Multifunctional kitchen utensils

Abstract

This utility model provides a multifunctional kitchen utensil for preparing drained rice, brown rice, or promoting brown rice germination. It includes a water storage pot, a draining / steaming component sealed within the water storage pot, a water conveying component, a pressure regulating component, a heating component, and a detection component disposed between the draining / steaming component and the water storage pot. A pressure regulating cavity is formed between the draining / steaming component, the water storage pot, and the water conveying component, and the pressure regulating component is connected to the pressure regulating cavity. The water storage pot is made of non-metallic material. The detection component includes a non-contact water level sensor with a sensing part that abuts against the outer peripheral wall of the water storage pot below the draining / steaming component. The non-contact water level sensor indirectly collects the water level in the water storage pot by detecting the dielectric constant between the sensing part and the water storage pot.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of kitchen appliances, and in particular to a multifunctional kitchen utensil. Background Technology

[0002] As people's demand for healthy eating increases, traditional white rice cooking methods can no longer meet all needs. Rice such as drained rice (which removes some starch through steaming and filtering, resulting in a lower glycemic index), brown rice, and sprouted brown rice rich in nutrients like GABA are increasingly favored by consumers. However, the preparation processes for these foods place higher demands on cooking equipment.

[0003] Taking sprouted brown rice as an example, its preparation process requires simulating the germination environment of brown rice under suitable temperature, humidity, and oxygen conditions. This process typically includes multiple cycles of "soaking-draining-warming for germination." Precise control of the water level is crucial: if the water level is too low, it cannot guarantee even soaking and the humidity required for germination, resulting in a low germination rate; if the water level is too high, the brown rice will rot due to lack of oxygen. Similarly, when preparing drained rice, the amount of water also needs to be precisely controlled to achieve starch extraction, ensuring the rice's texture and nutritional value.

[0004] Currently, most cooking appliances with water level detection functions on the market use a contact electrode detection solution. This solution typically involves creating mounting holes in the bottom or side wall of the pot, inserting metal electrodes into the water, and determining the water level by detecting the continuity between the electrodes or changes in resistance. However, this solution has several inherent drawbacks: First, the electrodes are in direct contact with water for extended periods, especially in starchy rice water or sprouting environments. Electrochemical reactions, oxidation, or scaling can easily occur on the electrode surface, affecting detection accuracy and lifespan, and potentially contaminating the water, which is detrimental to health. Second, in pressure cooking scenarios (such as high-pressure steaming), installing electrodes through holes in the pot can severely compromise the pot's seal. Even with complex sealing structures, the openings remain weak points for pressure leakage under long-term use and thermal cycling, posing safety hazards and increasing manufacturing complexity and cost. Utility Model Content

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

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a multifunctional kitchen utensil for preparing drained rice, brown rice, or promoting brown rice germination. It includes a water storage pot, a draining / steaming component sealed within the water storage pot, a water conveying component, a pressure regulating component, a heating component, and a detection component disposed between the draining / steaming component and the water storage pot. A pressure regulating cavity is formed between the draining / steaming component, the water storage pot, and the water conveying component, and the pressure regulating component is connected to the pressure regulating cavity. The water storage pot is made of non-metallic material, and the detection component includes a non-contact water level sensor. The non-contact water level sensor has a sensing part that abuts against the outer peripheral wall of the water storage pot below the draining / steaming component. The non-contact water level sensor indirectly collects the water level in the water storage pot by detecting the dielectric constant between the sensing part and the water storage pot.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multifunctional kitchen appliance also includes a shell, which covers the outside of the water storage pot and the non-contact water level sensor. The non-contact water level sensor is fixed to the outer peripheral wall of the water storage pot by adhesive or snap-fit. Alternatively, a non-contact water level sensor can be fixed to the housing, which presses the sensing element against the outer wall of the water tank.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heating element is disposed at the bottom of the water storage pot, and the multifunctional kitchen appliance also includes a base, the outer shell, the water storage pot and the heating element together form a module that can be removed and placed as a whole; the module can be detachably assembled on the base, and the heating element is electrically coupled to the circuit board assembly inside the base.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a gas supply pipe is provided between the water storage pot and the outer shell, which connects to the pressure regulating chamber inside the water storage pot. The gas supply pipe passes through the base and is connected to the pressure regulating component inside the base.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a mounting hole is provided on the base to communicate with its inner cavity. The air supply pipe and the wire of the non-contact water level sensor extend to the inner cavity of the base through the mounting hole, and the wire is electrically connected to the circuit board assembly inside the base.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the multifunctional kitchen appliance also includes a shell with an open side wall, a non-contact water level sensor fixed to the inner wall of the shell, the sensing part of which extends to or out of the inner wall surface of the shell, and a water storage pot inserted from the side opening of the shell, with the sensing part in close contact with the outer peripheral wall of the water storage pot.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer shell has a hollow accommodating cavity, in which the pressure regulating component, the heating component, and the circuit board assembly are all accommodated, and the water storage pot is provided with a handle for easy handling.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the evaporator is entirely housed inside a water storage pot.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the detection component further includes a temperature sensor, which abuts against the outer peripheral wall of the water storage pot to detect the water temperature inside the water storage pot, which is a ceramic pot or a glass pot.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper end of the water supply component is sealed and connected to or integrally formed on the bottom of the draining and steaming component, and both the water supply component and the draining and steaming component can be separately installed in the water storage pot; the multifunctional kitchen appliance is configured as one or more of the following: a rice cooker, an IH rice cooker, a brown rice cooker, a brown rice germinator, or a steamer.

[0016] In summary, this invention employs a non-contact water level sensor, with its sensing element mechanically coupled tightly to the outer wall of a non-metallic water storage pot. This design fundamentally eliminates the risk of leakage. Since detection occurs outside the pot, no openings are required, maintaining the integrity and sealing of the pot structure and ensuring its reliable resistance to internal pressure. Simultaneously, the non-contact detection avoids direct contact between the electrode and water, guaranteeing water purity and hygiene, making it particularly suitable for high-hygiene applications such as the preparation of sprouted brown rice. Furthermore, by detecting changes in dielectric constant, this solution enables continuous and accurate water level sensing, supporting refined control of the cooking process. Structurally, it eliminates complex processes such as opening holes, installing electrodes, and strengthening seals, simplifying the manufacturing process, improving production efficiency and yield, and reducing costs. Finally, this method is unaffected by changes in water quality, exhibits strong resistance to scaling and corrosion, ensuring long-term detection stability and extending the appliance's lifespan.

[0017] 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

[0018] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the multifunctional cooking appliance provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 2 As shown Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0020] Figure 3 As shown Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure after removing the outer shell.

[0021] Figure 4 As shown Figure 3 A cross-sectional view along line BB.

[0022] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the multifunctional cooking appliance provided in Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 6 As shown Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of the central water storage boiler.

[0024] Figure 7 As shown Figure 5 A cross-sectional schematic diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Example 1 like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, this embodiment provides a multifunctional kitchen utensil for preparing drained rice, brown rice, or promoting brown rice germination. It includes a water storage pot 1, a draining / steaming component 2 sealed within the water storage pot 1, a water supply component 3 positioned between the draining / steaming component 2 and the water storage pot 1, a pressure regulating component, a heating component 5, and a detection assembly. The draining / steaming component 2, the water storage pot 1, and the water supply component 3 form a pressure regulating cavity 100, and the pressure regulating component connects to the pressure regulating cavity 100. The water storage pot 1 is made of non-metallic material. The detection assembly includes a non-contact water level sensor 61, which has a sensing part 611 that abuts against the outer peripheral wall of the water storage pot 1 below the draining / steaming component 2. The non-contact water level sensor 61 indirectly collects the water level in the water storage pot 1 by detecting the dielectric constant of the water storage pot 1 at the location of the sensing part 611.

[0026] This embodiment uses a non-contact water level sensor 61 to detect the water level in the water storage pot 1. This design eliminates the need for any detection holes in the water storage pot 1, greatly simplifying the installation process and reducing installation costs. It also effectively avoids the air leakage problem in the pressure regulating chamber 100 caused by detection holes in the water storage pot 1. Correspondingly, the non-contact detection also ensures that the detection accuracy and lifespan of the sensing unit 611 are not affected by the liquid inside the water storage pot 1, exhibiting both high detection accuracy and good stability. More importantly, by detecting changes in the dielectric constant, the non-contact water level sensor 61 can not only output a switch signal for a fixed water level but also achieve continuous water level monitoring, supporting refined cooking processes (such as fine-tuning the water level during sprouting). In this embodiment, the non-contact water level sensor 61 is a capacitive water level sensor.

[0027] In this embodiment, the detection component further includes a temperature sensor 62, which abuts against the outer peripheral wall of the water storage pot 1 to detect the water temperature inside the water storage pot 1. In this embodiment, the water storage pot 1 is a glass pot. However, this invention does not limit it in any way. In other embodiments, the water storage pot may also be other non-metallic pots with excellent thermal conductivity, such as ceramic pots.

[0028] In this embodiment, the multifunctional kitchen appliance also includes a housing 7, which covers the exterior of the water storage pot 1 and the non-contact water level sensor 61. The non-contact water level sensor 61 is fixed to the outer peripheral wall of the water storage pot 1 by adhesive or snap-fit. Specifically, the sensing part 611 of the non-contact water level sensor 61 is adhered to the outer peripheral wall of the water storage pot 1 by a high dielectric constant coupling agent or a conductive film. The high dielectric constant coupling agent includes silicone grease, petrolatum, or uncured epoxy resin, and the conductive film is an ITO film with high conductivity. However, this invention does not limit this in any way. In other embodiments, the non-contact water level sensor can also be snapped or clamped to the outer peripheral wall of the water storage pot. In other embodiments, the non-sensing part area of ​​the non-contact water level sensor can also be fixed or embedded in the housing, so that when the housing covers the water storage pot, the sensing part is pressed against the outer peripheral wall of the water storage pot.

[0029] In this embodiment, the heating element 5 is disposed at the bottom of the water storage pot 1. The multifunctional kitchen appliance also includes a base 8. The outer shell 7, the water storage pot 1, and the heating element 5 together form a modular assembly that can be removed and placed as a whole. The module is detachably assembled to the base 8, and the heating element 5 is electrically coupled to a circuit board assembly (not shown) located inside the base 8. Specifically, the bottom of the heating element 5 has a coupling port, and the base 8 is correspondingly provided with a coupling socket. When the module is placed on the base 8, an electrical connection is formed between the two. The detachable module arrangement protects the non-contact water level sensor 61 to prevent it from detaching from the outer wall of the water storage pot 1, and also greatly facilitates the cleaning of the water storage pot 1.

[0030] In this embodiment, the multifunctional kitchen appliance, whether preparing drained rice or brown rice, or sprouting brown rice, requires water in the water storage pot 1 to flow between the water storage pot 1 and the draining and steaming unit 2 via the water conveying component 3. To achieve water intake and drainage, this embodiment uses a pressure regulating component to change the pressure within the pressure regulating chamber 100. When the pressure within the pressure regulating chamber 100 increases, water in the water storage pot 1 enters the water conveying component 3 through the water conveying gap 200 between the water conveying component 3 and the bottom wall of the water storage pot 1, and then enters the draining and steaming unit 2 to submerge the rice layer. When the pressure within the pressure regulating component decreases to atmospheric pressure, the water in the draining and steaming unit 2 falls back into the water storage pot 1 under gravity to achieve drainage. Specifically, a gas inlet 101 communicating with a pressure regulating chamber 100 is provided on the peripheral wall of the water storage pot 1. A gas inlet pipe 10 is provided between the water storage pot 1 and the outer shell 7. The upper end of the gas inlet pipe 10 is connected to the gas inlet 101 to communicate with the pressure regulating chamber 100, and the lower end of the gas inlet pipe 10 passes through the base 8 and is connected to the pressure regulating component inside the base. In this embodiment, the pressure regulating component includes an air pump 41 and an exhaust valve 42 respectively connected to the gas inlet pipe 10. However, this utility model does not impose any limitations on this. In other embodiments, the pressure regulating component may also be an air pump with gas supply and extraction functions.

[0031] Specifically, such as Figure 2As shown, the base 8 has a mounting hole 801 that connects to its internal cavity. The air supply pipe 10 and the wire 612 of the non-contact water level sensor 61 extend into the internal cavity of the base 8 through the mounting hole 801. The wire 612 is electrically connected to the circuit board assembly inside the base. The wiring based on the mounting hole 801 of the air supply pipe 10 greatly simplifies the installation of the non-contact water level sensor 61, isolating the weak electrical signal on the non-contact water level sensor 61 from the strong electrical signal on the heating element 5, thereby effectively avoiding interference from the strong electrical signal to the weak electrical signal and further improving the detection accuracy. However, this utility model does not impose any limitations on this.

[0032] In this embodiment, the steaming component 2 is a steaming pan that is entirely placed inside the water storage pot 1, and the upper edge of the steaming pan is sealed to the upper edge of the water storage pot 1 by a sealing ring. However, this utility model does not impose any limitations on this. In other embodiments, the steaming pan may also be placed above the water storage pot, and the bottom of the steaming pan may be connected to the upper edge of the water storage pot by a sealing ring. Alternatively, the steaming component may be a steaming rack that is detachably placed inside the water storage pot by a sealing ring.

[0033] In this embodiment, the upper end of the water supply component 3 is sealed and connected to the bottom area of ​​the outer periphery of the drainage and steaming component 2 of the multiple drainage holes 201. Both the water supply component 3 and the drainage and steaming component 4 can be detachably set in the water storage pot. This setting allows the multifunctional kitchen appliance provided in this embodiment to be configured as one or more of the following: a rice cooker, an IH rice cooker, a brown rice cooker, a brown rice germinator, and a steamer.

[0034] Specifically: 1. When the multi-functional kitchen appliance is a brown rice sprouter (or brown rice cooker), its usage method is as follows: Step S10, Preparation Stage: Add water to the water storage pot 1 until the water level reaches the upper limit sensing position set by the non-contact water level sensor 61, and the program prompts that the water level condition is met. Next, put in the water supply component 3 and the draining and steaming component 2 in sequence, and put the washed brown rice into the draining and steaming component 2.

[0035] Step S20, Soaking stage: Start the heating element 5 to heat the water in the water storage pot 1 to the soaking temperature T1 and 20℃≤T1≤40℃; turn on the air pump 41 in the pressure regulating element to increase the pressure in the pressure regulating chamber 100, and push the water at temperature T1 from bottom to top into the steaming element to soak the brown rice.

[0036] Step S30, Germination Stage: Open the vent valve 42 in the pressure regulating component to reduce the pressure in the pressure regulating chamber 100. The water in the draining component 2 falls back into the water storage pot 1, drains, and draws in external air from the pot lid 9. Activate the heating component 5 to heat the water in the water storage pot 1 to T1 and maintain the temperature. Repeat the oxygenation and water replenishment steps at the preset germination interval △t2 until the brown rice germinates.

[0037] The oxygenation and water replenishment steps include: the pressure regulating component supplies air to increase the pressure of the water storage tank 1 to push water at temperature T1 into the evaporator 2 and discharge some of the turbid air in the evaporator 2; after the water level in the evaporator reaches the soaking water level, the pressure of the water storage tank 1 is reduced to drain the water and introduce external air for oxygenation.

[0038] Throughout the germination stage, the non-contact water level sensor 61 and temperature sensor 62 monitor the water level and temperature in the water storage pot 1 in real time. Because brown rice germination takes a long time and the rice continuously absorbs water during soaking, the liquid level in the water storage pot 1 will gradually decrease. The non-contact water level sensor 61 continuously monitors the water level changes in real time. When the water level falls below the lower limit set by the non-contact water level sensor 61, the program will issue an alarm to prompt the user to add water, thus allowing the brown rice to continue germinating. This setting effectively prevents brown rice germination failure due to lack of water.

[0039] After the brown rice has sprouted, step S40 can be performed to heat and steam it to make it into a brown rice cooker.

[0040] Step S40, Steaming Stage: The heating element 5 is activated to heat the water in the water storage pot 1, generating steam to cook the brown rice. During steaming, the pressure regulating element can be activated again to add water. However, this invention does not limit this process. In other embodiments, the multifunctional cooking appliance provided in this embodiment can also be used solely as a brown rice germinator. In this case, the heating element's power can be lower, only needing to heat the water in the water storage pot to the germination temperature without generating steam.

[0041] 2. When the multi-functional kitchen appliance is used as a rice cooker, its usage is basically the same as that of a brown rice cooker. The difference is that the rice does not need to sprout for a long time, but it needs to go through at least two soaking steps, and the temperature of the second soaking step must be higher than that of the first soaking step. After soaking, the steaming stage will be carried out.

[0042] 3. When the multi-functional kitchen appliance is used as an IH rice cooker, remove the water supply component 3 and the steam drain component 2. At this time, the multi-functional cooking appliance becomes an IH rice cooker, which can not only cook rice but also cook porridge.

[0043] IV. When only the water supply component 3 is removed, while the steaming component 2 remains in the water storage pot 1, the multi-functional kitchen appliance can be used as a steamer.

[0044] Example 2 This embodiment is basically the same as Embodiment 1 and its variations, except that the structure of the housing 7 is different and the installation methods of the non-contact water level sensor 61 and temperature sensor 62 are different.

[0045] In this embodiment, the multifunctional kitchen appliance also includes a housing 7 with an open side wall. A non-contact water level sensor 61 is fixed to the inner wall of the housing 7, and its sensing part 611 extends to or beyond the inner wall surface of the housing 7. The water storage pot 1 is inserted from the side opening of the housing 7, and the sensing part 611 is in close contact with the outer peripheral wall of the water storage pot 1. Similarly, a temperature sensor 62 also penetrates the inner wall of the housing 7 to abut against the outer peripheral wall of the water storage pot 1.

[0046] In this embodiment, the outer casing 7 has a hollow accommodating cavity 701, a heating element 5, a pressure regulating element, and a circuit board assembly ( Figure 7 All (not shown) are housed in the accommodating cavity 701, and the water storage pot 1 is provided with a handle 102 for easy handling.

[0047] In this embodiment, the water supply component 3 and the steam draining component 2 are integrally formed and separately housed within the water storage pot 1. During use, the user can push the water storage pot 1, along with all its components and ingredients, into the open outer shell 7 by holding the handle 102. Because the water supply component 3 and the steam draining component 2 are integrally formed, compared to Embodiment 1, the multifunctional kitchen appliance provided in this embodiment cannot be used as a steamer.

[0048] In summary, this invention employs a non-contact water level sensor, with its sensing element mechanically coupled tightly to the outer wall of a non-metallic water storage pot. This design fundamentally eliminates the risk of leakage. Since detection occurs outside the pot, no openings are required, maintaining the integrity and sealing of the pot structure and ensuring its reliable resistance to internal pressure. Simultaneously, the non-contact detection avoids direct contact between the electrode and water, guaranteeing water purity and hygiene, making it particularly suitable for high-hygiene applications such as the preparation of sprouted brown rice. Furthermore, by detecting changes in dielectric constant, this solution enables continuous and accurate water level sensing, supporting refined control of the cooking process. Structurally, it eliminates complex processes such as opening holes, installing electrodes, and strengthening seals, simplifying the manufacturing process, improving production efficiency and yield, and reducing costs. Finally, this method is unaffected by changes in water quality, exhibits strong resistance to scaling and corrosion, ensuring long-term detection stability and extending the appliance's lifespan.

[0049] 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 kitchen utensil, characterized in that, Used for preparing drained rice, brown rice, or promoting brown rice germination; the multifunctional kitchen appliance includes a water storage pot, a draining and steaming component sealed in the water storage pot, a water conveying component, a pressure regulating component, a heating component, and a detection component disposed between the draining and steaming component and the water storage pot; the draining and steaming component, the water storage pot, and the water conveying component form a pressure regulating cavity, and the pressure regulating component is connected to the pressure regulating cavity; The water storage pot is made of non-metallic material, and the detection component includes a non-contact water level sensor. The non-contact water level sensor has a sensing part that abuts against the outer peripheral wall of the water storage pot below the evaporator. The non-contact water level sensor indirectly collects the water level in the water storage pot by detecting the dielectric constant between the sensing part and the water storage pot.

2. The multifunctional kitchen appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multifunctional kitchen appliance also includes a housing, which covers the outside of the water storage pot and the non-contact water level sensor. The non-contact water level sensor is fixed to the outer wall of the water storage pot by adhesive or snap-fit. Alternatively, the non-contact water level sensor is fixed to the housing, and the housing presses the sensing part tightly against the outer peripheral wall of the water storage pot.

3. The multifunctional kitchen appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heating element is located at the bottom of the water storage pot. The multifunctional kitchen appliance also includes a base, outer shell, water storage pot and heating element together form a module that can be removed and placed as a whole. The module can be detachably assembled onto the base, and the heating element is electrically coupled to the circuit board assembly inside the base.

4. The multifunctional kitchen appliance according to claim 3, characterized in that, A gas supply pipe is provided between the water storage pot and the outer shell, which connects to the pressure regulating chamber inside the water storage pot. The gas supply pipe passes through the base and is connected to the pressure regulating component inside the base.

5. The multifunctional kitchen appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that, The base has an assembly hole that connects to its inner cavity. The air supply pipe and the wires of the non-contact water level sensor extend through the assembly hole to the inner cavity of the base. The wires are electrically connected to the circuit board assembly inside the base.

6. The multifunctional kitchen appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multifunctional kitchen appliance also includes a shell with an open side wall, the non-contact water level sensor is fixed to the inner wall of the shell, and its sensing part extends to or out of the inner wall surface of the shell. The water storage pot is inserted from the side opening of the shell, and the sensing part is in close contact with the outer peripheral wall of the water storage pot.

7. The multifunctional kitchen appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer shell has a hollow accommodating cavity, in which the pressure regulating component, heating component, and circuit board assembly are all housed. The water storage pot is provided with a handle for easy handling.

8. The multifunctional kitchen appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that, The entire evaporator is housed within the water storage pot.

9. The multifunctional kitchen appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection component also includes a temperature sensor, which is abutted against the outer peripheral wall of the water storage pot to detect the water temperature inside the water storage pot, which is a ceramic pot or a glass pot.

10. The multifunctional kitchen appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper end of the water supply component is sealed and connected to or integrally formed on the bottom of the draining and steaming component. Both the water supply component and the draining and steaming component can be detachably installed in the water storage pot. The multifunctional kitchen appliance is configured as one or more of the following: a rice cooker, an IH rice cooker, a brown rice cooker, a brown rice germinator, or a steamer.

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