up the float to form a sealed cavity inside the pot body 4.

[0066] Specifically, the first preset pressure threshold range is 60-70 KPa; the second preset pressure threshold range is 40-50 KPa; the third preset pressure threshold range is 60-70 KPa; and the boiling point threshold may vary depending on the cooking program.

[0067] Convenient and reliable rotary connection and air circuit integration: The rotary installation and removal of the pot lid 1 is achieved through the cooperation of the arc-shaped block 3 on the side of the pot lid 1 and the arc-shaped slot 5 on the top of the pot body 4. This structure cleverly integrates the second port of the first air pipe 2 on the block 3 and the third port of the second air pipe 6 at the end of the slot 5. When the pot lid 1 is rotated and locked, the block 3 is snapped into the slot 5, and the ports of the first air pipe 2 and the second air pipe 6 are automatically and accurately aligned and sealed. No additional operation is required, completely eliminating the exposed cable or air pipe interface in the traditional design. This greatly simplifies the operating steps of opening and closing the pot lid 1, improves the user experience, and effectively avoids the risks of wear, leakage, poor contact, etc. caused by exposed interfaces, significantly improves the reliability and airtightness of the connection, and saves lateral space.

[0068] Intelligent Pressure Cooking and Precision Control: An integrated pressurization unit 8 (e.g., an air pump) actively pressurizes the sealed pot 4 via four-way air pipes 7 and a second air pipe 6. This breaks the limitation of traditional pressure cookers, which rely solely on heating to generate steam pressure, and enables cooking modes with higher pressures, faster speeds, or specific pressure curves (e.g., constant pressure), expanding both recipe possibilities and cooking results. A detection unit 9 (temperature and pressure sensors) monitors the pot's internal conditions in real time. Based on this data, the control mechanism intelligently adjusts heating power, activates and stops the pressurization unit 8, and operates the exhaust unit 10, ensuring a safe, precise, and efficient cooking process.

[0069] Safe, Controllable Exhaust and Environmentally Friendly Design: The exhaust section 10 (e.g., a one-way solenoid valve) is controlled by a control mechanism, safely and purposefully discharging high-temperature steam through the four-way air pipe 7 and the second air pipe 6 after cooking is complete or when pressure is excessive. In particular, routing the exhaust line below the liquid level in the water tank 12 (optional) effectively condenses the high-temperature steam, recovering heat energy and reducing direct water vapor emissions, thereby lowering energy consumption and kitchen humidity, resulting in a more environmentally friendly design.

[0070] Optimized structure and easy maintenance: The retaining plate 11 and retaining groove design of the card slot 5, as well as the wide bottom and narrow top structure of the card block 3, ensure a secure and directional connection. The convex-concave interface design (e.g., convex versus concave) facilitates quick alignment and a reliable seal. The entire air circuit and control system are highly integrated, with a clear modular design for easy maintenance.

[0071] This control method completely removes the cold air in the pot through the circulating pressure relief and cooling mechanism, thereby improving thermal efficiency; the temperature-triggered hard closing design of the exhaust part 10 eliminates the risk of high-temperature steam leakage; the dual-threshold coordinated control ensures that the cold air replacement is completed before the boiling point threshold is reached, and seamlessly switches to a pure pressure maintenance cycle after reaching the boiling point threshold, thereby accelerating the cooking speed of the food.

[0072] The pressure of an ordinary pressure cooker is increased only after the food in the pot generates steam, but the present invention applies pressure to the pot body 4 from the beginning, so that the food is cooked more thoroughly, greatly saving cooking time.

[0073] The present application is also provided with an exhaust button, which is connected to the control mechanism signal. By pressing the exhaust button, the high-pressure gas in the pot body 4 can be quickly discharged, thereby reducing the natural cooling time and speeding up the edible time; when cooking is finished, if you need to quickly discharge the pressure, just press the exhaust button on the control panel. The exhaust part 10 will automatically open the exhaust at intervals through the preset program, and the high-pressure gas in the pot body 4 will be discharged through the conduit to the water tank 12 to condense into water. It can also be automatically exhausted through the preset program.

[0074] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art will be able to modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments or substitute equivalents for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electric pressure cooker, characterized in that: include: A pot cover, the bottom surface of which is provided with a first port of a first air pipe, a clamping block is provided on one side of the pot cover, and the second port of the first air pipe is provided on the clamping block, and the pot cover is rotatably detachably connected to the pot body; A pot body with a heating mechanism is provided with a slot on its top for the engaging block to be movably engaged, the pot body is provided with a second air pipe, the third port of the second air pipe is provided at the end of the slot, and the fourth port of the second air pipe is connected to the pressurized exhaust detection mechanism; wherein, when the pot lid is rotated to lock with the pot body, the engaging block is engaged with the slot, and the second port of the first air pipe is sealed and connected to the third port of the second air pipe; A pressurized exhaust detection mechanism, comprising a four-way air pipe, wherein four passages of the four-way air pipe are respectively connected to the fourth port of the second air pipe, the pressurizing part, the detection part, and the exhaust part; The control mechanism is signal-connected to the heating mechanism, the pressurizing unit, the detecting unit and the exhaust unit.

2. The electric pressure cooker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The clamping block is in an arc-shaped structure, the clamping slot is in an arc-shaped structure matching the clamping block, and the pot cover is rotated to connect or separate the second port and the third port.

3. The electric pressure cooker according to claim 1, characterized in that: Limit baffles are respectively provided on both sides of the upper part of the card slot, and a limit slot for the upper part of the card block to pass through is formed between the limit baffles on both sides, and the width of the lower part of the card block is greater than the width of the limit slot.

4. The electric pressure cooker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second port is a male port and the third port is a female port, or vice versa.

5. The electric pressure cooker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection unit includes a temperature sensor and an air pressure sensor. The temperature sensor is used to monitor the gas temperature inside the pot in real time. The air pressure sensor is used to monitor the gas pressure inside the pot in real time. Both the temperature sensor and the air pressure sensor are connected to the control mechanism signal.

6. The electric pressure cooker according to claim 1, characterized in that The pressurizing unit includes an air pump, and an air outlet end of the air pump is communicated with the four-way air pipe.

7. The electric pressure cooker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The exhaust part includes a one-way solenoid valve, the air inlet end of the one-way solenoid valve is connected to the four-way air pipe, and the exhaust end is connected to the outside.

8. The electric pressure cooker according to claim 7, characterized in that: It also includes a water tank, which is arranged on one side of the pot body, and the exhaust end of the one-way solenoid valve extends below the liquid level of the water tank.

9. The electric pressure cooker according to claim 3, characterized in that: When the interior of the pot body is in a high-pressure state, the pot cover produces an upward axial displacement due to the internal pressure, so that the lower part of the blocking block is tightly abutted against the lower surface of the limiting baffle; at this time, the blocking block cannot rotate under the limiting action of the limiting baffle, thereby ensuring that the second port of the first air pipe and the third port of the second air pipe remain connected.

10. A cooking control method for an electric pressure cooker according to claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1. Loading and sealing: Put food into the pot body, and rotate the pot cover to seal the second end of the first air pipe and the third end of the second air pipe; S2, combined inflation and heating: The control mechanism synchronously starts the pressurizing part to inflate the pot body and starts the heating mechanism for heating; S3, cold air circulation replacement: a) when the detection unit detects that the air pressure in the pot reaches a first preset pressure threshold, closing the pressurizing unit and starting the exhaust unit to release pressure; b) continuing to release pressure until the pressure in the pot drops to a second preset pressure threshold and then closing the exhaust portion; c) Circulation condition judgment: if the detection unit detects that the gas temperature in the pot is lower than the boiling point threshold, repeat steps a)-b); S4, temperature triggers heat source cut-off: When the detection unit detects that the gas temperature in the pot has reached the boiling point threshold, the exhaust unit is closed; When the detection unit detects that the air pressure in the pot reaches a third preset pressure threshold, the heating mechanism is controlled to stop working; S5, pressure holding cycle control: d) restarting the heating mechanism for heating when the detection unit detects that the air pressure in the pot is lower than a third preset pressure threshold; e) stopping the heating mechanism when the detection unit detects that the air pressure in the pot reaches the third preset pressure threshold again; f) Repeat steps d)-e) until cooking is complete.

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