Cavity medium conversion steam electric rice cooker

Abstract

This invention discloses a steam rice cooker and its processing method that converts the heating medium within a cavity. It includes a rice cooker outer shell, an outer pot, a perforated inner pot, a steam generator, a top cover, a soup container, and a controller. The outer pot is located in the upper middle part of the outer shell, and the perforated inner pot is placed inside it. The two are fitted together at the top, with a gap at the bottom forming a processing cavity. The top cover is movably connected to the upper part of the outer cavity, and the soup container is placed in the lower part of the outer cavity and connected to the processing cavity through a drain pipe with a switch. The steam generator is located on the outside of the rice cooker outer shell. During processing, the food is placed in the perforated inner pot and then placed inside the outer pot, which contains an appropriate amount of water. Steam generated by the steam generator is injected into the outer pot through a pipe, heating the water and cooking the food simultaneously. After a certain time, the water is drained into the soup container, and the steam continues to heat the food until it is fully cooked. This invention produces rice with a loose and chewy texture, collects rice water to reduce the sugar content of the rice, and features a simple structure and easy cleaning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of kitchen appliances, and more particularly to a steam rice cooker that converts the heating medium in a cavity and its processing method. Background Technology

[0002] As people's living standards improve, their demands for the quality of rice cooked in rice cookers are also increasing. Existing steam rice cookers often struggle to efficiently separate and collect rice water during the cooking process. Furthermore, their complex structural design results in numerous parts, higher costs, and inconvenient cleaning. In addition, the texture of rice cooked in existing steam rice cookers is inconsistent, failing to achieve the ideal loose and chewy texture. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new type of steam rice cooker to overcome these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a steam rice cooker and its processing method that converts the heating medium in the cavity, so as to achieve efficient collection of rice water, simplify the structure, reduce costs, facilitate cleaning, and significantly improve the taste and quality of rice. Steam Rice Cooker Structure: The steam rice cooker of this invention is mainly composed of a rice cooker shell (1), an outer pot (2), a perforated inner pot (3), a steam generator (4), a top cover (5), a soup box (6), and a controller (7). The rice cooker shell (1) serves as the external frame of the entire rice cooker, providing support, protection, and heat preservation for other components. The outer pot (2) is located in the upper middle part of the rice cooker shell (1), and the perforated inner pot (3) is placed inside it. The upper part of the outer pot (2) and the perforated inner pot (3) are tightly fitted together, and a gap is reserved at the bottom to form a processing cavity (8), in which steam and hot water exchange, providing a suitable heating method for different stages of food processing. The top cover (5) is installed on the upper part of the rice cooker shell (1) by means of hinges or other movable connections, which can be opened and closed flexibly, making it easy to put in and take out food. The soup container (6) is located at the bottom of the outer shell (1) of the rice cooker and is connected to the processing chamber (8) through a drain pipe (10) with a switch valve (9) to collect the soup produced during processing. The steam generator (4) is located on the outside of the outer shell (1) of the rice cooker and its steam outlet (11) is connected to the processing chamber (8) to deliver high-temperature steam to the processing chamber (8). The controller (7) is also located on the outside of the outer shell (1) of the rice cooker and is connected to the steam generator (4), the switch valve (9) and other related sensors through a circuit to realize intelligent control of the entire rice cooker process. Processing method: First, the user injects an appropriate amount of water into the processing chamber (8) through the opening of the top cover (5), then places the food to be processed (such as rice) in the sieve inner pot (3), and then puts the sieve inner pot (3) into the processing chamber (8) formed in the outer pot (2) and closes the top cover (5). Next, the steam generator (4) is started by the controller (7). The steam generator (4) generates high-temperature steam, which enters the processing chamber (8) through the steam outlet (11). The steam enters the inner pot through the sieve holes of the inner pot (3), heating the water in the processing chamber (8) while cooking the ingredients. When the cooking reaches a certain stage, the water in the processing chamber (8) turns into rice water. The controller (7) controls the switch valve (9) to open, and the rice water flows into the soup box (6) through the drain pipe (10) under the action of steam pressure and gravity. After that, the control switch valve (9) is closed, and the steam continues to enter the processing chamber (8) to steam the ingredients without water until the rice is cooked. The excess steam generated during the cooking process is discharged from the rice cooker through the vent hole of the top cover (5). The control switch valve (9) is opened, the soup in the processing chamber is drained into the soup box (6), and the valve is closed. Beneficial effects: The steam rice cooker of the present invention, through the unique structural design of the processing chamber and the personalized processing method, effectively reduces the number of parts and the structural complexity while realizing the function of collecting rice water, thereby reducing production costs.Its simple structure also makes cleaning easier, allowing users to easily clean each component. In addition, the method of first boiling water with steam and then steaming without water ensures that the rice is heated more evenly, resulting in loose, chewy rice with a significantly improved texture. At the same time, different flavored woods and other seasonings can be placed in the processing chamber, allowing their aromas to permeate the rice and create different fragrances and flavors, enriching consumers' needs for high-quality rice cooking. Attached Figure Description

[0004] Figure 1: Exploded view of the steam rice cooker with cavity conversion medium Figure 2: Schematic diagram of the cavity structure of a steam-powered rice cooker. In Figure 1: 1 - Rice cooker outer shell, cylindrical in shape, is the main outer shell of the rice cooker and has good heat insulation performance; 2 - Outer pot, installed in the upper middle part of the rice cooker outer shell 1, with internal space to accommodate the perforated inner pot 3 and the processing chamber 8; 3 - Perforated inner pot, placed inside the outer pot 2, its perforations are smaller than the rice grains being processed, allowing steam and rice water to pass through smoothly; 4 - Steam generator, located on the outside of the rice cooker outer shell 1, connected to the processing chamber 8 through steam outlet 11, capable of generating high-temperature and high-pressure steam; 5 - Top cover, connected to the upper part of the rice cooker outer shell 1 by a hinge, allowing for an opening angle of over 90 degrees; 6 - Soup container, located at the lower part of the rice cooker outer shell 1, used to collect rice water, with a certain capacity and sealing performance, and can be removed from the rice cooker; 7 - Controller, installed on the outside of the rice cooker outer shell 1, with an operation panel and circuit interface; 8 - Processing chamber, consisting of the outer pot 2 and the perforated inner pot 3. The bottom gap forms the main area for steam and water exchange, and is also the main space for placing the seasoning wood; 9 - Switch valve, installed on the drain pipe 10, is used to control the flow of rice water; 10 - Drain pipe, connecting the processing chamber 8 and the soup box 6, is made of high-temperature resistant food-grade plastic or metal; 11 - Steam outlet, located on the bottom inner side of the outer liner 2, is connected to the steam outlet of the steam generator 4 on the outside and communicates with the processing chamber 8 on the inside, ensuring that steam enters the processing chamber 8 smoothly; 12 - Exhaust hole, located on the top cover 5, allows excess steam to be discharged through the exhaust hole. Detailed Implementation

[0005] Component manufacturing and assembly: The outer shell (1) of the rice cooker is made of hard heat-insulating material (such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy) through stamping, welding and other processes, and has sufficient strength and good heat insulation performance. The outer pot (2) and the sieve inner pot (3) can be made of food-grade ceramic or metal. The outer pot (2) is fixed to the upper part of the outer shell (1) of the rice cooker by a slot or screw, and the sieve inner pot (3) is installed to fit the outer pot (2). The steam generator (4) is a high-efficiency electric heating steam generator with adjustable temperature and steam volume. It is installed at a predetermined position on the outside of the outer shell (1) of the rice cooker and connected to the steam outlet (11) pipe. The top cover (5) is made of high-temperature resistant plastic or metal and is connected to the outer shell (1) of the rice cooker by a hinge to ensure smooth opening and closing and good sealing. The soup box (6) is made of plastic or metal and has a pull-out structure. It is connected to the processing chamber (8) through the drain pipe (10). The drain pipe (10) is equipped with a switch valve (9). The controller (7) uses an integrated circuit board, which is installed on the outside of the rice cooker shell (1) in an easily accessible position, and is connected to the circuit of the steam generator (4), the switch valve (9) and other sensors (such as temperature sensor, water level sensor, etc.). 2. Cooking operation process: - Preparation stage: Place the rice cooker shell (1) on a stable table, open the top cover (5), and check whether the inner pot (2) is clean. - Add water and put in ingredients: Measure an appropriate amount of water with a measuring cup, slowly pour it into the outer pot (2), and then put the washed rice and other ingredients evenly into the sieve inner pot (3), and then put the sieve inner pot (3) into the outer pot (2), and the ingredients are soaked in water. - Start cooking: Close the top cover (5), select the appropriate cooking mode (such as fine cooking, quick cooking, etc.) through the operation button on the controller (7), and start the steam generator (4) to start cooking. - Rice water collection: During the cooking process, the controller (7) determines that rice water has formed and the collection conditions have been met based on the preset time or information from the sensor. The controller then opens the switch valve (9), allowing the rice water to flow into the soup container (6). - Cooked rice: After the rice water collection is complete, steam continues to pass through the processing chamber (8) to steam the ingredients without water until the rice is fully cooked. The controller (7) then automatically stops the steam generator (4) based on parameters such as temperature and time, and the cooking is complete. - Serving and cleaning: After cooking, open the top cover (5), carefully remove the inner pot (3) with the sieve holes, and serve the rice. At the same time, remove the soup container (6) to collect the rice water. After the rice cooker has cooled down, the various parts can be disassembled for cleaning. After cleaning, dry or wipe dry before reassembling for future use.

[0006] The following is an example of a steam rice cooker that converts the heating medium within a cavity: This steam rice cooker mainly consists of a rice cooker shell, an outer pot, a perforated inner pot, a steam generator, a lid, a soup container, and a controller. The rice cooker shell is made of engineering plastic, possessing good strength and heat insulation properties. Its overall shape is cylindrical, with stable support feet at the bottom. The outer pot, made of food-grade stainless steel, is precisely installed in the upper middle part of the rice cooker shell. Its smooth inner wall facilitates cleaning. The perforated inner pot, also made of food-grade stainless steel, features evenly distributed perforations of appropriate size, ensuring smooth steam passage while effectively preventing food particles from leaking out. After the perforated inner pot is placed inside the outer pot, the two fit tightly together at the top, leaving a gap of approximately 3-4 cm at the bottom to form a processing cavity. The steam generator is located on the outer bottom of the rice cooker shell and is connected to the processing cavity via a high-temperature resistant steam pipe. The steam generator uses a high-efficiency heating element, capable of quickly generating a large amount of stable steam at an adjustable temperature. A one-way valve is installed at the steam outlet to prevent steam from flowing back into the steam generator from the processing chamber. The top cover is hinged to the upper part of the rice cooker shell and has a sealing ring inside to ensure the processing chamber is sealed when closed. The top cover also has a steam vent hole with an adjustable steam vent valve installed inside, which can control the speed and amount of steam discharged according to processing needs. The soup container is placed on the lower side of the rice cooker shell and is connected to the processing chamber through a drain pipe with an electromagnetic switch. The soup container is made of food-grade stainless steel and can be easily removed by sliding it out. The controller is located on the outer front of the rice cooker shell and is connected to the steam generator, electromagnetic switch, steam vent valve, and other related components via circuitry. The controller panel has multiple operation buttons, including a power switch, a cooking time setting button, and a rice broth discharge button, and is also equipped with an LCD screen to display information such as the rice cooker's working status and remaining time. In the actual processing, such as when cooking rice, first, the rinsed rice is placed into the perforated inner pot. Then, an appropriate amount of water is added to the processing chamber. The amount of water can be determined by experience or by markings, depending on the amount of rice and personal taste preferences. Next, the steam generator is activated via the controller. The steam generator quickly produces high-temperature steam, which is injected into the processing chamber through the steam pipe. The steam enters the inner pot through the perforated sieve, heating the water and simultaneously cooking the rice. During the cooking process, the water gradually heats up and begins to boil, while the rice fully absorbs water and expands. When the cooking time reaches a preset time (e.g., 8 minutes), the controller activates the electromagnetic switch, and the rice water in the processing chamber is discharged into the soup container through the pipe under the pressure of steam and gravity. At this point, the steam continues to heat the rice that has already been cooked for a while. Since there is no longer rice water soaking, the rice begins to steam. During the steaming process, excess steam is discharged from the rice cooker through the steam vent valve on the lid. After steaming for a period of time (e.g., 10 minutes), the rice is cooked.Because the rice undergoes a process of first boiling and then steaming, it absorbs water effectively while separating the rice water, resulting in a lower sugar content and a looser, more chewy texture with a significantly improved taste. Furthermore, the rice cooker has a simple structure, with components that are easy to disassemble and clean, leading to relatively low production costs and facilitating large-scale production and widespread use. This embodiment provides a clearer understanding of the specific structure, working principle, and practical application effects of a steam rice cooker that converts the heating medium within the cavity, offering a strong reference for further optimization and application of this invention.

[0007] In the description of this invention, examples of embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "outer side," "inner side," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. In this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "linked," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, it can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can refer to the internal communication of two elements. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments or examples. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. The present invention and its embodiments have been described above; this description is not restrictive, and the figures shown are only one embodiment of the invention, and the actual structure is not limited thereto. In conclusion, if those skilled in the art, inspired by this description, design similar structures and embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention, such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steam rice cooker that converts the heating medium within a cavity, characterized in that, include: The outer shell of the rice cooker (1) is used to house and support other components; Outer pot (2), located in the upper middle part of the outer shell (1) of the rice cooker, with a steam inlet (11) inside and a drain pipe (10) located at its lower part; sieve inner pot (3), placed inside the outer pot (2), with the upper part of the outer pot (2) and the sieve inner pot (3) in contact, and a gap left at the bottom to form a processing cavity (8); Steam generator (4), located on the outside of the outer shell (1) of the rice cooker, the generated steam is connected to the processing cavity (8) through the steam outlet (11), used to generate steam and transport it to the processing cavity (8); Top cover (5), movably connected to the upper part of the outer shell (1) of the rice cooker, used to open and close; Soup box (6), placed in the lower inner part of the outer shell (1) of the rice cooker, connected to the processing cavity (8) through a drain pipe (10) with a switch valve (9), used to collect soup in the processing cavity (8); The controller (7) is located on the outside of the rice cooker shell (1) and is connected to the steam generator (4), the switch valve (9) and other related devices through a circuit to control the working process of the rice cooker.

2. A processing method for a steam rice cooker as described in claim 1, wherein the heating medium is switched within the cavity, characterized in that, The process includes the following steps: placing the food ingredients in the inner liner (3) with the perforated sieve, and placing the inner liner (3) with the perforated sieve inside the outer liner (2); forming the processing chamber (8), injecting an appropriate amount of water into the processing chamber (8) to soak the food ingredients; starting the steam generator (4) so ​​that steam enters the processing chamber (8) through the steam outlet (11), and then enters the inner liner through the perforated sieve of the inner liner (3) to heat the water and cook the food ingredients; after a certain period of time, controlling the switch valve (9) to open, draining the soup in the processing chamber (8) into the soup box (6) through the pipe (10), closing the switch (9), allowing steam to continue entering the processing chamber (8) to continue heating the food, and venting excess steam out of the rice cooker through the top cover (5) until the food is fully cooked; opening the switch valve (9) and draining the remaining soup into the soup box (6).

3. The steam rice cooker with heating medium switching in the cavity according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell (1) of the rice cooker is made of hard heat-insulating material and has supporting and heat-insulating properties.

4. The steam rice cooker with heating medium switching in the cavity according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer liner (2) and the perforated inner liner (3) are made of food-grade ceramic or metal.

5. The steam rice cooker with heating medium switching in the cavity according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam generator (4) is an electrically heated steam generator with adjustable temperature.

6. The steam rice cooker with heating medium switching in the cavity according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top cover (5) is made of high-temperature resistant material or metal and is connected to the outer shell (1) of the rice cooker by a hinge.

7. The steam rice cooker with heating medium switching in the cavity according to claim 1, characterized in that, The soup box (6) has a pull-out structure and is made of food-grade engineering materials or metal.

8. The steam rice cooker with heating medium switching in the cavity according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller (7) is connected to a steam generator (4) and a switching valve (9) to control the opening and closing of the steam generator (4) and the switching valve (9), and to adjust the temperature and steam flow of the steam generator (4).

9. The processing method of the steam rice cooker for changing the heating medium in the cavity according to claim 2, characterized in that, The processed ingredients are rice or other grains.

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