Multifunctional cereal germination device

Abstract

This invention provides a multifunctional grain germination device, comprising a container, a support member, a liquid guide tube, a pump assembly, and a temperature control assembly. The container includes a container body and forms a ventilation channel. The support member is sealed and housed within the container body and has drainage holes. The bottom of the support member does not abut against the bottom wall of the container body, and a support cavity is formed above the support member, connecting to the ventilation channel. The upper end of the liquid guide tube is sealed to the bottom of the support member and surrounds the drainage holes. Its lower end forms a water flow channel with the bottom wall of the container body. A pressure regulating cavity is formed between the outer wall of the liquid guide tube, the bottom wall of the support member, and the inner wall of the container body. The pump assembly is located outside the container body, with its air delivery end passing through the container body or the support member to connect to the pressure regulating cavity. The pump assembly delivers or draws air into the pressure regulating cavity and discharges or draws in external air into the support cavity through the ventilation channel. The temperature control assembly is placed on the outer bottom wall of the container body to heat or cool the liquid inside the container body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of home appliances, and in particular to a multifunctional grain germination device. Background Technology

[0002] As living standards continue to improve, people are increasingly demanding higher levels of nutritional value and better taste in food. Sprouted grains refer to grains that have germinated to a suitable sprout length, mainly composed of the young sprout and the endosperm with its bran layer. They are rich in nutrients beneficial to the human body. Taking brown rice as an example, some proteins in sprouted brown rice are broken down into amino acids, while retaining abundant vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber nutrients such as γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and inositol hexaphosphate. However, grain germination has extremely high requirements for temperature and humidity, making it difficult to directly use existing kitchen cooking appliances for germination. Therefore, kitchen appliances specifically designed for grain germination have appeared on the market, allowing the germinated grains to be cooked in a traditional rice cooker. However, existing kitchens often have limited space, insufficient to accommodate multiple kitchen appliances, and existing grain germination devices also have some drawbacks.

[0003] Specifically, early grain germination devices involved soaking grains (such as brown rice) in sealed containers for extended periods, maintaining the water temperature necessary for germination. Due to the long germination time and prolonged sealed soaking, the low oxygen levels within the container severely impacted the brown rice germination rate. Furthermore, prolonged sealed soaking easily led to spoilage issues such as off-flavors or a sticky texture. While some suggested frequently changing the soaking water to prevent spoilage, this method was cumbersome, difficult to automate, and resulted in the loss of water-soluble beneficial components like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) during germination due to frequent water changes. Additionally, it still suffered from low brown rice germination rates due to the low oxygen levels within the container.

[0004] To address the oxygen content issue during grain germination, Chinese patent CN118339977A proposes a brown rice germination device. This patent involves filling the inner cavity of a hollow, insulated float with hydrogen peroxide. When a nano-manganese dioxide layer, acting as a catalyst, comes into contact with the hydrogen peroxide, it rapidly decomposes into water and oxygen, with the oxygen being released into the water through an oxygen channel. This oxygenation method is not only structurally complex, but also poses significant safety risks due to the fact that both hydrogen peroxide and manganese dioxide are inedible chemicals, making its practical application difficult. Furthermore, this solution still requires the brown rice to be soaked in water for an extended period, failing to address the issues of odor and sliminess resulting from prolonged soaking. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, this utility model provides a multifunctional grain germination device.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a multifunctional grain germination device, comprising a container, a carrier, a liquid guide tube, a pump assembly, and a temperature control assembly. The container includes a container body and forms a ventilation channel. The carrier is sealed and housed within the container body and has drainage holes. The bottom of the carrier does not abut against the bottom wall of the container body, and a carrier cavity is formed above the carrier to connect with the ventilation channel. The upper end of the liquid guide tube is sealed and connected to the bottom of the carrier and surrounds the drainage holes. Its lower end extends towards the bottom wall of the container body, forming a water flow channel with the bottom wall of the container body. A pressure regulating cavity is formed between the outer wall of the liquid guide tube, the bottom wall of the carrier, and the inner wall of the container body. The pump assembly is disposed outside the container body, with its air delivery end passing through the container body or the carrier to connect with the pressure regulating cavity. The pump assembly delivers or draws air into the pressure regulating cavity and discharges or draws in external air into the carrier cavity through the ventilation channel. The temperature control assembly is placed on the outer bottom wall of the container body to heat or cool the liquid inside the container body.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multifunctional grain germination device further includes an oxygenation component, and the oxygenation pipe on the oxygenation component is connected to the bearing cavity to input gas into the bearing cavity for oxygenation. The multifunctional grain germination device is a grain germination device.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the oxygenation component is integrated into the pump body assembly, which includes an air pump, a pressurization pipeline, and a pressurization solenoid valve. The pressurization solenoid valve connects to or blocks the pressurization pipeline. The oxygenation component includes an oxygenation pipeline connected to the air pump and an oxygenation solenoid valve, which connects to or blocks the oxygenation pipeline.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the container further includes a container lid, which is detachably fitted onto the container body or the carrier, an air exchange channel is formed in the container lid, and a carrier cavity is formed between the container lid and the carrier.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the container lid includes a lid body and an inner cover plate disposed inside the lid body and facing the carrier. A lid body receiving cavity is formed between the lid body and the inner cover plate. An oxygenation pipe on the oxygenation assembly passes through the inner cover plate and extends into the lid body receiving cavity. After extending inside the lid body receiving cavity, it is assembled to an air outlet on the inner cover plate to connect with the carrier cavity.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the carrier and the liquid guide tube are detachably disposed within the container body; When the carrier and liquid guide tube are placed inside the container body, the multi-functional grain germination device is in the first working mode for grain germination or preservation. When the carrier and liquid guide tube are removed from the container body and the pump assembly stops working, the multi-functional grain germination device is in its second working mode for food cooking.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the temperature control component includes a semiconductor cooler disposed on the bottom wall of the container body, the semiconductor cooler heating or cooling the liquid inside the container body through the bottom wall of the container body.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the temperature control component further includes an annular heating plate, which is attached to the bottom wall of the container body and surrounds the outer periphery of the semiconductor cooler, and the heating plate heats the bottom wall of the container body.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multifunctional grain germination device further includes a shell, in which the container body, pump assembly and temperature control assembly are all housed, and heat dissipation holes are formed at the bottom of the shell; the multifunctional grain germination device also includes a cooling fan, which is detachably fixed to the bottom wall of the shell and is opposite to the temperature control assembly.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the support member is an inner liner with drainage holes at the bottom, and the liquid guide tube is integrally formed on the outer bottom wall of the inner liner around the drainage holes. Alternatively, the upper end of the liquid guide tube is sealed and connected to the outer bottom wall of the inner liner around the drain hole.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the carrier is a steaming rack placed inside the container body, and the liquid guiding tube is integrally formed or sealed to the bottom wall of the steaming rack around the drainage hole.

[0017] This utility model also provides another multifunctional grain germination device, which includes a container, a carrier, a liquid guide tube, a pump assembly, and a temperature control assembly. The container includes a container body and a container lid, with a first ventilation channel formed on the container lid that can be connected or blocked. The carrier is sealed and housed within the container body and has a drainage hole. The bottom of the carrier does not abut against the bottom wall of the container body, and a carrier cavity is formed above the carrier to connect with the first ventilation channel. The upper end of the liquid guide tube is sealed and connected to the bottom of the carrier and surrounds the drainage hole. Its lower end extends towards the bottom wall of the container body and forms a water flow channel with the bottom wall of the container body. A second ventilation channel is formed on the container body, connecting to its inner cavity and capable of being connected or blocked. The pump assembly is disposed on the container lid and connects to the carrier cavity. When the first ventilation channel is blocked and the second ventilation channel is connected, the pump assembly draws air from the carrier cavity to allow liquid in the container body to enter the carrier cavity through the liquid guide tube. When the first ventilation channel is opened or the pump assembly delivers air, the liquid falls back to the container body through the liquid guide tube. The temperature control component is located on the bottom wall of the container body to heat or cool the liquid inside the container body.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the carrier and the liquid guide tube are detachably disposed within the container body; When the carrier and liquid guide tube are placed inside the container body, the multi-functional grain germination device is in the first working mode for grain germination or preservation. When the carrier and liquid guide tube are removed from the container body, the pump assembly stops working, the first ventilation channel is connected and the second ventilation channel is blocked, the multi-functional grain germination device is in the second working mode for cooking rice. When the liquid guide tube is removed from the container body, the pump assembly stops working, the first ventilation channel is connected and the second ventilation channel is blocked, the multi-functional grain germination device is in the second working mode for food steaming.

[0019] In summary, the multifunctional grain germination device provided by this utility model forms a water flow channel below the liquid surface between the lower end of the liquid guide tube and the bottom wall of the container body. A pressure regulating chamber is formed between the outer peripheral wall of the liquid guide tube, the bottom wall of the support component, and the inner wall of the container body. The pump assembly supplies or draws air into the pressure regulating chamber, allowing liquid to enter the support chamber through the liquid guide tube to soak the grains. After the required soaking time is met, the pump assembly draws air, and the liquid falls back into the container body under gravity. This intermittent soaking method satisfies the water requirements for grain germination while avoiding problems such as odor, stickiness, and spoilage caused by prolonged soaking. Furthermore, because a ventilation channel is formed on the container lid, when the pump assembly supplies air into the pressure regulating chamber, the turbid air in the support chamber is discharged through the ventilation channel as the liquid enters the support chamber; and when the liquid falls back during the suction process, external air is drawn in through the ventilation channel to increase oxygenation.

[0020] Furthermore, since the carrier and the liquid guide tube are detachable, the multifunctional grain germination device can have a second and a third working mode after both are removed or only the liquid guide tube is removed, thus realizing the integration of multiple food processing functions. Even further, the multifunctional grain germination device provided by this invention also includes a temperature control component, which has two modes: heating and cooling, and can quickly adjust the temperature to precisely control the liquid temperature at different germination stages.

[0021] To make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the multifunctional grain germination device provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 2 As shown Figure 1 A structural diagram from another perspective.

[0024] Figure 3 As shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram.

[0025] Figure 4 As shown Figure 1A schematic diagram of the structure after removing the outer shell and container lid.

[0026] Figure 5 As shown Figure 4 A structural diagram from another perspective.

[0027] Figure 6 As shown Figure 4 A structural diagram from another perspective.

[0028] Figure 7 As shown Figure 4 A structural diagram from another perspective.

[0029] Figure 8 As shown Figure 7 A cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0030] Figure 9 As shown Figure 7 A cross-sectional view along line BB.

[0031] Figure 10 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a multifunctional grain germination device provided in another embodiment of this utility model.

[0032] Figure 11 As shown Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic of the multifunctional grain germination device in its second working mode.

[0033] Figure 12 As shown Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the multifunctional grain germination device in its third working mode.

[0034] Figure 13 The figure shown is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the multifunctional grain germination device provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0035] Figure 14 As shown Figure 13 The diagram shows the structure of the multifunctional grain germination device after removing some components.

[0036] Figure 15 As shown Figure 14 A partial sectional view.

[0037] Figure 16 As shown Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the structure after removing the carrier, liquid guide tube, and container cap.

[0038] Figure 17 As shown Figure 16 Enlarged diagram of point C in the middle. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Example 1 like Figures 1 to 12 As shown, the multifunctional grain germination device provided in this embodiment includes a container 1, a carrier 2, a liquid guide pipe 3, a pump assembly 4, and a temperature control assembly 5. The container 1 includes a container body 11 and forms a ventilation channel 120. The carrier 2 is sealed and housed within the container body 11 and has a drainage hole 21. The bottom of the carrier 2 does not abut against the inner bottom wall of the container body 11, and a carrier cavity 20 communicating with the ventilation channel 120 is formed above the carrier 2. The upper end of the liquid guide pipe 3 is sealed and connected to the bottom of the carrier 2 and surrounds the outer periphery of the drainage hole 21. The lower end of the liquid guide pipe 3 extends towards the inner bottom wall of the container body 11 and forms a water flow channel 30 between it and the inner bottom wall of the container body 11. A pressure regulating cavity 10 is formed between the outer periphery of the liquid guide pipe 3, the bottom wall of the carrier 2, and the inner wall of the container body 11. The pump assembly 4 is disposed outside the container body 11, and its gas supply end 401 passes through the container body 11 or the carrier 2 to connect with the pressure regulating chamber 10. The pump assembly 4 supplies or draws gas into the pressure regulating chamber 10, and discharges or draws in external air to the carrier chamber through the ventilation channel 120. The temperature control assembly 5 is disposed on the outer bottom wall of the container body 11 to heat or cool the liquid inside the container body 11. In this embodiment, the carrier 2 and the liquid guide tube 3 are detachably disposed inside the container body 11. This arrangement allows the multifunctional grain germination device provided in this embodiment to have at least three cooking modes. When the carrier 2 and the liquid guide tube 3 are placed inside the container body 11, the multifunctional grain germination device is in the first working mode for grain germination or preservation. When both the carrier 2 and the liquid guide tube 3 are removed from the container body 11 and the pump assembly 4 stops working, the multifunctional grain germination device is in the second working mode for cooking rice. When only the liquid guide tube 3 is removed and the pump assembly 4 stops working, the multi-functional grain germination device is in the third working mode for food steaming. Specifically, the second working mode is the working mode of an existing rice cooker, while the third working mode is the working mode of an existing steamer; that is, the multi-functional grain germination device provided in this embodiment has three functions: germination and preservation, rice cooking, and steaming.

[0040] The following will combine Figures 1 to 9 This embodiment describes in detail the working principle of the multifunctional grain germination device in the first working mode for grain germination.

[0041] In this embodiment, the multifunctional grain germination device forms a water seal in the water flow channel 30 at the bottom of the liquid-sealed guide pipe 3. This water seal creates a sealed chamber within the pressure regulating cavity 10, which is formed by the outer periphery of the guide pipe 3, the bottom wall of the support member 2, and the inner wall of the container body 11. When the pump assembly 4 supplies air into the pressure regulating cavity 10, the pressure inside increases, forcing liquid into the guide pipe 3 and gradually into the support cavity 20 to soak the grain. After soaking for the set time, the pump assembly 4 pumps air out, causing the pressure inside the pressure regulating cavity 10 to drop. The liquid then falls back along the guide pipe 3 under gravity, and the grain germinates while drained. Simultaneously, fresh air enters the support cavity 20 through the ventilation channel 120, and oxygen gradually permeates into the grain, providing oxygen for the germination of the grain in the drained state. After the set time for draining and germination is met, the pump assembly 4 is turned on again to supply air into the pressure regulating chamber 10. The liquid re-enters the bearing chamber 20, replenishing the water for the grains while simultaneously expelling the turbid air generated during grain germination from the bearing chamber 20 through the ventilation channel 120. After the set time for water replenishment is met, air is extracted, and fresh air is introduced for oxygenation during the draining and germination process.

[0042] In this embodiment, grains refer to edible grains such as brown rice, mung beans, soybeans, and wheat.

[0043] In this embodiment, the container 1 further includes a container lid 12, which is detachably fitted onto the carrier 2. A ventilation channel is formed on the container lid 12, and a carrier cavity 20 is formed between the container lid 12 and the carrier 2. In other embodiments, the ventilation channel may also be a gap between the container lid and the container body. Although this embodiment uses a detachable container lid fitted onto the carrier as an example, the present invention does not impose any limitations on this. In other embodiments, when the carrier is a steamer rack, the container lid may also be fitted onto the container body. In other embodiments, when the multifunctional grain germination device is only used for grain germination, the container may not include a container lid, and the open end of the container body forms a ventilation channel.

[0044] In this embodiment, the liquid used to soak the grains is water or water with added nutrients.

[0045] The multifunctional grain germination device provided in this embodiment uses a pump assembly 4 to alternately supply and extract air to the pressure regulating chamber 10, causing the liquid to circulate between the pressure regulating chamber 10 and the carrying chamber 20 through the liquid guide pipe 3, thus achieving intermittent soaking of the grains. This soaking method not only ensures the moisture required for grain germination, but also allows the grains to better contact the air in the carrying chamber 20 during the draining germination process, improving the germination rate while effectively suppressing the off-odor and spoilage problems caused by prolonged soaking in existing germination methods. Furthermore, and more importantly, with the intermittent flow of liquid, the carrying chamber 20 undergoes synchronous air exchange. During soaking, the turbid gas generated during draining germination is discharged, while fresh air is introduced during draining, increasing the oxygen content in the carrying chamber 20 to improve the germination rate. To further improve the germination rate, the multifunctional grain germination device provided in this embodiment also includes an oxygenation assembly 6. The oxygenation pipe 61 on the oxygenation assembly 6 is connected to the carrying chamber 20, actively introducing gas into the carrying chamber 20 for oxygenation.

[0046] Specifically, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 7 As shown, the oxygenation component 6 is integrated into the pump body assembly 4. The pump body assembly 4 includes an air pump 41, a pressurization pipeline 42, and a pressurization solenoid valve 43. The pressurization solenoid valve 43 connects to or blocks the pressurization pipeline 42. The oxygenation component 6 includes an oxygenation pipeline 61 connected to the air pump and an oxygenation solenoid valve 62. The oxygenation solenoid valve 62 connects to or blocks the oxygenation pipeline 61, which connects to the bearing chamber 20. For the solenoid valve, when it is open, it connects to its corresponding pipeline; correspondingly, when it is closed, it blocks its corresponding pipeline. During soaking, the pressurization solenoid valve 43 is open and the oxygenation solenoid valve 62 is closed. The air pump 41 pressurizes the pressure regulating chamber 10 through the pressurization pipeline 42, so that the liquid enters the bearing chamber 20 through the liquid guide pipe 3. Afterwards, the pressure boosting solenoid valve 43 closes to put the pressure regulating chamber 10 into a pressure-holding state, with the liquid still submerging the grains. At this time, the oxygenation solenoid valve 62 opens, and the air pump 41 continuously or intermittently oxygenates the bearing chamber 20 by inputting fresh air through the oxygenation solenoid valve 62 and the oxygenation pipeline 61. After the submersion meets the set requirements, the pressure boosting solenoid valve 43 is opened and the oxygenation solenoid valve 62 is closed. The air pump 41 evacuates the pressure regulating chamber 10 through the pressure boosting pipeline 42 and the pressure boosting solenoid valve 43, causing the pressure in the pressure regulating chamber 10 to drop and achieve drainage. After drainage is completed, the pressure boosting solenoid valve 43 is closed and the oxygenation solenoid valve 62 is opened. The air pump actively oxygenates the grains in the bearing chamber 20 under the drainage state through the oxygenation solenoid valve 62; that is, active oxygenation of grains under both soaking and drainage states is achieved, thereby significantly improving the germination success rate of grains.

[0047] In this embodiment, the oxygenation component 6 is integrated into the pump body component 4 so that both can share a single air pump 41, significantly reducing material costs. However, this invention does not impose any limitations on this. In other embodiments, the oxygenation component can be set independently of the pump body component. The oxygenation component includes an oxygenation pump and an oxygenation pipeline. In this case, the oxygenation pump can be turned on and off directly, without the need for an additional oxygenation solenoid valve. In other embodiments, the pump body component may also include an air pump with only air delivery function, a pressurization pipeline, and an exhaust solenoid valve. The exhaust solenoid valve is connected to the outside of the multifunctional grain germination device through a pipeline. During soaking, the air pump delivers air to the pressure regulating chamber through the pressurization pipeline, while during draining, the air pump stops working, and the exhaust solenoid valve discharges the gas in the pressure regulating chamber through the pressurization pipeline.

[0048] In this embodiment, a pressurizing port 110 is provided on the side wall of the container body 11. The gas supply end 401 of the pressurizing pipeline 42 on the pump body assembly 4 is connected to the pressurizing port 110, through which gas is supplied to or drawn from the pressure regulating chamber 10. However, this utility model does not impose any limitations on this. In other embodiments, when the carrier is an inner liner with a pot rim, the pot rim of the carrier is sealed to the container body, and a pressurizing port is provided at the pot rim of the carrier. The gas supply end of the pressurizing pipeline is connected to the pressure regulating chamber through the pressurizing port.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the container lid 12 includes a lid body 121 and an inner cover plate 122 disposed inside the lid body 121 and facing the support member 2. A lid body receiving cavity 123 is formed between the lid body 121 and the inner cover plate 122. The oxygenation pipe 61 on the oxygenation assembly 6 passes through the inner cover plate 122 and extends into the lid body receiving cavity 123. After extending within the lid body receiving cavity 123, it is fitted with an air outlet 1220 on the inner cover plate 122 to communicate with the support cavity 20. This arrangement realizes the built-in layout of the oxygenation pipe 61 on the container lid 12, avoiding interference of the oxygenation pipe 61 with components such as the support member 2. However, this utility model does not impose any limitations on this. In other embodiments, when the support is an inner liner with drainage holes, the gas delivery end of the oxygenation pipeline can also penetrate the peripheral wall of the support to connect to the support cavity; for example, the oxygenation pipeline is built into the pressure regulating pipeline, and the gap between the oxygenation pipeline and the pressure regulating pipeline forms a pressure regulating gas delivery channel. The oxygenation pipeline follows the pressure regulating pipeline through the peripheral wall of the container body and then through the peripheral wall of the support. Alternatively, when the support is a steam rack, the gas delivery end of the oxygenation pipeline can also penetrate the peripheral wall of the container body above the support to connect to the support cavity.

[0050] In this embodiment, as Figure 6As shown, the support member 2 is an inner liner with a drainage hole 21 at the bottom, and the liquid guide tube 3 is integrally formed on the outer bottom wall of the inner liner around the drainage hole 21. However, this utility model does not limit this in any way. In other embodiments, the upper end of the liquid guide tube can also be sealed to the outer bottom wall of the inner liner around the drainage hole by a sealing ring. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the support member is a steaming rack placed inside the container body, the edge of the steaming rack is embedded in the container body by a sealing ring to form a pressure regulating cavity, and the liquid guide tube is integrally formed to or sealed to the bottom wall of the steaming rack around the drainage hole.

[0051] For grains, to ensure successful germination, they need to be soaked in liquid at a specific temperature, such as 20℃~40℃. Furthermore, after germination begins, the sprout length needs to be controlled to prevent excessive germination and nutrient loss. Therefore, this embodiment adds a temperature control component 5 to the outside of the container body 11. The temperature control component 5 has two temperature control modes: it can heat the liquid inside the container body 11 to meet the soaking temperature, and simultaneously rapidly cool the liquid after germination begins to precisely control the sprout length. In this embodiment, as... Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the temperature control component 5 includes a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) 51 and a heating plate 52. The thermoelectric cooler 51 is disposed on the outer bottom wall of the container body 11, and the heating plate 52 is attached to the outer bottom wall of the container body 11 and surrounds the thermoelectric cooler 51. In this embodiment, the heating plate 52 heats the liquid in the container body 11 to meet the soaking temperature requirements before germination; while the thermoelectric cooler 51 rapidly lowers the liquid temperature after germination to slow down the germination rate and precisely control the germination length. However, this invention does not impose any limitations on this aspect.

[0052] For a semiconductor cooler, the cooling / heating state can be switched by changing the direction of the current. In other embodiments, the semiconductor cooler can be in a heating state before germination, with the semiconductor cooler and heating plate jointly heating the liquid; after germination, the heating plate is quickly turned off, and the current direction of the semiconductor cooler is changed to quickly enter the cooling state. Since the soaking water temperature required for grain germination is not high, in other embodiments, when the semiconductor cooler has a large heating power, the temperature control component may also consist of only a semiconductor cooler, such as... Figure 10 As shown in the figure. This multifunctional grain germination device has a semiconductor cooler in a heating state before germination; after germination, the current direction is quickly switched to put the semiconductor cooler into a cooling state.

[0053] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3As shown, the multifunctional grain germination device also includes a housing 7, within which the container body 11, pump assembly 4, and temperature control assembly 5 are housed. A heat dissipation hole 71 is formed at the bottom of the housing 7, opposite to the temperature control assembly 5. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the multifunctional grain germination device also includes a cooling fan 8, which is detachably fixed to the inner bottom wall of the housing 7 by fasteners and faces the temperature control assembly 5, dissipating the heat generated by the temperature control assembly 5 through the heat dissipation hole 71.

[0054] Figure 11 and Figure 12 These are schematic diagrams showing the multifunctional grain germination device in its second and third operating modes, respectively. Figure 11 In this process, both the carrier 2 and the liquid guide tube 3 are removed from the container body 11, and the container body 11 becomes a rice cooker and enters the second working mode. Figure 12 In this mode, only the liquid guide tube 3 is removed, while the carrier 2 remains inside the container body 11. This setting puts the multi-functional grain germination device in the third working mode. The temperature control component 5 heats the water inside the container body 11 to generate steam to steam the food on the carrier 2.

[0055] Example 2 This embodiment is basically the same as Embodiment 1 and its variations, except that the structure, installation position and working chamber of the pump body assembly 4 are different.

[0056] In Embodiment 1, the pump assembly 4 achieves the circulation of liquid between the pressure regulating chamber and the bearing chamber by changing the pressure in the pressure regulating chamber, thereby enabling the germination or preservation of grains in the first working mode. In this embodiment, the pump assembly 4 is disposed on the container cover 12, and it achieves the circulation of liquid between the pressure regulating chamber and the bearing chamber by adjusting the pressure in the bearing chamber 20; that is, in this embodiment, the pump assembly 4 operates on the bearing chamber 20.

[0057] Specifically, such as Figures 13 to 17As shown, the multifunctional grain germination device provided in this embodiment includes a container 1, a carrier 2, a liquid guide tube 3, a pump assembly 4, and a temperature control assembly 5. The container 1 includes a container body 11 and a container lid 12, with a first ventilation channel formed on the lid 12 that can be connected or blocked. The carrier 2 is sealed and housed within the container body 11 and has a drain hole 21. The bottom of the carrier 2 does not abut against the inner bottom wall of the container body 11, and a carrier cavity 20 connecting the first ventilation channel is formed above the carrier 2. The upper end of the liquid guide tube 3 is sealed and connected to the bottom of the carrier 2 and surrounds the outer periphery of the drain hole 21. Its lower end extends towards the inner bottom wall of the container body 11, forming a water flow channel 30 between it and the inner bottom wall of the container body 11. A second ventilation channel 110' is formed on the container body 11, connecting its inner cavity and capable of being connected or blocked. Pump assembly 4 is disposed on container cover 12 and connected to bearing cavity 20. When the first ventilation channel 120' is blocked and the second ventilation channel 110' is connected, pump assembly 4 evacuates air from bearing cavity so that liquid in container body 11 enters bearing cavity 20 through liquid guide tube 3; when the first ventilation channel 120' is opened or pump assembly 4 delivers air, liquid falls back to container body 11 through liquid guide tube 3. Temperature control assembly 5 is disposed on the outer bottom wall of container body 11 to heat or cool liquid in container body 11.

[0058] like Figure 13 and Figure 15 As shown, the container lid 12 has an air extraction port 1211 and an air exchange port 1212 on its lid body 121. The pump assembly 4 is an air pump with an air extraction function installed inside the container lid 12, and the air pump is connected to the air extraction port 1211. The first air exchange solenoid valve 81 opens or closes the air exchange port 1212. Both the pump assembly 4 and the first air exchange solenoid valve 81 are housed inside the container lid 12 and are connected to the bearing cavity 20. The container body 11 has an outwardly flared upper edge 111 that rests on the outer shell 7, and an air exchange port 112 communicating with the inner cavity of the container is formed on the edge 111 of the bearing member 2. Specifically, as shown... Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, the upper edge 111 of the container body is sealed to the top of the shell 7 by a sealing ring 9. A groove 91 is formed in the middle of the upper surface of the sealing ring 9, and sealing lips 92 are formed on both sides of the groove 91. The ventilation pipe 100' is connected to the ventilation hole 112 through the groove 91, and the second ventilation solenoid valve 82 connects or blocks the ventilation pipe.

[0059] Similar to Embodiment 1, the carrier 2 and the liquid guide tube 3 are detachably disposed within the container body 11. This arrangement allows the multifunctional grain germination device provided in this embodiment to have at least three cooking modes. When the carrier 2 and the liquid guide tube 3 are placed within the container body 11, the multifunctional grain germination device is in the first working mode for grain germination or preservation. When both the carrier 2 and the liquid guide tube 3 are removed from the container body 11 and the pump assembly 4 stops working, the multifunctional grain germination device is in the second working mode for cooking rice. When only the liquid guide tube 3 is removed and the pump assembly 4 stops working, the multifunctional grain germination device is in the third working mode for steaming food. Specifically, the second working mode is the working mode of an existing rice cooker, while the third working mode is the working mode of an existing steamer; that is, the multifunctional grain germination device provided in this embodiment simultaneously possesses three functions: germination and preservation, rice cooking, and steaming.

[0060] In the first working mode of the multifunctional grain germination device provided in this embodiment, the liquid submerges the water flow channel 30 formed at the bottom of the liquid guide tube 3. The first ventilation solenoid valve 81 closes the ventilation port 1212 on the cover 121, while the second ventilation solenoid valve 82 opens to connect the ventilation passage, thereby allowing air to enter the container body 11. The pump assembly 4 evacuates the bearing chamber 20, reducing the pressure inside the bearing chamber 20 and forming a negative pressure zone. The liquid in the container body 11 enters the liquid guide tube 3 and gradually enters the bearing chamber 20 to soak the grain. After soaking for the set time, the pump assembly 4 stops working and opens the first ventilation solenoid valve 81. External air enters the bearing chamber 20 through the ventilation port 1212, and the liquid falls back along the liquid guide tube 3 under the action of gravity, allowing the grain to germinate while drained. At the same time, fresh external air enters the bearing chamber 20 through the ventilation port 121, and the oxygen in the air gradually permeates into the grain, providing oxygen for the germination of the grain in the drained state. After the set time for draining and germination is met, the pump assembly 4 is restarted and the first ventilation solenoid valve 81 is closed to shut off the ventilation port 1212. The pump assembly 4 then pumps air from the bearing chamber 20, expelling the turbid air produced by the grain germination while simultaneously allowing liquid to re-enter the bearing chamber 20 to replenish the grain. Afterward, the pump assembly 4 stops working and the first ventilation solenoid valve 81 is opened, allowing outside air to enter the bearing chamber 20 through the ventilation port 1212, introducing fresh air for oxygenation while simultaneously draining and germinating the grain.

[0061] In this embodiment, the multifunctional grain germination device further includes a temperature sensor 141 and a pressure sensor 142 disposed on the container lid 12 and extending into the bearing cavity 20. The temperature sensor 141 is used to detect the temperature of the grain or liquid in the bearing cavity 20, while the pressure sensor 142 monitors the pressure in the bearing cavity 20 when the pump assembly 4 is pumping air, thereby controlling the liquid level entering the bearing cavity.

[0062] In the first operating mode, when the pump assembly 4 is pumping air, the second ventilation solenoid valve 82 is open, allowing outside air to enter the container body 11. When the pump assembly 4 is not operating, the second ventilation solenoid valve 82 can be either closed or open.

[0063] However, in the second and third operating modes, the second venting solenoid valve 82 remains closed to ensure a seal between the container body 11 and the outer shell 7. Correspondingly, in the second and third operating modes, the pump assembly 4 does not operate, but the first venting solenoid valve 81 remains open at the venting port 1212 to output the steam generated in the second and third operating modes.

[0064] In summary, the multifunctional grain germination device provided by this utility model forms a water flow channel below the liquid surface between the lower end of the liquid guide tube and the bottom wall of the container body. A pressure regulating chamber is formed between the outer peripheral wall of the liquid guide tube, the bottom wall of the support component, and the inner wall of the container body. The pump assembly supplies or draws air into the pressure regulating chamber, allowing liquid to enter the support chamber through the liquid guide tube to soak the grains. After the required soaking time is met, the pump assembly draws air, and the liquid falls back into the container body under gravity. This intermittent soaking method satisfies the water requirements for grain germination while avoiding problems such as odor, stickiness, and spoilage caused by prolonged soaking. Furthermore, because a ventilation channel is formed on the container lid, when the pump assembly supplies air into the pressure regulating chamber, the turbid air in the support chamber is discharged through the ventilation channel as the liquid enters the support chamber; and when the liquid falls back during the suction process, external air is drawn in through the ventilation channel to increase oxygenation.

[0065] Furthermore, since the carrier and the liquid guide tube are detachable, the multifunctional grain germination device can have a second and a third working mode after both are removed or only the liquid guide tube is removed, thus realizing the integration of multiple food processing functions. Even further, the multifunctional grain germination device provided by this invention also includes a temperature control component, which has two modes: heating and cooling, and can quickly adjust the temperature to precisely control the liquid temperature at different germination stages.

[0066] Although the present invention has been disclosed above by way of preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art may make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the scope of protection claimed in the claims.

Claims

1. A multifunctional grain germination device, characterized in that, include: A container, including the container body and having a ventilation channel; The support component is sealed and housed within the container body and has drainage holes. The bottom of the support component does not abut against the bottom wall of the container body. A support cavity is formed above the support component to connect the ventilation channel. The liquid guide tube has its upper end sealed and connected to the bottom of the support and surrounds the outer periphery of the drain hole, and its lower end extends toward the bottom wall of the container body, forming a water flow channel between the liquid guide tube and the bottom wall of the container body; a pressure regulating cavity is formed between the outer periphery of the liquid guide tube, the bottom wall of the support and the inner wall of the container body. A pump assembly is disposed outside the container body, and its gas supply end passes through the container body or the carrier to connect to the pressure regulating chamber. The pump assembly supplies or draws gas into the pressure regulating chamber and discharges or draws in external air to the carrier chamber through the air exchange channel. A temperature control component is installed on the bottom wall of the container body to heat or cool the liquid inside the container body.

2. The multifunctional grain germination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multifunctional grain germination device also includes an oxygenation component, and the oxygenation pipeline on the oxygenation component is connected to the bearing cavity to input gas into the bearing cavity for oxygenation. The multifunctional grain germination device is a grain germination device.

3. The multifunctional grain germination device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The oxygenation component is integrated into the pump body assembly, which includes an air pump, a pressurization pipeline, and a pressurization solenoid valve. The pressurization solenoid valve connects or blocks the pressurization pipeline. The oxygenation component includes an oxygenation pipeline connected to the air pump and an oxygenation solenoid valve, which connects or blocks the oxygenation pipeline.

4. The multifunctional grain germination device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The container also includes a container lid, which is detachably fitted onto the container body or the carrier. The ventilation channel is formed in the container lid, and a carrier cavity is formed between the container lid and the carrier.

5. The multifunctional grain germination device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The container lid includes a lid body and an inner cover plate disposed inside the lid body and facing the carrier. A lid body receiving cavity is formed between the lid body and the inner cover plate. An oxygenation pipe on the oxygenation assembly passes through the inner cover plate and extends into the lid body receiving cavity. After extending inside the lid body receiving cavity, it is assembled to the air outlet on the inner cover plate to connect with the carrier cavity.

6. The multifunctional grain germination device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The carrier and the liquid guide tube are detachably disposed within the container body; When the carrier and liquid guide tube are placed inside the container body, the multifunctional grain germination device is in the first working mode for grain germination or preservation. When the carrier and the liquid guide tube are removed from the container body and the pump assembly stops working, the multi-functional grain germination device is in the second working mode for cooking rice; when the liquid guide tube is removed from the container body and the pump assembly stops working, the multi-functional grain germination device is in the third working mode for steaming food.

7. The multifunctional grain germination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature control component includes a semiconductor cooler disposed on the bottom wall of the container body, which heats or cools the liquid inside the container body through the bottom wall of the container body.

8. The multifunctional grain germination device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The temperature control component also includes a ring-shaped heating plate, which is attached to the bottom wall of the container body and surrounds the outer periphery of the semiconductor cooler. The heating plate heats the bottom wall of the container body.

9. The multifunctional grain germination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multifunctional grain germination device also includes a shell, in which the container body, pump assembly, and temperature control assembly are all housed. Heat dissipation holes are formed at the bottom of the shell. The multifunctional grain germination device also includes a cooling fan, which is detachably fixed to the bottom wall of the shell and opposite to the temperature control assembly.

10. The multifunctional grain germination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting component is an inner liner with drainage holes at the bottom, and the liquid guiding tube is integrally formed on the outer bottom wall of the inner liner around the drainage holes; Alternatively, the upper end of the liquid guide tube is sealed to the outer bottom wall of the inner liner around the drain hole.

11. The multifunctional grain germination device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting component is a steaming rack placed inside the container body, and the liquid guiding tube is integrally formed or sealed to the bottom wall of the steaming rack around the drainage hole.

12. A multifunctional grain germination device, characterized in that, include: A container, including a container body and a container lid, wherein a first ventilation channel is formed on the container lid that can be connected or blocked; The support component is sealed and housed within the container body and has drainage holes. The bottom of the support component does not abut against the bottom wall of the container body. A support cavity is formed above the support component to connect with the first ventilation channel. A liquid guide tube, the upper end of which is sealed and connected to the bottom of the carrier and surrounds the outer periphery of the drain hole, and the lower end of which extends toward the bottom wall of the container body and forms a water flow channel with the bottom wall of the container body. A second ventilation channel is formed on the container body that communicates with its inner cavity and can be connected or blocked. A pump assembly is disposed on the container cover and connected to the bearing cavity. When the first ventilation channel is blocked and the second ventilation channel is connected, the pump assembly pumps air into the bearing cavity so that the liquid in the container body enters the bearing cavity through the liquid guide tube. When the first ventilation channel is opened or the pump assembly delivers gas, the liquid falls back to the container body through the liquid guide pipe; A temperature control component is installed on the bottom wall of the container body to heat or cool the liquid inside the container body.

13. The multifunctional grain germination device according to claim 12, characterized in that, The carrier and the liquid guide tube are detachably disposed within the container body; When the carrier and the liquid guide tube are placed inside the container body, the multifunctional grain germination device is in the first working mode for grain germination or preservation. When the carrier and liquid guide tube are removed from the container body, the pump assembly stops working, the first ventilation channel is connected and the second ventilation channel is blocked, the multi-functional grain germination device is in the second working mode for cooking rice. When the liquid guide tube is removed from the container body, the pump assembly stops working, the first ventilation channel is connected and the second ventilation channel is blocked, the multifunctional grain germination device is in the second working mode for food steaming.

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