Food material cooking apparatus and water tank thereof

Abstract

A kind of food cooking equipment and water tank, the tank cover has the tank cover for closing water inlet, the tank cover has first cover part and second cover part. First cover part and second cover part can move together, so that first cover part and second cover part can jointly cover water inlet and open water inlet, the tank cover structure is simple, convenient to operate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to kitchen appliances, specifically to a water tank structure for a food cooking device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, there are many types of food heating and cooking equipment that achieve cooking by heating food, such as ovens, steam heating devices, microwave ovens, and steam-grill combination equipment.

[0003] Steam-heated cooking equipment typically includes a steam generator and a water tank. The water tank is connected to the steam generator and supplies water to it to generate steam. The water tank usually has a water-holding chamber and an inlet for filling the chamber. To prevent water from spilling out, the inlet is usually fitted with a cover. However, the existing cover opening and closing mechanisms are complex and require further optimization. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention mainly provides a water tank for a food cooking device and a food cooking device using such a water tank, so as to provide a new structure for the matching of the tank cover and the tank body.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of this application provides a food cooking device, comprising:

[0006] A cooking chamber having a cooking cavity for holding food ingredients;

[0007] A steam generator for heating food placed inside the cooking cavity;

[0008] And a water tank, which is connected to the steam generator and is used to supply water to the steam generator;

[0009] The water tank has a tank body and a tank cover. The tank body has a water inlet, and the tank cover is located at the water inlet to close the water inlet. The tank cover has a first sealing part and a second sealing part.

[0010] The lid has a closed position and an open position. When the lid is in the closed position, the first sealing part and the second sealing part together close the water inlet. The first sealing part and the second sealing part can move together so that when the lid is in the open position, the first sealing part and the second sealing part open the water inlet.

[0011] In one embodiment, the lid is rotatably connected to the box body, and the first sealing part and the second sealing part are arranged opposite each other with the rotation axis of the lid as the boundary;

[0012] When the lid is in the open position, the first sealing part extends into the tank from the water inlet, and the second sealing part extends outward from the water inlet to open the water inlet.

[0013] In one embodiment, when the lid is in the closed position, the size of the second cover portion is larger than the size of the first cover portion in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0014] In one embodiment, when the box cover is in the closed position, the uppermost edge of the peripheral sidewall of the box cover is lower than the uppermost edge of the sidewall of the water inlet, or the uppermost edge of the peripheral sidewall of the box cover is flush with the uppermost edge of the sidewall of the water inlet.

[0015] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the end of the first cap has an outwardly protruding first retaining plate, and the housing has a first abutting portion corresponding to the first retaining plate to prevent the first cap from rotating outside the water inlet.

[0016] In one embodiment, when the lid is in the closed position, the lid is at least partially located inside the water inlet, and at least a portion of the end of the second cover has an outwardly protruding second locking platform. The box body has a second blocking portion corresponding to the second locking platform to prevent the second cover from passing through the water inlet.

[0017] In one embodiment, the lid and the body are rotatably connected by a pivot, which is located between the side wall of the lid and the side wall of the water inlet.

[0018] In one embodiment, the rotating shaft protrusion is disposed on the side wall of the box cover, or the rotating shaft protrusion is disposed on the side wall of the water inlet.

[0019] In one embodiment, when the tank cover is in the closed position, the peripheral sidewall of the tank cover fits against the sidewall of the water inlet to form a seal.

[0020] In one embodiment, the outer surface of the cover is flush with or forms a smooth transition with the outer surface of the housing.

[0021] In one embodiment, the lid and the body are two separate components. One of the lid and the body is provided with at least one first magnetic attractor, and the other is provided with at least two second magnetic attractors located at different positions. At least one second magnetic attractor is used to magnetically attract and fix the lid to the first magnetic attractor when the lid is in the closed position, and at least one second magnetic attractor is used to magnetically attract and fix the lid to the first magnetic attractor when the lid is in the open position.

[0022] In one embodiment, the housing has a guide channel, and the housing cover is movably disposed within the guide channel to switch between closing and opening the water inlet.

[0023] In one embodiment, the water inlet is disposed through the bottom wall of the guide channel, and the tank cover can be translated or rotated on the bottom wall.

[0024] In one embodiment, the guide channel is recessed on the top wall of the housing, and the outer surface of the top wall serves as the bottom wall of the guide channel.

[0025] In one embodiment, the housing has an elongated structure, and the guide channel is a groove-shaped structure arranged along the length of the elongated structure.

[0026] In one embodiment, the second magnetic element is disposed on the box cover, the first cover portion is provided with at least one second magnetic element, the second cover portion is provided with at least one second magnetic element, and the distance between the second magnetic element on the first cover portion and the second magnetic element on the second cover portion is greater than the size of the water inlet in the direction of movement.

[0027] In one embodiment, at least one of the first magnetic attractor and the second magnetic attractor is a magnetic attractor, and the other is a magnetic attractor or a magnetically attracted component.

[0028] In one embodiment, a water tank base is also included, wherein the water tank is detachably mounted on the water tank base.

[0029] In one embodiment, the water tank base has a connector that communicates with the steam generator; the tank body is provided with a water outlet, and a water outlet valve is provided at the water outlet for closing the water outlet; when the water tank is installed on the water tank base, the connector communicates with the water outlet valve.

[0030] In one embodiment, the outlet valve includes a valve core for blocking the outlet and an elastic preload member, the elastic preload member acting on the valve core to keep the outlet valve closed; the connector has a push top for pushing the valve core to open the outlet.

[0031] In one embodiment, the tank has a water outlet channel, the water outlet is connected to the water outlet channel, the valve core is inserted into the water outlet channel, and when the water tank is installed on the water tank seat, the push top of the connector is inserted into the water outlet channel to push the valve core to open the water outlet, and the connector is sealed and connected to the water outlet channel.

[0032] In one embodiment, the water tank base has an installation groove with a surrounding wall forming an installation cavity with an open top. The connector is located at one end of the installation groove. The end of the tank body with the water outlet is a first end, and the end opposite to the first end is a second end. The bottom wall of the second end has a clearance area that retracts into the inner cavity of the tank body to facilitate the insertion of the tank body into the installation groove.

[0033] In one embodiment, the bottom wall of the avoidance area is higher than the bottom wall of the first end.

[0034] In one embodiment, the housing has an inwardly tapered step structure in its circumferential direction. After the housing is installed into the mounting cavity, the inwardly tapered step structure abuts against the wall of the mounting groove.

[0035] In one embodiment, the two opposite side walls of the box are provided with first handles to facilitate the user's disassembly and assembly of the box;

[0036] The lid is equipped with a second handle to facilitate user movement of the lid.

[0037] In one embodiment, a refrigeration component is further included, which is used to cool the cooking chamber to preserve the food; the water tank is disposed above the refrigeration component, and the water tank and the refrigeration component are arranged side by side with the cooking chamber.

[0038] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of this application provides a water tank for a food cooking device, comprising:

[0039] The housing has a water inlet;

[0040] The container includes a lid, which is located at the water inlet and rotatably connected to the container body. The lid is used to close the water inlet. The lid is divided into a first sealing part and a second sealing part, with the rotation axis of the lid as the boundary.

[0041] The lid has a closed position and an open position. When the lid is in the closed position, the first sealing part and the second sealing part together close the water inlet. When the lid is in the open position, the first sealing part extends into the body of the container from the water inlet, and the second sealing part extends outward from the water inlet to open the water inlet.

[0042] In one embodiment, when the lid is in the closed position, the size of the second cover portion is larger than the size of the first cover portion in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0043] In one embodiment, when the box cover is in the closed position, the uppermost edge of the peripheral sidewall of the box cover is lower than the uppermost edge of the sidewall of the water inlet, or the uppermost edge of the peripheral sidewall of the box cover is flush with the uppermost edge of the sidewall of the water inlet.

[0044] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the end of the first cap has an outwardly protruding first retaining plate, and the housing has a first abutting portion corresponding to the first retaining plate to prevent the first cap from rotating outside the water inlet.

[0045] In one embodiment, when the lid is in the closed position, the lid is at least partially located inside the water inlet, and at least a portion of the end of the second cover has an outwardly protruding second locking platform. The box body has a second blocking portion corresponding to the second locking platform to prevent the second cover from passing through the water inlet.

[0046] In one embodiment, the lid and the body are rotatably connected by a pivot, which is located between the side wall of the lid and the side wall of the water inlet.

[0047] In one embodiment, the rotating shaft protrusion is disposed on the side wall of the box cover, or the rotating shaft protrusion is disposed on the side wall of the water inlet.

[0048] In one embodiment, when the tank cover is in the closed position, the peripheral sidewall of the tank cover fits against the sidewall of the water inlet to form a seal.

[0049] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of this application provides a water tank comprising:

[0050] The housing has a water inlet;

[0051] The container includes a lid and a body. One of the lid and the body is provided with at least one first magnetic attraction element, and the other is provided with at least two second magnetic attraction elements located at different positions. At least one second magnetic attraction element is used to magnetically attract and fix with the first magnetic attraction element when the lid closes the water inlet, and at least one second magnetic attraction element is used to magnetically attract and fix with the first magnetic attraction element when the lid opens the water inlet.

[0052] In one embodiment, the housing has a guide channel, and the housing cover is movably disposed within the guide channel to switch between closing and opening the water inlet.

[0053] In one embodiment, the water inlet is disposed through the bottom wall of the guide channel, and the tank cover can be translated or rotated on the bottom wall.

[0054] In one embodiment, the guide channel is recessed on the top wall of the housing, and the outer surface of the top wall serves as the bottom wall of the guide channel.

[0055] In one embodiment, the housing has an elongated structure, and the guide channel is a groove-shaped structure arranged along the length of the elongated structure.

[0056] In one embodiment, the second magnetic element is disposed on the box cover, and at least two second magnetic elements are arranged back and forth along the movement direction of the box cover relative to the box body, and the distance between the at least two second magnetic elements is greater than the size of the water inlet in the movement direction.

[0057] In one embodiment of the water tank described in any of the above, the end of the tank body with the water outlet is a first end, and the end opposite to the first end is a second end. The bottom wall of the second end has a relief area that retracts into the inner cavity of the tank body so that the tank body can be inserted into the mounting groove.

[0058] In one embodiment, the bottom wall of the avoidance area is higher than the bottom wall of the first end.

[0059] In one embodiment, the housing has an inwardly tapered step structure in its circumference, the inwardly tapered step structure being used to abut against the groove wall of the water tank base after the housing is installed onto the water tank base.

[0060] In one embodiment, the two opposite side walls of the box are provided with first handles to facilitate the user's disassembly and assembly of the box;

[0061] The lid is equipped with a second handle to facilitate user movement of the lid.

[0062] According to the food cooking equipment and water tank shown in the above embodiments, the tank cover has a cover for closing the water inlet, and the tank cover has a first sealing part and a second sealing part. The first sealing part and the second sealing part can move together so that the first sealing part and the second sealing part can jointly seal the water inlet and open the water inlet. The tank cover has a simple structure and is easy to operate.

[0063] In particular, in some embodiments, the lid is rotatably connected to the body. When the lid is in the closed position, the first and second sealing parts together close the water inlet. When the lid is in the open position, the first sealing part extends into the body from the water inlet, and the second sealing part extends outward from the water inlet to open it. When the user needs to open the water inlet, they only need to press the first sealing part, which is convenient to operate and has a simple structure.

[0064] In particular, in some embodiments, the lid and the body are two separate components, with one of the lid and the body having at least one first magnetic attractor and the other having at least two second magnetic attractors located at different positions. At least one second magnetic attractor can be magnetically secured to the first magnetic attractor when the lid closes the water inlet, and at least one second magnetic attractor can be magnetically secured to the first magnetic attractor when the lid opens the water inlet. This separate design of the lid and body allows the user to easily move the lid while the lid and body can be quickly secured together magnetically, thus achieving the purpose of opening and closing the water inlet. The structure is simple and easy to operate. Attached Figure Description

[0065] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a food cooking device in one embodiment of this application. At this time, the door of the device is in the open state.

[0066] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the refrigeration component and the steam generator in one embodiment of this application;

[0067] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the box lid in the open position in one embodiment of this application;

[0068] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the lid is in the closed position in one embodiment of this application;

[0069] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the axis of rotation of the box cover in one embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 6 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the tank cover portion in a vertical cross-section when the water tank is arranged horizontally in one embodiment of this application.

[0071] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a vertical cross-section of the water tank in one embodiment of this application;

[0072] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the box cover in one embodiment of this application;

[0073] Figure 9 This is a structural schematic diagram of the bottom of the box cover in another embodiment of this application;

[0074] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second blocking part on the box in another embodiment of this application;

[0075] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the box lid in the open position in one embodiment of this application;

[0076] Figure 12This is a schematic diagram of the structure when the lid is in the closed position in one embodiment of this application;

[0077] Figure 13 for Figure 12 A vertical cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown;

[0078] Figure 14 for Figure 11 and 12 Exploded view of the embodiment shown;

[0079] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water outlet valve and the connector in one embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0080] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by associated similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of this application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to this application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of this application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0081] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can be rearranged or adjusted in a manner obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the specification and drawings are only for the clear description of a particular embodiment and do not imply a necessary order, unless otherwise stated that a particular order must be followed.

[0082] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0083] This application provides a food cooking device that can cook food by steam heating, such as an electric steamer or a steam oven.

[0084] Please refer to Figure 1 and 2In some embodiments, the food cooking device 1 includes a cooking chamber 100, a steam generator 200, a water tank 300, and other related structures.

[0085] The cooking chamber 100 has a cooking cavity 110 for placing food ingredients, which serves as the space for cooking and processing the ingredients. The cooking chamber 100 typically has a food loading / unloading opening 120, which is correspondingly equipped with a door 400, allowing the opening to be opened and closed. Figure 1 As shown, the door 400 is open at this time, which makes it convenient for users to put in and take out ingredients.

[0086] The steam generator 200 is used to heat the food placed in the cooking chamber 110 by generating high-temperature steam. This steam is then directed into the cooking chamber 110, cooking the food. Typically, the cooking chamber 100 and the steam generator 200 can be housed within the same housing 500. However, in other embodiments, the cooking chamber 100 and the steam generator 200 can be housed in different housings, forming two relatively independent modules fixedly connected together. Please refer to... Figure 1 and 2 In some embodiments, the side of the cooking chamber 100 where the food loading / unloading port 120 is located is the front side, and the side opposite to the food loading / unloading port 120 is the rear sidewall 130, and the steam generator 200 is disposed on the rear sidewall 130 of the cooking chamber 100. Of course, in other embodiments, the steam generator 200 may also be disposed on other sidewalls of the cooking chamber 100.

[0087] The water tank 300 is connected to the steam generator 200, for example, through a pipe, adapter or direct connection. The water tank 300 is used to supply water to the steam generator 200, which converts the water obtained from the water tank 300 into steam.

[0088] Please refer to Figure 3-13 In some embodiments, the water tank 300 has a tank body 310 and a tank cover 320. The tank body 310 has a water inlet 311 for the user to add liquid into the tank body 310. The tank cover 320 is located at the water inlet 311 and is used to close the water inlet 311 to prevent liquid from leaking or splashing out from the water inlet 311.

[0089] The cover 320 is a separable structure from the tank body 310, either movably or detachably connected. Its purpose is to allow the user to open the water inlet 311 by moving or removing the cover 320 when it is closed. Further details can be found in the following references. Figure 3-13In some embodiments, the lid 320 has a first sealing portion 321 and a second sealing portion 322 disposed opposite to each other. Of course, in some embodiments, the lid 320 may also have other structures besides the first sealing portion 321 and the second sealing portion 322 to achieve the corresponding functions.

[0090] The lid 320 has a closed position and an open position. When the lid 320 is in the closed position, the first sealing part 321 and the second sealing part 322 together close the water inlet 311, that is, the orthographic projection of the first sealing part 321 and the second sealing part 322 on the horizontal plane at least partially falls within the orthographic projection range of the water inlet 311 on the horizontal plane. At the same time, the first sealing part 321 and the second sealing part 322 are integrally formed or form a linked structure, and the two can move together so that when the lid 320 is in the open position, the first sealing part 321 and the second sealing part 322 can open the water inlet 311. The opening of the water inlet 311 by the first sealing part 321 and the second sealing part 322 includes at least exposing a part of the water inlet 311, so that the water inlet 311 can communicate with the outside.

[0091] Further, please refer to Figure 3-7 In some embodiments, the lid 320 is rotatably connected to the box body 310. The first sealing portion 321 and the second sealing portion 322 are arranged opposite each other with the rotation axis c of the lid 320 as the boundary. For this embodiment, please refer to... Figure 3 and 7 When the lid 320 is in the open position, the first sealing part 321 extends into the body 310 from the water inlet 311, and the second sealing part 322 extends outward from the water inlet 311 to open the water inlet 311. In these embodiments, when the user needs to open the water inlet 311, they only need to press the first sealing part 321, which is convenient and simple in structure. In some other flip-top lid 320 structures, the body 310 and / or lid 320 need to have recessed or raised handle positions so that the user can open the lid 320 more easily. However, these handle positions are prone to water accumulation, forming scale, which is difficult to clean and can easily contaminate food during the cooking process. In contrast, in this embodiment, only the first sealing part 321 needs to be pressed. Therefore, there is no need to reserve a handle on the box body 310 and / or the box cover 320, which can reduce the cleaning dead corners of the box body 310 and / or the box cover 320 and the accumulation of wastewater, making it easier to clean.

[0092] In some embodiments, the water tank 300 is arranged horizontally, and the water inlet 311 is located on the top wall of the tank body 310. Therefore, when the tank cover 320 is in the closed position, the tank cover 320 is also arranged horizontally. Please refer to... Figure 3 , 89. When the lid 320 is in the closed position, in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the rotation axis c, the dimension a2 of the second sealing portion 322 is larger than the dimension a1 of the first sealing portion 321. Please refer to... Figure 3 This dimensional relationship ensures that when the user presses the first cover 321, the water inlet 311 has a larger opening space, making it easier for the user to add water into the tank 310 through the water inlet 311.

[0093] Of course, in some other embodiments, when the lid 320 is in the closed position, the size a2 of the second cover portion 322 may be equal to or smaller than the size a1 of the first cover portion 321 in the horizontal direction perpendicular to the rotation axis c.

[0094] Further, please refer to Figure 6 In some embodiments, when the lid 320 is in the closed position, the uppermost edge of the peripheral sidewall of the lid 320 is flush with the uppermost edge of the sidewall of the water inlet 311. Of course, "flush" here refers to approximate flushness. Due to manufacturing errors, assembly errors, and other factors, it is difficult to achieve perfect flushness between the uppermost edge of the peripheral sidewall of the lid 320 and the uppermost edge of the sidewall of the water inlet 311. Therefore, a certain range of vertical error is also included in the flushing described in this embodiment. When the lid 320 is flush with the uppermost edge of the water inlet 311, a step structure will not be formed at the connection between the lid 320 and the body 310, thus preventing water accumulation and further avoiding wastewater buildup. Of course, in other embodiments, the uppermost edge of the peripheral sidewall of the lid 320 may also be lower than the uppermost edge of the sidewall of the water inlet 311 to prevent the lid 320 from protruding beyond the water inlet 311.

[0095] Further, please refer to Figure 6-8 In some embodiments, at least a portion of the end of the first cover portion 321 has an outwardly protruding first latch 3211, and the housing 310 has a first abutment portion 3121 corresponding to the first latch 3211. The first abutment portion 3121 is disposed on the inner wall of the housing 310, located on the movement path of the first latch 3211, thereby engaging with the first latch 3211. Please refer to... Figure 6 When the first cap 321 rotates upward, due to the presence of the first stop 3121, when the first locking plate 3211 comes into contact with the first stop 3121, it can prevent the first cap 321 from continuing to rotate outside the water inlet 311, so as to prevent the user from using too much force when closing the water inlet 311 and causing the first cap 321 to lift out of the water inlet 311.

[0096] Further, please refer to Figure 6-8In some embodiments, the first locking platform 3211 is one or more stepped structures located at the end of the first abutment 3121. The first abutment 3121 is a stepped structure provided on the housing 310 around the water inlet 311. The first locking platform 3211 and the first abutment 3121 engage with each other.

[0097] Further, please refer to Figure 6-8 In some embodiments, the first retaining plate 3211 surrounds at least three sides of the first cover portion 321, and the first abutment portion 3121 is provided corresponding to the first cover portion 321. Besides preventing the first cover portion 321 from rotating outward, the first abutment portion 3121 and the first retaining plate 3211 can also form a sealing structure, thereby further preventing water leakage from the water inlet 311.

[0098] In other embodiments, the first card holder 3211 may also be one or more separately arranged protrusions. The first abutment 3121 may also be designed with other structures.

[0099] Furthermore, to prevent the first cap portion 321 from rotating outside the water inlet 311, in some embodiments, a limiting structure may be provided on the second cap portion 322. Please refer to... Figure 9 and 10 In some embodiments, when the lid 320 is in the closed position, the lid 320 is at least partially located inside the water inlet 311, and the end portion of the second cover 322 has at least a portion of an outwardly protruding second locking platform 3221. The box body 310 has a second blocking portion 3122 corresponding to the second locking platform 3221 to prevent the second cover 322 from passing through the water inlet 311.

[0100] The second card holder 3221 may have the same, similar, or different structure as the first card holder 3211. Please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 9 and 10 In some embodiments, the second retaining platform 3221 is one or more stepped structures located at the end of the second abutment 3122. The second abutment 3122 is a stepped structure on the housing 310 surrounding the water inlet 311. The second retaining platform 3221 and the second abutment 3122 engage with each other. In other embodiments, the second retaining platform 3221 may also be one or more separately provided protrusions. The second abutment 3122 may also be designed with other structures.

[0101] Furthermore, the lid 320 and the body 310 are rotatably connected via a pivot, as detailed below. Figure 5 and 8In some embodiments, the pivot 323 may be located between the side wall of the cover 320 and the side wall of the water inlet 311, thereby ensuring that the axis of rotation c between the cover 320 and the body 310 is located on the side wall of the cover 320 and the side wall of the water inlet 311, thus allowing the cover 320 to rotate more effectively within the water inlet 311. In other embodiments, the pivot 323 may also be located on the outside or inside of the water inlet 311, that is, the position of the pivot 323 is higher or lower than the water inlet 311.

[0102] Further, please refer to Figure 5 and 8 In some embodiments, the rotating shaft 323 protrudes from the side wall of the cover 320, for example, it may be integrally formed with the cover 320, or it may be fixedly or movably connected. In other embodiments, the rotating shaft 323 may also protrude from the side wall of the water inlet 311, for example, it may be integrally formed with the side wall of the water inlet 311, or it may be fixedly or movably connected.

[0103] Further, please refer to Figure 6 In some embodiments, when the cover 320 is in the closed position, the peripheral sidewall of the cover 320 and the sidewall of the water inlet 311 are in contact with each other to achieve a better sealing effect. Of course, the contact mentioned here refers to a general contact. Due to manufacturing errors, assembly errors, and other factors, it is difficult to achieve a complete contact between the peripheral sidewall of the cover 320 and the sidewall of the water inlet 311. Therefore, this embodiment considers even a small gap as a contact, in order to avoid excessive liquid leakage.

[0104] Further, please refer to Figure 6 In some embodiments, the outer surface of the lid 320 is flush with or forms a smooth transition with the outer surface of the box body 310, thereby enabling the outer surface of the lid 320 and the outer surface of the box body 310 to form an integral structure, further preventing liquid accumulation. In other embodiments, when the outer surface of the lid 320 forms a smooth transition with the outer surface of the box body 310, the outer surface of the lid 320 may also protrude from the outer surface of the box body 310.

[0105] On the other hand, in some embodiments of this application, another solution for closing the water inlet 311 is provided, namely, using a magnet to close and open the water inlet 311.

[0106] Please refer to Figure 11-13In some embodiments, the lid 320 and the body 310 are two separate components. One of the lid 320 and the body 310 is provided with at least one first magnetic attractor 313, and the other is provided with at least two second magnetic attractors 324 located at different positions. At least one second magnetic attractor 324 is used to magnetically attract and fix the lid 320 to the first magnetic attractor 313 when the lid 320 is in the closed position, and at least one second magnetic attractor 324 is used to magnetically attract and fix the lid 320 to the first magnetic attractor 313 when the lid 320 is in the open position. In these embodiments, the first magnetic attractor 313 achieves the fixation of the lid 320 in the open and closed positions by magnetically attracting the second magnetic attractors 324 at different positions.

[0107] In this configuration, at least one of the first magnetic attractor 313 and the second magnetic attractor 324 is a magnetic attractor, and the other is either a magnetic attractor or a magnetically attracted component. The magnetic attractor can actively attract other magnetically attracted components, such as magnets or electromagnets. The magnetically attracted component is made of a material that can be attracted by the magnetic attractor, such as a metal.

[0108] In some embodiments, the lid 320 is movable relative to the box body 310, and the manner of movement is not limited, as long as the lid 320 can open and close the water inlet 311. In other embodiments, the user can also open and close the water inlet 311 by removing and installing the lid 320.

[0109] Further, please refer to Figure 11-13 In some embodiments, the second magnetic member 324 is disposed on the lid 320, and the first magnetic member 313 is disposed on the body 310. In other embodiments, the second magnetic member 324 may also be disposed on the body 310, while the first magnetic member 313 may be disposed on the lid 320.

[0110] Further, please refer to Figure 11-13 In some embodiments, the housing 310 has a guide channel 314, and the housing cover 320 is movably disposed within the guide channel 314 to switch between closing and opening the water inlet 311. The guide channel 314 can limit the movement of the housing cover 320, allowing the housing cover 320 to move in the direction defined by the guide channel 314. The guide channel 314 limits the movement direction of the housing cover 320 to a certain extent, facilitating user operation and making it easier for the user to drive the housing cover 320 to move and switch between the open and closed positions.

[0111] In some embodiments, the movement of the lid 320 relative to the housing 310 can be translation or rotation. Please refer to... Figure 11-13In some embodiments, the water inlet 311 is disposed through the bottom wall of the guide channel 314, and the tank cover 320 moves or rotates on the bottom wall. The movement of translation and rotation makes it more convenient for users to operate. Under the guidance and limitation of the guide channel 314, users do not need to actively control the movement direction of the tank cover 320, but only need to operate the tank cover 320 to move or rotate.

[0112] Further, please refer to Figure 11-13 In some embodiments, the guide channel 314 is recessed in the top wall of the housing 310, and the outer surface of the top wall serves as the bottom wall of the guide channel 314. Alternatively, the guide channel 314 can be arranged in other ways on the housing 310. The upper end of the guide channel 314 is open for easy user operation.

[0113] Further, please refer to Figure 11-13 In some embodiments, the housing 310 has an elongated structure, and the guide channel 314 is a groove-shaped structure arranged along the length of the elongated structure. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the housing 310 may also be of other shapes and is not limited to the elongated structure shown in the figure. The shape of the housing 310 can be flexibly designed according to its position on the food cooking device 1 and the space it occupies.

[0114] Further, please refer to Figure 11-13 In some embodiments, the second magnetic member 324 is disposed on the cover 320, and at least two second magnetic members 324 are arranged back and forth along the movement direction of the cover 320 relative to the box body 310, and the distance between the at least two second magnetic members 324 is greater than the size of the water inlet 311 in the movement direction, so as to ensure that when the cover 320 moves from the open position to the closed position, the first magnetic member 313 can be magnetically fixed with the corresponding second magnetic member 324.

[0115] Further, please refer to Figure 11-13 In some embodiments, the lid 320 is divided into a first sealing portion 321 and a second sealing portion 322 by a centerline d perpendicular to its direction of movement. Of course, in other embodiments, other lines can be used as boundaries for division. For example, the dimension of the first sealing portion 321 in the direction of movement of the lid 320 may be greater than, equal to or less than the dimension of the second sealing portion 322 in the direction of movement of the lid 320.

[0116] The first capping part 321 is provided with at least one second magnetic member 324, and the second capping part 322 is provided with at least one second magnetic member 324. The distance between the second magnetic member 324 on the first capping part 321 and the second magnetic member 324 on the second capping part 322 is greater than the size of the water inlet 311 in the direction of movement.

[0117] Furthermore, the water tank 300 can be fixedly installed in the food cooking equipment 1 in a non-removable manner, that is, during use, the water tank 300 is basically not disassembled, and the user directly adds liquid through the water inlet 311 on the water tank 300. In other embodiments, the water tank 300 is installed in the food cooking equipment 1 in a removable manner, in which case the user can quickly remove the water tank 300 to add water or perform other operations.

[0118] Please refer to Figure 13-14 In some embodiments, a water tank base 600 is also included, on which the water tank 300 is detachably mounted. The detachable mounting method may include, but is not limited to, snap-fit, screw-fit, or detachable adhesive.

[0119] In some embodiments, the water tank base 600, in addition to mounting the water tank 300, can also serve as a transition structure between the water tank 300 and the steam generator 200. Please refer to... Figure 13-15 In some embodiments, the water tank base 600 has a connector 610 that communicates with the steam generator 200. The water tank base 600 can be a fixed structure, meaning that when the water tank 300 is disassembled, the water tank base 600 remains stationary. Therefore, the connector 610 and the steam generator 200 are always connected. Each time the water tank 300 is installed, simply connecting the water tank 300 to the water tank base 600 completes the connection between the water tank 300 and the steam generator 200.

[0120] Please refer to Figure 13-15 In some embodiments, the tank 310 is provided with a water outlet 315, and a water outlet valve 316 is provided at the water outlet 315 for closing the water outlet 315. When the water tank 300 is not connected to the water tank base 600, the water outlet valve 316 remains closed, which prevents water from leaking out of the water outlet 315. When the water tank 300 is installed on the water tank base 600, the connector 610 is connected to the water outlet valve 316. When the water tank 300 is installed on the water tank base 600, the connector 610 can directly or indirectly act on the water outlet valve 316, thereby switching the water outlet valve 316 from a closed state to a conducting state to open the water outlet 315.

[0121] Please refer to Figure 13-15 In some embodiments, the outlet valve 316 includes a valve core 3161 for blocking the outlet 315 and an elastic preload member 3162. The elastic preload member 3162 acts on the valve core 3161 to keep the outlet valve 316 closed at the outlet 315. The valve core 3161 has a sealing portion 3163. The elastic preload member 3162 is disposed between the valve core 3161 and the housing 310, and the sealing portion 3163 seals the outlet 315 under the pulling or pushing force of the elastic preload member 3162. The elastic preload member 3162 can be a spring, a sheet spring, or other elastic element.

[0122] The connector 610 has a pusher 611 for actuating the valve core 3161 to open the outlet 315. When the water tank 300 is installed onto the water tank seat 600, the pusher 611 can press against the valve core 3161 and push it towards the position where the inlet 311 is open, for example, in… Figure 13 In the embodiment shown, when the water tank 300 is installed on the water tank seat 600, the push top 611 pushes the valve core 3161 to move into the tank body 310. The valve core 3161 may have a channel communicating with the water outlet 315, thereby opening the water outlet 315.

[0123] Further, please refer to Figure 13-15 In some embodiments, the housing 310 has a water outlet channel 317, and the water outlet 315 communicates with the water outlet channel 317. The valve core 3161 is inserted into the water outlet channel 317. When the water tank 300 is installed on the water tank seat 600, the pusher 611 of the connector 610 is inserted into the water outlet channel 317 to push the valve core 3161 to open the water outlet 315, and the connector 610 and the water outlet channel 317 are sealed together. To achieve a seal with the water outlet channel 317, Figure 13-15 In the embodiment shown, the peripheral side of the connector 610 is provided with a sealing ring 620 or other sealing structure, and the sealing ring 620 is sealed and fitted to the inner wall of the water outlet channel 317.

[0124] Further, please refer to Figure 13-14 In some embodiments, the water tank base 600 has a mounting groove 620 with a surrounding wall 621 forming a mounting cavity with an open top. A connector 610 is located at one end of the mounting groove 620. The end of the tank body 310 with a water outlet 315 is designated as the first end 3181, and the end opposite the first end 3181 is designated as the second end 3182. When the tank body 310 and the connector 610 are inserted into each other, the mounting groove 620 interferes with the second end 3182 of the tank body 310. Therefore, the bottom wall of the second end 3182 has a recessed area 3183 that retracts into the inner cavity of the tank body 310, facilitating the insertion of the tank body 310 into the mounting groove 620 and allowing for easier insertion of the connector 610 on the tank body 310 and the water tank base 600. The design of the mounting slot 620 allows the water tank 300 to be installed in the water tank base 600, so that the water tank base 600 can cover the bottom of the water tank 300 and position the water tank 300. At the same time, with the insertion and cooperation of the connector 610 and the tank body 310, the water tank 300 can be fixed without the need for a separate fixing structure, which simplifies the structure of the water tank 300 and the water tank base 600.

[0125] Please refer to the following: Figure 7 and 13 In some embodiments, the bottom wall of the avoidance area 3183 is higher than the bottom wall of the first end 3181. Figure 7 and13 In the illustrated embodiment, the avoidance area 3183 forms a height difference, and an inclined transition is formed between the height differences.

[0126] In some embodiments, the water inlet 311 is located at the second end 3182 of the tank 310, and at least a portion of the avoidance area 3183 slopes downward from the second end 3182 of the tank 310 toward its first end 3181. In addition to achieving the avoidance function, this angle also helps the water to flow to the outlet 315 at the first end 3181, so as to avoid the water from settling inside the tank 310.

[0127] Of course, in other embodiments, the water tank 300 can also be directly inserted into the water tank base 600 in the direction directly opposite the connector 610. In this case, the structure of the water tank base 600 used to cooperate with the water tank 300 can be a plane or the movement trajectory of the water tank 300 can be a straight line. In this case, the water tank 300 can be fixed by simply using the insertion and cooperation between the tank body 310 and the connector 610. Alternatively, a fixing structure can be provided on the water tank base 600 to fix the water tank 300.

[0128] Further, please refer to Figure 13 and 14 In some embodiments, the housing 310 has an inwardly recessed step structure 3184 in the circumferential direction. After the housing 310 is installed into the mounting cavity, the inwardly recessed step structure 3184 abuts against the groove wall 621 of the mounting groove 620, thereby preventing the formation of an upward gap between the housing 310 and the water tank seat 600.

[0129] Further, please refer to Figure 3 and 11 In some embodiments, the two opposite sidewalls of the housing 310 are provided with first handles 319 to facilitate user assembly and disassembly of the housing 310. The first handle 319 is a groove; however, in other embodiments, the first handle 319 may also be a protrusion or other handle structure.

[0130] Further, please refer to Figure 8 and 13 In some embodiments, the lid 320 may also be provided with a second handle 325 to facilitate the user's movement of the lid 320. Figure 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the second handle portion 325 is a protrusion. Figure 13 In the illustrated embodiment, the second handle portion 325 is a groove. Of course, in other embodiments, the second handle portion 325 may also be other handle structures.

[0131] Furthermore, the water tank 300 can be installed in any position outside the cooking chamber 100; please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 1 and 2In some embodiments, a refrigeration component 700 is also included, which is used to cool the cooking chamber 110 to preserve the food. A water tank 300 is disposed above the refrigeration component 700, and the water tank 300 and the refrigeration component 700 are arranged side by side with the cooking chamber 100. A second housing 800 may be disposed outside the refrigeration component 700, which encloses the refrigeration component 700. The water tank 300 and water tank base 600 may be disposed on the upper part of the second housing 800, forming an integral module with the second housing 800 and the refrigeration component 700, thereby improving the overall aesthetics of the device.

[0132] The above embodiments illustrate the application of a water tank 300 in a steam-heated food cooking device. In other embodiments, the water tank 300 can also be applied to other types of food cooking devices.

[0133] The above examples illustrate the present invention only to aid in understanding it and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art can make various simple deductions, modifications, or substitutions based on the principles of this invention.

Claims

1. A food cooking device, characterized in that, include: A cooking chamber having a cooking cavity for holding food ingredients; A steam generator for heating food placed inside the cooking cavity; And a water tank, which is connected to the steam generator and is used to supply water to the steam generator; The water tank has a tank body and a tank cover. The tank body has a water inlet. The tank cover is located at the water inlet and is rotatably connected to the tank body to close the water inlet. The tank cover has a first sealing part and a second sealing part. The first sealing part and the second sealing part are arranged opposite each other with the rotation axis of the tank cover as the boundary. The size of the second sealing part is larger than the size of the first sealing part. The lid has a closed position and an open position. When the lid is in the closed position, the first sealing part and the second sealing part together close the water inlet. The first sealing part and the second sealing part can move together. When the lid is in the open position, the first sealing part extends into the box body from the water inlet, and the second sealing part extends outward from the water inlet to open the water inlet. Wherein, at least a portion of the end of the first cover has an outwardly protruding first locking platform, and the box body has a first blocking part corresponding to the first locking platform to prevent the first cover from passing upward through the water inlet; And / or, at least a portion of the end of the second cover has an outwardly protruding second latch, and the housing has a second abutment corresponding to the second latch to prevent the second cover from passing downward through the water inlet; When the tank cover is in the closed position, the uppermost edge of the peripheral sidewall of the tank cover is flush with the uppermost edge of the sidewall of the water inlet; When the tank cover is in the closed position, the peripheral sidewall of the tank cover fits against the sidewall of the water inlet to form a seal.

2. The food cooking equipment as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a water tank base, on which the water tank is detachably mounted; the water tank base has a connector that communicates with the steam generator; the tank body is provided with a water outlet, and a water outlet valve is provided at the water outlet for closing the water outlet; when the water tank is installed on the water tank base, the connector communicates with the water outlet valve.

3. The food cooking equipment as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The outlet valve includes a valve core for blocking the outlet and an elastic preload member, the elastic preload member acting on the valve core to keep the outlet valve closed; the connector has a push top for pushing the valve core to open the outlet.

4. The food cooking equipment as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The tank has a water outlet channel, the water outlet is connected to the water outlet channel, the valve core is inserted into the water outlet channel, when the water tank is installed on the water tank base, the push top of the connector is inserted into the water outlet channel to push the valve core to open the water outlet, and the connector is sealed and connected to the water outlet channel.

5. The food cooking equipment as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The water tank base has an installation groove with a groove wall forming an installation cavity with an open top. The connector is located at one end of the installation groove. The end of the tank body with the water outlet is the first end, and the end opposite the first end is the second end. The bottom wall of the second end has a clearance area that retracts into the inner cavity of the tank body to facilitate the insertion of the tank body into the installation groove.

6. The food cooking equipment as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the avoidance area is higher than the bottom wall of the first end.

7. The food cooking equipment as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The box body has an inwardly tapered step structure in its circumference. After the box body is installed into the mounting cavity, the inwardly tapered step structure abuts against the groove wall of the mounting groove.

8. The food cooking equipment as described in claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes a refrigeration component for cooling the cooking chamber to preserve the food; the water tank is located above the refrigeration component, and the water tank and the refrigeration component are arranged side by side with the cooking chamber.

9. A food cooking device, characterized in that, include: A cooking chamber having a cooking cavity for holding food ingredients; A steam generator for heating food placed inside the cooking cavity; And a water tank, which is connected to the steam generator and is used to supply water to the steam generator; The water tank has a tank body and a tank cover. The tank body has a water inlet. The tank cover is located at the water inlet and is used to close the water inlet. The tank cover has a first sealing part and a second sealing part, and the first sealing part and the second sealing part can move together. The lid and the body are two separate components. One of the lid and the body has at least one first magnetic attractor, and the other has at least two second magnetic attractors located at different positions. The body has a guide channel, and the lid is movably disposed within the guide channel and can translate relative to the body. The lid has a closed position and an open position on its movement trajectory. When the lid is in the closed position, at least one second magnetic attractor is magnetically attracted and fixed to the first magnetic attractor, and the lid is fixed to the body in such a way that the first and second sealing parts jointly close the water inlet. When the lid is in the open position, at least one other second magnetic attractor is magnetically attracted and fixed to the first magnetic attractor, and the lid is fixed to the body in such a way that the first and second sealing parts can open the water inlet. The water inlet is disposed through the bottom wall of the guide channel, and the box cover can be translated or rotated on the bottom wall; the second magnetic suction member is disposed on the box cover, the first sealing part is provided with at least one second magnetic suction member, the second sealing part is provided with at least one second magnetic suction member, and the distance between the second magnetic suction member on the first sealing part and the second magnetic suction member on the second sealing part is greater than the size of the water inlet in the direction of movement.

10. The food cooking equipment as described in claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a water tank base, on which the water tank is detachably mounted; the water tank base has a connector that communicates with the steam generator; the tank body is provided with a water outlet, and a water outlet valve is provided at the water outlet for closing the water outlet; when the water tank is installed on the water tank base, the connector communicates with the water outlet valve.

11. The food cooking device as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The outlet valve includes a valve core for blocking the outlet and an elastic preload member, the elastic preload member acting on the valve core to keep the outlet valve closed; the connector has a push top for pushing the valve core to open the outlet.

12. The food cooking equipment as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The tank has a water outlet channel, the water outlet is connected to the water outlet channel, the valve core is inserted into the water outlet channel, when the water tank is installed on the water tank base, the push top of the connector is inserted into the water outlet channel to push the valve core to open the water outlet, and the connector is sealed and connected to the water outlet channel.

13. The food cooking equipment as described in claim 12, characterized in that, The water tank base has an installation groove with a groove wall forming an installation cavity with an open top. The connector is located at one end of the installation groove. The end of the tank body with the water outlet is the first end, and the end opposite the first end is the second end. The bottom wall of the second end has a clearance area that retracts into the inner cavity of the tank body to facilitate the insertion of the tank body into the installation groove.

14. The food cooking equipment as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The bottom wall of the avoidance area is higher than the bottom wall of the first end.

15. The food cooking equipment as described in claim 13, characterized in that, The box body has an inwardly tapered step structure in its circumference. After the box body is installed into the mounting cavity, the inwardly tapered step structure abuts against the groove wall of the mounting groove.

16. The food cooking equipment as described in claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a refrigeration component for cooling the cooking chamber to preserve the food; the water tank is located above the refrigeration component, and the water tank and the refrigeration component are arranged side by side with the cooking chamber.

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