Electric cooker

Abstract

The electric cooker comprises a cooker body, and an inner container is of a transparent structure. A detection module is arranged on the cooker body, the detection module is arranged to be located on the outer side of the inner container, and the detection module is arranged to penetrate through the transparent structure of the inner container through detection light to enter the cooker cavity so as to form a structure at least used for detecting the liquid level in the cooker cavity; a first path and a second path through which the detection light passes are formed on the transparent structure arranged on the inner container, the first path and the second path are arranged to be of a non-overlapping structure, the detection light is arranged to form a third path in the cooker cavity, and the third path is arranged to be located above the bottom face of the cooker cavity; the first path and the second path are arranged to be located at different side positions of the third path relative to the third path, or the first path and the second path are arranged to be located at different side positions of the cooker cavity relative to the cooker cavity. According to the scheme, the problems that an existing electric cooker for detecting the water level of an inner container is complex in structure and poor in accuracy are mainly solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of kitchen appliances, specifically to a rice cooker. Background Technology

[0002] In existing rice cookers, to allow users to directly observe the water level, rice quantity, and cooking status inside the inner pot, some have made the inner pot transparent. However, this doesn't effectively detect the water level or rice quantity after the user adds water or rice. Some rice cookers use sensors to detect the water level inside the inner pot for better cooking results and overflow prevention. While this method does detect the water level, it suffers from a complex structure and poor accuracy, which can easily lead to rice water overflowing and prolonged cooking time during subsequent cooking processes. Utility Model Content

[0003] The present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the aforementioned related technologies.

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a rice cooker that mainly solves the problem that the existing rice cookers have a complex structure and poor accuracy in detecting the water level in the inner pot.

[0005] The present invention provides a rice cooker, including a cooker body, an inner pot on the cooker body, and a cooker cavity inside the inner pot. The inner pot is characterized in that it is transparent. The cooker body is also provided with a detection module, which is located on the outside of the inner pot. The detection module is configured to allow detection light to pass through the transparent structure of the inner pot and enter the cooker cavity, thereby forming a structure for at least detecting the liquid level in the cooker cavity.

[0006] A first path and a second path for the detection light to pass through are formed on the transparent structure of the inner pot, and the first path and the second path are configured to be non-overlapping. A third path is formed for the detection light inside the pot cavity, and the third path is located above the bottom surface of the pot cavity.

[0007] The first path and the second path are configured to be located on different sides of the third path relative to the third path, or the first path and the second path are configured to be located on different sides of the pot cavity relative to the pot cavity.

[0008] The aforementioned rice cooker has a detection module including a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter and receiver are both located on the outer side of the inner pot and are positioned on different sides of the pot cavity relative to the pot cavity. The first path is located on one side of the transmitter and the second path is located on one side of the receiver.

[0009] The aforementioned rice cooker is configured such that when the detection light passes through the transparent structure of the inner pot from the side near the emitting part, a first path is formed on the transparent structure of the inner pot; when the detection light passes through the cavity of the cooker, a third path is formed; and when the detection light passes through the transparent structure of the inner pot from the inside of the cavity towards the receiving part from the side near the receiving part, a third path is formed on the transparent structure of the inner pot.

[0010] The aforementioned rice cooker is configured such that the transmitting part and the receiving part are arranged in a forward-facing relative distribution relative to the cooker cavity, so that when the detection light emitted by the transmitting part passes through the first path, the third path and the second path in sequence, it can be forward-facing received by the receiving part.

[0011] Alternatively, the detection light emitted by the transmitter and the detection light received by the receiver are configured such that at least a portion of them are at the same level, and at least a portion of the transmitter and receiver are configured as a positive-facing opposing beam structure.

[0012] The aforementioned rice cooker has a first liquid level section, a second liquid level section, and a third liquid level section arranged sequentially from low to high on the side wall of the pot cavity in the vertical direction. At least one detection module is provided in the corresponding area on the pot body in the height space area from the first liquid level section to the second liquid level section to detect the liquid level in the height space area.

[0013] Furthermore, at least one detection module is also provided in the corresponding area on the pot body within the height space region from the second liquid level section to the third liquid level section to detect the liquid level within that height space region.

[0014] The aforementioned rice cooker is configured such that the height value H1 formed by the area on the emitting part used to emit detection light is greater than or equal to more than twice the height value H2 formed by any one of the first liquid level part, the second liquid level part, and the third liquid level part, thereby forming a structure in which the detection light emitted by the emitting part partially overlaps with the first liquid level part, the second liquid level part, or the third liquid level part when they pass through the position of the first liquid level part, the second liquid level part, or the third liquid level part, so that the detection light is not completely blocked.

[0015] Alternatively, the height value H0 formed by the area on the receiving unit used to receive the detection light is set to be greater than or equal to twice the height value H2 formed by any one of the first liquid level section, the second liquid level section, and the third liquid level section. This configuration results in a structure where the detection light is partially overlapped when it is received by the receiving unit at the position where the first liquid level section, the second liquid level section, or the third liquid level section passes through, so that the detection light is not completely blocked.

[0016] The aforementioned rice cooker has a structure in which the area corresponding to the first path on the transparent structure of the inner pot extends vertically in the vertical direction and arc-shaped in the annular direction, such that at least part of the detection light passes through the structure perpendicularly to the area when passing through the first path.

[0017] And / or, the area corresponding to the second path on the transparent structure of the inner liner is configured to extend vertically in the vertical direction and arc-shaped in the annular direction, such that at least a portion of the detection light passes through the area perpendicularly to the vertical direction when passing through the second path.

[0018] The aforementioned rice cooker is configured such that when the third path is submerged in the liquid inside the cooker cavity, the intensity of the detection light received by the receiving unit is less than when the third path is not submerged in the liquid inside the cooker cavity, and the intensity of the detection light is reduced by the structure in which the detection light passes through the liquid inside the cooker cavity when the third path is submerged in the liquid inside the cooker cavity.

[0019] The aforementioned rice cooker has a structure in which at least one detection module is provided on the corresponding area of ​​the vertical space between the center position of the cooking cavity in the horizontal plane N or the third liquid level part and the top surface of the inner pot to detect the rice water bubbles rising in the cooking cavity.

[0020] The aforementioned rice cooker also includes a control module, which is electrically connected to the detection module. The control module is used to control and adjust cooking parameters based on the detection information from the detection module.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] In this solution, by setting the inner pot to be transparent and by setting a detection module, the liquid level in the pot cavity can be detected by detecting light passing through the transparent structure of the inner pot into the pot cavity and out of the pot cavity. This allows for more accurate detection of the liquid level in the pot cavity, and the installation and setup of the detection module is simpler.

[0023] In this scheme, the positional distribution of the first path, the second path, and the third path is configured to ensure that the detection light can effectively form a path through which it passes, thereby enabling the detection of the liquid level in the pot cavity. This is mainly to detect whether the liquid level in the pot cavity is above the position of the third path, and at the same time, it is conducive to ensuring that the detection light is stably received, thereby improving the stability and accuracy of the detection module in detecting the liquid level.

[0024] In this solution, the positions of the transmitter, receiver, first path, second path, and third path of the detection module are arranged so that the detection light can only enter the pot cavity through the transparent structure of the inner liner, and can only be emitted through the transparent structure of the inner liner to be received by the receiver, without forming a situation where the detection light is received by reflection. This allows the detection light to be stably received by the receiver, thereby improving the stability and accuracy of the detection module in detecting the liquid level.

[0025] In this scheme, the relatively forward-distributed structure of the transmitting and receiving parts enables the receiving part to receive the detection light emitted by the transmitting part in the horizontal direction, which can more accurately receive different intensities of the detection light, thereby enabling the detection module to more accurately detect the liquid level in the pot cavity.

[0026] In this solution, the positional distribution of the first liquid level section, the second liquid level section, the third liquid level section, and the detection module enables more accurate detection of liquid levels within different height ranges, thereby more accurately determining the liquid level height inside the cooking cavity. This improves the rice cooker's anti-overflow effect and reduces cooking time during subsequent cooking processes.

[0027] In this solution, by setting the height value H2 formed by any one of the three liquid level sections (first, second, and third), the inner liner can be placed on the pot body at any position in the annular direction without completely blocking the detection light emitted by the transmitter or received by the receiver. This ensures that the detection light emitted by the transmitter can be effectively received by the receiver, improving the stability of the detection module in detecting the liquid level and providing a better user experience.

[0028] In this solution, the structural arrangement of the area corresponding to the transparent structure of the inner liner of the first or second path enables the detection light to pass through the area perpendicularly to the vertical direction relative to the area. This effectively reduces the diffusion of the detection light in the vertical direction, allowing the detection light to be effectively concentrated to pass through the transparent structure of the area, thereby achieving accurate and stable detection of the liquid level in the pot cavity, and ensuring that the receiving unit can stably and effectively receive the detection light.

[0029] In this solution, the transparent structure of the inner pot and the detection module can be used to detect the churning state of the rice soup in the pot cavity, preventing the rice soup bubbles in the pot cavity from overflowing to the outside of the pot, thereby achieving a better anti-overflow effect. With the effective anti-overflow effect, the cooking parameters can also be changed to shorten the cooking time.

[0030] In this solution, the control module can adjust cooking parameters such as cooking time and cooking heat in a timely manner based on the detection information from the detection module. This allows for timely adjustment of cooking parameters to indirectly control the bubbling effect of rice soup in the pot cavity and the overall cooking time, thereby shortening the cooking time and improving the anti-overflow effect. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a rice cooker;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a detection module inside a rice cooker used to detect liquid levels.

[0033] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing two detection modules installed vertically inside a rice cooker to detect the liquid level;

[0034] Reference numerals: 1-boiler body, 2-inner pot, 201-boiler cavity, 2010-third path, 2011-first liquid level section, 2012-second liquid level section, 2013-third liquid level section, 202-first path, 203-second path, 3-detection module, 301-transmitter, 302-receiver. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this utility model easier to understand, the present utility model will be further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0036] Example: The rice cooker of this utility model, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown in the diagram, the rice cooker is used to cook rice. The inner pot 2 of the rice cooker is made transparent, and a detection module 3 is set up to detect the liquid level (i.e., water level) in the pot cavity 201 of the inner pot 2 by detecting light. The liquid level detection structure is relatively simple and low-cost, and the detection accuracy and stability are better. At the same time, after detecting the liquid level information, the cooking parameters can be controlled and adjusted according to the detection information of the detection module 3 to achieve better cooking effect and anti-overflow effect.

[0037] This solution provides a rice cooker, including a cooker body 1 and a cooker lid. The cooker body 1 is provided with an inner pot 2, which is detachably installed in the pot cavity of the cooker body 1. The user can manually install or remove the inner pot 2. The cooker lid is configured to rotate and swing relative to the cooker body 1 to form a closed or open structure for the inner pot 2. The inner pot 2 is provided with a pot cavity 201. The cooker lid mainly forms an opening and closing structure for the pot cavity 201. The inner pot 2 is configured to be transparent, mainly making the entire inner pot 2 a transparent structure. The inner pot 2 can be made of glass or borosilicate glass to make the inner pot 2 a transparent structure. The transparent structure of the inner pot 2 can be used to detect the passage of light and thus realize the detection of the liquid level in the pot cavity 201 of the inner pot 2.Specifically, a detection module 3 is also provided on the pot body 1. The detection module 3 is used to detect the liquid level in the pot cavity 201. The detection module 3 is located on the outside of the inner pot 2, so that the power supply structure and mounting structure of the detection module 3 can be set on the side wall of the pot cavity. The detection module 3 can be directly installed on the side of the pot cavity. The detection module 3 is configured to both emit and receive detection light. The detection module 3 is configured to allow the detection light to pass through the transparent structure of the inner pot 2 and enter the pot cavity 201, thereby constituting at least for detecting the liquid level in the pot cavity 201. The structure for detecting the liquid level within cavity 201 includes a detection module 3 that forms a structure for emitting and receiving detection light. During the movement of the emitted detection light, it passes through the cavity 201 to detect the liquid level within it. The main purpose is to detect whether there is liquid at the location where the detection light passes through the cavity 201, and thus whether the liquid level is above the path the detection light travels through the cavity 201. The structure for the detection light moving through the inner liner 2 is formed on the transparent structure of the inner liner 2. The detection light passes through a first path 202 and a second path 203, which are configured to be non-overlapping. A third path 2010 is formed within the pot cavity 201, positioned above the bottom surface of the pot cavity 201 to detect the liquid level. When the detection light passes through the transparent structure of the inner pot 2, the first path 202 and the second path 203 are formed during the process of entering and exiting the pot cavity 201. The non-overlapping structure of module 203 allows the detection light to be emitted and received from two different positions, thus preventing the detection light from being received by reflection. This eliminates the need for a reflective structure on the inner liner 2, simplifying the structure of both the detection module 3 and the inner liner 2. The structure of the detection module 3 creates a non-overlapping path for the detection light on the transparent structure of the inner liner 2 and within the inner liner 2. This path allows the detection light to move and pass through the inner liner, ensuring stable reception by the receiving unit 302. This improves the stability and accuracy of the detection module 3 in detecting the liquid level.

[0038] Specifically, the first path 202 and the second path 203 can be configured to be located on different sides of the third path 2010 relative to the third path 2010, or the first path 202 and the second path 203 can be configured to be located on different sides of the pot cavity 201 relative to the pot cavity 201. The different sides are mainly defined as positions not located on the same side, such as not simultaneously located on the left side of the third path 2010 or the pot cavity 201, not simultaneously located on the right side of the third path 2010 or the pot cavity 201, not simultaneously located on the upper side of the third path 2010 or the pot cavity 201, not simultaneously located on the lower side of the third path 2010 or the pot cavity 201, not simultaneously located on the front side of the third path 2010 or the pot cavity 201, and not simultaneously located on the rear side of the third path 2010 or the pot cavity 201. Specifically... In this solution, the first path 202 and the second path 203 can be positioned on the left and right sides of the third path 2010 or the pot cavity 201, respectively. Alternatively, the first path 202 and the second path 203 can be positioned on the front and rear sides of the third path 2010 or the pot cavity 201, respectively, to form a structure in which the first path 202 and the second path 203 are not simultaneously located on the same side of the third path 2010 or the pot cavity 201. This allows the detection light to form a longer third path 2010 after entering the pot cavity 201, so that the length of the third path 2010 can cover the diameter of the pot cavity 201 in the annular direction. This results in a larger detection range for detecting the liquid level through the third path 2010, achieving a wider range and more accurate detection effect.

[0039] Regarding the specific structure of the detection module 3, the detection module 3 includes a transmitter 301 and a receiver 302. The transmitter 301 is used to emit detection light, and the receiver 302 is used to receive the detection light. The transmitter 301 and the receiver 302 are both located on the outer side of the inner pot 2 and are configured to be located on different sides of the pot cavity 201. The transmitter 301 can be located on one side of the pot cavity 201 and outside the inner pot 2, and the receiver 302 can be located on the other side of the pot cavity 201 and outside the inner pot 2. The structure of the transmitter 301 and the receiver 302 constitutes... The first path 202 is located on one side of the transmitting part 301, and the second path 203 is located on one side of the receiving part 302. The main configuration is that the first path 202 is located on the transparent structure of the inner liner 2 near the transmitting part 301, and the second path 203 is located on the transparent structure of the inner liner 2 near the receiving part 302. In the process of transmitting and receiving detection light through the first path 202, the third path 2010, and the second path 203, the liquid level in the pot cavity 201 is detected as being above the area of ​​the third path 2010 during the transmission process.

[0040] Optionally, the detection module 3 can be configured as an infrared sensor, and the detection light is infrared light.

[0041] In this design, when the detection light passes through the transparent structure of the inner liner 2 from the side near the emitting part 301, a first path 202 is formed on the transparent structure of the inner liner 2. The first path 202 allows the detection light emitted from the emitting part 301 to pass through, mainly forming a path that allows the light to exit from the outside of one side of the inner liner 2, pass through the first path 202, and enter the pot cavity 201. When the detection light passes through the pot cavity 201, a third path 2010 is formed. The detection light passes through the pot cavity 201 along the third path 2010 and exits from one side of the inner liner 2 towards the other side. The design also allows the detection light to exit from the side of the inner liner 2 near the receiving part 302 and enter the pot cavity 201. When the light from inside the pot cavity 201 passes through the transparent structure of the inner pot 2 towards the receiving unit 302, a second path 203 is formed on the transparent structure of the inner pot 2. When the detection light inside the pot cavity 201 is continuously emitted along the third path 2010, it passes through the second path 203 on the transparent structure of the inner pot 2 and is emitted to the outside of the other side of the inner pot 2 and enters the receiving unit 302 for reception, thereby forming a detection light emission and reception structure. During the emission of the detection light, a third path 2010 is formed in the pot cavity 201 to detect whether there is liquid at the position of the third path 2010, thereby detecting whether the liquid level in the pot cavity 201 is above the area of ​​the third path 2010.

[0042] It is understood that the first path 202 and the second path 203 are part of the transparent structure of the inner pot 2. When the detection light passes through the transparent structure, the first path 202 and the second path 203 are formed. The first path 202 and the second path 203 are used for the passage of the detection light. When the inner pot 2 is placed in the cavity of the pot body 1 from any position in the annular direction, a portion of the transparent structure of the inner pot 2 forms the first path 202 and the second path 203 respectively to allow the detection light to pass through. The specific positions of the first path 202 and the second path 203 will change synchronously in the annular direction with the position of the inner pot 2 as it is placed in the cavity. The first path 202 is formed in a portion of the transparent structure of the inner pot 2 near the emitting part 301, and the second path 203 is formed in a portion of the transparent structure of the inner pot 2 near the receiving part 302.

[0043] In this design, to further improve the stability and accuracy of the receiving unit 302 receiving the detection light emitted by the transmitting unit 301, the transmitting unit 301 and the receiving unit 302 are configured to be positively opposite each other relative to the cavity 201. This configuration ensures that when the detection light emitted by the transmitting unit 301 passes through the first path 202, the third path 2010, and the second path 203 in sequence, it can be positively received by the receiving unit 302. At this time, the transmitting unit 301 and the receiving unit 302 are located on opposite sides of the cavity 201, respectively, thus improving the accuracy of the receiving unit 302 in receiving the detection light emitted by the transmitting unit 301 and forming a positively opposite distribution. The structure for receiving detection light, with opposing orientations, can better receive detection light of different intensities. When the detection module 3 detects the liquid level in the pot cavity 201, the emitting unit 301 emits detection light. The detection light passes through the first path 202, the third path 2010, and the second path 203 in sequence. In the third path 2010, the detection light passes through the air or liquid in the pot cavity 201. Finally, after passing through the second path 203, the detection light is incident forward into the receiving unit 302 and received by the receiving unit 302. This allows the receiving unit 302 to receive the detection light better and more accurately, thereby improving the stability and accuracy of the detection module 3 in detecting the liquid level.

[0044] Alternatively, to further improve the stability and accuracy of the receiving unit 302 in receiving the detection light emitted by the transmitting unit 301, at least a portion of the detection light emitted by the transmitting unit 301 and the detection light received by the receiving unit 302 are configured to be at the same horizontal level, such that at least a portion of the transmitting unit 301 and the receiving unit 302 are configured as a facing-to-facing structure. In this case, the transmitting unit 301 and the receiving unit 302 are located on opposite sides of the cavity 201 and are distributed on the same horizontal plane. This can improve the accuracy of the receiving unit 302 in receiving the detection light emitted by the transmitting unit 301, forming a structure in which the transmitting unit 301 and the receiving unit 302 are facing to each other on the same horizontal plane. The opposing structures on the same horizontal plane can better receive detection light of different intensities. When the detection module 3 detects the liquid level in the pot cavity 201, the emitting unit 301 emits detection light. The detection light passes through the first path 202, the third path 2010, and the second path 203 in sequence. In the third path 2010, the detection light passes through the air or liquid in the pot cavity 201. Finally, after passing through the second path 203, the detection light enters the receiving unit 302 in the same horizontal plane and is received by the receiving unit 302. This allows the receiving unit 302 to receive the detection light better and more accurately, thereby improving the stability and accuracy of the detection module 3 in detecting the liquid level.

[0045] In this solution, to further improve the accuracy of liquid level detection within the pot cavity 201, a first liquid level section 2011, a second liquid level section 2012, and a third liquid level section 2013 are sequentially arranged vertically from low to high on the side wall of the pot cavity 201. That is, three liquid level sections are arranged vertically. At least one detection module 3 is provided within the corresponding area on the pot body 1 of the height space region from the first liquid level section 2011 to the second liquid level section 2012 to detect the liquid level within this height space region. The corresponding area on the pot body 1 forms the first detection module 3, which is also the first set of transmitting unit 301 and receiving unit 302. 302 can detect whether the liquid level in the pot cavity 201 is above the third path 2010 within that region. The region between the first liquid level section 2011 and the second liquid level section 2012 can be considered a low liquid level region. The detection module 3 in this region detects whether the liquid level is above the third path 2010 within that region, thus facilitating subsequent control and adjustment of cooking parameters when the liquid level in the pot cavity 201 is low. Simultaneously, at least one detection module 3 is also installed in the corresponding region on the pot body 1 within the height space region from the second liquid level section 2012 to the third liquid level section 2013 to detect the liquid level within that height space region. At this time, in the pot body 1... The corresponding area is used to form the second detection module 3, which is also the second set of transmitters 301 and receivers 302. The second set of transmitters 301 and receivers 302 can detect whether the liquid level in the pot cavity 201 is above the third path 2010 within this area. At this time, the area between the second liquid level section 2012 and the third liquid level section 2013 can be represented as the high liquid level area. The detection module 3 in this area detects whether the liquid level is above the third path 2010 within this area, which facilitates the subsequent control and adjustment of cooking parameters when the liquid level in the pot cavity 201 is high. By setting two sets of transmitters 301 and receivers 302, the liquid level in the pot cavity 201 can be monitored. The liquid level at different heights is detected, corresponding to low and high liquid level areas. Specifically, when the first set of transmitters 301 and receivers 302 detects a low liquid level area and the second set of transmitters 301 and receivers 302 does not detect a high liquid level area, it can be determined that the liquid level in the pot cavity 201 is in the low liquid level area. When the first set of transmitters 301 and receivers 302 detects a low liquid level area and the second set of transmitters 301 and receivers 302 also detects a high liquid level area, it can be determined that the liquid level in the pot cavity 201 is in the high liquid level area. By detecting the high and low liquid level areas, it is convenient to adjust the cooking parameters later to achieve better anti-overflow and cooking effects.

[0046] To further improve the stability and accuracy of the detection light received by the receiving unit 302, in this design, the height value H1 formed by the area on the emitting unit 301 used for emitting the detection light is set to be greater than or equal to more than twice the height value H2 formed by any one of the first liquid level section 2011, the second liquid level section 2012, and the third liquid level section 2013. This configuration ensures that the detection light emitted by the emitting unit 301 forms a certain angle when passing through the positions of the first liquid level section 2011, the second liquid level section 2012, or the third liquid level section 2013. The partially overlapping structure ensures that the detection light is not completely blocked. Since the user does not specify the orientation in the annular direction when placing the inner pot 2 onto the pot body 1, the user can place the inner pot 2 directly from top to bottom into the pot body 1 from any position in the annular direction. If the emitting unit 301 is located on one side of the first liquid level section 2011, the second liquid level section 2012, or the third liquid level section 2013, then the emitting unit 301 will be positioned close to the first liquid level section 2011, the second liquid level section 2012, or the third liquid level section 2013 on the pot body 1. In the liquid level section 2013, the height value H1 formed by the area on the emitting section 301 used to emit detection light is set to be greater than or equal to more than twice the height value H2 formed by any one of the first liquid level section 2011, the second liquid level section 2012, and the third liquid level section 2013. This ensures that the vertical area of ​​the emitting section 301 emitting detection light is larger than the vertical area of ​​the first liquid level section 2011, the second liquid level section 2012, or the third liquid level section 2013, so that the first liquid level section 301 will not be affected by the height value H1. The structural configuration of the second liquid level section 2011, the second liquid level section 2012, or the third liquid level section 2013 results in complete obstruction or occlusion of the detection light, with only partial overlap of the detection light forming partial occlusion. This ensures that most of the detection light emitted by the emitting section 301 can enter the cavity 201 through the first path 202, thereby enabling the detection light to stably and effectively enter the cavity 201 to detect whether the liquid level is above the third path 2010, thus improving the accuracy and stability of the detection module 3 in detecting the liquid level.

[0047] Alternatively, to further improve the stability and accuracy of the detection light received by the receiving unit 302, in this solution, the height value H0 of the area on the receiving unit 302 used to receive the detection light is set to be greater than or equal to twice the height value H2 formed by any one of the first liquid level section 2011, the second liquid level section 2012, and the third liquid level section 2013. This configuration ensures that when the detection light is received by the receiving unit 302 at the position where it passes through the first liquid level section 2011, the second liquid level section 2012, or the third liquid level section 2013, the two liquid level sections partially overlap. The structure allows the detection light to be partially unblocked. Since the user does not restrict the orientation of the inner pot 2 in the annular direction when placing it on the pot body 1, the user can place the inner pot 2 directly from top to bottom into the pot body 1 from any position in the annular direction. If the receiving part 302 is located on one side of the first liquid level part 2011, the second liquid level part 2012, or the third liquid level part 2013, then the receiving part 302 is close to the first liquid level part 2011, the second liquid level part 2012, or the third liquid level part 2013 on the pot body 1. The height value H0 formed in the area of ​​the receiving unit 302 used to receive the detection light is greater than or equal to more than twice the height value H2 formed by any one of the first liquid level section 2011, the second liquid level section 2012, and the third liquid level section 2013. This ensures that the vertical area of ​​the receiving unit 302 used to receive the detection light is greater than the vertical area of ​​the first liquid level section 2011, the second liquid level section 2012, or the third liquid level section 2013, so that the light is not affected by the height value H0 of the first liquid level section 2011, the second liquid level section 2012, or the third liquid level section 2013. The structure of the position unit 2013 causes it to completely block or obstruct the detection light, and only partially obstruct it by overlapping some of the detection light. This ensures that most of the detection light can be received by the receiving unit 302 through the second path 203, thereby enabling the detection light to stably and effectively detect whether the liquid level is above the third path 2010 in the pot cavity 201 and to stably and effectively transmit from the pot cavity 201 to the receiving unit 302 through the second path 203, thus improving the accuracy and stability of the detection module 3 in detecting the liquid level.

[0048] In this solution, to further improve the stability and accuracy of the detection light received by the receiving unit 302, the area corresponding to the first path 202 on the transparent structure of the inner liner 2 is configured to extend vertically in the vertical direction and arc-shaped in the annular direction. This ensures that at least a portion of the detection light passes perpendicularly to this area when passing through the first path 202. Specifically, the area of ​​the first path 202 on the inner liner 2 is configured to extend arc-shaped in the annular direction and vertically in the vertical direction. This allows the detection light to enter the cavity 201 perpendicularly to the vertically extending structure when passing through this area, facilitating stable transmission of the detection light through the transparent structure of the inner liner 2. The light enters the pot cavity 201 through the first path 202 and stably passes through the second path 203 on the transparent structure of the inner pot 2 to be received by the receiving unit 302. This enhances the detection module 3's ability to stably and accurately detect whether the liquid level in the pot cavity 201 is above the third path 2010. At the same time, the detection light undergoes slight diffusion when passing through the arc-shaped extension structure in the annular direction at this location, which also helps the detection light to stably and effectively pass through the first path 202 and enter the pot cavity 201 through the slight diffusion structure. This improves the detection light's effectiveness in detecting the liquid level on the third path 2010 and increases the area where the receiving unit 302 receives the detection light, preventing the detection light from being unstablely received by the receiving unit 302 due to excessive diffusion or reflection.

[0049] And / or, to further improve the stability and accuracy of the receiving unit 302 in receiving the detection light, the region corresponding to the second path 203 on the transparent structure of the inner liner 2 is configured to extend vertically in the vertical direction and arc-shaped in the annular direction, such that at least a portion of the detection light passes perpendicularly to this region when passing through the second path 203. That is, the region of the second path 203 on the inner liner 2 is configured to extend arc-shaped in the annular direction and vertically in the vertical direction of the inner liner 2, so that the detection light passes perpendicularly to the vertically extending structure when passing through this region, allowing the detection light to pass perpendicularly through the vertical direction of this region. The straight extension structure facilitates the stable passage of detection light through the second path 203 on the transparent structure of the inner liner 2 to be received by the receiving unit 302. This enhances the detection module 3's ability to stably and accurately detect whether the liquid level in the pot cavity 201 is above the third path 2010. Simultaneously, the slight diffusion of detection light as it passes through the arc-shaped extension structure in the annular direction at this location also facilitates the stable and effective passage of detection light through the second path 203 and its slight diffusion before being received by the receiving unit 302. This increases the area where the receiving unit 302 receives the detection light and prevents the detection light from being unstablely received by the receiving unit 302 due to excessive diffusion or reflection.

[0050] In this solution, in the structure of the detection module 3 that detects whether the liquid level is above the third path 2010 using detection light, the intensity of the detection light received by the receiving unit 302 is set such that when the third path 2010 is submerged by the liquid in the pot cavity 201, the intensity of the detection light received by the receiving unit 302 is less than when the third path 2010 is not submerged by the liquid in the pot cavity 201. Furthermore, when the third path 2010 is submerged by the liquid in the pot cavity 201, the detection light passes through the liquid within the pot cavity 201, thus reducing the intensity of the detection light. That is, when the detection light does not pass through the liquid in the pot cavity 201, the intensity of the detection light received by the receiving unit 302 is relatively high, while when the detection light does not pass through the liquid, the intensity of the detection light received by the receiving unit 302 is relatively high. When the light passes through the liquid in the pot cavity 201, the intensity of the detection light received by the receiving unit 302 is relatively small. This is mainly because some of the detection light diffuses or reflects during the process of passing through the liquid, resulting in a smaller intensity of the detection light received by the receiving unit 302 after passing through the transparent structure of the inner pot 2. During this process, the intensity of the detection light decreases as it passes through the liquid, and only a small portion of the detection light is received by the receiving unit 302. Therefore, the intensity of the detection light received by the receiving unit 302 can be used to determine whether there is liquid at the third path 2010 position in the pot cavity 201, and thus determine whether the liquid level in the pot cavity 201 is above the third path 2010.

[0051] In this solution, the detection module 3 detects the liquid level inside the pot cavity 201, but it does not accurately detect the specific height of the liquid level inside the pot cavity 201. Instead, it detects whether there is liquid at the height position corresponding to the third path 2010, that is, whether there is liquid forming an immersion structure for the third path 2010. This allows it to determine whether the current liquid level in the pot cavity 201 has formed an immersion structure for the third path 2010, meaning that the current liquid level is above the third path 2010. This facilitates subsequent control and adjustment of cooking parameters to achieve better cooking results.

[0052] In this solution, to achieve a better anti-overflow effect and prevent rice water bubbles inside the pot cavity 201 from overflowing outside the pot body 1, at least one detection module 3 is installed in the corresponding area on the pot body 1 within the horizontal plane N where the center of the vertical height distance of the pot cavity 201 is located, or within the height space area between the third liquid level part 2013 and the top surface of the inner pot 2. This module is used to detect the rice water bubbles rising inside the pot cavity 201. The detection module 3 is installed in this corresponding area to detect the rice water bubbles rising inside the pot cavity 201, mainly to detect whether the rice water bubbles are... This will cause the third path 2010 in the corresponding area to be submerged or blocked. The transmitting unit 301 emits detection light, which passes through the transparent structure of the inner pot 2 and enters the pot cavity 201. Finally, a portion of the detection light passes through the transparent structure of the inner pot 2 in the forward direction and is received by the receiving unit 302. Then, based on the intensity of the detection light received by the receiving unit 302, it is determined whether there are bubbling rice soup bubbles in the pot cavity 201. Specifically, when there is no bubbling rice soup in the pot cavity 201 or the bubbling rice soup bubbles have not reached a certain height in the vertical direction, the detection light passes through the air in the pot cavity 201. At this time, the receiving unit 302 receives a relatively strong detection light emitted by the transmitting unit 301. Most of the detection light emitted by the transmitting unit 301 passes directly through the transparent structural area near the transmitting unit 301 on the inner pot 2, the pot cavity 201, and the transparent structural area near the receiving unit 302 on the inner pot 2, thus receiving a relatively strong detection light. When the bubbling rice water inside the pot cavity 201 rises to a certain height, the detection light passing through the third path 2010 will be blocked by the rice water bubbles, and a portion of the detection light will be obstructed by the rice water bubbles. The light is diffused or reflected, resulting in only a small portion of the detection light passing through the transparent structure of the inner pot 2 and being received by the receiving unit 302. At this time, the intensity of the detection light received by the receiving unit 302 is weak. Thus, the detection module 3 can detect that the rice water bubbles and the surging rice water bubbles have reached a certain height, forming a blockage or submersion of the detection light on the third path 2010. That is, the surging rice water bubbles have been detected. At this time, the working state of the rice cooker can be controlled to make the rice water bubbles fall back or prevent the rice water bubbles from surging to a higher height, thereby achieving a better anti-overflow effect and effectively preventing the rice water from overflowing outside the cooker body 1.

[0053] Controlling the rice cooker's operating status allows control over the heating module's operation, such as starting or stopping the heating module, increasing or decreasing its power, thereby indirectly controlling and adjusting the state and height of the rice water bubbles.

[0054] The rice cooker in this solution also includes a control module, which is electrically connected to the detection module 3. The control module is used to control and adjust cooking parameters based on the detection information from the detection module 3. The control module is also electrically connected to the heating module. When the rice cooker starts working, the detection module 3 detects the liquid level in the pot cavity 201 and feeds back the detection information. The control module adjusts the cooking parameters accordingly based on the detection information, so as to control the change of cooking parameters to achieve better rice cooking based on the detected liquid level. The cooking parameters can be whether the heating module continues to heat or stops heating, or whether the heating power of the heating module is increased or decreased. The overall cooking time of the cooking mode is adjusted based on the liquid level, so as to complete the rice cooking in a more reasonable and shorter time based on the liquid level detected by the detection module 3. At the same time, it can also achieve a better anti-overflow effect, such as controlling the working state or working power of the heating module based on the detected liquid level to prevent rice water from overflowing, thus achieving a better anti-overflow effect.

[0055] As can be seen, in this solution, the cooking parameters can be adjusted in a timely manner based on the liquid level information detected by the detection module 3, so as to achieve better rice cooking based on the detected liquid level, match more suitable cooking parameters based on the detected liquid level information, thereby achieving better anti-overflow effect, and matching more reasonable cooking time based on the current liquid level, thereby effectively shortening the cooking time of rice and improving the taste of rice.

[0056] The liquid inside the pot cavity 201 is water, and the liquid level is the water level. During the cooking of rice, the liquid is rice water.

[0057] It is understandable that the detection module of this solution can detect not only rice water bubbles, but also liquid level. Depending on the installation position on the pot body, the detection module at different positions can detect the liquid level and rice water bubbles in the pot cavity respectively.

[0058] For any aspects not covered in this solution, existing technologies can be used or referenced.

[0059] Working principle: In this rice cooker, the inner pot 2 is made of transparent structure. A detection module 3 is set on the outside of the inner pot 2. The detection light of the detection module 3 forms a first path 202 and a second path 203 on the transparent structure of the inner pot 2, and a third path 2010 inside the pot cavity 201. The detection module 3 is equipped with a transmitter 301 and a receiver 302. The positions of the transmitter 301 and receiver 302, as well as the positions of the first path 202, the second path 203, and the third path 2010 formed, enable the receiver 302 to receive the detection light more stably and effectively. The liquid level in the pot cavity 201 can be detected and judged by the intensity of the received detection light. The setting of the detection module 3 and the inner pot 2 can reduce the reflection and diffusion of the detection light, so that the detection light can better concentrate and pass through the transparent structure of the inner pot 2, thereby achieving more accurate detection of the liquid level in the pot cavity 201. Moreover, the overall structure is simple and low cost.

[0060] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above embodiments are specific implementations of the present utility model. In practical applications, various changes can be made to them in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the present utility model, and all such changes are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An electric rice cooker, comprising a cooker body, an inner pot provided on the cooker body, and a cooker cavity provided inside the inner pot, characterized in that: The inner pot is designed to be transparent; a detection module is also provided on the pot body. The detection module is located on the outside of the inner pot and is designed to allow detection light to pass through the transparent structure of the inner pot and enter the pot cavity, thereby forming a structure for detecting the liquid level in the pot cavity. A first path and a second path for the detection light to pass through are formed on the transparent structure of the inner pot, and the first path and the second path are configured to be non-overlapping. A third path is formed for the detection light inside the pot cavity, and the third path is located above the bottom surface of the pot cavity. The first path and the second path are configured to be located on different sides of the third path relative to the third path, or the first path and the second path are configured to be located on different sides of the pot cavity relative to the pot cavity.

2. The rice cooker according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection module includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter and receiver are both located on the outside of the inner pot and are positioned on different sides of the pot cavity. The first path is located on one side of the transmitter and the second path is located on one side of the receiver.

3. The rice cooker according to claim 2, characterized in that: The structure is configured to form a first path on the transparent structure of the inner pot when the detection light passes through the transparent structure of the inner pot from the side of the inner pot near the emitting part; to form a third path when the detection light passes through the inner pot cavity; and to form a third path on the transparent structure of the inner pot when the detection light passes through the transparent structure of the inner pot from the inside of the inner pot cavity towards the receiving part from the side of the inner pot near the receiving part.

4. The rice cooker according to claim 3, characterized in that: The transmitter and receiver are configured to be arranged in a forward-facing relative arrangement relative to the cavity, so that when the detection light emitted by the transmitter passes through the first path, the third path, and the second path in sequence, it can be forward-received by the receiver. Alternatively, the detection light emitted by the transmitter and the detection light received by the receiver are configured such that at least a portion of them are at the same level, and at least a portion of the transmitter and receiver are configured as a positive-facing opposing beam structure.

5. The rice cooker according to claim 4, characterized in that: The side wall of the pot cavity is provided with a first liquid level section, a second liquid level section and a third liquid level section in a vertical direction from low to high. At least one detection module is provided in the corresponding area of ​​the height space area from the first liquid level section to the second liquid level section to detect the liquid level in the height space area. Furthermore, at least one detection module is also provided in the corresponding area on the pot body within the height space region from the second liquid level section to the third liquid level section to detect the liquid level within that height space region.

6. The rice cooker according to claim 5, characterized in that: The height value H1 formed by the area on the emitting part used to emit detection light is set to be greater than or equal to more than twice the height value H2 formed by any one of the first liquid level part, the second liquid level part, and the third liquid level part. This is to form a structure in which the detection light emitted by the emitting part partially overlaps with the first liquid level part, the second liquid level part, or the third liquid level part when they pass through the position of the first liquid level part, the second liquid level part, or the third liquid level part, so that the detection light is not completely blocked. Alternatively, the height value H0 formed by the area on the receiving unit used to receive the detection light is set to be greater than or equal to twice the height value H2 formed by any one of the first liquid level section, the second liquid level section, and the third liquid level section. This configuration results in a structure where the detection light is partially overlapped when it is received by the receiving unit at the position where the first liquid level section, the second liquid level section, or the third liquid level section passes through, so that the detection light is not completely blocked.

7. The rice cooker according to claim 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that: The first path is configured such that the area corresponding to the transparent structure of the inner liner extends vertically in the vertical direction and arc-shaped in the annular direction, such that at least part of the detection light passes through the area perpendicularly to the vertical direction when passing through the first path. And / or, the area corresponding to the second path on the transparent structure of the inner liner is configured to extend vertically in the vertical direction and arc-shaped in the annular direction, such that at least a portion of the detection light passes through the area perpendicularly to the vertical direction when passing through the second path.

8. The rice cooker according to claim 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that: The intensity of the detection light received by the receiver is set to be less when the third path is submerged in the liquid inside the potting cavity than when the third path is not submerged in the liquid inside the potting cavity. Furthermore, the intensity of the detection light is reduced by the structure in which the detection light passes through the liquid inside the potting cavity when the third path is submerged in the liquid inside the potting cavity.

9. The rice cooker according to claim 8, characterized in that: The structure includes a detection module located at the horizontal plane N where the center of the vertical height distance of the pot cavity is located, or the height space between the third liquid level section and the top surface of the inner pot. This module is used to detect the rice soup bubbles rising inside the pot cavity.

10. The rice cooker according to claim 9, characterized in that: It also includes a control module, which is electrically connected to the detection module. The control module is used at least to control and adjust cooking parameters based on the detection information from the detection module.

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