Steam cooking appliances

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of kitchen appliance technology, specifically relating to a steam cooking device. The invention aims to solve the technical problem of difficult-to-clean condensate buildup at the bottom of the inner pot in related technologies. The steam cooking device of this invention includes a shell, an inner pot disposed within the shell, and a water collection system. The water collection system includes a drain pipe and a water storage box. One end of the drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the inner pot, and the other end is connected to the water storage box. Through this arrangement, the drain pipe guides water and grease from the bottom of the inner pot to the water storage box, which stores the water and grease, thereby achieving the collection of water and grease from the bottom of the inner pot, preventing water and grease from accumulating at the bottom, saving time and effort, and improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of kitchen appliance technology, specifically to a steam cooking device. Background Technology

[0002] Steam, as a traditional food cooking medium, has been widely used in steam cooking appliances such as steam ovens and steam cookers.

[0003] In related technologies, a steam cooking device includes a shell, a water box disposed within the shell, a steam generator, and an inner pot. The water box is used to hold clean water and is connected to the steam generator. The clean water in the water box flows to the steam generator, which converts the liquid clean water into steam. The steam circulates to the inner pot to heat the food inside the inner pot.

[0004] However, during the heating process of food in a steam cooking appliance, some of the water vapor in the inner pot will condense on the inner wall of the inner pot, and the resulting condensate will accumulate at the bottom of the inner pot, making it difficult to clean. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, namely the difficulty in cleaning the condensate accumulated at the bottom of the inner pot, this invention provides a steam cooking device, comprising: a shell, an inner pot, and a water collection system, wherein the inner pot and the water collection system are disposed within the shell; the water collection system includes a drain pipe and a water storage box, one end of the drain pipe being connected to the bottom of the inner pot, and the other end of the drain pipe being connected to the water storage box.

[0006] In the preferred embodiment of the steam cooking device described above, the water collection system further includes an odor-isolating section, which is disposed between the drain pipe and the water storage box, and the flow direction of the fluid in the odor-isolating section is from the drain pipe to the water storage box.

[0007] In the preferred embodiment of the steam cooking device described above, the odor-isolating part has a chamber inside, and the top of the odor-isolating part has a water inlet and a water outlet. The water inlet and the water outlet are both connected to the chamber, and the water inlet is connected to the drain pipe, while the water outlet is connected to the water storage box.

[0008] In the preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned steam cooking device, the centerline of the water inlet and the centerline of the water outlet are both parallel to the horizontal plane, and the distance between the centerline of the water inlet and the horizontal plane is equal to or greater than the distance between the centerline of the water outlet and the horizontal plane.

[0009] In the preferred embodiment of the steam cooking device described above, the steam cooking device further includes a steam generator, which has a water chamber that is connected to the water storage box.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment of the steam cooking device described above, the drain pipe is connected to the housing via a fixing part.

[0011] In the preferred embodiment of the steam cooking device described above, the fixing part includes a fixing wire, which is wound around the outside of the drain pipe, and both ends of the fixing wire are connected to the housing.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment of the steam cooking device described above, the steam cooking device further includes a filter screen, and a drain outlet is provided at the bottom of the inner pot. The drain outlet is connected to the drain pipe, and the filter screen is disposed inside the drain outlet.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment of the steam cooking device described above, the steam cooking device further includes a wastewater collection device, and the water collection system further includes a water pump. The inlet of the water pump is connected to the water storage box, and the outlet of the water pump is connected to the wastewater collection device.

[0014] In the preferred embodiment of the steam cooking device described above, the wastewater collection device includes a wastewater box, which is detachably connected to the housing; the steam cooking device also includes an operating port, and the wastewater box is located near the operating port.

[0015] Those skilled in the art will understand that the steam cooking device provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a housing, an inner liner disposed within the housing, and a water collection system. The water collection system includes a drain pipe and a water storage box. One end of the drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the inner liner, and the other end is connected to the water storage box. Through this arrangement, the drain pipe guides water and grease from the bottom of the inner liner to the water storage box, which stores the water and grease, thereby achieving the collection of water and grease from the bottom of the inner liner. This saves time and effort, prevents water and grease from accumulating at the bottom of the inner liner, and improves the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The preferred embodiment of the steam cooking apparatus of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and the steam cooking apparatus itself. The drawings are as follows:

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the steam cooking device provided in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the steam cooking device provided in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Enlarged view of point P in the middle;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the steam cooking device provided in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 .

[0021] In the attached image:

[0022] 10. Shell;

[0023] 20. Inner liner;

[0024] 40. Steam generator;

[0025] 101. Fixing wire;

[0026] 102. Water container;

[0027] 103. Wastewater box;

[0028] 201. Groove;

[0029] 301. Drainage pipe;

[0030] 302. Water storage box;

[0031] 303. Odor-separating section;

[0032] 304. Chamber;

[0033] 305. Water inlet;

[0034] 306. Water outlet;

[0035] 307. Water pump;

[0036] 308. Filter screen. Detailed Implementation

[0037] First, those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely for explaining the technical principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0038] Secondly, it should be noted that in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, the terms "inner" and "outer", etc., which indicate the direction or positional relationship, are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0039] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" 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 of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] Steam cooking appliances include electric steamers and steam ovens. Electric steamers are high-tech kitchen appliances that use a steam generator to convert water into high-temperature steam for steam cooking food, featuring powerful pure steaming capabilities. They can quickly steam vegetables, rice, soup, and reheat food, and also have functions such as precise temperature control, nutrient locking, fat and salt reduction, and preservation of the original flavor and freshness of food.

[0042] A steam cooking device uses high-temperature steam as a medium to heat food. The steam cooking device includes a shell, an inner liner, a water tank, and a steam generator installed inside the shell. The inner liner contains a steaming tray for placing food to be steamed. The water tank is used to hold water. The water tank is connected to the steam generator through a pipe. The water in the water tank flows to the steam generator and is heated by the steam generator. The steam generator converts the liquid water into steam, which circulates back into the inner liner to heat the food inside.

[0043] However, during or after cooking, the temperature inside the inner pot of a steam cooking appliance is higher than the ambient temperature. Some of the steam condenses on the inner wall of the pot, producing condensate that drips down and collects at the bottom. Simultaneously, the food itself releases water and grease during cooking, which also drips and collects at the bottom. The water (including condensate and grease from the food) and grease at the bottom of the inner pot need to be cleaned separately by the user, and it is difficult and time-consuming to completely drain all the water and grease.

[0044] In addition, water and grease accumulating at the bottom of the inner liner for a long time can corrode the bottom of the inner liner and cause bacterial growth, resulting in an odor inside the inner liner and affecting the user experience.

[0045] This embodiment provides a steam cooking device that uses a water collection system inside the shell to collect water and grease from the bottom of the inner pot, thus preventing water and grease from accumulating at the bottom of the inner pot, saving time and effort, and improving the user experience.

[0046] The principles and features of the embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only used to explain the embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the steam cooking device provided in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ,like Figure 1 As shown, the steam cooking device provided in this embodiment of the invention includes a shell 10 and an inner liner 20 disposed within the shell 10. A steaming tray can be disposed within the inner liner 20 for placing food to be steamed.

[0048] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the steam cooking device provided in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ,like Figure 2 As shown, the steam cooking apparatus may also include a steam generator 40 and a water tank 102 (continue to refer to...). Figure 1 The water tank 102 and the steam generator 40 can be located above the inner tank 20. The water tank 102 is used to hold water and can be detachably connected to the housing 10.

[0049] For example, the housing 10 may be provided with multiple slots, and the water tank 102 may be provided with multiple inserts on the side facing the housing 10. Each insert is inserted into a corresponding slot to fix the water tank 102 to the housing 10. The water tank 102 is detachably connected to the housing 10, which makes it convenient for the user to add water to the water tank 102.

[0050] The water tank 102 and the steam generator 40 are connected by a pipe. The water in the water tank 102 flows to the steam generator 40 and is heated by the steam generator 40 to produce steam. Because the steam is at a high temperature, the steam circulates into the inner liner 20 to heat the food in the inner liner 20.

[0051] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The steam cooking device also includes a water collection system, which is located inside the housing 10. The water collection system includes a drain pipe 301 and a water storage box 302. The drain pipe 301 is located below the inner liner 20. A drain outlet can be provided at the bottom of the inner liner 20. One end of the drain pipe 301 is connected to the drain outlet, and the other end of the drain pipe 301 is connected to the water storage box 302. The drain pipe 301 guides the condensate at the bottom of the inner liner 20 to the water storage box 302, which is used to store the condensate.

[0052] The drain pipe 301 can be a straight pipe, and the center line of the drain pipe 301 is perpendicular to the center line of the drain outlet. The drain pipe 301 and the drain outlet can be connected by an "L" shaped pipe.

[0053] Of course, the drain pipe 301 can also be L-shaped. For example, the drain pipe 301 may include a first pipe section and a second pipe section. The center line of the first pipe section is parallel to the center line of the drain outlet, and the center line of the second pipe section is perpendicular to the center line of the drain outlet. The top end of the first pipe section is connected to the drain outlet, and the bottom end of the first pipe section is connected to one end of the second pipe section.

[0054] The drain outlet can be located in the center of the bottom of the inner tank 20. The projection of the drain outlet on the horizontal plane can be circular, square, etc. The condensate in the inner tank 20 flows from the drain outlet into the drain pipe 301.

[0055] Continue to refer to Figure 2 The steam cooking device may also include a filter screen 308, which is installed inside the drain outlet and is used to filter solid impurities mixed in with water and grease at the bottom of the inner pot 20.

[0056] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified diagram at point P in the middle; please refer to the diagram further. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The bottom of the inner liner 20 can be provided with a groove 201 that is recessed towards the drain pipe 301, and the drain outlet can be located at the bottom of the groove 201.

[0057] The condensate in the inner liner 20 first flows into the groove 201, where the groove 201 pre-collects the condensate in the inner liner 20, so that the condensate at the bottom of the inner liner 20 is concentrated in the groove 201, thereby improving the condensate drainage efficiency.

[0058] The groove wall of the groove 201 can be inclined relative to the horizontal plane, and the projection of the edge of the groove opening on the bottom of the groove 201 is outside the bottom of the groove, so that the condensate at the bottom of the inner liner 20 can easily flow to the bottom of the groove along the inclined groove wall.

[0059] The steam cooking device in this embodiment includes a housing 10, an inner pot 20 disposed within the housing 10, and a water collection system. The water collection system includes a drain pipe 301 and a water storage box 302. One end of the drain pipe 301 is connected to the bottom of the inner pot 20, and the other end of the drain pipe 301 is connected to the water storage box 302. Through this arrangement, the drain pipe 301 guides water and grease from the bottom of the inner pot 20 to the water storage box 302, which stores the water and grease. This achieves the collection of water and grease from the bottom of the inner pot 20, preventing water and grease from accumulating at the bottom of the inner pot 20, saving time and effort, and improving the user experience.

[0060] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the steam cooking device provided in the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 ,like Figure 4 As shown, the above-mentioned water collection system also includes an odor-blocking section 303, which is disposed between the drain pipe 301 and the water storage box 302. The flow direction of the fluid in the odor-blocking section 303 is from the drain pipe 301 to the water storage box 302.

[0061] Continue to refer to Figure 4 Specifically, the odor-isolating part 303 has a chamber 304 inside, and the top of the odor-isolating part 303 has a water inlet 305 and a water outlet 306. Both the water inlet 305 and the water outlet 306 are connected to the chamber 304, and the water inlet 305 is connected to the drain pipe 301, and the water outlet 306 is connected to the water storage box 302.

[0062] The condensate in the drain pipe 301 flows from the inlet 305 into the chamber 304. When the condensate does not fill the chamber 304, the condensate from the inlet 305 is stored in the chamber 304. When the condensate fills the chamber 304, the condensate in the chamber 304 flows from the outlet 306 into the water storage box 302, where the water storage box 302 stores the condensate.

[0063] After use, the odor-proof section 303 will store a certain amount of condensate. This condensate forms a water seal, which is used to prevent the odor in the water storage box 302 from backflowing into the inner liner 20, so as to avoid the odor in the inner liner 20 affecting the user experience.

[0064] Furthermore, the centerlines of the inlet 305 and the outlet 306 are parallel to the horizontal plane, and the distance between the centerline of the inlet 305 and the horizontal plane is greater than or equal to the distance between the centerline of the outlet 306 and the horizontal plane. In other words, the height of the inlet 305 is greater than or equal to the height of the outlet 306, so that the condensate in the drain pipe 301 can flow smoothly into the water storage box 302.

[0065] Alternatively, the odor-proof section 303 may also include a one-way valve. The inlet of the one-way valve is connected to the drain pipe 301, and the outlet of the one-way valve is connected to the water storage box 302. The one-way valve only allows condensate and gas to flow from the drain pipe 301 to the water storage box 302, but not from the water storage box 302 to the drain pipe 301, thereby preventing the odor in the water storage box 302 from flowing back into the inner tank 20, so as to avoid odor in the inner tank 20 and affect the user experience.

[0066] The steam generator 40 described above may have a water chamber, which is connected to the water storage box 302.

[0067] The water chamber is connected to the clean water box 102 via a pipe. The clean water in the clean water box 102 flows into the water chamber. The steam generator 40 heats the water in the water chamber, and the generated steam circulates to the inner liner 20 to heat the food in the inner liner 20.

[0068] The water chamber and the water storage box 302 can be connected by a pipe, and a first drain valve can be installed on the pipe. After the food in the inner liner 20 is heated, the first drain valve is opened to allow the remaining water in the water chamber to flow into the water storage box 302, so as to collect the remaining water in the water chamber and prevent the remaining water in the water chamber from staying in the water chamber for a long time and producing an odor.

[0069] In this embodiment, the water storage box 302 can collect the condensate at the bottom of the inner liner 20 and the residual water in the water cavity at the same time. This can prevent the condensate from accumulating at the bottom of the inner liner 20 and prevent the residual water in the water cavity from staying in the water cavity for a long time and producing an odor.

[0070] In some embodiments, the drain pipe 301 is connected to the housing 10 via a fixing part to fix the drain pipe 301 to the housing 10.

[0071] Continue to refer to Figures 1-4 Specifically, the fixing part includes a fixing wire 101, which is wound around the outside of the drain pipe 301, and both ends of the fixing wire 101 are connected to the housing 10.

[0072] The fixing wire 101 can be made of metal. The fixing wire 101 on the outside of the drain pipe 301 can be wound multiple times to make the fixing wire 101 more secure to the drain pipe 301.

[0073] The fixing wire 101 is detachably connected to the housing 10. For example, the housing 10 may be provided with two locking holes, the positions of which correspond to the two ends of the fixing wire 101. The two ends of the fixing wire 101 are respectively inserted into the two locking holes to fix the fixing wire 101 to the housing 10.

[0074] Multiple fixing wires 101 can be provided. Multiple fixing wires 101 are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the drain pipe 301. Multiple fixing wires 101 make the connection between the drain pipe 301 and the housing 10 more stable and make the drain pipe 301 less prone to shaking.

[0075] Of course, the fixing wire 101 and the housing 10 can also be integrally formed by injection molding, or the two ends of the fixing wire 101 and the housing 10 can be connected by welding.

[0076] Alternatively, the fixing part may also include a strap, and the housing 10 may be provided with two strap holes for the strap to pass through. The strap will tie the drain pipe 301 to the housing 10 to fix the drain pipe 301.

[0077] Multiple straps can be provided, and multiple straps are provided at intervals along the extension direction of the drain pipe 301. Multiple straps make the connection between the drain pipe 301 and the housing 10 more stable, and make the drain pipe 301 less prone to shaking.

[0078] In some embodiments, the steam cooking apparatus further includes a wastewater collection device, and the water collection system further includes a water pump 307 (continued to refer to) Figure 4 The inlet of the water pump 307 is connected to the water storage box 302, and the outlet of the water pump 307 is connected to the wastewater collection device.

[0079] The water pump 307 delivers water from the water storage box 302 to the wastewater collection device. The user then pours out the wastewater from the wastewater collection device to discharge the condensate at the bottom of the inner tank 20 and the residual water in the water chamber to the outside of the steam cooking device.

[0080] The drain outlet of the water pump 307 is connected to the wastewater collection device through a pipeline. A second drain valve can be installed on the pipeline, and a water level detection sensor can be installed inside the water storage box 302.

[0081] During the operation of the steam cooking device, when the water level detection sensor detects that the water in the water storage box 302 has reached a certain amount, the second drain valve opens and the water pump 307 also starts working. The water pump 307 transports the water in the water storage box 302 to the wastewater collection device until the water in the water storage box 302 is emptied. Then the water pump 307 stops working and the second drain valve closes.

[0082] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The aforementioned wastewater collection device may include a wastewater box 103, which may be installed inside the housing 10. The steam cooking device also includes an operating port, and the wastewater box 103 is located near the operating port.

[0083] The wastewater box 103 and the housing 10 can be detachably connected. For example, the housing 10 can be provided with multiple slots, and the wastewater box 103 can be provided with multiple inserts on the side facing the housing 10. Each insert is inserted into a corresponding slot to fix the wastewater box 103 to the housing 10.

[0084] The wastewater box 103 is detachably connected to the housing 10, which makes it convenient for users to handle the wastewater in the wastewater box 103.

[0085] Alternatively, the aforementioned wastewater collection device may also include a drain pipe, one end of which is connected to the drain outlet of the water pump, and the other end of which is connected to the sewer.

[0086] During the operation of the steam cooking device, when the water level detection sensor detects that the water in the water storage box 302 has reached a certain amount, the second drain valve opens and the water pump 307 also starts working. The water pump 307 transports the water in the water storage box 302 to the drain pipe. The end of the drain pipe is connected to the sewer to discharge the wastewater in the wastewater box 103 into the sewer. After the water in the water storage box 302 is emptied, the water pump 307 stops working and the second drain valve closes.

[0087] In some embodiments, the drain pipe 301, the odor-proof section, the water storage box 302, and the water pump 307 are all located below the inner liner 20, and the odor-proof section, the water storage box 302, and the water pump 307 are located at the end of the housing 10 away from the operation port, so as to reduce the space of the steam cooking device in the direction parallel to the operation port.

[0088] The aforementioned clean water box 102 and wastewater box 103 can be installed above the inner tank, and both the clean water box 102 and wastewater box 103 are located near the operation port, so that users can add clean water to the clean water box 102 and treat the wastewater in the wastewater box 103.

[0089] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steam cooking apparatus, characterized by, The steam cooking device comprises a shell, an inner container, a steam generator, a water collecting system and a waste water collecting device, wherein the inner container and the water collecting system are arranged in the shell. The water collecting system comprises a drain pipe, a water storage box, a smell isolating part and a water pump, one end of the drain pipe is communicated with the bottom of the inner container, the other end of the drain pipe is communicated with the water storage box through the smell isolating part. The smell isolating part is arranged between the drain pipe and the water storage box, the smell isolating part has a cavity in the inside, the smell isolating part has a water inlet and a water outlet on the top, the center line of the water inlet and the center line of the water outlet are both parallel to the horizontal plane, the distance between the center line of the water inlet and the horizontal plane is greater than the distance between the center line of the water outlet and the horizontal plane, the water inlet and the water outlet are both communicated with the cavity, the water inlet is communicated with the drain pipe, and the water outlet is communicated with the water storage box; the flow direction of the fluid in the smell isolating part is from the drain pipe to the water storage box. The water inlet of the water pump is communicated with the water storage box, the water outlet of the water pump is communicated with the waste water collecting device through a pipeline, a second drain valve is arranged on the pipeline, a water level detection sensor is arranged in the water storage box, and the second drain valve is configured to be opened when the water level detection sensor detects that the water in the water storage box reaches a preset amount. The steam generator has a water cavity, and the water cavity is communicated with the water storage box. The drain pipe is connected with the shell through a fixing part.

2. The steam cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that The fixing part comprises a fixing wire, the fixing wire is arranged on the outside of the drain pipe, and both ends of the fixing wire are connected with the shell.

3. The steam cooking apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that The steam cooking device further comprises a filter screen, the bottom of the inner container is provided with a drain outlet, the drain outlet is communicated with the drain pipe, and the filter screen is arranged in the drain outlet.

4. The steam cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that The waste water collecting device comprises a waste water box, the waste water box is detachably connected with the shell, the steam cooking device further comprises an operation port, and the waste water box is arranged close to the operation port.

5. The steam cooking apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, ​

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