Micro piezoelectric rice cooker

Abstract

The utility model discloses a micro pressure electric rice cooker, including cooking cavity, and with the micro pressure valve of communication of cooking cavity, the micro pressure valve includes valve seat, the steam vent hole of configuration on valve seat and the float rod of up and down movement in steam vent hole, the lower end of float rod is attached with the lower sealing element suitable for sealing the steam vent hole and the clearance between float rod, the micro pressure valve still includes: the pressure limiting hole is configured on the valve seat at the position different from steam vent hole, and the flexible pressure limiting pad is attached in the position suitable for closing pressure limiting hole on valve seat, wherein, the flexible pressure limiting pad is configured to leave pressure limiting hole when the cooking pressure of cooking cavity reaches the first threshold value, so that the cooking cavity is in the micro pressure state The flexible pressure limiting pad of the utility model opens when the cooking pressure reaches the first threshold value, and this structure can keep the internal pressure of electric rice cooker stable to avoid the occurrence of potential safety hazard.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of household appliance technology, specifically to a micro-pressure rice cooker. Background Technology

[0002] Rice cookers, as a common household appliance, are widely used for cooking rice in homes and commercial establishments. Traditional rice cookers primarily rely on a heating plate to heat the inner pot, using a temperature control device to regulate the heating temperature and time to cook the rice. However, during the cooking process in a traditional rice cooker, the cooking cavity is essentially under normal pressure, and water boils at 100°C. This results in relatively limited absorption of water and heat by the rice during cooking, leading to certain deficiencies in the texture and retention of nutrients in the cooked rice.

[0003] With the continuous development of technology, the micro-pressure rice cooker has emerged. A micro-pressure rice cooker can create a certain micro-pressure environment inside the cooking cavity during the cooking process, typically slightly higher than normal pressure. Under this micro-pressure environment, the boiling point of water increases, and the higher cooking temperature allows the rice to cook faster, while also better releasing its aroma, making the rice softer and more delicious, and better preserving its nutrients.

[0004] However, existing pressure-limiting valve structures in low-pressure rice cookers have some shortcomings. On the one hand, some pressure-limiting valves rely solely on a single steam exhaust control method, making it difficult to precisely control the pressure inside the cooking chamber and meet the precise adjustment of micro-pressure under different cooking needs. For example, the optimal micro-pressure environment required for cooking different types of rice (such as white rice, brown rice, glutinous rice, etc.) may vary, and existing pressure-limiting valves cannot achieve this flexible pressure adjustment.

[0005] On the other hand, existing pressure-limiting valves have certain safety defects. When the pressure inside the cooking cavity rises abnormally, if the steam cannot be released and the pressure reduced in a timely and effective manner, it may lead to excessive internal pressure in the rice cooker, causing safety hazards such as damage to internal parts or even explosions. Although some pressure-limiting valves are equipped with safety steam release devices, they are complex in structure, expensive, and prone to malfunction during long-term use, affecting the normal use and safety of the rice cooker.

[0006] Chinese utility model patent CN221307988U discloses a steam valve assembly and a micro pressure cooker. The valve cavity is equipped with a pressure relief valve. The lower side of the pressure relief valve has a gas collecting groove that is arranged opposite to the pressure relief hole and can form a pressure relief cavity together. The side wall of the gas collecting groove is a deformable side wall. When the pressure in the pressure relief cavity reaches the preset maximum cooking pressure, the deformable side wall will undergo elastic deformation to generate a pressure relief gap for pressure relief. It can only release gas through the pressure relief valve. This device has certain limitations.

[0007] Therefore, developing a micro-pressure rice cooker that can control the pressure inside the cooking cavity and has a simple structure is of great practical significance. Utility Model Content

[0008] The present invention aims to solve the problem that the pressure limiting valve structure of existing micro-pressure rice cookers is difficult to control the pressure inside the cooking cavity.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0010] A low-pressure rice cooker includes a cooking cavity and a low-pressure valve communicating with the cooking cavity. The low-pressure valve includes a valve seat, a steam vent hole disposed on the valve seat, and a floating rod movable up and down within the steam vent hole. A lower seal suitable for sealing the gap between the steam vent hole and the floating rod is attached to the lower end of the floating rod. The low-pressure valve further includes:

[0011] A pressure-limiting orifice, which is located on the valve seat at a position different from the vent orifice; and

[0012] A flexible pressure-limiting pad is attached to the valve seat at a position suitable for closing the pressure-limiting orifice;

[0013] The flexible pressure-limiting pad is configured to leave the pressure-limiting hole when the cooking pressure in the cooking chamber reaches a first threshold, so that the cooking chamber is in a micro-pressure state.

[0014] Furthermore, the first threshold of the cooking pressure does not exceed 1.2 atmospheres.

[0015] Furthermore, the flexible pressure-limiting pad includes: a fixing portion fixed to the valve seat; and a pressure-limiting piece disposed above the pressure-limiting hole.

[0016] Furthermore, there are at least two pressure-limiting holes, and the pressure-limiting sheet covers the pressure-limiting holes.

[0017] Furthermore, the middle part of the floating rod has a steam outlet hole that extends through the floating rod along the axial direction.

[0018] Furthermore, a pressure limiting cap is fixed to the top of the floating rod. The pressure limiting cap has a pressure limiting part adapted to block the steam outlet. The pressure limiting part is configured to open the steam outlet to release steam when the steam pressure in the cooking chamber exceeds a second threshold.

[0019] Furthermore, the top of the floating rod is provided with a locking part suitable for engaging with the pressure limiting cap to prevent the pressure limiting cap from detaching from the floating rod under steam pressure.

[0020] Furthermore, the pressure-limiting portion includes a plurality of flexible petals arranged in a ring along the axis.

[0021] Furthermore, the first threshold is greater than the second threshold.

[0022] Furthermore, the floating rod has a steam outlet in the middle, which includes an axial section extending along the axis and a radial section extending radially upward, the radial section communicating with the axial section.

[0023] Due to the adoption of the above technical solutions, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0024] This invention employs a multi-stage pressure control mechanism. When the pressure rises above the second threshold, the pressure-limiting part of the pressure-limiting cap opens the steam vent to release steam; the flexible pressure-limiting pad opens when the cooking pressure reaches the first threshold, allowing steam to escape, thus maintaining a low-pressure state. This multi-stage protection structure effectively prevents excessive internal pressure in the rice cooker, preventing damage to internal parts and serious consequences such as explosions, greatly improving the safety performance of the rice cooker.

[0025] The micro-pressure valve of this invention has a relatively simple structure, mainly composed of a valve seat, a floating rod, a flexible pressure-limiting pad, and a pressure-limiting cap. This simple structure not only reduces production costs but also decreases the likelihood of malfunctions, improving the reliability and lifespan of the rice cooker, while also facilitating production and maintenance.

[0026] The special structural design of the steam outlet on the floating rod, including the connection between the axial and radial sections and the connection between the radial section and the outside when the floating rod is at its uppermost position, allows steam to be discharged more smoothly, which helps to maintain the stability of the pressure inside the cooking cavity and improves the cooking effect. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit this application.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the micro pressure cooker of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the micro pressure cooker of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of the micro-pressure valve of this utility model;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the micro-pressure valve of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the valve seat structure of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the floating rod of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 7 This is an exploded structural diagram of the micro-pressure valve in Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0035] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of the micro-pressure valve of Embodiment 2 of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 9 This is an exploded structural diagram of the micro-pressure valve in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the micro-pressure valve in Embodiment 3 of this utility model.

[0038] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0039] 1-Cooking chamber; 2-Micro pressure valve; 21-Valve seat; 22-Exhaust port; 23-Floating rod; 231-Air outlet; 2311-Axial section; 2312-Radial section; 232-Snap-fit ​​part; 24-Lower seal; 25-Pressure limiting hole; 26-Flexible pressure limiting pad; 261-Fixing part; 262-Pressure limiting piece; 27-Pressure limiting cap; 271-Pressure limiting part. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0041] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this patent document shall have the ordinary meaning understood by a person skilled in the art to which this application pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this patent specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms "an," "a," or "the" do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms "comprising" or "including" indicate that the element or object preceding "comprising" encompasses the element or object listed following "comprising" or its equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. Terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. These terms are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0043] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0044] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, features in the following embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0045] Example 1:

[0046] Please see Figure 1 Figure 2 shows that the micro-pressure rice cooker in this embodiment mainly includes a cooking cavity 1 and a micro-pressure valve 2 connected to the cooking cavity 1. The cooking cavity 1 is used to hold the food to be cooked. The micro-pressure valve 2 is the core component for controlling the micro-pressure environment and ensuring safety within the cooking cavity 1.

[0047] Please see Figures 3-6The micro-pressure valve 2 mainly consists of a valve seat 21, a floating rod 23, a flexible pressure-limiting pad 26, and a pressure-limiting cap 27. The valve seat 21 is the basic supporting component of the micro-pressure valve 2, and it is equipped with a steam vent 22 and a pressure-limiting hole 25. The steam vent 22 provides a channel for steam to be discharged, and its diameter is designed according to the power of the rice cooker and the cooking requirements. It can ensure that steam can be discharged smoothly during normal cooking, and can also play a certain buffering role in case of abnormal pressure.

[0048] The floating rod 23 can move up and down within the vent hole 22, and its lower end is attached to a lower seal 24 suitable for sealing the gap between the vent hole 22 and the floating rod 23. The lower seal 24 is made of high-temperature resistant and wear-resistant silicone material, which has good sealing performance and elasticity. When the pressure in the cooking chamber 1 gradually increases, the floating rod 23 moves upward. When the lower seal 24 abuts against the bottom of the valve seat 21, the lower seal 24 is tightly fitted between the vent hole 22 and the floating rod 23, reducing the discharge of steam and increasing the pressure in the cooking chamber 1.

[0049] The floating rod 23 has a steam outlet 231 extending through it along its axis at its center. The steam outlet 231 includes an axial section 2311 extending along the axis and a radial section 2312 extending radially upwards, with the radial section 2312 communicating with the axial section 2311. This design of the steam outlet 231 allows for smoother and more efficient steam discharge. As the floating rod 23 moves upwards under steam pressure, the position of the steam outlet 231 changes accordingly. Regardless of the position of the floating rod 23, the radial section 2312 communicates with the outside environment through the gap between the vent 22 and the floating rod 23. Steam can be quickly discharged to the outside environment through the axial section 2311 and the radial section 2312, helping to maintain stable pressure within the cooking chamber 1.

[0050] A pressure-limiting cap 27 is fixedly attached to the top of the floating rod 23. The pressure-limiting cap 27 has a pressure-limiting portion 271 adapted to cover the steam outlet 231. A locking portion 232 is provided on the top of the floating rod 23 to engage with the pressure-limiting cap 27, preventing the pressure-limiting cap 27 from detaching from the floating rod 23 under steam pressure. The protruding portion of the pressure-limiting cap 27 engages with the locking portion 232, thus securing the pressure-limiting cap 27 to the top of the floating rod 23. The pressure-limiting portion 271 includes multiple flexible petals distributed annularly along the axis. These flexible petals open outward under pressure, forming a steam exhaust channel. When the pressure inside the cooking chamber 1 rises above a second threshold for some reason (such as overheating), the steam pressure pushes the floating rod 23 upward, causing the pressure-limiting portion 271 of the pressure-limiting cap 27 to open the steam outlet 231 for steam exhaust, thereby reducing the pressure inside the cooking chamber 1.

[0051] When the rice cooker starts cooking, the heating plate heats the inner pot, and the water in the cooking chamber 1 gradually heats up and generates steam. When the pressure inside the cooking chamber 1 rises above the second threshold for some reason (such as overheating), the steam pressure pushes the floating rod 23 upward. The lower seal 24 of the floating rod 23 tightly seals the vent hole 22, reducing steam leakage. This causes the pressure limiting part 271 of the pressure limiting cap 27 to open the vent hole 231 to release steam. This ensures timely steam release when the pressure rises, protecting the safety of the rice cooker.

[0052] The pressure limiting hole 25 is located on the valve seat 21 at a position different from the vent hole 22. In this embodiment, the pressure limiting hole 25 is located at the bottom of the valve seat 21, a certain distance from the vent hole 22, to avoid mutual interference. There are two pressure limiting holes 25 to increase the steam discharge channel and improve exhaust efficiency. A flexible pressure limiting pad 26 is attached to the valve seat 21 at a position suitable for closing the pressure limiting hole 25. The flexible pressure limiting pad 26 includes a fixing part 261 fixed to the valve seat 21 and a pressure limiting piece 262 disposed above the pressure limiting hole 25. The fixing part 261 is connected to the valve seat 21 to ensure that the flexible pressure limiting pad 26 will not fall off during operation. The pressure limiting piece 262 is made of a rubber material with good elasticity, and its shape matches the pressure limiting hole 25, completely covering it.

[0053] When the cooking pressure in cooking chamber 1 reaches the first threshold (which is greater than the second threshold), the pressure limiting plate 262 will elastically deform under pressure and move away from the pressure limiting hole 25, allowing steam to escape through the pressure limiting hole 25, thus keeping cooking chamber 1 under low pressure. This design, by setting independent pressure limiting holes 25 and flexible pressure limiting pads 26, provides a new way to precisely control the pressure in cooking chamber 1, and can flexibly adjust the pressure according to different cooking needs.

[0054] Please see Figures 1-6 This invention employs a multi-stage pressure control mechanism. During normal cooking, as steam is continuously generated, the pressure inside the cooking chamber 1 gradually increases. When the pressure exceeds the second threshold, the pressure limiting part 271 of the pressure limiting cap 27 opens the steam vent 231 to release steam; the flexible pressure limiting pad 26 opens when the cooking pressure reaches the first threshold, maintaining a low-pressure state. This multi-stage protection structure effectively prevents excessive internal pressure in the rice cooker, preventing damage to internal parts and serious consequences such as explosions, greatly improving the safety performance of the rice cooker.

[0055] When the pressure reaches the opening pressure (first threshold) of the flexible pressure-limiting pad 26, the pressure-limiting piece 262 of the flexible pressure-limiting pad 26 leaves the pressure-limiting hole 25, and steam is discharged through the pressure-limiting hole 25, keeping the pressure inside the cooking chamber 1 at a low pressure. In this embodiment, the first threshold is set to no more than 1.2 atmospheres to accommodate the cooking needs of different types of rice.

[0056] The micro-pressure rice cooker of this embodiment, by setting a pressure limiting hole 25, a flexible pressure limiting pad 26, and a pressure limiting cap 27, can precisely adjust the pressure inside the cooking cavity 1 according to different cooking needs. When cooking different types of rice (such as white rice, brown rice, glutinous rice, etc.), the opening pressure of the pressure limiting part 271 of the pressure limiting cap 27 (second threshold) and the opening pressure of the flexible pressure limiting pad 26 (first threshold) can be adjusted according to their optimal micro-pressure environment requirements to achieve flexible pressure adjustment, so that the rice is cooked under optimal pressure conditions, thereby improving the taste and retention of nutrients of the rice.

[0057] The micro-pressure valve 2 of this utility model has a relatively simple structure, mainly composed of a valve seat 21, a floating rod 23, a flexible pressure-limiting pad 26, and a pressure-limiting cap 27. This simple structure not only reduces production costs but also decreases the possibility of malfunctions, improving the reliability and lifespan of the rice cooker, while also facilitating production and maintenance. The special structural design of the steam outlet on the floating rod 23, including the connection between the axial section 2311 and the radial section 2312, and the connection of the radial section 2312 to the outside when the floating rod 23 is at its uppermost position, allows steam to be discharged more smoothly, helping to maintain stable pressure within the cooking chamber 1 and improving cooking results.

[0058] Example 2:

[0059] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is the arrangement of the floating rod 23.

[0060] Please see Figures 7-8 In this embodiment, the micro-pressure valve 2 mainly relies on the flexible pressure limiting pad 26 and the floating rod 23, as well as the cooperation between the floating rod 23 and the exhaust port 22, to achieve pressure control and steam exhaust functions.

[0061] During cooking, as the pressure continues to rise, when the pressure reaches a certain level, the floating rod 23 is pushed upward by the steam pressure, and the lower seal 24 abuts against the bottom of the valve seat 21. At this time, the lower seal 24 seals the air inlet of the vent hole 22, reducing the amount of gas discharged. When the pressure inside the cooking chamber 1 reaches the opening pressure (first threshold) of the flexible pressure limiting pad 26, the flexible pressure limiting pad 26 leaves the pressure limiting hole 25, and the steam is discharged through the pressure limiting hole 25, maintaining a low-pressure state inside the cooking chamber 1. However, this venting method may have slightly lower pressure response and control accuracy compared to the venting method of the pressure limiting cap 27 in Embodiment 1, but it can still achieve basic pressure regulation and safety protection functions overall.

[0062] The micro-pressure rice cooker in this embodiment has a simpler structure, omitting the pressure cap 27, thus reducing production costs and assembly difficulty. Although it sacrifices some precision in pressure control and response speed in emergency steam release, it remains a viable option for users who are cost-sensitive and do not require extremely high cooking precision.

[0063] Example 3:

[0064] The difference between this embodiment and embodiment 2 lies in the arrangement of the floating rod 23.

[0065] Please see Figures 9-10 In this embodiment, the top of the floating rod 23 is configured as a closed structure. At this time, the pressure control and steam discharge of the micro-pressure valve 2 mainly rely on the flexible pressure limiting pad 26 and the cooperation between the floating rod 23 and the steam discharge port 22.

[0066] During normal cooking, as the pressure continues to rise, when the pressure reaches a certain level, the floating rod 23 is pushed upward by the steam pressure, and the lower seal 24 abuts against the bottom of the valve seat 21. At this time, the lower seal 24 seals the air inlet of the vent hole 22, reducing the amount of gas discharged and causing the pressure inside the cooking chamber 1 to continue to rise. As the pressure inside the cooking chamber 1 rises, when the opening pressure (first threshold) of the flexible pressure limiting pad 26 is reached, the flexible pressure limiting pad 26 leaves the pressure limiting hole 25, and steam is discharged through the pressure limiting hole 25, maintaining a low-pressure state. The steam discharge channel is relatively simple, and its steam discharge efficiency and pressure regulation flexibility are not as good as in Example 1.

[0067] The micro-pressure rice cooker in this embodiment has a further simplified structure, which further reduces production costs. However, due to the limitations of the steam venting and pressure regulation methods, it may be more suitable for users who do not have high requirements for cooking results and focus on cost control. It may not be suitable for some scenarios where cooking precision and safety are more important.

[0068] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A micro-pressure rice cooker, comprising a cooking cavity and a micro-pressure valve communicating with the cooking cavity, the micro-pressure valve comprising a valve seat, a steam vent disposed on the valve seat, and a floating rod movable up and down within the steam vent, the lower end of the floating rod being attached with a lower sealing element suitable for sealing the gap between the steam vent and the floating rod; characterized in that, The micro-pressure valve also includes: A pressure-limiting orifice, which is located on the valve seat at a position different from the vent orifice; and A flexible pressure-limiting pad is attached to the valve seat at a position suitable for closing the pressure-limiting orifice; The flexible pressure-limiting pad is configured to leave the pressure-limiting hole when the cooking pressure in the cooking chamber reaches a first threshold, so that the cooking chamber is in a micro-pressure state.

2. The micro-pressure rice cooker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first threshold of the cooking pressure shall not exceed 1.2 atmospheres.

3. The micro-pressure rice cooker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible pressure-limiting pad includes: The fixing part is fixed to the valve seat; and A pressure limiting plate positioned above the pressure limiting hole.

4. The micro-pressure rice cooker according to claim 3, characterized in that, There are at least two pressure-limiting holes, and the pressure-limiting sheet covers the pressure-limiting holes.

5. The micro-pressure rice cooker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The floating rod has a steam outlet hole that runs through the floating rod along its axial direction at its middle section.

6. The micro-pressure rice cooker according to claim 5, characterized in that, A pressure limiting cap is fixed to the top of the floating rod. The pressure limiting cap has a pressure limiting part adapted to block the steam outlet. The pressure limiting part is configured to open the steam outlet to release steam when the steam pressure in the cooking chamber exceeds a second threshold.

7. The micro-pressure rice cooker according to claim 6, characterized in that, The top of the floating rod is provided with a locking part suitable for engaging with the pressure limiting cap to prevent the pressure limiting cap from detaching from the floating rod under steam pressure.

8. The micro-pressure rice cooker according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pressure-limiting part includes a plurality of flexible lobes distributed in a ring along the axis.

9. The micro-pressure rice cooker according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first threshold is greater than the second threshold.

10. The micro-pressure rice cooker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The floating rod has a steam outlet in the middle, which includes an axial section extending along the axis and a radial section extending radially upward, the radial section being connected to the axial section.

Images