cooking utensils

Abstract

The present invention discloses a cooking appliance, comprising: a base defining a mounting cavity with a side opening, an air outlet connector disposed within the mounting cavity; and a steam cooking container adapted to be mounted in the mounting cavity with the side opening, the steam cooking container defining a cooking cavity, and an air inlet connector disposed within the steam cooking container. The base is provided with a guide portion, and the steam cooking container is provided with a guide mating portion, the guide portion and the guide mating portion cooperating to guide the steam cooking container so that the air inlet connector communicates with the air outlet connector. The cooking appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention can achieve steam cooking, ensuring uniform temperature and consistent taste of food in various areas of the steam cooking container. The guide portion and the guide mating portion cooperate to guide the steam cooking container, enabling it to be pulled out and placed from the side, improving user convenience and comfort, and ensuring more accurate alignment of the air inlet connector and the air outlet connector.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In related art, cooking appliances use an electric heating plate or coil heating system to heat the bottom of the inner pot to complete the rice cooking. However, when using an electric heating plate or IH heating system, the rice in direct contact with the inner pot receives greater heat, while areas further away from the pot are not heated sufficiently. This results in inconsistent gelatinization of the rice, the rice at the bottom of the pot tends to brown easily, and the rice tastes unstable. 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 a cooking device that uses steam cooking to achieve uniform temperature and stable taste of food, and the steam cooking container is easy to take out and put away.

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a cooking appliance includes: a base, the base defining a mounting cavity with a side opening, the mounting cavity being provided with an air outlet joint; a steam cooking container, the steam cooking container being adapted to be mounted in the mounting cavity via the side opening and defining a cooking cavity, the steam cooking container being provided with an air inlet joint, wherein the base is provided with a guide portion, and the steam cooking container is provided with a guide mating portion, the guide portion cooperating with the guide mating portion to guide the steam cooking container so that the air inlet joint is connected to the air outlet joint.

[0005] According to the cooking appliance of the embodiment of the present invention, an air inlet connector is provided on the steam cooking container, and an air outlet connector that can be connected to the air inlet connector is provided in the mounting cavity. The guide portion and the guide mating portion cooperate to guide the steam cooking container, so that the steam cooking container can be pulled out from the side to achieve taking and placing in the mounting cavity, thereby improving the convenience and comfort of user operation. In addition, the air inlet connector and the air outlet connector are more accurately aligned. The steam cooking container can realize steam cooking, and the hot steam can directly and fully contact the food and directly reach the surface of the food, so that the temperature of the food in various areas of the steam cooking container is uniform, and the taste of the steam-cooked food is uniform and stable, and will not appear burnt.

[0006] In addition, the cooking appliance according to the above embodiment of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steam cooking container is adapted to be supported on a bottom wall of the installation cavity, and the guide portion is provided on the bottom wall of the installation cavity.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the guide portion includes two guide protrusions, and the guide matching portion is a guide groove.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the distance between the two guide protrusions decreases along the loading direction of the steam cooking container.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the guide fitting portion is a guide groove, the guide portion is an air inlet component and has a steam channel, the air outlet joint is provided at the air outlet of the steam channel, and the guide portion is detachably installed in the guide groove.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cooking utensil further includes: a magnetic member, which is provided on the base; and a magnetic matching member, which is provided on the steam cooking container and is suitable for magnetic attraction with the magnetic matching member when the steam cooking container is installed in place.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, one of the base and the steam cooking container is provided with a positioning member, and the other is provided with a positioning groove, and when the steam cooking container is installed in place, the positioning member extends into the positioning groove.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom wall of the mounting cavity is provided with a positioning guide groove, the positioning member includes a movable member and a reset member, the movable member is movably provided in the positioning guide groove, and the reset member is used to apply an upward driving force to the movable member.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the gas outlet joint defines a steam outlet channel, and the gas inlet joint defines a steam inlet channel, wherein an outer diameter of an outlet section of the gas outlet joint increases along a direction in which the steam cooking container is loaded, and an inner diameter of an inlet section of the steam inlet channel increases along the direction in which the steam cooking container is loaded.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the cooking appliance further comprises: a first sealing member, wherein the first sealing member is used to seal a gap between the air outlet connector and the air inlet connector.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a mounting hole is provided on the side wall of the mounting cavity, and the air outlet joint is passed through the mounting hole. The first sealing member includes: a sealing body, at least a portion of which is located between the hole wall of the mounting hole and the air outlet joint; a first annular sealing portion, which is connected to the sealing body and is sleeved on the outlet section of the air outlet joint; and a second annular sealing portion, which is connected to the sealing body and is arranged around the first annular sealing portion, and the second annular sealing portion is suitable for sealing contact with the side wall of the steam cooking container.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the steam cooking container includes: an outer shell, which is provided with the air inlet joint; an inner pot, which is arranged in the outer shell and defines the cooking cavity, and the bottom wall of the inner pot is provided with an air inlet valve, which is connected to the air inlet joint and guides steam into the cooking cavity in a unidirectional manner.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air intake valve includes: a valve body, which is penetrated through the bottom wall of the inner tank and has an air intake channel; a blocking member, which is arranged in the air intake channel, and the blocking member usually blocks the air intake channel and conducts the air intake channel under the action of steam pressure.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air inlet passage includes a diameter-reducing section whose inner diameter increases upward, and the blocking member is at least partially located in the diameter-reducing section and is adapted to be in sealing contact with the inner surface of the diameter-reducing section.

[0020] 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

[0021] 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:

[0022] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a cooking appliance according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a base of a cooking appliance according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a steam cooking container of a cooking appliance according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The middle circle shows the enlarged structural diagram of point A;

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The middle circle shows the enlarged structural diagram of B;

[0027] Figure 6 are cross-sectional views of cooking utensils according to other embodiments of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 The middle circle shows the enlarged structural diagram of C;

[0029] Figure 8is a schematic structural diagram of a steam cooking container according to other embodiments of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9 1 is an exploded view of a guide portion according to some other embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] Reference numerals:

[0032] Cooking appliance 100;

[0033] Base 10; mounting cavity 11; mounting hole 111; air outlet connector 12; steam outlet channel 121; guide portion 13; guide protrusion 131; steam channel 132; air inlet inner cover 133; air inlet outer cover 134; third sealing member 135; longitudinal portion 136; transverse portion 137; first longitudinal section 138; first transverse section 139; second longitudinal section 140; second transverse section 141; longitudinal steam channel 142; transverse steam channel 143; magnetic member 14; positioning member 15; movable member 151; reset member 152; positioning guide groove 16; first support base 17; second support base 18; connecting base 19;

[0034] Steam cooking container 20; cooking cavity 201; air inlet connector 21; steam inlet channel 211; guide fitting 22; transverse groove section 221; longitudinal groove section 222; magnetic fitting 23; positioning groove 24; outer shell 25; accommodating cavity 251; inner container 26;

[0035] First sealing member 30; sealing body 31; first annular sealing portion 32; second annular sealing portion 33;

[0036] Inlet valve 40; valve body 41; inlet passage 42; reducing section 421; valve seat 43; transverse passage 431; valve body 44; longitudinal passage 441; blocking member 45; valve cover 46; connecting pipe 47;

[0037] Second sealing member 50 ; steam generator 60 ; top cooking container 70 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Hereinafter, a cooking appliance 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 As shown, the cooking appliance 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a base 10 and a steam cooking container 20 .

[0043] Specifically, if Figure 1 As shown, the base 10 defines a mounting cavity 11 having a side opening. The steam cooking container 20 can be installed into the mounting cavity 11 through the side opening, thereby achieving detachable engagement between the steam cooking container 20 and the base 10. This facilitates the removal of ingredients from the steam cooking container 20 and facilitates cleaning of the cooking cavity 201 of the steam cooking container 20. This also helps reduce the number of electronic components in the steam cooking container 20, or eliminates the need for electronic components in the steam cooking container 20, achieving dry and wet separation, and preventing damage to electronic components caused by water intrusion during cleaning of the cooking cavity 201. For example, rice grains and water can be placed in the steam cooking container 20 to steam rice. Of course, the cooking device 100 can be used not only for steaming rice, but also for cooking porridge, soup, and stewing pork ribs.

[0044] For example, in some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1As shown, the base 10 includes a first support base 17, a second support base 18, and a connecting base 19. The first support base 17 and the second support base 18 are spaced apart in the vertical direction, with the second support base 18 located above the first support base 17. The connecting base 19 connects between the first and second support bases 17 and 18 to define a mounting cavity 11, forming a generally C-shaped structure. The steam cooking container 20 can be supported on the first support base 17, and the steam generator 60 can be mounted on the connecting base 19, the first support base 17, or the second support base 18. The steam cooking container 20 can be mounted from the side of the base 10 between the first and second support bases 17 and 18. The steam cooking container 20 can be supported and moved on the first support base 17, making movement smoother and more labor-saving. It also facilitates the removal of ingredients from the steam cooking container 20, improving the aesthetics and compactness of the structure. The cooking appliance 100 can be placed in a space with a relatively small height, meeting the needs of smaller kitchens.

[0045] In some related technologies, an electric heating plate or a coil plate is used to heat the bottom of the inner pot to complete the cooking of rice. When using an electric heating plate or IH heating, the rice in direct contact with the inner pot is subjected to a large amount of heat, while the rice farther away from the inner pot is not heated sufficiently, resulting in inconsistent gelatinization of the rice, the rice at the bottom of the inner pot is easily burnt, the rice taste is unstable, and it is difficult to optimize the rice effect through adjustment of the electronic control program.

[0046] In an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1-Figure 5 As shown, the mounting cavity 11 is provided with an outlet connector 12, for example, the connection base 19 can be provided with the outlet connector 12. The steam cooking container 20 is provided with an inlet connector 21, for example, the inlet connector 21 can be provided on the bottom wall or side wall of the steam cooking container 20, and the corresponding outlet connector 12 can be provided on the bottom wall or side wall of the mounting cavity 11. When the steam cooking container 20 is properly installed on the base 10, the inlet connector 21 can communicate with the outlet connector 12, allowing the base 10 to supply steam to the steam cooking container 20 through the outlet connector 12 and the inlet connector 21, thereby achieving steam cooking. Heat is not entirely conducted through the pot. The hot steam can directly and fully contact the food, reaching the surface of the food, ensuring a uniform temperature in all areas of the steam cooking container 20. The steam-cooked food has a uniform and stable taste and does not burn.

[0047] In some embodiments, the steam cooking container 20 can be moved when installed in the mounting cavity 11, supported by the bottom wall of the mounting cavity 11. This reduces installation effort and facilitates alignment of the air inlet connector 21 with the air outlet connector 12. The placement and removal of the steam cooking container 20 are not restricted by the height of the space where the cooking appliance 100 is located. The cooking appliance 100 can be placed in a smaller space for cooking, effectively meeting the needs of small kitchens.

[0048] In some embodiments, the base 10 can be connected to an external steam device so as to provide steam to the steam cooking container 20 through the base 10. The steam cooking container 20 has a simple structure and is easy to take in and out. In other embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the base 10 may be provided with a steam generator 60, the outlet of the steam generator 60 being connected to the gas outlet connector 12. The steam generator 60 can generate steam when in operation to provide steam to the steam cooking container 20 through the gas outlet connector 12. The cooking appliance 100 itself has the function of generating steam, so that the operation of the cooking appliance 100 is not affected by the external environment and is more convenient to use.

[0049] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present invention, the air outlet connector 12 can be integrally formed with the base 10, or the air outlet connector 12 and the base 10 can be separate parts connected together; the air inlet connector 21 can be integrally formed with the steam cooking container 20, or the air inlet connector 21 and the steam cooking container 20 can be separate parts connected together, all of which are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0050] In addition, refer to Figure 2 As shown, the base 10 may be provided with a guide portion 13, and the steam cooking container 20 may be provided with a guide mating portion 22. When the steam cooking container 20 is installed in the installation cavity 11, the guide portion 13 may cooperate with the guide mating portion 22 to guide the steam cooking container 20, thereby aligning the air inlet connector 21 with the air outlet connector 12 for communication. This eliminates the need for the user to specifically align the air inlet connector 21 with the air outlet connector 12, making operation more convenient.

[0051] According to the cooking appliance 100 of the embodiment of the present invention, an air inlet connector 21 is provided in the steam cooking container 20, and an air outlet connector 12 that can be connected to the air inlet connector 21 is provided in the installation cavity 11. The guide portion 13 and the guide matching portion 22 cooperate to guide the steam cooking container 20, so that the steam cooking container 20 can be pulled out from the side to achieve taking and placing in the installation cavity 11, thereby improving the convenience and comfort of user operation. In addition, the air inlet connector 21 and the air outlet connector 12 are more accurately aligned. The steam cooking container 20 can realize steam cooking, and the hot steam can directly and fully contact the food and directly reach the surface of the food, so that the temperature of the food in various areas of the steam cooking container 20 is uniform, and the taste of the steam-cooked food is uniform and stable, and will not appear burnt.

[0052] According to some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the steam cooking container 20 can be supported on the bottom wall of the mounting cavity 11, and the guide portion 13 can be provided on the bottom wall of the mounting cavity 11, for example, on the first support base 17. Thus, when the steam cooking container 20 is supported on the top wall of the mounting cavity 11 and moves, the cooperation with the guide portion 13 is more stable and reliable.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the guide portion 13 may include two guide protrusions 131, and the guide protrusions 131 may be arranged along the direction of loading the steam cooking container 20 (eg Figure 2 The guide mating portion 22 extends from right to left (as shown in the figure). The guide protrusion 131 can be inserted into the guide groove to horizontally position the steam cooking container 20, allowing the steam cooking container 20 to move along the extension direction of the guide protrusion 131 and accurately mate with the air inlet connector 21 and the air outlet connector 12. The two guide protrusions 131 provide guidance and more reliable positioning. The guide groove provided on the steam cooking container 20 prevents the guide mating portion 22 from interfering with the stable placement of the steam cooking container 20 on a table or other surface.

[0054] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 2 As shown, the spacing between the two guide protrusions 131 decreases as the steam cooking container 20 is inserted, forming a generally V-shaped guide structure. This facilitates the mating of the guide mating portion 22 of the steam cooking container 20 with the guide protrusions 131, allowing accurate movement of the steam cooking container 20, guided by the guide protrusions 131, until the air inlet connector 21 and the air outlet connector 12 mate. Furthermore, the air outlet connector 12 can be positioned between the two guide protrusions 131, providing effective guidance and a compact structure.

[0055] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 6-Figure 9 As shown, the guide mating portion 22 is a guide groove, the guide portion 13 is an air intake assembly, and the air intake assembly has a steam channel 132. The air outlet connector 12 is located at the air outlet of the steam channel 132. The guide portion 13 is detachably mounted within the guide groove. In other words, the air intake assembly can move relative to the guide groove to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the guide portion 13 and the guide mating portion 22. When the guide portion 13 is properly installed within the guide groove, the air outlet connector 12 can accurately communicate with the air intake connector 21, ensuring that steam can smoothly enter the cooking chamber 201.

[0056] In some embodiments, as Figure 6-Figure 9 As shown, the air intake assembly includes a longitudinal portion 136 and a transverse portion 137. The longitudinal portion 136 extends vertically, while the transverse portion 137 extends horizontally and is connected to the longitudinal portion 136 at one end. The air outlet connector 12 is located in the transverse portion 137. As a result, the air intake assembly generally forms an L-shaped structure. The corresponding guide groove is an L-shaped groove and includes a transverse groove section 221 and a longitudinal groove section 222. The transverse groove section 221 is formed in the outer bottom wall of the steam cooking container 20, and the longitudinal groove section 222 is formed in the outer side wall of the steam cooking container 20. The air intake connector 21 is located in the outer bottom wall of the steam cooking container 20. The transverse portion 137 can move relatively within the transverse groove section 221 to guide the steam cooking container 20.

[0057] When the steam cooking container 20 is installed in place, the other end of the transverse portion 137 can abut against the end of the transverse groove section 221 away from the longitudinal groove section 222, and the longitudinal portion 136 is located in the longitudinal groove section 222 and abuts against the groove bottom wall of the longitudinal groove section 222. At this time, the air inlet connector 21 and the air outlet connector 12 are aligned and connected.

[0058] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 6-Figure 9 As shown, the air intake assembly is detachably arranged on the base 10, and the air intake assembly includes an air intake inner cover 133, an air intake outer cover 134 and a third sealing member 135 for sealing the air intake inner cover 133 and the air intake outer cover 134. The air intake inner cover 133 and the air intake outer cover 134 are detachably fastened to define a steam channel 132, making the steam channel 132 easier to clean.

[0059] The air intake inner cover 133 includes a first longitudinal section 138 and a first transverse section 139. The air intake outer cover 134 includes a second longitudinal section 140 that cooperates with the first longitudinal section 138 and a second transverse section 141 that cooperates with the first transverse section 139. The steam channel 132 includes a longitudinal steam channel 142 and a transverse steam channel 143. The first longitudinal section 138 and the second longitudinal section 140 cooperate to define the longitudinal steam channel 142, and the first transverse section 139 and the second transverse section 141 cooperate to define the transverse steam channel 143. In addition, the first longitudinal section 138 and the second longitudinal section 140 constitute the longitudinal portion 136 of the air intake assembly, and the first transverse section 139 and the second transverse section 141 constitute the transverse portion 137 of the air intake assembly. In other words, the longitudinal portion 136 defines the longitudinal steam channel 142, and the transverse portion 137 defines the transverse steam channel 143.

[0060] According to some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the cooking appliance 100 may further include a magnetic member 14 and a magnetic engagement member 23. The magnetic member 14 is disposed on the base 10, and the magnetic engagement member 23 is disposed on the steam cooking container 20. When the steam cooking container 20 is properly installed on the base 10, the magnetic member 14 can magnetically engage with the magnetic engagement member 23 to secure the steam cooking container 20 in place, preventing the steam cooking container 20 from deviating from its fully installed position and causing steam leakage. Furthermore, the engagement of the magnetic member 14 and the magnetic engagement member 23 serves as a reminder to the user that the steam cooking container 20 is in place.

[0061] In some embodiments, one of the magnetic component 14 and the magnetic matching component 23 may be a magnet or an electromagnet, and the other may be a magnet or an iron block.

[0062] In some embodiments, as Figure 1As shown, the base 10 may have a seat cavity, and the magnetic member 14 may be located within the seat cavity to complete the wall of the mounting cavity 11. For example, the magnetic member 14 may be located within the first support seat 17 of the base 10 and connected to the bottom wall of the mounting cavity 11 via a snap-fit ​​connection. The steam cooking container 20 may have a receiving cavity 251, and the magnetic member 23 may be located within the receiving cavity 251 to complete the appearance of the steam cooking container 20. For example, the steam cooking container 20 may include an outer shell 25 and an inner liner 26. The inner liner 26 is disposed within the receiving cavity 251 of the outer shell 25. The magnetic member 23 is located within the receiving cavity 251, between the bottom wall of the inner liner 26 and the bottom wall of the outer shell 25, and connected to the bottom wall of the outer shell 25 via a snap-fit ​​connection.

[0063] According to some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, one of the base 10 and the steam cooking container 20 may be provided with a positioning member 15, and the other of the base 10 and the steam cooking container 20 may be provided with a positioning groove 24. When the steam cooking container 20 is installed in place on the base 10, the positioning member 15 can extend into the positioning groove 24 to position the steam cooking container 20 in the horizontal direction. The positioning member 15 cooperates with the positioning groove 24 to serve as a reminder to the user that the steam cooking container 20 is in place.

[0064] In some embodiments, the positioning member 15 or positioning groove 24 can be provided on the bottom wall of the mounting cavity 11 to position and confirm the steam cooking container 20 is in place from below. The positioning structure is not limited by the height of the steam cooking container 20. The positioning member 15 is retractable relative to the base 10 to avoid the steam cooking container 20 when it is installed on the base 10 and to position the steam cooking container 20 when it is in place.

[0065] Specifically, if Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the bottom wall of the mounting cavity 11 may be provided with a positioning guide groove 16. The positioning member 15 may include a movable member 151 and a return member 152. The movable member 151 can move up and down along the positioning guide groove 16. When the movable member 151 moves upward, it partially extends out of the positioning guide groove 16 and inserts into the positioning groove 24, achieving positioning. When the movable member 151 moves downward, it retracts into the positioning guide groove 16 to clear the steam cooking container 20, allowing the steam cooking container 20 to be smoothly moved into the mounting cavity 11. The return member 152 is connected to the movable member 151 and can apply an upward driving force to the movable member 151, causing the movable member 151 to automatically move upward and return to its original position when no external force is applied. When an external force is applied to the movable member 151, such as when the bottom wall of the steam cooking container 20 contacts the movable member 151, the return member 152 can overcome the driving force of the return member 152 and cause the movable member 151 to move downward.

[0066] In some embodiments, as Figure 5 As shown, the reset member 152 can be a coil spring, which is abutted between the bottom wall of the positioning guide groove 16 and the movable member 151. The movable member 151 can be a sphere, the spherical surface of which can contact and mate with the edge of the coil spring to position the coil spring. The edge of the notch of the positioning guide groove 16 can be provided with a stopper, the inner diameter of which is smaller than the outer diameter of the sphere, to prevent the movable member 151 from falling out of the positioning guide groove 16.

[0067] The specific structures of the air inlet connector 21 and the air outlet connector 12 according to some embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0068] According to some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the gas outlet connector 12 defines a steam outlet channel 121, and the gas inlet connector 21 defines a steam inlet channel 211. A portion of the gas outlet connector 12 can be inserted into the steam inlet channel 211, or a portion of the gas inlet connector 21 can be inserted into the steam outlet channel 121, so that the gas outlet connector 12 and the gas inlet connector 21 are plugged together, and the steam inlet channel 211 and the steam outlet channel 121 are connected. This provides a more stable and reliable connection, is less prone to misalignment and offset, and can limit the horizontal position of the steam cooking container 20.

[0069] In some embodiments, as Figure 4 As shown, the outer diameter of the outlet section of the gas outlet connector 12 is along the direction of insertion of the steam cooking container 20 (i.e., the direction in which the steam cooking container 20 is inserted into the mounting cavity 11 from the side opening, which is also the insertion direction of the gas inlet connector 21 during the plugging process of the gas inlet connector 21 and the gas outlet connector 12). Figure 1 The inner diameter of the inlet section of the steam inlet channel 211 increases gradually (as shown from right to left in the figure). The inner diameter of the inlet section of the steam inlet channel 211 increases gradually along the direction in which the steam cooking container 20 is inserted. The outlet section of the gas outlet connector 12 can be inserted into the inlet section of the steam inlet channel 211, making insertion and alignment easier. After insertion, the outlet section of the gas outlet connector 12 can fit face-to-face with the inlet section of the steam inlet channel 211, resulting in a larger mating area and improving the sealing effect.

[0070] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 4 As shown, the cooking appliance 100 may further include a first seal 30 , which may seal the gap between the gas outlet connector 12 and the gas inlet connector 21 to further improve the sealing effect and prevent steam leakage from affecting cooking efficiency.

[0071] In some embodiments, continue to refer to Figure 4As shown, the side wall of the mounting cavity 11 may be provided with a mounting hole 111, and the air outlet connector 12 is provided through the mounting hole 111 so that the protruding portion can be plugged into and matched with the air inlet connector 21. The first sealing member 30 may include: a sealing body 31 and a first annular sealing portion 32. The sealing body 31 is connected to the edge of the mounting hole 111, and at least a portion of the sealing body 31 is sandwiched between the hole wall of the mounting hole 111 and the air outlet connector 12 to seal the gap between the air outlet connector 12 and the hole wall of the mounting hole 111, thereby preventing external dust, water vapor, etc. from entering the interior of the base 10 and causing the base 10 to become dirty or moldy.

[0072] For example, in Figure 4 In the example shown, a slot is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the sealing body 31, and the edge of the mounting hole 111 is inserted into the slot. A boss is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the air outlet connector 12. The outer peripheral surface of the air outlet connector 12 is in sealing contact with the outer peripheral surface of the sealing body 31, and the boss of the air outlet connector 12 is in sealing contact with the end face of the sealing body 31 facing away from the air inlet connector 21.

[0073] The first annular sealing portion 32 is connected to the sealing body 31 and is sleeved on the outlet section of the gas outlet connector 12. In other words, the first annular sealing portion 32 extends along the direction of insertion of the steam cooking container 20 and is inclined outward, so that the first annular sealing portion 32 can be in sealing contact with the outer circumferential surface of the outlet section of the gas outlet connector 12 and the inner circumferential surface of the inlet section of the steam inlet channel 211, thereby improving the sealing effect.

[0074] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, the first sealing member 30 may further include a second annular sealing portion 33. The second annular sealing portion 33 is connected to the sealing body 31 and is disposed around the first annular sealing portion 32. The second annular sealing portion 33 can be in sealing contact with the side wall of the steam cooking container 20. The second annular sealing portion 33 cooperates with the first annular sealing portion 32 to provide a dual sealing effect, providing a more reliable seal.

[0075] In some embodiments, the second annular sealing portion 33 extends along the loading direction of the steam cooking container 20 and obliquely outward (or inward) to enhance the force between the second annular sealing portion 33 and the side wall of the steam cooking container 20 and further improve the sealing effect.

[0076] According to some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the steam cooking container 20 includes an outer shell 25 and an inner liner 26. The inner liner 26 is disposed within the outer shell 25 and defines a cooking cavity 201. For example, the outer shell 25 may have a receiving cavity 251, and the inner liner 26 may be located within the receiving cavity 251. The outer shell 25 may be provided with an air inlet connector 21. In some embodiments, a mounting channel is provided on the sidewall of the outer shell 25. The air inlet connector 21 extends through the mounting channel and engages with the inner wall of the mounting channel to securely secure the air inlet connector 21. Furthermore, a sealing ring may be provided between the air inlet connector 21 and the mounting channel to prevent external dust, moisture, etc. from entering between the inner liner 26 and the outer shell 25.

[0077] In some embodiments, reference Figure 5 As shown, the bottom wall of the inner pot 26 can be provided with an air inlet valve 40. The air inlet valve 40 is connected to the air inlet connector 21 (e.g., via a connecting pipe 47). The air inlet valve 40 is used to unidirectionally conduct steam to the cooking chamber 201. The output steam can immediately contact the food, especially the food in the lower portion of the cooking chamber 201. This improves heat transfer efficiency, accelerates cooking speed, and helps further improve the uniformity of food cooking. It can effectively improve the poor taste of food in the lower portion of the cooking chamber in the related art. Furthermore, the unidirectional flow of the air inlet valve 40 can prevent food or soup in the cooking chamber 201 from entering the air inlet valve 40 and causing blockage of the air inlet valve 40, or from flowing back through the air inlet valve 40 into the base 10, making it safer and more hygienic to use.

[0078] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 5 As shown, the air inlet valve 40 may include a valve body 41 and a sealing member 45. The valve body 41 is disposed through the bottom wall of the inner pot 26 and defines an air inlet passage 42. The inlet of the air inlet passage 42 communicates with the steam inlet passage 211 of the air inlet connector 21, and the outlet of the air inlet passage 42 communicates with the cooking chamber 201. The sealing member 45 is disposed within the air inlet passage 42. The sealing member 45 normally blocks the air inlet passage 42 and can move under the action of steam pressure to open the air inlet passage 42.

[0079] When steam is required to enter cooking cavity 201, the steam pressure drives sealing member 45 to move, opening air inlet passage 42. Steam can smoothly enter cooking cavity 201 and come into contact with food, eliminating the need for additional components to drive sealing member 45. This simplifies air inlet valve 40. Furthermore, because steam flows out of the outlet of air inlet passage 42, the steam pressure prevents food from entering air inlet passage 42, potentially blocking or contaminating it, even if air inlet valve 40 comes into contact with food. This makes cleaning of cooking appliance 100 easier, eliminating any unsafe areas.

[0080] When there is no need to introduce steam into the cooking cavity 201, the blocking member 45 often blocks the air inlet passage 42, that is, the blocking member 45 is often in a position or state of blocking the air inlet passage 42, effectively preventing the air inlet passage 42 from being blocked by food during cooking or storage, and preventing the inside of the air inlet passage 42 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 inlet valve 40, and the amount of food added is not limited by the installation position of the air inlet valve 40. The space in the cooking cavity 201 can be fully utilized to improve cooking efficiency, and there is no need to set up a large air inlet structure such as a steam duct to avoid interference with the food, thereby ensuring that the cooking appliance 100 can be closed smoothly, and can cook large pieces of food, which is more convenient to use.

[0081] In the embodiment of the present invention, the specific structure of the blocking member 45 can be flexibly set according to actual conditions, and only needs to ensure that the intake valve 40 can be unidirectionally conducted.

[0082] In some embodiments, the blocking member 45 may be a flexible member, such as a silicone member. The flexible member can block the air inlet passage 42 due to its own resilience. Furthermore, the flexible member can elastically deform under the pressure of steam to open the air inlet passage 42. When the steam pressure is low or the steam input is stopped, the flexible member can recover its deformation to again block the air inlet passage 42. The flexible member has a good sealing effect, eliminating the need for additional sealing rings or other structures to improve sealing performance. Furthermore, the flexible member is easy to process and install.

[0083] In other embodiments, Figure 5 As shown, the air inlet passage 42 includes a reducing section 421, the inner diameter of which increases upward. The blocking member 45 is at least partially located within the reducing section 421 and is capable of sealingly contacting the inner surface of the reducing section 421 to block the air inlet passage 42. For example, the blocking member 45 can block the air inlet passage 42 under its own weight. When steam is introduced, the steam pressure overcomes the weight of the blocking member 45 and drives the blocking member 45 upward to open the air inlet passage 42.

[0084] In some implementations, the sealing member 45 can be a sphere, and the cross-section of the reducing section 421 can be circular, so that the reducing section 421 has a tapered inner wall. When the sealing member 45 moves multiple times and produces wear, the spherical surface and the conical surface can ensure line sealing, and the seal is not easy to fail. The intake valve 40 has extremely strong anti-slag performance, ensuring the cleanliness of the intake channel 42 and improving the service life of components such as the pipeline connected to the intake valve 40 and the steam generator 60.

[0085] According to some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the air intake channel 42 may include a transverse channel 431 and a longitudinal channel 441. The inlet of the transverse channel 431 is connected to the steam inlet channel 211, and the outlet of the transverse channel 431 is connected to the longitudinal channel 441, so that the air intake channel 42 is generally formed into an "L"-shaped channel, so that the air intake joint 21 of the steam cooking container 20 is arranged on the side wall and the air intake valve 40 is connected to the bottom of the cooking cavity 201, and the structural design is more reasonable.

[0086] In some embodiments, as Figure 5 As shown, the valve body 41 includes: a valve seat 43 and a valve body 44. The valve seat 43 is located between the outer shell 25 and the inner shell 26, and the valve seat 43 defines a transverse channel 431. The valve body 44 is penetrated by the inner shell 26, and the valve body 44 defines a longitudinal channel 441. The valve seat 43 is connected to the valve body 44 so that the transverse channel 431 is connected to the longitudinal channel 441. The intake valve 40 has a simple structure and is easy to process.

[0087] Furthermore, the bottom wall of the inner pot 26 can be sandwiched between the valve seat 43 and the valve body 44 to secure the valve body 41 to the bottom wall of the inner pot 26 and prevent the valve body 41 from shaking or falling off. The air inlet valve 40 can also include a second sealing member 50. The second sealing member 50 can be disposed at at least one of the locations between the valve seat 43 and the bottom wall of the inner pot 26, or between the valve body 44 and the bottom wall of the inner pot 26, to seal the gap between the valve body 41 and the inner pot 26, thereby preventing liquid or gas within the cooking chamber 201 from leaking into the space between the inner pot 26 and the outer shell 25 and causing contamination.

[0088] In some embodiments, as Figure 5 As shown, valve body 41 may further include a valve cover 46, which is located within cooking cavity 201 and covers valve body 44 to shield and protect blocking member 45 and prevent blocking member 45 from escaping from air inlet passage 42. Valve cover 46 may also have a cover hole to connect air inlet passage 42 and cooking cavity 201. The cover hole has a small diameter and can provide preliminary filtering of food, preventing air inlet passage 42 from being blocked.

[0089] In addition, the valve cover 46 can be detachably connected to the valve body 44, for example, it can be snap-fitted or threaded. When cleaning the steam cooking appliance 100, the valve cover 46 can be removed to fully clean the interior of the air intake valve 40 for more thorough cleaning.

[0090] According to some embodiments of the present invention, other structural members may be placed on top of the base 10, for example, Figure 1As shown, the cooking appliance 100 may also include a top cooking container 70. The top cooking container 70 may be supported on the base 10, for example, on the second support 18, so that the cooking appliance 100 can perform cooking in at least one of the steam cooking container 20 and the top cooking container 70. This allows the cooking appliance 100 to cook a wider range of ingredients or implement different cooking methods. In some specific embodiments, the outlet of the steam generator 60 may be connected to the top cooking container 70, enabling the cooking appliance 100 to achieve dual steaming capabilities. For example, the steam cooking container 20 can be used to steam rice, while the top cooking container 70 can be used to steam dumplings, buns, corn, etc.

[0091] In some related technologies, a steamer is placed inside the inner pot and used to steam food while cooking rice. However, timing the placement of the steamer is difficult to control: placing it too early will result in the food being undercooked; placing it too late will result in the food being undercooked. Steamers are also generally small, limiting the amount of food that can be placed in them. In the embodiment of the present invention, however, the steam cooking container 20 can be removed and placed sideways without interfering with the top cooking container 70. The top cooking container 70 is supported by the base 10 rather than being placed inside the steam cooking container 20, allowing them to be removed and used independently. During cooking, the steam cooking container 20 and the top cooking container 70 can be independently controlled to operate or not, facilitating time control for different ingredients. Furthermore, the cooking device 100 has a more compact structure.

[0092] It should be noted that the steam generator 60 may have two outlets for discharging steam, and the two outlets are respectively connected to the steam cooking container 20 and the top cooking container 70 to supply steam to the steam cooking container 20 and the top cooking container 70 simultaneously; alternatively, the steam cooking container 20 and the top cooking container 70 may be connected in series, and the outlet of the steam generator 60 is connected to one of the cooking containers to supply steam to the steam cooking container 20 and the top cooking container 70 simultaneously; alternatively, there are two steam generators 60, and the two steam generators 60 are respectively connected to the steam cooking container 20 and the top cooking container 70 to supply steam to the steam cooking container 20 and the top cooking container 70 simultaneously.

[0093] Other structures and operations of the cooking appliance 100 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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. A cooking utensil, characterized in that: include: A base, the base defining a mounting cavity with a side opening, the mounting cavity being provided with an air outlet connector; a steam cooking container, the steam cooking container being adapted to be mounted in the mounting cavity through the side opening and defining a cooking cavity, the steam cooking container being provided with an air inlet joint, The base is provided with a guide portion, and the steam cooking container is provided with a guide matching portion, wherein the guide portion cooperates with the guide matching portion to guide the steam cooking container so that the air inlet connector is connected to the air outlet connector; The guide matching portion is a guide groove, the guide portion is an air inlet component and has a steam channel, the air outlet joint is provided at the air outlet of the steam channel, and the guide portion is detachably installed in the guide groove; In which, the air intake assembly includes a longitudinal portion and a transverse portion, the longitudinal portion extends in a vertical direction, the transverse portion extends in a horizontal direction and one end of the transverse portion is connected to the longitudinal portion, the air outlet joint is provided on the transverse portion, the guide groove is an L-shaped groove and includes a transverse groove section and a longitudinal groove section, the transverse groove section is formed on the outer bottom wall of the steam cooking container, the longitudinal groove section is formed on the outer side wall of the steam cooking container, and the air intake joint is provided on the outer bottom wall of the steam cooking container.

2. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein Also includes: a magnetic member, the magnetic member being arranged on the base; A magnetic matching piece is provided on the steam cooking container and is suitable for magnetically engaging with the magnetic matching piece when the steam cooking container is installed in place.

3. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein One of the base and the steam cooking container is provided with a positioning piece, and the other is provided with a positioning groove. When the steam cooking container is installed in place, the positioning piece extends into the positioning groove.

4. The cooking appliance according to claim 3, wherein: The bottom wall of the installation cavity is provided with a positioning guide groove. The positioning member includes a movable member and a reset member. The movable member is movably arranged in the positioning guide groove. The reset member is used to apply an upward driving force to the movable member.

5. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein The gas outlet joint defines a steam outlet passage, and the gas inlet joint defines a steam inlet passage, wherein: The outer diameter of the outlet section of the gas outlet joint increases gradually along the direction in which the steam cooking container is loaded, and the inner diameter of the inlet section of the steam inlet channel increases gradually along the direction in which the steam cooking container is loaded.

6. The cooking appliance according to claim 5, characterized in that Also includes: A first sealing member is used to seal a gap between the air outlet connector and the air inlet connector.

7. The cooking appliance according to claim 6, characterized in that The side wall of the mounting cavity is provided with a mounting hole, the air outlet joint is passed through the mounting hole, and the first sealing member includes: a sealing body, at least a portion of which is located between a hole wall of the mounting hole and the air outlet connector; a first annular sealing portion, the first annular sealing portion being connected to the sealing body and sleeved on the outlet section of the gas outlet connector; A second annular sealing portion is connected to the sealing body and is disposed around the first annular sealing portion. The second annular sealing portion is adapted to be in sealing contact with a side wall of the steam cooking container.

8. The cooking appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The steam cooking container comprises: a housing, wherein the housing is provided with the air inlet connector; An inner pot is arranged in the outer shell and defines the cooking cavity. An air intake valve is provided on the bottom wall of the inner pot. The air intake valve is connected to the air intake joint and guides steam to the cooking cavity in a unidirectional manner.

9. The cooking appliance according to claim 8, characterized in that The intake valve comprises: a valve body, the valve body being arranged through the bottom wall of the inner container and having an air inlet passage; A blocking member is provided in the air inlet passage, the blocking member usually blocks the air inlet passage and opens the air inlet passage under the action of steam pressure.

10. The cooking appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that The air inlet passage comprises a diameter-reducing section, the inner diameter of which increases upwardly, and the blocking member is at least partially located in the diameter-reducing section and is adapted to be in sealing contact with the inner surface of the diameter-reducing section.

Images