Electric cooker

Abstract

The utility model discloses an electric rice cooker, relates to cooking utensil technical field, the electric rice cooker includes utensil main part, first on-off valve and steam generator, utensil main part includes pot body subassembly and cover body subassembly that covers the pot body subassembly, the pot body subassembly is equipped with cooking chamber and interlayer space, the interlayer space is located cooking chamber outer wall, the first on-off valve is located in the pot body subassembly, and the steam generator is located in the first on-off valve. The interlayer space is arranged around the cooking cavity and is provided with a first opening and a second opening, and the first opening is communicated with the exhaust pipeline; the first on-off valve is arranged on the exhaust pipeline and used for controlling on-off of the exhaust pipeline. An air outlet of the steam generator is communicated with the second opening. According to the technical scheme, the heat preservation performance of the electric cooker can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of cooking appliances, and in particular to an electric rice cooker. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the rice cooker market, the heating element of the rice cooker heats the cooking cavity during the keep-warm stage after cooking is completed, which is controlled by the program. In related technologies, the rice cooker does not have other heat preservation structures for heat preservation. The temperature of the food in the cooking space drops quickly, which requires frequent heating for heat preservation and consumes more electricity. Utility Model Content

[0003] The main purpose of this utility model is to propose a rice cooker that improves the heat preservation performance of the rice cooker.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the rice cooker proposed in this utility model includes:

[0005] The appliance body includes a pot body assembly and a lid assembly covering the pot body assembly. The pot body assembly has a cooking cavity and a double-layer space inside. The double-layer space is located on the outer wall of the cooking cavity and surrounds the cooking cavity. The double-layer space has a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is connected to an exhaust pipe.

[0006] A first on / off valve, located in the exhaust pipe, is used to control the on / off state of the exhaust pipe; and

[0007] A steam generator, wherein the steam outlet of the steam generator is connected to the second opening.

[0008] In one embodiment, the outlet of the exhaust pipe is exposed on the surface of the cover assembly facing the cooking cavity and is in communication with the cooking cavity when the rice cooker is in the closed state;

[0009] Alternatively, the outlet of the exhaust pipe may be connected to the external environment.

[0010] In one embodiment, the lid assembly and the pot body assembly are hinged, and the exhaust pipe is arranged from the hinge position of the lid assembly and the pot body assembly.

[0011] In one embodiment, the exhaust pipe includes a first pipe and a second pipe, the first pipe being disposed in the rice cooker body assembly, the second pipe being disposed in the lid assembly, the first on / off valve being disposed in the second pipe, and the first pipe and the second pipe being connected at least when the rice cooker is in the closed state.

[0012] In one embodiment, the surface of the rice cooker body assembly facing the lid assembly is provided with a first docking structure communicating with the first pipeline, and the surface of the lid assembly facing the rice cooker body assembly is provided with a second docking structure communicating with the second pipeline. The first docking structure and the second docking structure are connected when the rice cooker is in the closed state.

[0013] In one embodiment, the steam generator is disposed in the pot body assembly.

[0014] In one embodiment, the pot body assembly includes a pot body, a pot body, and a heat-insulating structure. The pot body has an installation space, the pot body is disposed in the installation space and has the cooking cavity, and the heat-insulating structure is disposed on the outer wall of the pot body. The heat-insulating structure and the outer wall of the pot body enclose the interlayer space.

[0015] The steam generator is located in the installation space and below the pot body, and is used to heat the pot body.

[0016] In one embodiment, the steam generator includes:

[0017] A heating plate is located below the pot body and in contact with the pot body;

[0018] A water guide pipe, wherein the water guide pipe is disposed on the heating plate, and the outlet of the water guide pipe is connected to the second opening; and

[0019] An electric heating element is provided on the heating plate, and the heat generated by the electric heating element can be transferred to the water pipe and the cooking cavity through the heating plate.

[0020] In one embodiment, the rice cooker further includes a water supply module and a control structure. The water supply module is provided with a water supply pipeline, and the outlet of the water supply pipeline is connected to the water inlet of the steam generator.

[0021] The control structure is located between the steam generator and the second opening, and is used to control the conduction state between the steam generator and the second opening;

[0022] And / or, the control structure is located in the water supply pipeline and is used to control the on / off state of the water supply pipeline.

[0023] In one embodiment, the control structure includes a second on / off valve;

[0024] And / or, the control structure includes a water pump located in the water supply pipeline;

[0025] And / or, the water supply module further includes a water tank, the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the water supply pipeline.

[0026] In one embodiment, the appliance body further includes an exhaust valve, which is disposed on the cover assembly, and when the exhaust valve is opened, it connects the cooking cavity to the external environment;

[0027] And / or, the second opening is located on the bottom wall of the interlayer space;

[0028] And / or, the rice cooker is further provided with a first temperature sensor, which is located below the cooking cavity;

[0029] And / or, the rice cooker is further provided with a second temperature sensor, which is located on the lid assembly.

[0030] The technical solution of this utility model involves setting a double-layered space surrounding the cooking cavity in the rice cooker's body assembly. The inlet of the double-layered space is connected to a steam generator, and the outlet is connected to a controllable exhaust pipe. With this arrangement, the steam generator can introduce steam into the double-layered space, which can expel the air from the space. After the air in the double-layered space is completely expelled or expelled to the desired level, the on / off valve closes to stop the exhaust pipe and the supply of steam to the double-layered space. At this point, the inlet of the double-layered space is blocked by the steam generator, forming a closed space. After the steam in the double-layered space condenses, a vacuum or negative pressure environment is formed, which provides better heat preservation, reduces the cooling rate of the cooking cavity, improves heat preservation performance, extends the heat preservation time of a single heating cycle, eliminates the need for frequent heating of the cooking cavity, and reduces energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model 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 this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 A structural diagram of an embodiment of the rice cooker provided by this utility model;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a connection diagram of an embodiment of the rice cooker provided by this utility model;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a connection diagram of another embodiment of the rice cooker provided by this utility model;

[0035] Figure 4 A connection diagram of yet another embodiment of the rice cooker provided by this utility model;

[0036] Figure 5 A structural diagram of an embodiment of the rice cooker provided by this utility model;

[0037] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the rice cooker provided by this utility model;

[0038] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a rice cooker from another perspective;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of an embodiment of the steam generator in the rice cooker of this utility model.

[0040] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0041] 100. Rice cooker; 1. Main body of the appliance; 11. Cooker body assembly; 111. Cooker body; 112. Pot body; 113. Insulation structure; 114. Cooking cavity; 115. Interlayer space; 1151. First opening; 1152. Second opening; 116. Exhaust pipe; 1161. First pipe; 1162. Second pipe; 117. Installation space; 118. Nozzle; 12. Lid assembly; 13. Exhaust valve; 14. Heating structure; 2. First on / off valve; 3. Steam generator; 31. Water pipe; 32. Heating element; 33. Heating plate; 4. Water supply module; 41. Water supply pipe; 42. Water tank; 5. First temperature sensor; 6. Control structure.

[0042] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0044] It should be noted that if the embodiments of this utility model involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0045] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this utility model involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions 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. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0046] Currently, in the rice cooker market, the heating element of the rice cooker heats the cooking cavity during the keep-warm stage after cooking is completed, which is controlled by the program. In related technologies, the rice cooker does not have other heat preservation structures for heat preservation. The temperature of the food in the cooking space drops quickly, which requires frequent heating for heat preservation and consumes more electricity.

[0047] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model proposes a rice cooker 100 that can improve the heat preservation performance of the rice cooker 100.

[0048] See also Figures 1 to 5 In one embodiment of this utility model, the rice cooker 100 includes a main body 1, a first on / off valve 2, and a steam generator 3. The main body 1 includes a cooker body assembly 11 and a cover assembly 12 covering the cooker body assembly 11. The cooker body assembly 11 has a cooking cavity 114 and a double-layer space 115. The double-layer space 115 is located on the outer wall of the cooking cavity 114 and surrounds the cooking cavity 114. The double-layer space 115 has a first opening 1151 and a second opening 1152. The first opening 1151 is connected to the exhaust pipe 116. The first on / off valve 2 is located on the exhaust pipe 116 and is used to control the opening and closing of the exhaust pipe 116. The steam outlet of the steam generator 3 is connected to the second opening 1152.

[0049] The main body 1 of the appliance includes a pot body assembly 11 and a lid assembly 12. The pot body assembly 11 has a cooking cavity 114 and a double-layer space 115. The top of the cooking cavity 114 has an opening. The lid assembly 12 is closable and covers the pot body assembly 11. When the lid assembly 12 is closed on the pot body assembly 11, it closes the cooking cavity 114. The lid assembly 12 can be rotatably connected to the pot body assembly 11, so that the lid assembly 12 can be flipped relative to the pot body assembly 11 to open and close; alternatively, the lid assembly 12 can be detachably connected to the pot body assembly 11, so that the lid assembly 12 can be separated from the pot body assembly 11 to open the cooking cavity 114. A double-layer space 115 surrounds the cooking cavity 114. A pot body 112 and a heat-insulating structure 113 can be housed within the cooker assembly 11. The pot body 112 has the cooking cavity 114, and the heat-insulating structure 113 surrounds the outer wall of the pot body 112. The double-layer space 115 can be housed within the heat-insulating structure 113, or it can be formed by enclosing the heat-insulating structure 113 and the outer wall of the pot body 112. The heat-insulating structure 113 can be connected to the pot body 112 or integrally formed with it. The first opening 1151 of the double-layer space 115 is connected to an exhaust pipe 116; optionally, the outlet of the exhaust pipe 116 communicates with the external environment of the rice cooker 100 or with the cooking cavity 114. A first on / off valve 2 is provided on the exhaust pipe 116. The first on / off valve 2 is used to control the opening and closing of the exhaust pipe 116. When the first on / off valve 2 is open, the interlayer space 115 can exhaust gas to the outside through the exhaust pipe 116.

[0050] Steam generator 3 is used to generate steam. Steam generator 3 has a heating chamber and is equipped with a heating element for heating the water in the heating chamber, so that the water in the heating chamber evaporates into steam, which is then discharged into the interlayer space 115. The heating chamber can be formed by a water storage component, a water pipe 31, or other structures. A water storage structure can be set to form the heating chamber to store a certain amount of water, or a water supply module 4 can be set to continuously supply water to the heating chamber.

[0051] In practical applications, the steam generator 3 can introduce steam into the interlayer space 115. The steam can expel the air from the interlayer space 115. After the air in the interlayer space 115 is completely expelled or expelled to the required extent, the on / off valve is closed to shut off the exhaust pipe 116 and stop the introduction of steam into the interlayer space 115. At this time, the inlet of the interlayer space 115 is blocked by the steam generator 3, and a closed space is formed inside the interlayer space 115. After the steam in the interlayer space 115 condenses, a vacuum or negative pressure environment is formed inside the interlayer space 115, which can play a better role in heat preservation, reduce the cooling rate of the cooking cavity 114, improve heat preservation performance, extend the heat preservation time of a single heating, and reduce the need to heat the cooking cavity 114 too frequently, thus reducing energy consumption.

[0052] Optionally, the steam generator 3 can be connected to the cooking chamber 114, allowing the steam generated by the steam generator 3 to enter the cooking chamber 114 for steam cooking, bubble breaking, and creating a vacuum or negative pressure environment in the cooking chamber 114. Optionally, the steam generator 3 can be provided with two output pipes connected to the interlayer space 115 and the cooking chamber 114 respectively, or, in the following embodiment, the exhaust pipe 116 of the interlayer space 115 can be connected to the cooking chamber 114, allowing steam to flow into the cooking chamber 114 via the interlayer space 115.

[0053] Please see Figure 5 In one embodiment, the outlet of the exhaust pipe 116 is exposed on the surface of the lid assembly 12 facing the cooking cavity 114 and is in communication with the cooking cavity 114 when the rice cooker 100 is in the closed state.

[0054] In this embodiment, when the lid assembly 12 is closed onto the cooker assembly 11, the exhaust pipe 116 can be connected to the cooking cavity 114, eliminating the need for a steam inlet on the side wall of the cooking cavity 114. Furthermore, by connecting the exhaust pipe 116 to the interlayer space 115 and the cooking cavity 114, there is no need for additional steam output pipes connecting the steam generator 3 and the cooking cavity 114, simplifying the structure. The steam generated by the steam generator 3, after being introduced into the interlayer space 115, can be introduced into the cooking cavity 114 via the exhaust pipe 116. With this configuration, when the rice cooker 100 is in the cooking stage, this steam can be used to heat the food in the cooking cavity 114, achieving the effect of steam cooking. Alternatively, the introduced steam can be used to break bubbles in the cooking chamber 114 to prevent bubbles from overflowing during the boiling stage. In some embodiments, steam can be introduced into the cooking chamber 114 to expel the air, and then the cooking chamber 114 can be sealed and the steam input can be stopped. After the steam in the cooking chamber 114 condenses, a vacuum or negative pressure environment is formed in the cooking chamber 114, which can keep the food warm, reduce the growth of microorganisms, slow down the spoilage of food, and allow the food to absorb water better.

[0055] Optionally, a nozzle 118 can be installed at the outlet of the second pipeline 1162. The nozzle 118 can be provided with one, two or more steam outlets, and the steam ejection position can be controlled by the nozzle 118.

[0056] Please see Figure 2 In one embodiment, the outlet of the exhaust pipe 116 is connected to the external environment. With this configuration, when the first on / off valve 2 is opened, air and steam in the interlayer space 115 can be directly discharged to the outside.

[0057] In one embodiment, the lid assembly 12 and the pot body assembly 11 are hinged together, and the exhaust pipe 116 is arranged through the hinge position of the lid assembly 12 and the pot body assembly 11.

[0058] In this embodiment, a portion of the exhaust pipe 116 is arranged on the cover assembly 12, so that the outlet of the exhaust pipe 116 is located on the cover assembly 12, facilitating communication between the outlet of the exhaust pipe 116 and the cooking cavity 114, thereby allowing gas from the interlayer space 115 to be introduced into the cooking cavity 114; or, it also facilitates communication between the outlet of the first on / off valve 2 and the external environment, allowing gas from the interlayer space 115 to be directly discharged to the external environment. The exhaust pipe 116 can be bent and deformed as the cover assembly 12 is opened and closed to ensure that the exhaust pipe 116 is always in a conductive state.

[0059] Please see Figure 5 In one embodiment, the exhaust pipe 116 includes a first pipe 1161 and a second pipe 1162. The first pipe 1161 is disposed in the rice cooker body assembly 11, the second pipe 1162 is disposed in the lid assembly 12, and the first on / off valve 2 is disposed in the second pipe 1162. The first pipe 1161 and the second pipe 1162 are connected at least when the rice cooker 100 is in the closed state.

[0060] In this embodiment, the exhaust pipe 116 includes a first pipe 1161 disposed on the cooker body assembly 11 and a second pipe 1162 disposed on the lid assembly 12. The first pipe 1161 is connected to the first opening 1151 of the interlayer space 115. With this arrangement, when the exhaust pipe 116 is used to connect to the external environment, the outlet of the exhaust pipe 116 is located on the lid assembly 12, and the air and steam in the interlayer space 115 can be discharged outward from the top of the rice cooker 100. In some embodiments, the exhaust pipe 116 is connected to the cooking cavity 114, so that the outlet of the second pipe 1162 can be exposed on the inner surface of the lid assembly 12. When the rice cooker 100 is closed, the outlet of the second pipe 1162 is set towards the cooking cavity 114, and there is no need to open a steam inlet on the side wall or other location of the cooking cavity 114. Optionally, the first pipe 1161 and the second pipe 1162 can remain connected in both the closed and open states of the rice cooker 100, or they can be connected when the lid assembly 12 is closed to the cooker assembly 11, and the first pipe 1161 and the second pipe 1162 can be separated when the lid assembly 12 is opened.

[0061] In one embodiment, the surface of the rice cooker assembly 11 facing the lid assembly 12 is provided with a first docking structure communicating with the first pipe 1161, and the surface of the lid assembly 12 facing the rice cooker assembly 11 is provided with a second docking structure communicating with the second pipe 1162. The first docking structure and the second docking structure are connected when the rice cooker 100 is in the closed state.

[0062] In this embodiment, a first pipe 1161 of the exhaust pipe 116 is disposed inside the pot body assembly 11, one end of the first pipe 1161 is connected to a first docking structure, and at least a portion of the first docking structure is exposed on the surface of the pot body assembly 11 facing the lid assembly 12; wherein, the first docking structure may be a communication port opened on the top surface of the pot body assembly 11, or may be a connecting structure such as a connector or a valve body structure such as a one-way valve. Furthermore, a second docking structure connected to the second pipe 1162 is disposed in the lid assembly 12, and at least a portion of the second docking structure is exposed on the surface of the lid assembly 12 facing the pot body assembly 11; when the lid assembly 12 is closed on the pot body assembly 11, the first docking structure and the second docking structure are connected to each other; wherein, the second docking structure may be a through port on the surface of the lid assembly 12, or may be a plug-in connector that can be inserted into the first docking structure.

[0063] In one embodiment, the first docking structure includes a valve seat and a valve core. The valve seat has a valve cavity communicating with the first pipeline 1161 and a docking interface communicating with the valve cavity and exposed on the top surface of the cook body assembly 11. The valve core is movably disposed in the valve cavity to close or open the docking interface.

[0064] In this embodiment, the first docking structure can be a solenoid valve, which drives the valve core to move through an electronic control, thereby closing or opening the docking interface of the valve seat. Alternatively, the first docking structure can be provided with an elastic element as in the following embodiment, which drives the valve core to move through the elastic element and the second docking structure, thereby closing or opening the docking interface of the valve seat. With this arrangement, when the rice cooker 100 is in the open state, the valve core can be driven to close the docking interface, preventing foreign objects from entering the valve cavity and the first pipeline 1161 through the docking interface. It can also keep the interlayer space 115 sealed, so that the interlayer space 115 is still in a negative pressure or vacuum environment. Therefore, when the lid is closed again, there is no need to re-introduce steam into the interlayer space 115 for exhaust and other operations to re-establish a vacuum or negative pressure environment in the interlayer space 115.

[0065] In one embodiment, the first docking structure further includes an elastic element disposed in the valve cavity and abutting against the side of the valve core away from the docking interface; the second docking structure is provided with a plug-in component. When the rice cooker 100 is in the open state, the elastic element provides elastic force to the valve core to close the docking interface. When the rice cooker 100 is in the closed state, the plug-in component holds the valve core to overcome the elastic force of the elastic element, so that the docking interface is opened and communicates with the valve cavity.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first docking structure is a purely mechanical structure. The valve cavity of the valve seat has a top wall and a bottom wall that are opposite to each other in the direction of valve core movement. The top wall has a docking interface, and the bottom wall has a through hole connected to the first pipeline 1161. The elastic element can be a spring, which is located between the valve core and the bottom wall of the valve cavity. When the rice cooker 100 is in the open state, the elastic element pushes the valve core so that the valve core holds the top wall of the valve cavity to close the docking interface. The second docking structure provided on the lid assembly 12 has a plug-in component. The second docking structure has a flow channel communicating with the guide channel. The side wall of the plug-in component has a guide port communicating with the flow channel. When the rice cooker 100 is in the open state, the plug-in component of the second docking structure pushes the valve core so that the valve core moves away from the docking interface, and part of the plug-in component is inserted into the valve cavity. At this time, the valve cavity and the flow channel of the second docking structure are connected through the guide port.

[0067] In one embodiment, the lid assembly 12 further includes a sealing ring that surrounds the second mating structure. When the rice cooker 100 is in the closed state, the sealing ring abuts against the surface of the cooker body 111. This arrangement improves the sealing performance at the connection between the first and second mating structures, preventing problems such as steam leakage or water leakage.

[0068] Please see Figures 5 to 7 In one embodiment, the steam generator 3 is disposed in the rice cooker body assembly 11. This arrangement integrates the steam generator 3 and the rice cooker body assembly 11 into a single structure, which facilitates the overall transport and handling of the rice cooker 100 and makes the overall structure of the rice cooker 100 simpler; it also shortens the distance between the steam generator 3 and the interlayer space 115, allowing steam to enter the interlayer space 115 more quickly.

[0069] Please see Figure 5 In one embodiment, the pot body assembly 11 includes a pot body 111, a pot body 112, and a heat preservation structure 113. The pot body 111 is provided with an installation space 117, the pot body 112 is provided in the installation space 117 and is provided with a cooking cavity 114, the heat preservation structure 113 is provided on the outer wall of the pot body 112, and the heat preservation structure 113 and the outer wall of the pot body 112 enclose a sandwich space 115; the steam generator 3 is provided in the installation space 117 and below the pot body 112, and is used to heat the pot body 112.

[0070] In this embodiment, the cooker body assembly 11 is provided with an installation space 117, which allows the cooker body assembly 11 to include a cooker body 111 and a pot body 112. The cooker body 111 is provided with the installation space 117, and the pot body 112 is located in the cooker body 111 and has a cooking cavity 114. The heat preservation structure 113 is arranged around the outer wall of the pot body 112. A sandwich space 115 can be provided in the heat preservation structure 113, or a sandwich space 115 can be formed between the heat preservation structure 113 and the outer wall of the pot body 112. The steam generator 3 is in contact with the bottom wall of the pot body 112, so that the heat generated by the heating element in the steam generator 3 can be transferred to the pot body 112 to heat the food in the cooking cavity 114. This can improve the utilization rate of the heat generated by the heating element in the steam generator 3. Optionally, it is not necessary to provide other heating structures 14 in the cooker body assembly 11 to heat the cooking cavity 114, which can simplify the structure of the rice cooker 100. Alternatively, the steam generator 3 can be connected to the cooking chamber 114. For example, two steam output pipes can be respectively connected to the interlayer space 115 and the cooking chamber 114, or the exhaust pipe 116 connected to the interlayer space 115 can be connected to the cooking chamber 114 to supply steam to the cooking chamber 114 for steam cooking. In this configuration, the food in the cooking chamber 114 is simultaneously heated by the steam injected from the opening of the cooking chamber 114 and by the heating element below, improving heating efficiency and ensuring even heating of the food. Optionally, the steam generator 3 can generate steam while the heating element heats the cooking chamber 114, or when steam is not needed, water can be supplied to the heating chamber without supplying water, and only the heating element can be turned on to heat the food in the cooking chamber 114.

[0071] Please refer to Figure 8 In one embodiment, the steam generator 3 includes a heating plate 33, a water pipe 31, and an electric heating element 32. The heating plate 33 is located below the pot body 112 and in contact with the pot body 112. The water pipe 31 and the electric heating element 32 are both located on the heating plate 33. The outlet of the water pipe 31 is connected to the second opening 1152. The heat generated by the electric heating element 32 can be transferred through the heating plate 33 to the water pipe 31 and the cooking cavity 114.

[0072] In this embodiment, both the heating element 32 and the water pipe 31 are mounted on the heating plate 33. The heating plate 33 can be a circular disc, a square disc, or other shapes, and has an internal cavity for mounting the heating element 32, the water pipe 31, and other structures. To ensure the structural strength, high-temperature resistance, and thermal conductivity of the heating plate 33, it can be made of sheet metal. In practical applications, the heating plate 33 can be a one-piece structure or a split structure consisting of two, three, or other structural components. Of course, to facilitate the installation of heating elements, water guides, and other structures, the heating plate 33 is preferably a split structure consisting of two upper and lower covers.

[0073] Please see Figures 2 to 4 In one embodiment, the appliance body 1 further includes an exhaust valve 13, which is disposed on the cover assembly 12. When the exhaust valve 13 is opened, it connects the cooking cavity 114 with the external environment.

[0074] In this embodiment, an exhaust valve 13 is provided on the cover assembly 12. The exhaust valve 13 can control the communication state between the cooking chamber 114 and the external environment. When the exhaust valve 13 is in the open state, the cooking chamber 114 is connected to the external environment, allowing air and steam in the cooking chamber 114 to be discharged to the outside, and allowing air from the outside environment to flow into the cooking chamber 114. When the exhaust valve 13 is in the closed state, the cooking chamber 114 is in a sealed state. In the sealed state, the steam generated in the cooking chamber 114 or the steam discharged into the cooking chamber 114 can increase the air pressure in the cooking chamber 114, realizing pressure cooking. In addition, in the sealed state, the steam in the cooking chamber 114 can condense into water, which can also create a vacuum or negative pressure environment in the cooking chamber 114, which can play a role in heat preservation, reducing microbial growth, slowing down food spoilage, and allowing food to absorb water better.

[0075] Optionally, the end of the exhaust pipe 116 away from the first opening 1151 can be exposed on the surface of the lid assembly 12 facing the cooking cavity 114, and connected to the cooking cavity 114 when the rice cooker 100 is in the closed state, so that the gas discharged from the exhaust pipe 116 can enter the cooking cavity 114; at this time, the exhaust valve 13 can be closed and the first on / off valve 2 can be opened, so that the cooking cavity 114 and the interlayer space 115 are connected to form a sealed space, so that after the steam condenses, both the cooking cavity 114 and the interlayer space 115 form a vacuum or negative pressure environment; of course, both the exhaust valve 13 and the first on / off valve 2 can be closed, so that the cooking cavity 114 and the interlayer space 115 form sealed spaces respectively, so that after the steam in each space condenses, a vacuum or negative pressure environment is formed respectively.

[0076] Alternatively, the outlet of the exhaust pipe 116 can be connected to the exhaust valve 13. This arrangement, along with the arrangement of connecting the outlet of the exhaust pipe 116 to the cooking cavity 114, allows the gas discharged from the exhaust pipe 116 to be discharged through the exhaust valve 13. This eliminates the need to provide two exhaust areas on the cover assembly 12 for the exhaust pipe 116 and the exhaust valve 13 to exhaust to the outside, thus simplifying the structure of the cover assembly 12.

[0077] In one embodiment, the second opening 1152 is located on the bottom wall of the interlayer space 115. This arrangement allows steam to fill the interlayer space 115 from bottom to top after it is discharged into the interlayer space 115, thus better expelling air from the interlayer space 115. Furthermore, after the steam in the interlayer space 115 condenses, the condensate can be effectively discharged from the interlayer space 115 through the second opening 1152, preventing condensate residue from remaining in the interlayer space 115.

[0078] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, the rice cooker 100 further includes a water supply module 4 and a control structure 6. The water supply module 4 is provided with a water supply pipe 41, and the outlet of the water supply pipe 41 is connected to the water inlet of the steam generator 3.

[0079] In this embodiment, the water supply pipeline 41 of the water supply module 4 can be connected to an external water source, or a water tank 42 can be set in the water supply module 4, so that the water supply pipeline 41 is connected to the water tank 42. When steam needs to be generated, water can be continuously supplied to the steam generator 3 through the water supply module 4, so that the steam generator 3 can continuously generate steam. Moreover, compared with setting a large container in the steam generator 3 to store a large amount of water for consumption, using the water supply module 4 to supply water does not require the steam generator 3 to store a large amount of water at the same time, reducing the amount of water heated in the steam generator 3 at the same time, and improving heating efficiency and steam generation efficiency.

[0080] In one embodiment, the rice cooker 100 is further provided with a control structure 6, which can be installed on the water supply pipe 41 of the water supply module 4 to control the on / off state of the water supply pipe 41. The control structure 6 can be a water pump or an on / off valve. When steam generation is not required, the water supply pipe 41 can be shut off to prevent the continuous supply of cold water to the heating chamber, which would cause cold water to flow into the cooking chamber 114 through the steam output pipe, and also to prevent the continuous generation of steam in the heating chamber. In addition, when the control structure 6 shuts off the water supply pipe 41 and the first on / off valve 2 shuts off the exhaust pipe 116, the steam generator 3 and the interlayer space 115 form a sealed space. After the steam in the steam generator 3 and the interlayer space 115 condenses, the steam generator 3 and the interlayer space 115 form a negative pressure or vacuum environment.

[0081] In some embodiments, a control structure 6 is disposed between the steam generator 3 and the second opening 1152 to control the conduction state between the steam generator 3 and the second opening 1152. The control structure 6 can be configured as a second on-off valve as described in the following embodiment: when steam needs to be introduced, the second on-off valve opens; when the second on-off valve closes, steam, hot water, or cold water cannot flow to the second opening 1152, and gas or condensate in the interlayer space 115 cannot flow back to the steam generator 3; at the same time, closing the first on-off valve 2 allows the interlayer space 115 to form a sealed space.

[0082] Optionally, a control structure 6 may be installed in the connecting pipe between the water supply pipe 41 and the steam generator 3, and also in the connecting pipe between the steam generator 3 and the second opening 1152. No limitation is made here.

[0083] Please refer to Figure 7 In one embodiment, the control structure 6 includes a water pump installed in the water supply pipeline 41. When the water pump is running, it can actively pump water and introduce it into the steam generator 3. When the water pump stops running, it can disconnect the water supply pipeline 41, which can prevent the continued generation of steam and also prevent water or steam backflow.

[0084] In one embodiment, the control structure 6 includes a second on / off valve. This second on / off valve can be installed on the water supply pipe 41 to control the connection between the water tank 42 and the steam generator 3. Water in the water tank 42 enters the heating chamber via external water source power or its own gravity. This configuration eliminates the need for a water pump or other driving components to provide water flow power, reducing energy consumption and avoiding noise from driving components. The second on / off valve can also be installed on the connecting pipe between the steam generator 3 and the second opening 1152. When steam needs to be introduced, the second on / off valve opens; when it closes, steam, hot water, or cold water cannot flow to the second opening 1152, and gas or condensate in the interlayer space 115 cannot flow back to the steam generator 3. Simultaneously closing the first on / off valve 2 at this time allows the interlayer space 115 to become a sealed space.

[0085] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In one embodiment, the water supply module 4 further includes a water tank 42, the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the water supply pipe 41. The water tank 42 can be located inside or outside the cooker body assembly 11; or it can be located on the cover assembly 12, with a water storage chamber formed within it. Optionally, the control structure 6 can be a water pump, providing power to draw water from the water tank 42 and introduce it into the heating chamber. The relative position of the water tank 42 and the heating chamber in the height direction can be arbitrarily set. When the control structure 6 is set as an on / off valve, the water level in the water tank 42 needs to be higher than the heating chamber. This can be achieved by making the entire water tank 42 higher than the heating chamber, or by forming a communicating vessel-like structure between the water tank 42 and the heating chamber, allowing water from the water tank 42 to be introduced into the heating chamber.

[0086] Please see Figures 2 to 4 In one embodiment, the rice cooker 100 further includes a first temperature sensor 5, which is located below the cooking cavity 114.

[0087] In this embodiment, the rice cooker 100 is equipped with a first temperature sensor 5, which is located below the pot body 112 forming the cooking cavity 114. The first temperature sensor 5 can be used to detect the temperature of the cooking cavity 114, thereby determining the cooking state and stage of the rice cooker 100. For example, the temperature of the cooking cavity 114 can be used to determine whether the liquid in the cooking cavity 114 is boiling, thereby controlling the operating state of each component in the rice cooker 100 according to the cooking stage. Optionally, the steam generator 3 is located below the pot body 112. In this case, the first temperature sensor 5 can also be used to detect the temperature of the heating element 32, so that water is supplied to the steam generator 3 only after the heating element 32 reaches the required heating temperature, ensuring that the water entering the steam generator 3 is heated and vaporized to generate steam.

[0088] In one embodiment, the rice cooker 100 includes a second temperature sensor disposed on the lid assembly 12.

[0089] The second temperature sensor can also be used to detect the temperature in the cooking cavity 114, thereby determining the cooking status and stage of the rice cooker 100, and also detecting the heat preservation effect, thus improving the control accuracy of the rice cooker 100. For example, the temperature of the cooking cavity 114 can be used to determine whether the liquid in the cooking cavity 114 is boiling, and the operating status of each component in the rice cooker 100 can be controlled according to the cooking stage. In some embodiments, a first temperature sensor 5 and a second temperature sensor can be set in the rice cooker 100, which will not be elaborated here.

[0090] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the technical concept of the present utility model and the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A rice cooker, characterized in that, include: The appliance body includes a pot body assembly and a lid assembly covering the pot body assembly. The pot body assembly has a cooking cavity and a double-layer space inside. The double-layer space is located on the outer wall of the cooking cavity and surrounds the cooking cavity. The double-layer space has a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is connected to an exhaust pipe. A first on / off valve, located in the exhaust pipe, is used to control the on / off state of the exhaust pipe; and A steam generator, wherein the steam outlet of the steam generator is connected to the second opening.

2. The rice cooker as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet of the exhaust pipe is exposed on the surface of the cover assembly facing the cooking cavity and is connected to the cooking cavity when the rice cooker is in the closed state; Alternatively, the outlet of the exhaust pipe may be connected to the external environment.

3. The rice cooker as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The lid assembly and the pot body assembly are hinged together, and the exhaust pipe is laid out from the hinge position of the lid assembly and the pot body assembly.

4. The rice cooker as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The exhaust pipe includes a first pipe and a second pipe. The first pipe is located in the rice cooker body assembly, and the second pipe is located in the lid assembly. The first on / off valve is located in the second pipe. The first pipe and the second pipe are connected at least when the rice cooker is in the closed state.

5. The rice cooker as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The surface of the rice cooker body assembly facing the lid assembly is provided with a first docking structure that communicates with the first pipeline, and the surface of the lid assembly facing the rice cooker body assembly is provided with a second docking structure that communicates with the second pipeline. The first docking structure and the second docking structure are connected when the rice cooker is in the closed state.

6. The rice cooker as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The steam generator is located in the pot body assembly.

7. The rice cooker as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The cooker assembly includes a cooker body, a pot body, and a heat-insulating structure. The cooker body has an installation space, the pot body is located in the installation space and has the cooking cavity, and the heat-insulating structure is located on the outer wall of the pot body. The heat-insulating structure and the outer wall of the pot body enclose the interlayer space. The steam generator is located in the installation space and below the pot body, and is used to heat the pot body.

8. The rice cooker as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The steam generator includes: A heating plate is located below the pot body and in contact with the pot body; A water guide pipe, wherein the water guide pipe is disposed on the heating plate, and the outlet of the water guide pipe is connected to the second opening; and An electric heating element is provided on the heating plate, and the heat generated by the electric heating element can be transferred to the water pipe and the cooking cavity through the heating plate.

9. The rice cooker as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The rice cooker also includes a water supply module and a control structure. The water supply module is equipped with a water supply pipe, and the outlet of the water supply pipe is connected to the water inlet of the steam generator. The control structure is located between the steam generator and the second opening, and is used to control the conduction state between the steam generator and the second opening; And / or, the control structure is located in the water supply pipeline and is used to control the on / off state of the water supply pipeline.

10. The rice cooker as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The control structure includes a second on / off valve; And / or, the control structure includes a water pump located in the water supply pipeline; And / or, the water supply module further includes a water tank, the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the water supply pipeline.

11. The rice cooker as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that, The main body of the appliance also includes an exhaust valve, which is located on the cover assembly. When the exhaust valve is opened, it connects the cooking cavity to the external environment. And / or, the second opening is located on the bottom wall of the interlayer space; And / or, the rice cooker is further provided with a first temperature sensor, which is located below the cooking cavity; And / or, the rice cooker is further provided with a second temperature sensor, which is located on the lid assembly.

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