Air intake device for cooking appliance and cooking appliance

Abstract

The present invention discloses an air intake device for a cooking appliance and the cooking appliance. The cooking appliance has a cooking cavity. The air intake device includes an air intake valve having an air intake passage, at least a portion of which extends into the cooking cavity and a steam outlet of the air intake passage communicating with the cooking cavity; and a blocking member disposed on the air intake valve, the blocking member normally blocking the air intake passage, at least a portion of which is deformable under steam pressure to open the air intake passage. The air intake device according to an embodiment of the present invention allows steam to directly enter the cooking cavity and fully contact the food, minimizing heat loss and improving cooking uniformity and efficiency. The air intake passage can be flexibly switched on and off according to steam pressure, effectively preventing food from blocking or contaminating the air intake passage. Furthermore, the cooking cavity space is efficiently utilized, and the air intake device does not interfere with the food, providing a better user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of kitchen appliances, and more particularly to an air intake device for a cooking utensil and the cooking utensil. Background Art

[0002] In the related art, the steam outlet of the steamer is separated from the food being heated. The food is placed in the inner pot of the steamer, and the steam outlet is set in the outer pot of the steamer. The steam enters the inner pot from the top opening of the inner pot, resulting in low utilization of the internal space of the steamer and low thermal efficiency. In particular, the food at the bottom of the inner pot is difficult to cook. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one object of the present invention is to provide an air intake device for a cooking appliance, which can quickly allow steam to contact food, has high thermal efficiency, and prevents the air intake channel from being blocked and contaminated by food.

[0004] The present invention also provides a cooking utensil having the air intake device.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the air intake device of a cooking utensil has a cooking cavity, and the air intake device includes: an air intake valve, the air intake valve having an air intake channel, at least a portion of the air intake valve extending into the cooking cavity and a steam outlet of the air intake channel communicating with the cooking cavity; a blocking member, the blocking member being provided on the air intake valve, the blocking member normally blocking the air intake channel, and at least a portion of the blocking member being deformable under the action of steam pressure to open the air intake channel.

[0006] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the air intake device of the cooking appliance extends into the cooking cavity through at least a portion of the air intake valve and the sealing member often blocks the air intake channel, so that steam can directly enter the cooking cavity and fully contact the food, with small heat loss and high thermal efficiency, thereby improving the uniformity and cooking efficiency of the food. The air intake channel can be sensitively switched on and off according to the steam pressure, effectively preventing the food from blocking or contaminating the air intake channel. In addition, the space utilization rate of the cooking cavity is high, the air intake device does not interfere with the food, and the cooking appliance has a better user experience.

[0007] In addition, the air intake device of the cooking appliance according to the above embodiment of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the blocking member is used to block the steam outlet to block the air inlet passage.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the sealing member includes: a connecting portion, which is connected to the intake valve; a deforming portion, one end of which is connected to the connecting portion, and the deforming portion can be elastically deformed so that the other end of the deforming portion moves relative to the one end to open the intake channel.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steam outlet is provided on a side wall of the intake valve, and the deformation portion is annular and extends along the circumference of the intake valve and is used to open and close the steam outlet.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the intake valve includes: a valve body, the valve body having a first channel; a valve cover, the valve cover having a second channel, the first channel and the second channel constituting the intake channel, wherein the valve cover and the valve body are detachably connected, and the sealing member is arranged in one of the first channel and the second channel and is suitable for sealing the channel opening of the other one.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the valve cover has a cover cavity, the end wall of the cover cavity is provided with a mounting column, the connecting portion is sleeved on the mounting column, and the end of the mounting column is provided with an anti-fall-off protrusion to prevent the connecting portion from falling off.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the side wall of the cover cavity is provided with a plurality of air outlet channels, the cover cavity and the air outlet channels constitute the second channel, the outlet of the air outlet channel is formed as the steam outlet, wherein the flow area of ​​the air outlet channel is smaller than the flow area of ​​the cover cavity.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the deformation portion is annular and its inner circumference is connected to the connecting portion, and the deformation portion extends obliquely outward and toward the direction approaching the valve body.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the blocking member is provided with a self-sealing channel, and the self-sealing channel expands and opens under the action of steam pressure.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the self-sealing channel includes a first section and a second section, the outlet of the first section is connected to the inlet of the second section, wherein the flow area of ​​the first section is larger than the flow area of ​​the second section, and the second section can be self-sealed.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the flow area of ​​the first section decreases along the airflow direction, and the flow area of ​​the second section remains unchanged along the airflow direction.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the first section has two channel walls facing each other, and the distance between the two channel walls decreases along the airflow direction; or, the channel wall of the first section is a conical surface.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steam outlet is provided on the side wall of the air intake valve, and the inlet of the self-enclosed channel is arranged opposite to the steam outlet, wherein the self-enclosed channel extends in a ring shape along the circumference of the sealing member; or, the self-enclosed channel is a plurality of self-enclosed channels distributed at intervals along the circumference of the sealing member.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steam outlet is provided on the end wall of the air intake valve, the blocking member cover is provided on the air intake valve, and there is at least one self-sealing channel provided on the end wall of the blocking member.

[0021] The cooking appliance according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the air intake device of the cooking appliance according to the embodiment of the present invention, and the air intake device is provided at the lower part of the cooking cavity.

[0022] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description which follows, or may be learned by practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a cooking utensil according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a cooking utensil according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 is an exploded view of an air intake device of a cooking appliance according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a local enlarged structure;

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Cross-sectional view along line AA;

[0029] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a partially enlarged structural diagram of a cooking utensil according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 7 is a partial enlarged structural schematic diagram of a cooking utensil according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Cross-sectional view along line BB;

[0032] Figure 9 is a partial enlarged structural schematic diagram of a cooking utensil according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Cross-sectional view along the CC line;

[0034] Figure 11 is a partial enlarged structural schematic diagram of a cooking utensil according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Cross-sectional view along line DD;

[0036] Figure 13 is a schematic structural diagram of a blocking member of an air intake device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 14 is a partial enlarged structural diagram of a cooking utensil according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 15 is a schematic structural diagram of a blocking member of an air intake device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 16 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Reference numerals:

[0041] Air intake device 100; cooking utensil 200; cooking cavity 201; inner pot 202; outer pot 203; first support base 204; second support base 205; connecting base 206; base 210; first cooking container 220; second cooking container 230; steam generator 240;

[0042] Inlet valve 10; inlet passage 11; steam outlet 111; first passage 112; second passage 113; reducing section 114; valve body 12; mounting groove 121; valve cover 13; groove 131; cover cavity 132; mounting post 133; anti-slip protrusion 134; outlet passage 135; outer protrusion 136;

[0043] Blocking member 20; connecting portion 21; deforming portion 22; self-sealing channel 23; first section 231; second section 232; channel wall 233; rib 24; second blocking member 25;

[0044] Protective cover 30; cover cavity 31; communicating hole 32;

[0045] Seal 40. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended only to explain the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0047] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0048] In the description of the present invention, "first feature" and "second feature" may include one or more such features, "plurality" means two or more, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or the first and second features not being in direct contact but being in contact through another feature between them, the first feature being "above", "above" and "above" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above and diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is horizontally higher than the second feature.

[0049] Hereinafter, an air intake device 100 of a cooking appliance 200 and the cooking appliance 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Reference Figure 1 、 Figure 2 and Figure 16 As shown, the cooking appliance 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include the air intake device 100 of the cooking appliance 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2-Figure 15 As shown, the air intake device 100 of the cooking appliance 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include an air intake valve 10 and a blocking member 20 .

[0051] Specifically, if Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, cooking device 200 may include a cooking cavity 201 for holding ingredients for cooking. For example, rice grains and water may be placed in cooking cavity 201 to steam rice. Of course, cooking device 200 can be used not only for steaming rice but also for making porridge, soup, and stewing pork ribs. An air intake device 100 is used to introduce steam into cooking cavity 201 to steam-cook the ingredients within. This allows the hot steam to more fully contact the ingredients, thereby improving the uniformity of heating.

[0052] like Figure 2-Figure 4 As shown, the air intake valve 10 has an air intake passage 11, and at least a portion of the air intake valve 10 extends into the cooking cavity 201, allowing the steam outlet 111 of the air intake passage 11 to be located within the cooking cavity 201 and communicate with the cooking cavity 201. Steam can be directly introduced into the cooking cavity 201 through the air intake passage 11. Compared to the related art solution in which steam enters the cooking cavity through a top opening, the air intake valve 10 of the present invention allows steam to more fully contact the food in the cooking cavity 201, resulting in more uniform heating of the food in various areas, which helps improve the uniformity and taste of the food.

[0053] In some embodiments, the air intake device 100 can be disposed at the lower portion of the cooking cavity 201, for example, at the lower portion of the bottom wall or side wall of the cooking cavity 201. Thus, the steam outlet 111 can communicate with the lower portion of the cooking cavity 201, allowing the output steam to immediately contact the food, particularly the food in the lower portion of the cooking cavity 201. This improves heat transfer efficiency, accelerates cooking speed, and further improves the uniformity of cooking. This can effectively address the poor taste of food in the lower portion of the cooking cavity in the related art.

[0054] Since the air intake valve 10 is relatively small in size, at least a portion of the air intake valve 10 occupies very little space when extended into the cooking cavity 201, and has no impact on the space of the cooking cavity 201. The interference with the food is very small and can be ignored, and does not affect the placement and cooking of any food. The cooking utensil 200 can be used for cooking small-volume food such as porridge and steamed rice, and can also be used for cooking large-sized food such as ribs and meat chunks, ensuring the normal use of the cooking utensil 200.

[0055] In addition, if Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the air intake device 100 also includes a blocking member 20, which is disposed on the air intake valve 10. The blocking member 20 normally blocks the air intake passage 11 and can open the air intake passage 11 under the action of steam pressure. Therefore, when steam needs to be introduced into the cooking chamber 201, the steam pressure drives the blocking member 20 to move, opening the air intake passage 11, allowing the steam to smoothly enter the cooking chamber 201 and come into contact with the food. No additional components are required to drive the blocking member 20, making the air intake device 100 simpler. Furthermore, because steam flows out of the steam outlet 111, even if the air intake valve 10 comes into contact with the food, the steam pressure prevents the food from entering the air intake passage 11 and causing blockage or contamination. This makes the cooking device 200 easier to clean, eliminating any unsanitary areas. When there is no need to introduce steam into the cooking cavity 201 , the blocking member 20 often blocks the air inlet passage 11 , that is, the blocking member 20 is often in a position or state of blocking the air inlet passage 11 to prevent food from entering the air inlet passage 11 .

[0056] In some related technologies, the steam outlet lacks a sealing member, requiring the air inlet valve to be spaced from the food when it extends into the cooking chamber to prevent it from being blocked. For example, the steam outlet is located in the lower portion of the cooking chamber, with food placed on a steam rack in the upper portion; or the steam outlet is located in the upper portion of the cooking chamber, with food placed in the lower portion; or a steam duct extends downward into the cooking chamber, with the steam outlet located at the lower portion of the duct. These solutions suffer from issues such as low cooking chamber space utilization, low thermal efficiency, and interference between the steam duct and food, making closing the lid inconvenient or even impossible.

[0057] The present invention provides a blocking member 20, so that the air intake device 100 is formed into a one-way conduction structure, which effectively prevents the steam outlet 111 and the air intake channel 11 from being blocked by food during the cooking or storage process of food, and prevents the inside of the air intake channel 11 from being contaminated, resulting in the problem of sanitary dead corners. At the same time, the food in the cooking cavity 201 can directly contact the air intake device 100, and the amount of food added is not limited by the installation position of the air intake device 100. The space in the cooking cavity 201 can be fully utilized to improve cooking efficiency, and there is no need to provide a large air intake structure such as a steam duct to avoid interference with food, thereby ensuring that the cooking utensil 200 can be closed smoothly, and can cook large pieces of food, making it more convenient to use.

[0058] In some embodiments, as Figure 3-Figure 15As shown, at least a portion of the blocking member 20 can deform under the action of steam pressure to open the air intake passage 11. For example, at least a portion of the blocking member 20 can be a flexible, easily deformable member such as rubber or silicone. Leveraging the flexible member's deformability, the blocking member 20 can deform under steam pressure to open the air intake passage 11. When the steam pressure is removed or the steam pressure is too low to deform the blocking member 20, the blocking member 20 can recover its deformation, returning to a state that blocks the air intake passage 11. The state of the air intake device 100 switches flexibly with the on / off switching of steam, effectively preventing blockage or contamination of the air intake passage 11.

[0059] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the air intake device 100 of the cooking utensil 200 extends into the cooking cavity 201 through at least a portion of the air intake valve 10 and the blocking member 20 often blocks the air intake channel 11, so that steam can directly enter the cooking cavity 201 and fully contact the food, with small heat loss and high thermal efficiency, thereby improving the uniformity and cooking efficiency of the food. The on-off state of the air intake channel 11 can be sensitively switched according to the steam pressure, effectively preventing the food from blocking or contaminating the air intake channel 11, and the space utilization rate of the cooking cavity 201 is high, the air intake device 100 does not interfere with the food, and the cooking utensil 200 has a better user experience.

[0060] Since the air intake device 100 of the cooking utensil 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention has the above-mentioned beneficial technical effects, the cooking utensil 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention, through at least a portion of the air intake valve 10 extending into the cooking cavity 201 and the blocking member 20 often blocking the air intake channel 11, allows steam to directly enter the cooking cavity 201 and fully contact the food, with small heat loss and high thermal efficiency, thereby improving the uniformity and cooking efficiency of the food. The on-off state of the air intake channel 11 can be sensitively switched according to the steam pressure, effectively preventing the food from blocking or contaminating the air intake channel 11, and the space utilization rate of the cooking cavity 201 is high, the air intake device 100 does not interfere with the food, and the cooking utensil 200 has a better user experience.

[0061] According to some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3-Figure 5 and Figure 7-Figure 15 As shown, the blocking member 20 is used to block the steam outlet 111, thereby blocking the air intake passage 11. In other words, the blocking member 20 blocks air intake by blocking the outermost portion of the air intake passage 11 along the air intake direction. This prevents debris from entering the entire air intake passage 11, further preventing contamination of the air intake passage 11 and preventing the inability to properly intake air due to partial blockage of the air intake passage 11. Furthermore, this simplifies the installation structure of the blocking member 20 and the air intake valve 10, improving assembly and disassembly efficiency and reducing assembly and disassembly difficulty.

[0062] The structure and installation structure of the blocking member 20 according to some embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3-Figure 6 As shown, the blocking member 20 may include a connecting portion 21 and a deforming portion 22. The connecting portion 21 is connected to the intake valve 10 to achieve connection between the blocking member 20 and the intake valve 10. The specific connection structure between the connecting portion 21 and the intake valve 10 can be flexibly configured according to actual conditions.

[0064] For example, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the intake valve 10 can be provided with a groove 131, and the connecting portion 21 can have a protrusion that can be inserted into the groove 131 to achieve plug-in connection between the intake valve 10 and the connecting portion 21. In an embodiment where the connecting portion 21 is made of a flexible rubber material, the size of the protrusion can be slightly larger than the inner size of the groove 131, so that the protrusion can have an interference fit with the groove 131, preventing the protrusion from falling out of the groove 131 during the deformation of the deforming portion 22, and providing a more reliable connection. Of course, the groove 131 can also be provided on the connecting portion 21, and the protrusion can also be provided on the intake valve 10, which is also within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0065] For example, Figure 6 As shown, the air intake valve 10 may be provided with a mounting post 133, and the blocking member 20 may be sleeved on the mounting post 133 to achieve a post-hole connection. In some embodiments, the mounting post 133 and the connecting portion 21 may be interference-fitted to prevent the connecting portion 21 from falling off the mounting post 133; in some embodiments, the end of the mounting post 133 (e.g. Figure 6 The lower end shown in the figure may be provided with an anti-slip protrusion 134, the outer diameter of which is larger than the inner diameter of the connecting portion 21 to prevent the connecting portion 21 from being detached from the mounting column 133, making the connection between the intake valve 10 and the blocking member 20 more reliable.

[0066] In addition, continue to refer to Figure 3-Figure 6 As shown, one end of the deformation portion 22 can be connected to the connecting portion 21. Under the action of steam pressure, the deformation portion 22 can be elastically deformed so that the other end of the deformation portion 22 moves relative to one end of the deformation portion 22, thereby opening the air intake passage 11; and when the steam pressure is removed or the steam pressure is too small to deform the sealing member 20, the deformation portion 22 can restore the deformation so that the other end of the deformation portion 22 can be in sealing contact with the intake valve 10 to block the air intake passage 11.

[0067] For example, Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the deformation portion 22 can be used to open and close the steam outlet 111 of the intake passage 11, so as to open and close the intake passage 11. The steam outlet 111 can be provided on the side wall of the intake valve 10, and the deformation portion 22 is annular and extends along the circumference of the intake valve 10. In a state where there is no steam pressure or the steam pressure is relatively low, the deformation portion 22 is sleeved on the intake valve 10 and is in sealing contact with the outer peripheral surface of the intake valve 10 to close the steam outlet 111. Under the action of the steam pressure, one end of the deformation portion 22 (for example Figure 4 The upper end shown in FIG) is fixed substantially unchanged by the connecting portion 21, while the other end of the deforming portion 22 (eg Figure 4 The inner diameter of the deformed portion 22 (shown as the lower end) can be expanded to create a gap between the other end of the deformed portion 22 and the outer circumference of the air inlet valve 10. Steam discharged from the steam outlet 111 can enter the cooking cavity 201 through this gap. When the steam pressure is removed or the steam pressure is too low to deform the blocking member 20, the other end of the deformed portion 22 can be contracted to close the steam outlet 111 again. The annular deformed portion 22 has greater elasticity and resilience, providing a better sealing effect for closing the steam outlet 111, is less prone to fatigue, and has a longer service life.

[0068] In some embodiments, there can be multiple steam outlets 111, and the multiple steam outlets 111 are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the intake valve 10. The annular deformation portion 22 can be used to open and close the multiple steam outlets 111. The structure of the sealing member 20 is simpler and easier to assemble.

[0069] In some embodiments, as Figure 4 As shown, a sealing surface can be formed at the other end of the deformation portion 22, and a sealing mating surface is formed at the edge of the steam outlet 111. The sealing surface extends as a slope along one end of the deformation portion 22 toward the other end and away from the steam outlet 111. The slope design makes it easier for the steam to push open the other end of the deformation portion 22 when steam enters the air intake channel 11, making it easier for the deformation portion 22 to deform and the air intake more sensitive.

[0070] For example, Figure 6 As shown, the blocking member 20 can be located in the air inlet passage 11, and the passage wall of the air inlet passage 11 has a step surface, which forms a sealing surface. The deformation portion 22 is annular, and the inner periphery of the annular deformation portion 22 is connected to the connecting portion 21, and the outer periphery of the deformation portion 22 can be in sealing contact with the step surface to block the air inlet passage 11. Under the action of steam pressure, the outer periphery of the deformation portion 22 can move in a direction away from the step surface (for example, Figure 6 The deformed portion 22 opens and closes the interior of the air inlet passage 11. When the air inlet passage 11 is opened, the flow area formed at the deformed portion 22 is larger, which is beneficial to improving the air intake efficiency and the cooking efficiency.

[0071] According to some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 4-Figure 14 As shown, the intake valve 10 may include a valve body 12 and a valve cover 13. The valve body 12 defines a first channel 112, and the valve cover 13 defines a second channel 113. The first channel 112 and the second channel 113 together constitute the intake channel 11. In other words, the outlet of the first channel 112 is connected to the inlet of the second channel 113, and the outlet of the second channel 113 forms a steam outlet 111.

[0072] In some embodiments, as Figure 3-Figure 5 、 Figure 7-Figure 15 As shown, the blocking member 20 can be installed outside the valve cover 13 to facilitate cleaning and replacement of the blocking member 20. For example, the outer peripheral surface of the valve cover 13 is as shown in FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a groove 131 for connecting with the connecting portion 21 is provided.

[0073] In addition, the valve cover 13 is detachably connected to the valve body 12 to facilitate comprehensive cleaning of the interior of the air intake device 100. In the embodiment where the blocking member 20 is disposed inside the air intake passage 11, the detachable structure also facilitates the installation, cleaning, and replacement of the blocking member 20. For example, in some embodiments, Figure 6 As shown, the blocking member 20 can be arranged in one of the first channel 112 and the second channel 113. The blocking member 20 can block the channel opening of the other one to block the intake channel 11. The edge of the channel opening is formed into a sealing surface that is in sealing contact with the deformation portion 22. There is no need to set up a sealing surface structure separately, and the structure of the intake valve 10 is simpler.

[0074] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the cavity wall of the cooking cavity 201 is provided with a mounting hole, the valve cover 13 is located in the cooking cavity 201, the valve body 12 is located outside the cooking cavity 201, and the valve body 12 is provided with a connecting column passing through the mounting hole. The connecting column extends into the cooking cavity 201 and is connected to the valve cover 13 by a thread, so that the edge of the mounting hole is clamped between the valve cover 13 and the valve body 12, thereby realizing the installation of the air intake valve 10.

[0075] Of course, the connecting column can also be provided on the valve cover 13 and passed through the mounting hole, which can also achieve a detachable connection between the valve cover 13 and the valve body 12.

[0076] In some embodiments, as Figure 16As shown, cooking appliance 200 includes a first cooking container 220, which includes an outer pot 203 and an inner pot 202. Inner pot 202 is disposed within the pot cavity of outer pot 203 and defines a cooking cavity 201. Valve body 12 is located between inner pot 202 and outer pot 203 and can be snap-fitted to outer pot 203 or connected via fasteners to prevent valve body 12 from falling out of the mounting hole when valve cover 13 is separated from valve body 12, thereby affecting the installation of valve cover 13.

[0077] In addition, the air intake device 100 may further include a sealing member 40, which is provided between the valve cover 13 and the cavity wall of the cooking cavity 201, or between the valve body 12 and the cavity wall of the cooking cavity 201, to seal the mounting hole and prevent the liquid in the cooking cavity 201 from leaking through the mounting hole. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example shown, a mounting groove 121 is provided on the surface of the valve body 12 facing the cooking cavity 201 , and the sealing member 40 is installed in the mounting groove 121 and in sealing contact with the outer surface of the inner pot 202 .

[0078] In some specific embodiments, Figure 6 As shown, the valve cover 13 defines a cover cavity 132 , which forms a part of the second channel 113 , and an end wall of the cover cavity 132 may be provided with a mounting post 133 for mounting the connecting portion 21 so as to install the blocking member 20 in the air intake channel 11 .

[0079] In an embodiment where the deformation portion 22 is annular and the inner periphery of the deformation portion 22 is connected to the connecting portion 21, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the deformation portion 22 can extend outward and tilted toward the valve body 12, for example, Figure 6 As shown, the deformed portion 22 extends downward and away from the connecting portion 21, so that the deformed portion 22 is generally formed into an umbrella shape. Therefore, when the deformed portion 22 is in sealing contact with the sealing surface, that is, when the deformed portion 22 blocks the passage opening of the first passage 112, the deformed portion 22 can deform to a certain extent, thereby increasing the pressing force between the deformed portion 22 and the sealing surface, thereby improving the sealing effect.

[0080] In some embodiments, the thickness of at least a portion of the deformed portion 22 (e.g., along the Figure 6 The dimensions in the upper and lower directions can be increased outwards so that the thinner part of the deformation portion 22 is more likely to produce elastic deformation under the action of steam pressure, and the air intake passage 11 is more sensitive.

[0081] In some embodiments, as Figure 6As shown, the sidewall of the cover cavity 132 may be provided with a plurality of air outlet channels 135. The cover cavity 132 and the air outlet channels 135 together constitute the second channel 113, and the outlet of the air outlet channels 135 forms the steam outlet 111. The flow area of ​​the air outlet channels 135 is smaller than the flow area of ​​the cover cavity 132, so that the opening size of the steam outlet 111 is smaller, forming a preliminary protection, preventing food from entering the interior of the air inlet channel 11, making the air inlet device 100 easier to clean, and preventing food from contacting the blocking member 20, thereby reducing damage and contamination of the blocking member 20.

[0082] According to other embodiments of the present invention, Figure 7-Figure 15 As shown, the blocking member 20 may be provided with a self-sealing channel 23. In the absence of steam pressure or when steam pressure is low, the self-sealing channel 23 automatically closes, meaning the blocking member 20 automatically contracts to seal the channel. Under steam pressure, the self-sealing channel 23 expands and opens, thereby providing access to the air inlet passage 11. When the steam pressure is removed or when the steam pressure is too low to deform the blocking member 20, the self-sealing channel 23 automatically closes again, eliminating the need for additional structure to drive the deformation of the blocking member 20.

[0083] For example, at least a portion of the self-sealing channel 23 can be a micropore with an inner diameter approaching zero, which can be closed by the elastic contraction of the sealing member 20. When there is steam pressure, steam enters the self-sealing channel 23, causing the sealing member 20 to deform, the pore wall of the micropore to expand outward, and the inner diameter to increase to achieve conduction.

[0084] In some embodiments, as Figure 7 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 13-15 As shown, the self-sealing passage 23 may include a first section 231 and a second section 232. The outlet of the first section 231 is connected to the inlet of the second section 232. In other words, the first section 231 is located upstream of the second section 232 in the airflow direction. The flow area of ​​the first section 231 is larger than that of the second section 232. The second section 232 has a smaller inner diameter, enabling self-sealing. The first section 231 has a larger inner diameter, guiding steam to the second section 232, thereby enabling the steam to smoothly drive the second section 232 to expand, making it easier for the air inlet passage 11 to flow.

[0085] Further, continue to refer to Figure 7 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 11 、 Figure 13-15As shown, the flow area of ​​the first section 231 can decrease along the airflow direction to improve the steam guidance effect and play an energy-gathering role. When steam flows along the first section 231, the steam pressure increases rapidly, which is sufficient to drive the second section 232 to expand and conduct. The flow area of ​​the second section 232 remains unchanged along the airflow direction to ensure the self-sealing effect of the second section 232 when there is no steam or the steam pressure is low.

[0086] The specific structure of the first section 231 with decreasing flow area can be flexibly set. Figure 7-10 As shown, the first section 231 has two channel walls 233 (eg Figure 7 and Figure 9 The upper channel wall and the lower channel wall shown in FIG), the distance between the two channel walls 233 decreases along the airflow direction (for example Figure 7 and Figure 9 As shown, they extend from the inside to the outside close to each other), so that the flow area of ​​the first section 231 decreases gradually, which has a good effect on energy gathering and pressurization of steam.

[0087] In other implementations, such as Figure 11-Figure 15 As shown, the channel wall 233 of the first section 231 is a conical surface, and the inner diameter of the conical surface decreases along the airflow direction, so that the flow area of ​​the first section 231 decreases, which has a good effect on energy gathering and pressurization of steam, and the sealing member 20 here is not prone to fatigue damage and is easy to process.

[0088] According to some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 7-Figure 8 As shown, the self-sealing channel 23 can extend in an annular shape along the circumference of the sealing member 20. The corresponding first section 231 and second section 232 are both annular channels. The sealing member 20 is divided into two upper and lower sections, defining the self-sealing channel 23 between these two sections. This bifurcated sealing member 20 not only increases the flow area of ​​the self-sealing channel 23, thereby improving air intake and cooking efficiency, but also prevents fatigue damage during repeated steam on / off cycles and expansion and contraction of the self-sealing channel 23, resulting in a better rebound self-sealing effect and a longer service life.

[0089] According to other embodiments of the present invention, the self-enclosed channels 23 may be multiple and spaced apart. For example, the multiple self-enclosed channels 23 may be arranged as follows: Figures 9-13 As shown, they are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the blocking member 20. For example, Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the blocking member 20 may be a cover body that covers the intake valve 10, and a plurality of self-sealing channels 23 may be spaced apart on the end wall of the blocking member 20. The spaced apart self-sealing channels 23 form the blocking member 20 as a whole, making it less susceptible to misalignment that could affect the self-sealing effect of the self-sealing channels 23, and facilitating processing and assembly.

[0090] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7-Figure 15 As shown, the inlet of the self-enclosed channel 23 is arranged opposite to the steam outlet 111, specifically the inlet of the first channel 112 is arranged opposite to the steam outlet 111, so that the steam in the air inlet channel 11 can smoothly enter the air inlet channel 11. Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the example shown, a plurality of steam outlets 111 are opposite to the annular inlet of the same self-enclosed passage 23 so as to communicate with each other; Figures 9-13 In the example shown, the plurality of steam outlets 111 are arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the inlets of the plurality of self-enclosed channels 23 so as to be in one-to-one communication; Figure 14 and Figure 15 In the example shown, there is only one steam outlet 111 provided on the end wall of the intake valve 10. The steam outlet 111 can be arranged opposite to the inlets of all self-enclosed channels 23 (there are one or more self-enclosed channels 23) to communicate with each other, which is within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0091] According to some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 16 As shown, the air intake device 100 may further include a second blocking member 25 , which is movably disposed in the air intake passage 11 and can enable the air intake passage 11 to be unidirectionally conductive along the airflow direction.

[0092] Specifically, if Figure 4 and Figure 16 As shown, the air inlet passage 11 may include a reducing section 114 extending longitudinally and having an inner diameter that increases gradually along the airflow direction. A second blocking member 25 is movably disposed within the reducing section 114. Under its own weight, the second blocking member 25 seals against the inner circumference of the reducing section 114, thereby blocking the air inlet passage 11. When steam is introduced, the steam pressure overcomes the weight of the second blocking member 25, driving it upward to open the air inlet passage 11. The second blocking member 25 cooperates with the blocking member 20 to achieve a dual seal. If either fails, the other can open and close the air inlet device 100. For example, if the flexible blocking member 20 suffers fatigue damage or fails to seal, the second blocking member 25 can block the air inlet passage 11, preventing liquid within the cooking chamber 201 from entering the air inlet passage 11 or entering the steam generator 240 through the air inlet passage 11. This makes the cooking appliance 200 safer and more reliable to use. For example, in an embodiment where the valve body 12 includes the first channel 112, the first channel 112 may include a diameter-reducing section 114. The second blocking member 25 may be a sphere, and the cross section of the diameter-reducing section 114 may be circular.

[0093] According to some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3-Figure 14As shown, the air intake device 100 may further include a protective cover 30, which is detachably mounted in the cooking cavity 201. The protective cover 30 has a cover cavity 31 and a connecting hole 32. The connecting hole 32 may connect the cover cavity 31 and the cooking cavity 201. At least the steam outlet 111 of the air intake valve 10 is located in the cover cavity 31.

[0094] The protective cover 30 shields the steam outlet 111, providing protection and safeguarding, preventing the air intake valve 10 from being scratched, damaged, or dislodged due to collisions. Furthermore, the protective cover 30 shields and protects the blocking member 20, preventing damage to the blocking member 20 by food and preventing food from directly contacting the blocking member 20 and causing deformation, thereby increasing the service life and operational reliability of the blocking member 20. Furthermore, the upper communication hole 32 of the protective cover 30 has a relatively small aperture, enabling preliminary filtration of larger food, providing a preliminary protective effect against clogging of the air intake device 100.

[0095] In an embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover 30 may be connected to the wall of the cooking cavity 201 or to the air inlet valve 10. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the outer peripheral surface of the intake valve 10 is provided with an outer convex portion 136, and the inner peripheral surface of the protective cover 30 is provided with an inner convex portion. The outer convex portion 136 can be moved into the cover cavity 31 and is located on the side of the inner convex portion close to the bottom wall of the cover cavity 31 to achieve the clamping connection between the outer convex portion 136 and the inner convex portion, and the protective cover 30 is easy to disassemble and assemble.

[0096] In addition, in the embodiment where the self-sealing channel 23 is provided on the end wall of the blocking member 20, as shown in FIG. Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, the end wall of the blocking member 20 can be provided with a plurality of ribs 24, with gaps between adjacent ribs 24. After steam flows out of the self-enclosed passage 23, it can flow along the gaps between the ribs 24 to the communication hole 32. Furthermore, the ribs 24 can abut against the bottom wall of the cover cavity 31, thereby cooperating with the outer protrusion 136 to securely fix the protective cover 30 and prevent the protective cover 30 from shaking or falling off.

[0097] According to some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 16 As shown, the cooking appliance 200 may include a base 210 and a first cooking container 220 . The first cooking container 220 defines a cooking cavity 201 . The air intake device 100 may be installed in the first cooking container 220 .

[0098] Specifically, the base 210 defines an installation cavity having a side opening, and the first cooking container 220 can be installed into the installation cavity from the side opening to achieve detachable cooperation between the first cooking container 220 and the base 210, which is convenient for taking and placing food in the first cooking container 220 and cleaning the cooking cavity 201. It is also beneficial to reduce the number of electronic components on the first cooking container 220, or there is no need to set electronic components on the first cooking container 220, to achieve dry and wet separation, and prevent electronic components from being damaged by water during the cleaning of the cooking cavity 201.

[0099] In some embodiments, the first cooking container 220 has a steam inlet, and the air intake device 100 is connected to the steam inlet. A steam outlet is provided on the wall of the mounting cavity, and the steam generator 240 is mounted on the base 210 and connected to the steam outlet. When the first cooking container 220 is properly installed on the base 210, the steam inlet and steam outlet are connected, allowing steam generated by the steam generator 240 to enter the cooking cavity 201 through the steam outlet, steam inlet, and air intake device 100, achieving steam cooking with high cooking efficiency. The air intake device 100 is provided with a sealing member 20 to prevent food or liquid in the cooking cavity 201 from flowing back into the steam generator 240, causing damage or contamination.

[0100] The steam inlet can be provided on the side wall or bottom wall of the first cooking container 220, and the corresponding steam outlet can be provided on the side wall or bottom wall of the mounting cavity, thereby reducing the distance between the steam inlet and the air intake device 100 and reducing heat loss from the steam in the air intake duct. In the embodiment where the steam inlet is provided on the side wall of the first cooking container 220, during installation in the mounting cavity, the first cooking container 220 can be supported by the bottom wall of the mounting cavity or directly supported by a placement surface (in the embodiment where the mounting cavity has no bottom wall, the placement surface can be a tabletop or other surface used to place the cooking appliance 200) for movement. The movement process is substantially unaffected by the weight of the first cooking container 220, allowing for smooth alignment of the steam inlet and outlet, resulting in a more labor-saving and convenient operation for the user, and a better user experience.

[0101] According to some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 16As shown, the base 210 includes a first support base 204, a second support base 205, and a connecting base 206. The first support base 204 and the second support base 205 are spaced apart in a vertical direction, with the second support base 205 located above the first support base 204. The connecting base 206 connects between the first and second support bases 204 and 205 to define a mounting cavity. The base 210 generally forms a C-shaped structure. A first cooking container 220 can be supported on the first support base 204, and a steam generator 240 can be mounted on the connecting base 206. A steam outlet can be provided on the inner side of the connecting base 206. The first cooking container 220 can be mounted from a side of the base 210 between the first and second support bases 204 and 205. The first cooking container 220 can be supported and moved on the first support base 204, making movement smoother and more labor-saving. This also facilitates the removal of ingredients from the first cooking container 220, improving the aesthetics and compactness of the structure. The cooking appliance 200 can be placed in a space with a relatively small height, meeting the requirements of smaller kitchen spaces.

[0102] In addition, other structural members may be placed on top of the base 210, for example, in some embodiments, Figure 16 As shown, the cooking device 200 may also include a second cooking container 230, which can be supported on the second support base 205, allowing cooking to be performed within at least one of the first cooking container 220 and the second cooking container 230. In some specific embodiments, the outlet of the steam generator 240 is connected to the first cooking container 220 and the second cooking container 230 to achieve dual steaming. For example, the first cooking container 220 can be used to steam rice, while the second cooking container 230 can be used to steam dumplings, buns, corn, etc. The first cooking container 220 can be removed from the side without interfering with the second cooking container 230, allowing them to be removed and used separately, and the cooking device 200 is more compact.

[0103] It should be noted that the steam generator 240 can have two outlets for discharging steam, and the two outlets are respectively connected to the first cooking container 220 and the second cooking container 230 to supply steam to the first cooking container 220 and the second cooking container 230 at the same time; or, the first cooking container 220 and the second cooking container 230 can be connected in series, and the outlet of the steam generator 240 is connected to one of the cooking containers to supply steam to the first cooking container 220 and the second cooking container 230 at the same time; or, there are two steam generators 240, and the two steam generators 240 are respectively connected to the first cooking container 220 and the second cooking container 230 to supply steam to the first cooking container 220 and the second cooking container 230 at the same time.

[0104] Other structures and operations of the cooking appliance 200 according to the embodiment of the present invention are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0105] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they may refer to fixed, detachable, or integral connections; mechanical or electrical connections; direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0106] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "embodiment," "specific embodiment," and "example" indicates that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with that embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, schematic representations of these terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0107] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An air intake device for a cooking appliance, characterized in that: The cooking appliance has a cooking cavity, and the air intake device comprises: an air intake valve having an air intake passage, at least a portion of the air intake valve extending into the cooking cavity and a steam outlet of the air intake passage communicating with the cooking cavity; a blocking member, the blocking member being provided at the air inlet valve, the blocking member normally blocking the air inlet passage, and at least a portion of the blocking member being deformable under the action of steam pressure to open the air inlet passage; The blocking member comprises: a connecting portion connected to the intake valve; a deformation portion, one end of which is connected to the connecting portion, and the deformation portion is elastically deformable so that the other end of the deformation portion moves relative to the one end to open the air intake passage; One of the intake valve and the connecting part is provided with a protrusion, and the other is provided with a groove, and the protrusion is inserted into the groove to achieve the installation of the intake valve sealing member outside the intake valve and the sealing member is located at the outermost side of the intake channel along the intake direction.

2. The air intake device for a cooking appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The blocking member is used to block the steam outlet to block the air inlet passage.

3. The air intake device for a cooking appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steam outlet is provided on the side wall of the intake valve, and the deformation portion is annular and extends along the circumference of the intake valve and is used to open and close the steam outlet.

4. A cooking utensil, characterized in that: The cooking appliance comprises an air intake device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air intake device is arranged at the lower part of the cooking cavity.

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